The earliest “Vess” record I have discovered thus far is dated 1770 from the Loudoun county, Virginia Lists of Tithables, 1758-1799, available on familysearch.org. William and James Vess are not listed on any earlier or later lists for Loudoun County, VA.
James Vess is new…I haven’t come across any early Vess records for a James. However, I have come across early Vess records for William, Samuel, and Peter; but they were associated with Dunmore County, Virginia (Now Shenandoah County) – which isn’t too far from Loudoun county, VA.
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.
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!
I am browsing records and I came across WILLIE VESS in Van Buren County, Tennessee dated 1846.
There are land records for a WILLIS VESS dated 1831 and 1837 in White County, Tennessee on the “south side” of Caney Fork (Mountain side). In 1840, Van Buren county was created and Caney Fork became the boundary line between White County and Van Buren County; meaning, the Willis VESS property should now be in Van Buren County.
According to Van Buren County deed records, a WILLIE VESS (maybe Willis) sold 2.78 acres at the foot of the mountain to Zachariah T. SIMMONS. Is this Willis Vess property?
According to Ancestry.com, Zachariah T. SIMMONS married Mary Louisa DODSON. Mary’s parents are supposedly William “Bucky” DODSON and Martha Frances PECK. William “Bucky” DODSON is supposedly William DODSON in White County, TN living next to the Peter VEST family on Caney Fork.
I discovered a death record for a Sarah Elander DODSON, wife of Thomas Bryant SPARKMAN, whose parents are listed as William DODSON and Martha VEST. On Ancestry.com, Sarah Elander DODSON is supposedly the sister of Mary Louisa DODSON (wife of Zachariah SIMMONS), both daughters of William DODSON and Martha PECK.
Is Martha PECK and VEST the same person? Where did the PECK name come from? Also, could it be VEST, since her gravestone doesn’t have a maiden name on it?
Interestingly, I do have a handful of SIMMON, SPARKMAN, JOHNSON, and DODSON as DNA relative matches, all who share close matches with VESS relatives and all connecting to the SIMMON, SPARKMAN, DODSON families in White /Van Buren County, TN.
Is the connection through WILLIS VESS?Does this further support a VESS family connection in Tennessee?
I’ve done some more digging into Absalom Vess of Wilkes County, North Carolina and here is what I’ve discovered:
Absalom “Vess” first appears on record in 1803 in the Wilkes County, North Carolina Pleas & Quarter Sessions Court Minutes 1798-1805 for a couple of jury duty sessions.
In 1806, he is part of a couple more jury duty sessions followed by a court case: Absalom Vess vs. James Fletcher & William Fletcher. I have not found any sources that specifically link this Fletcher family with the Fletcher family in Patrick County, VA. However, Fletcher and Vess seem to have a history together. The Fletcher family in Wilkes county come from Fauquier County, VA, so they may have stopped in Patrick County, but it is not confirmed.
In 1808, Absalom marries Hannah Raymond. I could not find any RAYMOND families, but I did find a REYNARD family in the area, which looks like Reymond in cursive. Hannah might be a Reynard.
In 1809-1810, Absalom Vess is mentioned in the Will documents for William Fletcher: Acct Sale of Estate (1809) and Inventory of Estate (1810).
There are only two family trees on Ancestry.com for Absalom Vest, which states his daughter is Elizabeth Vest who married Westly Dishmon (various spellings). Together they had a daughter named Maranda Fletcher Cogner.
In 1810, Absalom is listed on the Iredell County, NC census and then disappears after that, with Hannah Vess being listed as head of household in 1840.
My guess, is that Absalom Vess was born sometime during the 1780’s and died before 1840.
There is a VESS/VEST family in Rockbridge County, Virginia, who first appears on record during the early 1800’s. There doesn’t seem to be any Y-DNA data available for this family; so I do not know if they are related to the VESS R1a2 line or another family with a similar surname.
Family Origins: Still A Mystery
There appears to be numerous theories as to where the VESS/VEST family of Rockbridge County, Virginia comes from…
DESCENDANTS OF THE WEST FAMILY
I had the opportunity to speak with a few members of this family who state it is believed that they are descendants of the WEST family; specifically, the De La Warr lineage (Englishroots). Unfortunately, I have not found any documentation yet to support this connection.
