Peter Vess Family Research

Andrew L. Vest: 1789 VS 1849 Marriage Records

/ J. L.


Circulating on numerous genealogy sites is a marriage record dated “1789” for an “Andrew L. Vest and Linnia Holferd.”

This has become extremely controversial, for that many strongly argue that there are 2 generations with ancestors named Andrew Logan Vess, whereas others strongly argue there is only just the one Andrew Logan Vess (1825-1907) who is the son of Peter Vess.

Is there another Andrew Logan Vess? Probably… It’s not entirely unheard of to have multiple generations with the same name; however, are there two generations of “Andrew Logan Vess and Linnia Halford”? Probably not.

This post is about the controversial 1789 record for Andrew L. Vest and Linnia Holferd, my thoughts and opinions with supportive documentation as to why I do not think this record is accurate. The conclusions, however, are up to the individual reader/researcher.

The Record In Question

Pictured below is a marriage record for an “Andrew L. Vest” and a “Linna Holferd” dated 1789 and is being used to suggest that Peter’s parents were Andrew L. Vest (Vess) and Linna Holferd.

About Andrew Logan Vess

Andrew Logan Vess
1825-1907


Andrew Logan Vess and Lucy “Linnia” Malinda Halford have numerous records supporting his existence, which include:
● His picture (above).
● Census Records of him and Linnia (Lucy Malinda Halford).
● Numerous written family records (below)
● Tombstone in Davistown Cemetery (below).
● Marriage Record dated 1849
● Civil War and Pension records
● DNA – The Halford family has extensive well-researched family tree.

It is important to note that Andrew Logan Vess was married twice. His second wife is Cynthia Conner.

Furthermore, we recently discovered that his maternal grandfather was named Andrew, and that many of children of Peter were named after Catherine’s side of the family. Andrew Crook (Abt. 1750-1814) of Rutherford County, North Carolina.

To learn more about the life Andrew Logan Vess, click here.

The family lineage of Andrew Logan Vess written in old-english.
Andrew Logan Vess:
Davistown Cemetery in McDowell County, NC
This is likely a replacement of the original tombstone in which the birthdate was likely the only legible date left from the previous weathered tombstone.

1789 Marriage Record

There is a 1789 marriage record for an “Andrew L. Vest” and a “Linna Holferd,” that is being used to suggest that Peter’s father was Andrew Vest (Vess).

To further suggest the idea of an “older” Andrew Logan Vess, the same record seems to show 2 different Andrew Logan Vess’s, with marriages separated by 78 years.

A Different Record: Marriage Date 1849

But wait, there is a different publication of these marriage records that shows Andrew L. Vest and Linna Holferd married in 1849!
Perhaps this is a typo?

Comparing Two Different Publications

I decided to investigate further by comparing both records, published by two separate entities. As shown below, you can see the only discrepancy between the two different records is the year in which the marriage took place (everything else is the same).

R. O. Ledbetter: Who Is He?

Both publications state R. O. Ledbetter as the bondsman; so perhaps by learning a little bit more about him, we can determine what period of time the marriage between Andrew L. Vest and Linna Holferd actually took place.

The thing is, the Ledbetter family is quite extensive with many family members named Richard. In fact, my 7th great-grandfather is a Richard Ledbetter! So, how can I possibly pin-point the correct Ledbetter?

Interestingly, at the same time that I came across this discrepancy between marriage records, I had just bought the book: Bill’s Creek Baptist Church: Two Hundred Year History, by Helen M. Lu. AND guess who is in it! R. O. Ledbetter!


The earliest account in which R. O. Ledbetter (Richard Overton Ledbetter) is mentioned, is dated 1842, when him and his wife (Elizabeth Harris) was received by the Bill’s Creek Baptist Church. He was an active member from 1842-1854. Within that period of time, he could have certainly been a bondsman for Andrew L. Vest and Linna Holferd whose marriage is dated 1849. He served on several important committees and for several years, was an Assistant Clerk for the church.

His brother Brazilla Ledbetter also attended the church too, in which allowed me to further research R. O. Ledbetter’s birthdate: 1811, in which makes him too young to have been a bondsman for Andrew L. Vest and Linna Holferd in 1789. And, I have not found any older family members named Richard “Overton” Ledbetter, especially, in Rutherford County, North Carolina.

Also, if you review the marriage record for A. L. Vess and Cynthia Conner whose marriage is dated 1867 (Andrew Logan’s second wife), you will find that the bondsman is Wm. Flynn, who also served the church during the same time period as R. O. Ledbetter.

Furthermore, according to the book, Bill’s Creek Baptist Church: Two Hundred Year History, Andrew Logan Vess (son of Peter and Catherine Vess) was received by Bill’s Creek Baptist Church in 1846. The earliest account in which Linnia Halford (his first wife) is mentioned, is dated 1848 (member list). Also note, that Andrew Logan Vess is mentioned in the book under the following names: Andrew L. Vess, Andy Vest, A. L. Vest, Andrew Vest. After thoroughly reading this book, it is clear that there is only one Andrew Logan Vess (Vest).

Conclusion: A Transcription Typo

In my opinion, I strongly believe the marriage date of 1789 in the publication complied by Brent H. Holcomb, to be a transcription typo. It happens.

However, such typos are notorious for making incorrect connections; especially, if one does not know that Andrew Logan Vess (son of Peter and Catherine Vess) was married twice!

I have had many researchers strongly argue that Peter’s father is (in fact) an Andrew Vess; however, it is something they’ve only heard, perhaps by others who were mislead by this widely circulated typo. But, who knows! Maybe Peter’s father is named Andrew; but if so, it may be best to look for other records as evidence to prove it.


Sources:

Lu, H., 1984. Bill’s Creek Baptist Church. Dallas, Tex.: H.M. Lu.



















Fall 2023: Vess Genealogy Recap

/ J. L. / 1 Comment

So, where are we at with VESS Genealogy in 2023! Here’s a recap:

Jonathan, Peter, and Nathaniel Vess: Getting Closer!

