Surry Co. NC Vest/Voss Records

Research Update 2026

/ J. L. / Leave a comment

It took me awhile, but I have FINALLY posted my personal perspective on Vess genealogy, based on the traditional and genetic genealogical evidence collected since 2020.

The World of Vess Genealogy


Our lineage, history, and origins prior to 1820, still remain somewhat a mystery; however, new genealogical records paired with genetic genealogical research is now forming a comprehensive hypothesis, with new discoveries consistently reminding us that we’re clearly on the right track.

Please remember that I share these thoughts, opinions, and discoveries to collaborate with other researchers and families interested in Vess genealogy. Information provided within this site is subject to change, as research continues.

The only portion of this site that I would consider as pure fact, are the Y-DNA findings (connection to the early R1a2 Travers family lineage) and the early ancestor profiles with their attached lineages, as those have been thoroughly checked and verified by solid genealogical sources and genetic testing.

The rest is on-going research, as we continue to explore this new hypothetical family tree through traditional and genetic genealogical methods.

I have a lot of new discoveries to post about, so please be sure to subscribe, so you can get those discoveries directly into your inbox. If you have any questions about this research, interested in collaborating on research or are interested in participating in the Vess Family DNA Project, please send an email to vessgenealogy@gmail.com


A HUGE THANK YOU to all of those who have been following and assisting with this research! We wouldn’t be here today, without you!



































William Voss: Surry County, North Carolina

/ J. L. / Leave a comment

Just recently, I found Peter Vess on an 1805 Wilkes County, North Carolina tax list in an area bordering Surry County, North Carolina, consisting of families who appear to have a genetic connection with VESS (Sparks, Rose, and Parks).

Between 1812-1814, there is a War of 1812 Muster Roll record with William and Peter Vest, whom of which are not seen on any VEST family trees. Could they be Vess?

While trying to dig up more information, I discovered an 1812 tax list (Thomason District) in Surry County, North Carolina, for a William VOSS. It is noted that he did not turn in his “list according to law.” Perhaps, because he was enlisted in the War of 1812.

The earliest known VOSS record near this county is Reverend Thomas VOSS who lived in Stokes County, North Carolina; appearing on Stokes County census records as early as 1800 near the VEST family in Winston-Salem area. His son William Voss, was born in Stokes Co. (not Surry), with his earliest record being the 1820 Stokes County census record. I do not believe the family of Thomas Voss ever lived in Surry County, NC.

Is This William Voss a Vest?

It’s not unusual for the VESS name to be transcribed as VOSS or VEST.

VEST and BRAY are listed in the War of 1812 record for Surry County (below). Thomas Bray is William Bray’s son (mentioned in the above tax record). The Bray family lived near Fisher River, close to the Wilkes county line.

Upon further investigation, the Sparks family (Benjamin Sparks) had properties along Little Fisher River too, as well as owning a property (Swan Pond) that specifically mentions being next to the Wilkes County line. Benjamin Sparks is the son of Reuben Sparks, whose family might have a maternal connection to VESS.

Peter Vest is later listed on the War of 1812 muster roll (2nd Regiment of Surry County) in 1814, with families who are also closely associated with the area close to the Wilkes County border (if not on the border).


I have not found any more VOSS records in Surry County, strongly suggesting this off-the wall Voss on the 1812 tax list maybe actually be a Vest/Vess.

The tax list suggests William Voss had land. He may not have a land record, but he might be mentioned in a neighbors land record. The task now is to pinpoint where this William Voss had land and who his possible neighbors might have been.

There is still a lot of exploring to do, but I feel like we are certainly on the right track!