There was an extensive DNA project available a few years ago which identified several different WEST families in America; some distantly related and some completely unrelated. The research also included descendants of the De La Warr lineage, revealing their Haplogroup to be R1b (different from VESS R1a2).
The WEST Family DNA Project is no longer available to review online; however, I have saved some information from the website, which may be useful with Y-DNA testing through FTDNA.com. It is my understanding that many WEST families have also tested through FTDNA.com.
GERMAN ORIGINS: THE VEST FAMILY
Some believe the VESS/VEST family of Rockbridge County, Virginia may be German in origin. I do not know if this is an oral family tradition or something that came about from all the Rockbridge VESS/VEST family trees online connecting to the John Daniel VEST family of Chesterfield County, Virginia (Haplogroup I), who is believed to be a descendant of Moses Johann Vest from Germany (1650).
Families trees with the VEST family connection seem to be inconsistent. Some connect the VESS/VEST family of Rockbridge County, VA to Samuel Vest, son of John Daniel Vest I of Chesterfield Co., VA; however, John Daniel Vest I did not have a son named Samuel (at least not named in his Will & Testamentdated 1765).
Another connection is via Samuel Vest, son of William Tunwell Vest; however, the dates and census records do not seem to add up. Unfortunately, the name “Samuel” was just as common as “John.” In that case, the Rockbridge County, Virginia VESS/VEST could (in theory) be connected to Samuel Vest of Patrick County, Virginia.
Unfortunately, I have not found any documentation yet to support a connection with the VEST family either.
Y-DNA Testing
There doesn’t seem to be any available Y-DNA data yet for this particular VESS/VEST family. It would be very beneficial for direct male descendants of this VESS/VEST line from Rockbridge County, Virginia to complete a Y-DNA test via Familytreedna.com.
A basic Y-DNA test will provide us with a Haplogroup, which would be a great start to researching this family’s mysterious origins; especially, since we know the VEST family is Haplogroup-I, WEST family is Haplogroup R1b, and our VESS line is Haplogroup R1a.
If you are interested in Y-DNA testing through FTDNA.com, have any information related to the Vess/Vest family of Rockbridge County, Virginia you would like shared on this website or information that will further assist with this research, please feel free to email me at vessgenealogy@gmail.com. 🙂
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.
“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)?
I wonder if there is a connection between the Abner Hodge family and Vest/Vess family in White County, TN? I have traced Abner’s line to Robert Hodge of Franklin County, Virginia living near Chestnut Mountain.
On the 1820 census for White County, Tennessee, we see Peter VEST next to Abner Hodge and Ephraim Hodge (brothers) living on Caney Fork.
I decided to review the family tree for Abner and Ephriam Hodge, which states their father is Josiah Hodges (son of Robert Hodge). According to online sources, Josiah Hodges was born in 1740 in Henry County, Virginia. The problem is, Henry County was not established until 1777.
He was likely born in Pittsylvania County, which parts later became Henry County. With that said, it wasn’t until 1785 that parts of Henry County (and a portion of Bedford Co) later became Franklin County, VA.
The Chestnut Mountain area was once part of Henry County. Chestnut Mountain is also less than 30 miles away from where we find Samuel, William, and Peter Vess in Patrick County, VA (formed in 1791) on Koger Creek and North Mayo River (border of Patrick Co and Henry Co).
Samuel Vess has tax records as early as 1782 in Henry County, VA, so I decided to check to see if there are any Hodges nearby AND there is!
Josiah Hodges is listed on the page prior, and Samuel Vest and Abemingo (Josiah’s brother) are listed on the same page (or same slide).
I do not know if families listed on tax lists are neighbors of a specific community; however, this does show that the Hodges and Vest families were in the same county at the same time.
If the families listed above are neighbors, then Samuel Vest at the time had not obtained land yet from Abraham Penn, for that the names of families in the Koger/North Mayo River (1791 deed list), including Abraham Penn, are listed a couple-several pages back on this 1782 tax list.
The Hodges family, including Robert Hodges (likely Robert Hodges Jr., brother of Abner Hodge) is listed on the 1783 tax list; however, the 1783 tax list and moving forward are in alphabetical order.