Sadly, the ultimate question about who the parents are for Jonathan, Peter, and Nathaniel Vess have yet to be answered…but, I think we are getting closer; as we continue to dig up new records and analyze new DNA information.

A New VESS Line Via Y-DNA Testing: Willis Vess of Alabama

With Y-DNA and autosomal DNA testing, we have discovered another VESS line: Willis Vess of Franklin (Colbert), Alabama.

We have 1 unknown Y-DNA tester who claims to be a descendant of Willis Vess and their results match with a descendant of Peter Vess, revealing that both lineages are of the same VESS family who are descendants of the earlier TRAVERS family (Haplogroup R1a2). However, to further confirm this, we are currently seeking another Y-DNA tester from the Willis Vess line.

According to available records, Willis Vess was born in 1810 in North Carolina and Peter Vess was born in 1791 in North Carolina. It is strongly believed that Willis and Peter Vess share an older ancestor in North Carolina…

VEST vs VEST: Untangling The VEST / VESS Web of Families

Early records of the VESS family are often found under the name VESS (oftentimes alternating between VEST, VOSS, & VESS). Even our earliest known ancestor, Peter Vess, has early records under the name VEST (later VESS). This is often confused with the early VEST family in Stokes County, North Carolina who are from Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Fortunately, the VEST family in Stokes County, North Carolina is well-documented (as well as it can be) and Y-DNA testing reveals that they are an entirely different Haplogroup than VESS; which allows us to better identify and sort out the different VESS/VEST families in Virginia & North Carolina (which is still an on-going project).

The VEST family is Haplogroup I, whereas the VESS family is Haplogroup R1a2.

The VEST family (Haplogroup I) are from Chesterfield County, Virginia, descendants of John Daniel Vest. We can follow a good portion of their lineage through probate and court records. William Tunwell Vest, son of John Daniel Vest, settled in North Carolina, creating confusion between VESS and VEST families. However, records show the VEST family settled in Winston-Salem area in Stokes County, North Carolina and Guilford County, North Carolina.

The father of Willis Vess in Franklin County, Alabama is said to be “John Vess,” and because records state Willis Vess was born in 1810 in North Carolina, he is often confused as the son of John Vest, son of William Tunwell Vest in Stokes County, NC. This is largely because census records between 1790-1810 only show one VEST family in North Carolina, and that is the VEST family in Stokes County. However, John Vest (Haplogroup I) never left North Carolina.

So, if Willis Vess is from North Carolina, but not related to the VEST (Halplogroup I) family, then where is this earlier VESS family in North Carolina?

Vess/Vest Family Hiding In Wilkes County, North Carolina Records

Between 1803-1810, we’ve uncovered a VESS/VEST family hiding in the Wilkes County, North Carolina court & tax records (they do not appear on census records): William, Pryor, Jonathan, Peter, and Absalom Vess/Vest.

*Records alternate between Vest & Vess; strongly suggesting they are VESS in origin, not VEST.

Absalom Vest married Hannah Raymond in 1808 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. Hannah is listed on the 1830 census as “Vess.” This Vest/Vess family left Wilkes County, North Carolina after 1810. In 1820, is when we start seeing records of our earliest known ancestors: Jonathan, Peter, Willis, and Nathaniel Vess.

White County, Tennessee: Pryor, William, Peter, & Willis

Pryor, William, and Peter Vest from Wilkes County, North Carolina settled in White County, Tennessee on Caney Fork River. Later land records include a Willis Vess.

This Vess/Vest family were part of a community known as Sparkmantown (later Van Buren County), which included the Dodson, Medley, Plummley, and Simmons families. Records show them as close neighbors and autosomal DNA data & family trees reveal them to be related to each other.

Earlier White County, TN census records show that the Vest family lived near the Hodge family from Patrick County, Virginia when it was Henry County (prior to 1791). They are listed near Samuel Vest (Vess) on tax records. The Hodge and Dodson families also appear in earlier Wilkes County, North Carolina records, suggesting they may have all traveled together (but this is not confirmed).

Signs of A Tennesse – Alabama Connection

Early records in Alabama are scarce due to a court-house fire.

Willis Vess comes into existence, like all the other earliest known Vess ancestors, after the 1820 census and later census records reveal that he was born in 1810 in North Carolina.

Later records also reveal a John P. Vess born in 1822 (related via autosomal DNA testing) whose birthplace alternates between North Carolina and Tennessee. Interestingly, John P. Vess married Mary Louise Simmons, a descendant of the Simmons family in White County, TN.

Other Tennessee hints, include a land record for Willis Vess referencing a William Vess as his “heir.” The question is, who is William Vess?

Also, in 1840, there is a “Peter Vess” listed in the newspaper for unclaimed mail at the Russellville post-office (post office used by the Willis Vess family). Could this be Peter Vess from White County, TN, whose last known record was dated 1830?

There is no evidence to prove Willis Vess in White County, TN is Willis Vess in Franklin County, Alabama; but there is circumstantial evidence to strongly suggest they are of the same Vess family.

An Even Earlier VESS family: Virginia

Tax and land records reveal a VESS (sometimes Vest/Voss) family in Patrick County, Virginia between 1782-1796. This Vess family includes Samuel, William, Peter, and Jonathan Vess.

Land records reveal that Samuel’s wife’s name was Catherine. Samuel, William, and Peter lived near the Mayo River (Patrick County/ Henry County border) near the Penn and Hairston plantations. Samuel and William obtained land from Abraham Penn’s property, suggesting they might have been indentured servants (but not confirmed).

Marriage records show that Peter married Pugnance Vaughn and Jonathan married Elizabeth Heron. It is listed on the marriage record, that Elizabeth’s father is named Andrew.

Samuel, William, and an earlier Peter Vess are believed to have earlier roots in Dunmore County, Virginia (Augusta Co.), according to Revolutionary War Records, whose name alternates between VESS and VASS. Research into Revolutionary War records has confirmed that the Samuel Vess from Dunmore County, VA is not the same Samuel Vest in Stoke County, North Carolina from Chesterfield Co. VA. They fought under different commands during the Revolutionary War.

Rockbridge County, Virginia Vess Family

If Samuel, William, and Peter Vess of Dunmore Co. VA (Augusta Co.) are all related as one Vess family, it is possible, that one line branched off to Rockbridge County, Virginia whose Y-DNA haplogroup has yet to be determined.

The Rockbridge Co. Vess Family believe they are descendants of the West family; however, early records do not show any WEST families in Rockbridge. There is, however, an Adam Vert, who came from Loundoun Co. (near Dunmore Co.), whose father is Conrad Vert. An early census record for Conrad Vert also shows a James and William Vess too.

Peter Vess: Pauper, Orphan, and a CROOK

During the 1840’s, Peter’s land was sold to the Souther family to resolve a $50 debt, suggesting Peter did die a pauper, as told as family history.

Vince Vess, family researcher, recently discovered that Catherine (Peter’s wife) is not a COOK but a CROOK!

We are still researching the CROOK and HAYNES families (Catherine’s lineage) for clues to Peter’s family and so far, I’ve come across some intriguing information suggesting Peter may have been an orphan:

1. Peter and Catherine’s children are predominately named after members of the CROOK and HAYNES family. They do not follow the traditional naming pattern during that time period, suggesting Peter probably didn’t know his family.

2. The CROOK family is from Ireland and has Ireland and Scottish ancestry. Stories that the VESS family is from Ireland, may have actually been the CROOK family.

3. Recent Y-DNA results now show that we are part of the TRAVERS family from England (not Ireland).

4. We also have stories that the VESS family had high respect for an “outlaw,” which could have been the CROOK family. During the 1830’s, the name CROOK took on the meaning “criminal,” and could have been misinterpreted as an “outlaw” in later generations. And, having Scottish ancestry, Catherine’s grandfather, Andrew CROOK, might have had red-hair, as described in the family story. Furthermore, the VESS family must have had a lot of respect for the CROOK and HAYNES family, to name their children after them.

The discovery of the CROOK and Haynes families has opened an entirely new chapter to VESS genealogy, as records show they all came together in 1804 in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It reveals our connection to families in Buncombe County, North Carolina and how our family came to be part of the Bill’s Creek community. Catherine’s grandfather, William Haynes, was the first pastor of Bill’s Creek Baptist Church and her father, John Crook, bought land joining William Haynes property in 1804.

Look for future posts regarding the CROOK and HAYNES families!

SOUTHER Family Connection

During my research, I noticed we keep running into the SOUTHER family from Wilkes County, North Carolina.

1. Hannah Vess (wife of Absalom Vest) is listed next to a Souther in Wilkes County, NC in 1830 (they are next to the Smoot family, where Jonathan Vess was a witness on a land record between Nathan Duncan and John Smoot (Brushy Mountain area).

2. A Souther is a member of Bill’s Creek Baptist Church during the same time as Peter Vess.

3. A Souther married the ex-wife of John Vess (Peter’s son), Elizabeth Taylor.

4. A Souther obtained Peter’s land, before his death.

5. A Souther is living next to Catherine’s mom in Buncombe County, NC in 1830.

6. I have autosomal DNA matches with direct descendants of the Souther family.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Peter Vess came to Rutherford County, NC with the Souther family. I am currently researching guardianship, bastardy bonds, and indentured servant records.

South Carolina Connections

Research at the moment suggests that Andrew Crook (Catherine’s grandfather) might be from Newberry South Carolina (now Abbeyville Co.). Some records mention a TURNER family, which is intriguing, because 1850 census records show a John Vess and Drucilla Turner in Abbeyville County, SC, whose origins are unknown. We also have a Turner connection in Patrick County, Virginia (Henry Co.) with Samuel Vess 1782. (More research is needed).

We know there is a VESS- South Carolina connection somewhere, because Nathaniel Vess is from South Carolina. Records strongly suggest that Nathaniel Vess came from Glassy Mountain, Greenville Co. South Carolina (The Dark Corners), as records show that the Bellew and Gosnell families predominantly lived in that area.

However, there are no records of a Vess family in South Carolina prior to 1850; except for an 1830 census for a “Polly Vess” in Greenville County, South Carolina.

Interestingly, Polly Vess is listed next to a William Plummley on the 1830 Greenville County, South Carolina census. His son Contsant Plummley is listed next to Nathaniel Vess and John Bellew on the 1830 Rutherford County, North Carolina census. Constant Plummley is also related to the Plummley family in White County, TN next to the Peter, Pryor, William, and Willis Vest/Vess family. Is there a connection?

Conclusion: Just An Opinion

I strongly recommend that readers and researchers come to their own conclusions and theories about Vess family genealogy. However, if you were to ask my thoughts, I would say the following:

I strongly believe, based on the available records and DNA information at this time, that the VESS family comes from Lancashire, England (not Ireland). At some point, our name was shortened from TRAVERS to VESS, likely through a series of different misspellings (VOSS, VISS, VEST, etc) over numerous generations.

During the Revolutionary War, the VESS family may have lived in Augusta County, Virginia and then later settled in Patrick County, Virginia (Pittsylvania Co), before making their way to Wilkes County, North Carolina. I strongly believe the VESS family then split ways after 1810, going to Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, North and South Carolina.

Information To Share Or Interested In Y-DNA Testing: Let’s Talk!

If you have any family stories to share or any information to add to Vess Genealogy, please email me at vessgenealogy@gmail.com.

If you are interested in participating in Y-DNA testing, please email vessgenealogy@gmail.com or reach out to us via Facebook!