If they knew each other in Henry County, VA; perhaps it was through a local church or they lived close to each other, but were later separated by the formation of a county line (Franklin Co.); as Chestnut Mountain is very close to the Henry County border.
Also, I discovered a Richard Vest in Franklin County, Virginia on the 1788 tax list. He is the only VEST family listed. However, there is also a VEST family in Bedford County, VA, but from what I can tell, none of the VEST family trees seem to have this particular Richard Vest.
Richard Vest and the Hodges family (Abner Hodge) appear on the Franklin Co. VA tax lists until 1794. The 1793 tax list is the last time Richard Vest appears and the 1794 tax list is the last time Abner Hodge appears. In 1795, there are no Hodges or Vest families listed.
In fact, they disappear around the same time as Peter and William Vest!
Is there a connection? Who is Richard Vest? And could Samuel, Peter, and William Vest actually be part of our VESS family – Haplogroup R1a1??
Also, it is interesting to note that Robert Hodges is supposedly from the Isle of Wight, VA (1704). Not too far from there is the Travers family of Jamestown Island who have connections with both England and Ireland (post about later).
But of course, that is probably stretching it a bit too thin…
The earliest record of the VESS name in America appears on Revolutionary War records for Samuel, Peter, and William Vess. A vast number of records with the VESS name are for Samuel Vess dated 1777-1779 under the command of Captain Machen Boswell of the 2nd Virginia State Regiment. We also have an earlier Revolutionary War record for Samuel and William Vess dated 1775 for Dunmore County, VA under the command of Captain Joseph Bowman.
Further research strongly suggests that the Samuel Vess named in all these records are likely the same person.
A Look At Dunmore County, VA records: Samuel and William Vess
The records above are dated 1775. Samuel and William Vess are teenagers and are listed as privates living in the lower district of Dunmore County, VA (modern Warren County, VA area) serving under Captain Joseph Bowman’s command.
Captain Joseph Bowman’s militia was called to serve during Dunmore’s War (likely the Battle of Point Pleasant) in 1774 which took place in West Virginia regarding conflict in an area which included parts of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania (Ohio River territory).
Looking At the LONG LIST of Revolutionary War Records: Samuel Vess
All these records for Samuel Vess (1777-1779) are under the command of Captain Machen Boswell of the 2nd Virginia State Regiment.
According to Familysearch.org, the 2nd Virginia State Regiment replaced the 13th Virginia Regiment. The 13th Virginia Regiment was formed in 1777 from Fort Pitt, which is located in Pennsylvania and recruited men who were living in the area which was affected by Dunmore’s War.
Trying To Work Out A Timeline
In 1774, Captain Jospeh Bowman’s militia (Dunmore County) fought in Dunmore’s War.
In 1775, census was taken and Samuel and William Vess appear to be teenagers and listed as Privates for the Revolutionary War. This would have been the start of the Revolutionary War.
In 1776, Captain Joseph Bowman and “other colonists” ventured west. Samuel Vess could have been one of them, because…
In 1777, we have Samuel Vess serving under Captain Machen Boswell’s command (who replaced Captain John Lewis) who took over the 13th Regiment and recruited men from the West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvannia area.
SO, the question remains…is this Samuel Vess of Henry County, Virginia in 1782?? Did he try following the Great Wagon Road south, but just ended up settling on the North Mayo River??
Note: Abraham Penn of Patrick County, VA is said to have been born in Carolina County, VA and raised in Amherst County, VA. He served in Dunmore’s War (Battle of Point Pleasant) 1774. He owned Popular Grove Plantation in Patrick County, VA. Samuel Vess was given 13 acres of his land (1,000 acres 1783). Is there a connection?
Evidence This Is Not Samuel Vest, Son of William Tunwell Vest
One known Samuel Vess/Vest who had a brother named William Vess/Vest and served in the Revolutionary War, is the son of William Tunwell Vest. His pension records state he entered service in Bedford County, VA in 1779 and was under the command of Captain James Adams. The records continue listing other officers he served under and places he had served; none of them reference Dunmore County, County or Machen Boswell. So, this is certainly not the same Samuel Vess/Vest in the above Revolutionary War records.