We are currently seeking the following Y-DNA testers:

  • Direct VESS Male Descendant of unknown VESS origins
  • Direct VESS Male Descendant of Willis Vess (Alabama line)
  • Direct VESS Male Descendant of John P. Vess (Alabama line)
  • Direct VESS Male Descendant of Nathaniel Vess (South Carolina line)
  • Direct VESS Male Descendant of Jonathan Vess (Texas line)
  • Direct VEST Male Descendant of Absalom Vest (Wilkes / Iredell line)
  • Direct TRAVIS and TRAVERS Male Descendants of all TRAVERS/TRAVIS lines

    VEST, VOSS, and VASS families are welcome to test too!













June 2023 Updates

/ J. L. / Leave a comment

Hi Everyone!

Research in Vess Genealogy is on-going and with summer here, I hope to have more time to dig further into a bunch of new leads I have compiled since last summer!

I am at a point where research is slower than usual, because I am now digging through records that are not indexed. I am having to read every record in hopes to find a VESS or VEST. So far, leads from DNA research and other records have led me to some incredible records.

Wilkes County, North Carolina: Current Research

DNA research from Vincent Vess has led me mostly to Wilkes County, North Carolina where I continue to dig up more evidence of VESS/VEST families hiding in the shadows.

I discovered more evidence suggesting the Wilkes County, NC Vess/Vest family are the same families in White County, Tennessee and Patrick County, Virginia.

Also, in addition to Jonathan, Absalom, and William Vess/Vest, I have just recently discovered a Peter Vest too! While Jonathan and Absalom seem to have connections to the Brushy Mountain area, Peter appears to be in an area (on the Wilkes County border with Surry County) with families that fall in line with DNA research. Also in the area, is a well respected man known for his “red hair” (as mentioned in one of our oral traditions) and includes the Souther family who later has interactions with the Peter Vess family and may also have connections with Absalom.

The plot seems to thicken as research continues!

Recent Posted Discoveries

Crook Family: With the amazing DNA research done by Vincent Vess, we discovered and confirmed that Catherine “Katie” Cook is actually Catherine “Katie” CROOK.

This discovery has opened an entirely new chapter to Vess genealogy! There are a lot of new families and new stories to uncover on Catherine’s side!

Peter Vess in Alabama: While we still do not have solid evidence that Willis Vess is related to the Vess/Vest family in White County, TN, circumstantial evidence that they are related continues to pile up!

A Peter Vess appears in an 1842 newspaper article, on a list of letters at the Russellville post office, in Franklin County, Alabama! The only VESS we know of in the area at that time is Willis Vess. And, Simon Peter Vess hadn’t been born yet, so mail left at the post office is certainly not his!

Our Facebook Group

Be sure to invite those who may be interested in Vess genealogy to our Facebook Group!

I do my best to post updates about Y-DNA results, recent discoveries, newspaper clippings, pictures, and stories.

Please feel free to post and share any families stories and pictures, as we would all love to learn more about Vess family history!

DNA Testing

We are breaking through genealogy barriers with DNA testing! I wouldn’t have found the VESS/VEST family in Wilkes County, had it not been for DNA research pointing us in that direction!

We recommend Y-DNA and Autosomal DNA testing through FamilyTreeDNA . Autosomal DNA testing through FamilyTreeDNA helps us create a list of related families that we can use to help us locate earlier shared ancestors leading us to specific locations to dig for genealogical records.

We also have an active Y-DNA project that allows us to explore the very early origins of the VESS family and identify new family lines. This is how we discovered the Willis Vess line!

We still do not have any Y-DNA or autosomal DNA testers for the Jonathan Vess or Nathaniel Vess line.

If anyone knows a male TRAVIS, TRAVERS, or VESS of unknown origin, please check their autosomal results with cladefinder.yseq.net and let us know if it shows R1a or even better YP4141! This can help us identify and connect more Vess/Travers families.

Click here to visit Clade Finder.

Please email vessgenealogy@gmail.com with any questions about DNA testing.

Summer Goals: Introducing Travers Family History

This summer I hope to update the website with more information about the Travers family, our earlier “Vess” ancestors!

Although we do not know our exact lineage from the Travers family, we do have Y-DNA testing that confirms the North Carolina Vess families are in fact descendants of the early Travers family.

I would love to explore and post more about the early Travers family!

Wishing Everyone A Terrific Summer!











William River Vess: Another Son of John Vess

/ J. L. / 2 Comments

Not much is known about John Vess, the oldest son of Peter Vess and Catherine “Katie” Crook of Rutherford Co. North Carolina.

For generations, the only information we had on John was from the 1850 census record in Bill’s Creek, Rutherford Co., North Carolina (below). He was married to a woman named Elizabeth and they had 4 children together.

Only just recently, through DNA genealogy and access to more digital genealogical records, have we been able to discover more about the early Vess family…

John Vess & Elizabeth Taylor: Rutherford Co. NC

John Vess was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina in 1820 to Peter VESS and Catherine “Katie” CROOK.

He married Mary Elizabeth Taylor (marriage date unknown). He briefly attended Bill’s Creek Baptist Church in November of 1846, with his brothers Alfred and Andrew (Andy) Vess. He was later dismissed (date unknown).

In December 1846, he signs a court-document with his brother Josiah, settling his father’s debt with Joseph Souther via a land deed for Peter’s property.

In 1850, he is in Bill’s Creek, Rutherford Co. North Carolina with his wife and 4 children, listed next to his family, Josiah Vess, Catherine Vess, and his younger siblings, except for Andrew Vess. It is strongly believed that Peter Vess likely passed away in 1846.

In 1854, a Petition for Divorce was announced in the newspaper between John and Elizabeth Vess. The article states John Vess was a non-resident of the state, suggesting he had moved out of state.

Elizabeth married Joshua SOUTHER in Nov 1854, in Henderson Co. North Carolina. We discover her maiden name is TAYLOR via her marriage record to Joshua SOUTHER.

On the 1860 census, we have Elizabeth Souther and her younger children (Vess) living with Joshua Souther in Henderson Co. North Carolina.

In 1870, Joshua and Elizabeth Souther are living next Elizabeth’s parents, James TAYLOR and Mary TAYLOR (GILBERT) in Henderson Co. NC.

Children of John Vess and Elizabeth Taylor

DNA genealogy revealed that Sarah Vess, daughter John Vess and Elizabeth Taylor, married Jackson PRESSLEY.
Genealogical records show us that Silas Vess died during the Civil War, Sophrona Vess married Columbus SUMMEY, and, Mary Vess was last seen on the 1860 census (age 13); she may have married prior to the 1870 census. But, apparently, John and Elizabeth had an other child: William River VESS.

I came across a marriage record for a William Vess in Henderson Co. NC dated 1870, which states his parents are John and Elizabeth Vess (below). The only Vess family I am aware of in Henderson Co. is John’s children, living with their mother Elizabeth and Joshua Souther. And, to the best of my knowledge, Nathaniel Vess did not have any children named John.

William Vess married Laura MAHAFFEY (Rowena Laura Lou Mahaffey), whose parents are supposedly William MAHAFFEY and Calvania PRESSLEY from South Carolina. Her mother might be related to Jackson PRESSLEY, as it is believed his family also came from South Carolina – more research is needed.

William Vess was born in 1852 in North Carolina, which would have certainly been before John and Elizabeth’s divorce.

According to family trees and online biographies, William and Rowena (Laura) settled in Texas. According to Find-A-Grave, William died “from the 1917 epidemic” in Bonham, Fannin County, Texas.

Sources:

Ancestry.com. North Carolina, U.S., Marriage Records, 1741-2011 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.

The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Bills Creek, Rutherford, North Carolina; Roll: 644; Page: 330a

Ancestry.com. North Carolina, U.S., Marriage Records, 1741-2011 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.

Ancestry.com. 1860 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.






VESS Family: Intriguing Discoveries

/ J. L.

Between 1800-1830, we have pockets of Vess/Vest families throughout the United States, but no idea how they are all related (if related at all).

Austosomal DNA evidence only provides bits and pieces to the puzzle. This is because not all the family trees connected to our shared DNA matches are accurate or complete, not all descendants are testing, and there is also the problem that some DNA testers, although 100% related, just don’t show up on our shared DNA results due to being too distant to detect, especially, with ancestral connections 6-8 generations back. However, autosomal shared DNA matches do offer valuable clues to where our earlier ancestors may have lived; which is how we were able to uncover the VESS/VEST family in Wilkes County, North Carolina. A lot of our shared DNA matches with the VESS family have a significant amount of family trees with earlier ancestors in Wilkes-Stokes-and Surry County, North Carolina; kind of concentrated along the Yadkin River.

Ancestry.com splits my maternal and paternal DNA matches, which is extremely helpful, since my DNA is pretty murky between two parents with deep roots in the south. However, all my shared DNA matches with the VESS line share something in common: western North Carolina. I am confident that our VESS family has connections with the VESS/VEST family in Wilkes County, North Carolina; I just don’t know the exact connection yet.

These are some intriguing new discoveries I’ve dug since January of this year…

A Peter Vess in Franklin County, Alabama

Occasionally, I browse newspaper articles on Newspaper.com for VESS families and sometimes, I get lucky…

Below is a newspaper clipping for a PETER VESS dated 1842 in Franklin County, Alabama!

This is really interesting, because the only VESS ancestor we know of in Franklin County, Alabama during the 1840’s is WILLIS VESS. What’s even more interesting, is that mail for Peter VESS is being held at the post office in Russellville, which is the same post office for the Willis VESS family. So, Who is Peter Vess?

SPARKMANTOWN: South Side of Caney Fork

I have reason to believe that the Willis VESS family is connected to the VESS/VEST family in White County, TN. Specifically, in an area once known as Sparkmantown (below). It consisted of the SPARKMAN, DODSON, SIMMON, SMALLMAN, and MEDLEY families in Van Buren County (White County), Tennessee; families who were also listed next to Peter VEST on the 1820 and 1830 census and on the VESS/VEST land records.

Reviewing the land records for Pryor, Willis, and William VESS/VEST in White County, Tennessee, they all mention having property on the “south-side” of Caney Fork (mountain side). In 1840, the south-side of Caney Fork became Van Buren County, Tennessee.

Peter VEST is listed on the 1820 and 1830 census for White County, Tennessee. There are no VESS/VEST families listed thereafter; probably due to the county change in 1840. A William R. VEST is listed on the 1840 census for Van Buren County, Tennessee (below), living with the DODSON family and a SPARKMAN.



According to a previous post, Willie Vess: Interesting New Discovery, I discovered a land record between “Willie” VESS and Zachariah SIMMONS. I also discovered a marriage record between a William DODSON and a MARTHA VEST. So, there was a VESS/VEST presence in the area known as Sparkmantown.



Interestingly, I have a lot of Autosomal DNA matches (shared matches with my VESS family) with descendants of the SIMMON family in White County, TN, suggesting a possible connection to White County, Tennessee; however, I am not sure where the connection is, for that the family trees are incomplete.

I wonder if the Peter VESS in White County, Tennessee in 1830, could be the same Peter VESS in Franklin County, Alabama in 1840?

John P. Vess: Franklin County, Alabama Thoughts

We know Willis VESS is part of our VESS family, because of Y-DNA testing. According to my DNA results, I share DNA matches with the descendants of Henry Russell VESS (son of Willis Vess), John P. VESS (brother of Willis Vess), John Jackson VESS (son of Willis Vess), and Mary Elizabeth VESS (daughter of Willis Vess). Those descendants also appear to share DNA matches with other Peter VESS (of Rutherford County, North Carolina) descendants; however, not all of them; which could just be due to a variation of genes or they are just too distant on the family tree to detect.

John P. VESS intrigues me, because I am not quite sure where he came from… he is significantly younger than Willis VESS and doesn’t appear to come into existence until the 1860 census. Also, his census records, regarding birth, alternate between North Carolina and Tennessee.