Frederick County, Virginia – Vice Family
Maybe Samuel and William Vess of Dunmore County are part of the VICE family?? Dunmore County was created from Frederick County, VA in 1772. It is said that the VICE family (Kentucky and South Carolina) can be traced back to Frederick County, VA via John Vessey; unfortunately, I have not found any records of him yet. However, I did find a 1791 tax record for Frederick County, VA with Nathaniel, Robert, and William VICE – so we did have a VICE family in Frederick County, VA, but not sure how long they were there prior to 1790.
Corporal Peter Vess Revolutionary War Record
This is an interesting record. Bauman’s company was authorized on 28 October 1775 and recruited in New York (2nd Continental Artillery Regiment), later becoming known as Lamb’s Continental Artillery Regiment. I wonder if this supposed to be Peter VAN NESS, rather than Peter VESS??
Samuel, William, and Peter Vess of Patrick County, VA: Still A Mystery
In short, Samuel, William, and Peter Vess of Henry/Patrick County, VA still remain a mystery. I have yet to find any evidence to suggest where they came from prior to 1782. Although the VEST family is nearby in Bedford County, VA, there is no evidence to suggest a connection with them either.
The VESS family of Patrick County, VA appear out of nowhere like Peter, Willis, and Nathaniel Vess!
Well, I am trying to squeeze in some more research before the end of the year!
According to New York and Virginia Genealogy, they have a marriage record for Jonathan Vess and Elizabeth Heron that states “Dad Andrew Heron.” So, is Andrew Heron the father of Elizabeth Heron? And does he have any connection with James Heron listed on the Patrick County 1791-1801 deed list?
Tax Records for the Vess family in Patrick County, Virginia
The census records for Patrick County, Virginia have been lost, but Familytree.org has personal property tax lists (1791-1823), in which has the VESS family listed from 1791-1797.
Until now, we thought Peter Vess may have left Patrick County, Virginia in 1793, but according to the tax lists, Peter Vess is listed until 1797.
I have not been able to figure out if William VIA is VESS. Note: There is a William VIA in Wilkes County, NC along with William VEST with court records of a William VEAS.
Samuel Vess/Vest
Patrick County, Virginia was formed from Patrick-Henry County (Henry County) in 1791. So, looking at the taxes lists for Henry County, I found Samuel Vess listed as early as 1782. Personal property tax lists, 1782-1830
Abraham Penn and George Hairston were large plantation owners in the area (Hairston Plantation still standing today) and often granted indentured servants a portion of their land at the end of their contract. Was Samuel, Peter, and William indentured servants or also wealthy land owners?
Peter Vess and Pugnance Vaughn
Peter Vess married Pugnance Vaughn in 1785 in Henry County, Virginia. Is Samuel Vess his father??
Also, looking records for a William Vaughn (listed above in tax records), I have found family trees for a William Thomas Vaughn and Martha Patsy Reynolds. Note: There is a Reynolds family listed in the area with Peter and William Vess.
According to the family tree, the parents of William Vaughn are Samuel Vaughn and Prudence Loughan (Logan?). I haven’t found any family records for Pugnance Vaughn, but I do wonder if Pugnanace Vaughn (wife of Peter Vess) is supposed to be “Prudence” and possibly related to Samuel and Prudence Vaughn??
Earliest Records of the VESS name
The earliest records we have found with the VESS name are Revolutionary War records for Samuel, Peter, and William Vess.
Above, we have a Revolutionary War record for Samuel and William “Vess” for Dunmore County, Virginia. This is interesting, because Dunmore County is Shenandoah County today, located just below Frederick County, Virginia. Note: The Vice family story begins in Frederick County, Virginia.
A Possible Start To New Discoveries
I am hoping these newly discovered records can provide us new leads to the official identity of Peter, William, and Samuel Vess.
I am not aware of the Chesterfield County, VA VEST family having any records in the northern portion of Virginia (Frederick County area), which seems like a promising new lead; unfortunately, Dunmore County is an abolished county, meaning scarce records are even more scarce.
Although this may be a wild goose chase with a family completely unrelated to Peter and Willis Vess, I am very interested in helping other families sort out the different VESS, VEST, VOSS, VASS, VAUSE, and VICE families of Virginia.
Vess Genealogy 