According to the 1880 census, he was born in Tennessee and that his parents were born in North Carolina, which falls in line with Pryor and William VESS/VEST moving from Wilkes County, North Carolina to White County, Tennessee. He is also married to Lousia F. SIMMONS at this time, who appears to be a descendant of the SIMMONS family from White County, Tennessee (but that could just be coincidence).

If he didn’t come from White County, Tennessee VESS/VEST family, could he be John VESS, the son of Peter VESS in Rutherford County, North Carolina?

In 1854, Peter’s son, John VESS, divorced his wife Elizabeth TAYLOR. The Petition for Divorce was announced in the newspaper stating he was an out-of-state resident; but where did he go?

John VESS in Rutherford County, North Carolina, born 1820, who married Elizabeth TAYLOR, had his first child in 1841 (Sarah Vess who married Jackson Pressely). The John VESS in Franklin County, Alabama, born in 1822, who married Sarah WHITLOCK, appears to have had his first child in 1853 (at the age of 31). That seems a bit unusual, considering men usually started families in their 20’s. But again, census records are notorious for being inaccurate.

Nathaniel Vess: Interesting Coincidences

After an update on Ancestry.com, I no longer have DNA matches with Nathaniel Vess (South Carolina line) or Jonathan Vess (Texas line) anymore. If they are related to our VESS family, they are too distant to detect on Autosomal DNA testing; suggesting they were likely cousins or half-siblings of Willis and Peter VESS. According to oral traditions, Peter and Nathaniel VESS were supposedly half-siblings.

Looking at the 1830 census record for Nathaniel VESS in Rutherford County, North Carolina, we see Nathaniel with his father-in-law John BELLEW.

I discovered that the BELLEW and GOSNELL families settled in Glassy Mountain, Greenville, South Carolina. I strongly believe Nathaniel VESS is from there too.

Looking back at the 1830 census (above), I noticed a CONSTANT PLUMLY (PLUMLEY). Interestingly, the VESS/VEST family in White County, Tennessee has an early land record adjoining property with a PLUMLEY family on Caney Fork (below). Further research reveals the two PLUMLEY’S are related…

Constant PLUMLEY is the son of William PLUMLEY and Hester O’NEAL. In 1790, William PLUMLEY lived in Burke County, North Carolina, before moving south to South Carolina. His son, Issac PLUMLEY, Constant’s brother, settled in White County, Tennessee on Caney Fork. According to family trees, William PLUMLEY died in Glassy Mountain, Greenville, South Carolina in 1830.

What is even more interesting, is that according to the 1830 census for Greenville, South Carolina, we have a Polly VESS (below). Could she be related to Nathaniel Vess?

As for family stories go, which are not always accurate, I was told a family story about our VESS family having once respected an O’NEAL outlaw. Could Hester O’NEAL, wife of William PLUMLEY have been part of that O’NEAL family?

Did Constant PLUMLEY move to Rutherford County, North Carolina with Nathaniel VESS and John BELLEW from Glassy Mountain, Greenville, South Carolina in 1830? And is there a PLUMLEY – VESS connection?

Pryor Vest: Marion County, Tennessee

Lastly, I discovered a new land record for Pryor VEST; this time in Marion County, Tennessee in 1830.

I am not sure if this is the same Pryor VEST as the one in Wilkes County, NC and White County, TN. He doesn’t appear on any census records for any of the locations he has land records and he appears to have land in numerous counties, not just White County, TN. Why is he so elusive?

Research is Slow, but Appears Steady

Research is slow, mostly due to the lack of available records; however, I do feel we are gaining some traction in uncovering the mysteries of the VESS/ VEST family.

I may not be able to provide any solid conclusions, but I will do my best to post as much as possible to help others who are working on the same research.








The Wife of Peter Vess: Maiden Name CROOK

/ J. L. / 3 Comments

Oral tradition states that Peter VESS of Rutherford County, North Carolina married Catherine “Katie” COOK, but was that her real maiden name?

Peter and Catherine VESS are genealogical brick walls. They appear out of nowhere as early as 1820 on census in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The only record with them together is an 1829-1836 church list from Bill’s Creek Baptist Church. We have yet to discover any documents of Catherine’s maiden name, making it difficult to locate her parents.

However, recent DNA evidence has revealed that her maiden name may actually be CROOK.

The Lack of Evidence For COOK

We’ve had a theory, for a long time now, that COOK may not be Catherine’s real maiden name.

Despite the numerous COOK families in North Carolina, autosomal DNA barely produces any matches. Personally, the only COOK’s I’ve ever encountered in my autosomal DNA matches are COOKS assigned to my maternal side.

I’ve explored the 3 different COOK families passing through Rutherford County, NC: The Ephriam Cook line, James Cook line, and the later Loney Cook line; none of which have records or family trees with a Catherine “Katie” Cook.

In 2021, DNA evidence suggested we may have a Sparks-Rose maternal ancestor on the Vess line; but we aren’t sure which side of the family: Peter’s or Catherine’s. Since the early Sparks-Rose family predominately lived in Wilkes County, NC, it is probably best to say the connection might be on Peter’s side; especially, after discovering a VESS/VEST family in Wilkes County, NC.

So, that leaves us back to square one, until just recently…

DNA Evidence For CROOK

Vincent Vess, who uses DNA triangulation methods to try to locate earlier ancestors, has made a fascinating new discovery!

Through extensive work, he has discovered a genetic connection to the CROOK families of Rutherford County and Buncombe County, North Carolina.

His work led him to a John and Andrew CROOK. Adding this family to Catherine Katie’s Cook’s line in Ancestry.com, updated his Thruline matches revealing a bunch of matching DNA cousins, most of which are descendants of Zephaniah Crook and his sister Mary Polly Crook; suggesting that Catherine “Katie” Cook’s parents are JOHN CROOK and RACHEL HAYNES.

Exploring the CROOK family records, Vince made an intriguing observation, noticing the names within the CROOK family are the same names seen in the PETER VESS family: ANDREW, ZEPHANIAH, RACHEL, JASPER, and JOHN.

I did not come up in Vince’s shared DNA matches he used to discover the CROOK lineage, likely because I am too distant to detect (we’re already distant cousins). At first, my Thrulines showed no DNA matches to the Crook family after adding them to my tree. However, today, my Thrulines now show 1 DNA match with a descendant of Zephaniah Crook. Interestingly, all, and I do mean all, their shared DNA matches are descendants of Andrew Logan Vess, lineages from both wives Halford and Connor, strongly suggesting a connection with an early ancestor of Andrew Logan Vess. The Willis Vess lines would not show up, because Catherine married Peter Vess.

So, these DNA results seem very promising.

According to Ancestry.com, I have discovered a couple of ancestry trees for John Crook and Rachel Haynes, listing a Catherine Katie CROOK as their daughter, born in 1804, having lived in Bill’s Creek, and died after 1850- no marriage or children are listed. I find this super intriguing, as the information is not only oddly similar to our Catherine Katie COOK but there are no records of VESS. So, I am wondering, if their Catherine Katie CROOK is our Catherine Katie COOK??

The CROOK & HAYNES Family

John Crook married Rachel Haynes, the daughter of William Haynes. According to the book, Bill’s Creek Baptist Church: Two Hundred Year History, by Helen M. Lu, William Haynes was their first pastor.

The Haynes family owned land near Bill’s Creek, specifically, on Cove Creek and Knob’s Creek. Looking at the 1820 census for Peter Vess, I concluded that he lived on Knobs Creek, just wasn’t sure which one as there are 2 located in the Broad River Basin. In 1850, without Peter, Catherine is back in the Bill’s Creek area.

In 1804, a John Crook, presumably the father of Catherine, obtained land on Cove Creek joining the Haynes line in Rutherford County, NC. William Haynes had land on Cove Creek near Broad River, issued in 1794, in between Knobs Creek and Bill’s Creek.

In Buncombe County, NC, we have an Andrew Crook who obtained land on Gap Creek in 1804. John Crook later obtained land in Buncombe County, NC, joining land with his son Zephaniah Crook. Interestingly, Buncombe County, NC is where Peter and Catherine’s youngest children went to live after their death. They are seen on census with Dempsey Sumner, who has land on Cane Creek. Gap and Cane Creek connect.

The Crook family has a history of having been in Rowan County, NC on Lick and Tom’s Creek. There appears to be 2 John Crooks in Rowan County, one that went to White County, TN with the GOOLSBY family and one who went to Rutherford County, NC and then Buncombe County, NC. Each are intriguing, because we find VESS in both locations.

Further research is needed, of course, but I am super excited we have a new lead to Vess family history!































2023: Happy New Year!!

/ J. L. / Leave a comment

Happy New Year!!

Last year, research was slow and eventually came to a halt due to an extremely hectic schedule.

I just now realized that my research ended with a major genealogy cliff-hanger regarding the recently discovered Vess family in Wilkes County, North Carolina! I’ve received a lot of new information that I am super excited to share!

I’ve just recently posted an exciting update in the sidebar regarding Y-DNA for the Travers family and the (R1a) Vess families of North Carolina and Alabama!

Please bare with me as I work on updating the website with new information and resources this month.

I am looking forward to a new year of amazing discoveries!

















Peter Vess of Rutherford County, NC: Deed Record

/ J. L. / 2 Comments

I attended the North Carolina Genealogical Society Webinar yesterday about DEEDS hosted by David M. McCorkle who created nclandgrants.com. It was a very insightful Webinar that I wish was longer, because I learned so much!

After the Webinar, it took me less than 5 minutes to unearth a new record for Peter Vess!
Below is an 1846 Deed Record that is forcing to me re-write Peter’s timeline.

The Deed record has Peter and Josiah Vess as the Grantors and Joseph Souther as the Grantee.


Familysearch.org Deed Book 45

I will transcribe as best as I can…

“This the 21st of December 1846
State of North Carolina Rutherford County

Know all men by [illegible] presents that whereas Joseph Souther stands Peter Vests [illegible] for the prosecution of a suit in the Superior Court of our County [cut off] [illegible] Thomas Young deceased Executor or administrator William Young [cut off] [illegible] And Now Know Ye that in order to save harmless the said Souther [illegible] in said Suit and to secure said dee and for the further consideration of the [cut off] [illegible] dollars to us Peter Vess and Joseph Vess in hand paid by Joseph Souther [cut off] [illegible]and payment whereof we do hereby acknowledge have bargained sold [cut off] [illegible] conveyed and confirmed and by these presents do bargain [illegible] alien convey and [illegible] unto the said Joseph Souther his heirs and [illegible] forever the following [cut off[ [illegible] parcel of land situated lying and being in the county and state [cut off] [illegible] including the place on which the said Peter Vest now resides on the waters [cut off] [illegible] creek begining on a Red oak on the North rock of [Fills Creek] thru 18 [cut off] [illegible] a Red oak thru North 20 poles to a Black oak in a hollow thru West 154 poles to a stake on a line of a 25 acre [illegible] [illegible][illegible] it South 15 [cut off] 30 poles to [illegible] on the side of a hill corner of the 25 acres [illegible] [cut off] out to west 22 poles to a stake on the top of a ridge then South to [illegible] Whiteoak then 168 poles to a white oak on the line of the [illegible] to the beginning [illegible] one hundred and nine acres to be the [illegible] [cut off] less together with all and singular the rights members [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] and appurtenances to the said [illegible’ belonging or in any [cut off] [illegible] appertaining to have and to hold with appurtenances unto the said Joseph his heirs and [illegible] forever And we the said Peter Vest and Josiah vest [cut off] [illegible] [illegible] herby [illegible][illegible]our heirs Executor administrators to warrant [cut off] [illegible] defend the aforesaid land and tenements unto the said Joseph Souther [cut off] heirs and [illegible] forever provided always nevertheless and ur us the [cut off] [illegible] and meaning of these presents that if the said Peter Vest shall and [cut off] [illegible] and [illegible] have harmless the said Joseph Souther as his security in said [cut off] [illegible] and that [illegible] am [illegible] pay the said fifty dollars to the said Jospeh Souther in that ease this deed shall [illegible’ determine and become absolutely null and [cut off] [illegible] otherwise to remain in full [illegible] and effect. in Testimony whereof [cut off] [illegible] unto [illegible] hands [illegible] seals this the 14th day of November 1846.

The [illegible] after signing
John Vess

his X mark
Josiah Vests
Peter Vests

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County

Fall Court 1846
No 11 Josiah Vess and Peter Vess acknowledge in open court the Execution of the above deed it is therefore records and ordered to be registered.

G. E. Logan“

Familysearch.org Deed Book 45
Minutes, Pleas, and Quarter Sessions
Familysearch.org

This changes my timeline for Peter Vess. Previously, he was nowhere to be found after 1840 with Catherine Vess rejoining Bill’s Creek Baptist Church in 1844 without him, as if he had passed away. But, here he is on a deed record that states this is land in which Peter Vess “now resides,” which I am assuming means he is still alive in 1846.

It appears that he owed a debt that he could not pay and gave his land to Joseph Souther to clear his debt. It is interesting to note that his sons, John, Josiah, Andrew, and Alfred joined Bill’s Creek Baptist Church at this time. But, if Peter is still alive, what happened to him? Why did he not return to Bill’s Creek Baptist Church with Catherine and his sons?

Also, I do not know who Joseph Souther is, except that him and his family were dismissed from Bill’s Creek Baptist Church prior to 1830. I wonder if there is any relation to Joshua Souther who later married the wife of John Vess (Elizabeth Taylor)?

Very interesting!







Vess Family Research Site: 2020 Goals

/ J. L. / Leave a comment

Happy New Year!

I am excited to announce that Vess Genealogy has expanded to a Vess Family Research Site. Of course, it is still a work in progress as I continue to improve the website with new features and more information.

Vess genealogy is challenging to research, because of its unique name in which DNA has interestingly revealed is a name shared by several different unrelated families. I would like to expand the Vess Genealogy website to help other VESS families sort out their lineages and uncover their origins.

This is a monumental task in which will require the help other researchers who are also interested in the VESS name.

While my research blog will continue, I am still working on adding new pages that will provide researchers with current information that can be found in one spot rather than having to collect information from numerous blog posts.

I am still working on creating PDF files for specific lineages and I would like to add family charts.

Further posts will have an open comment section and I am looking into creating an active Discussion Forum (that part will take time to create though) to encourage further collaboration among researchers.

The Vess Family DNA Project is still active and we continue to encourage male descendants to participate in Y-DNA testing.

Furthermore, I am currently working on a VESS Genealogy E-book for the Peter and Willis Vess lines.

I absoultely look forward to working with you to help uncover the mysteries of the VESS family!









Vess Genealogy: A New Year!!

/ J. L.

The NEW YEAR is upon us and we have some very promising leads to get us started!

1. Vess Family of Patrick County, VA
Recently we discovered that Samuel, William, and Peter Vess owned land in Patrick County, Virginia and that Samuel Vess has been in the area (Henry County) since 1782. Who is this VESS family?

2. DNA Triangulation
DNA has matched the descendants of Peter and Willis Vess to possibly some families in Wilkes County, North Carolina.

a. Sparks Family
b. Ephraim Pennington (I found him in Wilkes County, NC!) *DNA matches still being explored
c. Hodges Family

3. Maps, Maps, and History!
History and maps can teach us so much!

Did you know the Great Wagon Road crossed the North Mayo River where Samuel, William, and Peter Vess owned land in Patrick County, Virginia or that early established residents of Wilkes County, North Carolina were forced to sell their land and venture off to the west and south due to conflict?

The Sparks family settled on Hunting Creek but their property was on the border of Wilkes and Surry (now Yadkin) county. The Yadkin River was an important waterway used to travel south, as the Yadkin River turns into the PeeDee River going right through Anson and Montgomery Counties (Travis, Sugg, Pennington, and Bellew families – just to name a few).


4. William Vest of Wilkes County, North Carolina
We have William Vest listed near Thomas Hodges in Wilkes County, VA. The family bio for Thomas Hodges mentions he was married in Virginia to Nancy Cottrell, but does not specify where, so I am not sure, if Thomas Hodges is related to the Hodges in Franklin County, VA that matches closely with Peter and Willis Vess. Interestingly, Cottrell is a surname that comes up frequently in my Autosomal DNA list (6-8 generations back) matching other VESS relatives – possibly a connection via COX.

In the same area (New River), per land records, is the Ephraim Pennington family (New River Pasture Branch). Unfortunately, this is a Pennington family that consists of numerous generations with the “Ephraim” name (I think 5). Further investigation is needed.

5. Whitlocks
I’ve found the Whitlock’s in the Surry/Stokes County area. Some near Samuel, William, and Peter Vess of Patrick County, VA via Snow Creek (Stokes Co), near Bellew’s Creek and one in Patrick County, VA. Also, another on Hunting Creek near the Sparks family.

The Whitlock’s appear to have early connections with a Saunder family, per a probate record for Thomas Christmas (great-grandfather of Talitha Whitlock, wife of Willis Vess). We have a Saunders family in Wilkes County, VA near the Whitlock and Pennington families and early court records for Henry/Patrick County mention Col. Peter Saunders (Are there connections?).

When and where did the VESS family meet the Whitlock family? Did the Willis Vess line travel through Tennessee or South Carolina through Georgia? Did you know there is a Whitlock family in Union County, South Carolina who was also part of Stephen F. Austin’s 300 in the Republic of Texas? Did you know there is also a Willis family in Patrick County, Virginia?

Are there connections? Are we getting closer to the truth or just chasing more ghosts?

Wishing everyone a great NEW YEAR and Happy Genealogy trails!