Last year, in my Fall 2023: Vess Genealogy Recap post, I mentioned the SOUTHER family and their intriguing close connections to the VESS family. I have yet to determine whether or not they are kin or just a bunch of coincidences.
• Souther and Vest/Vess families in Brushy Mountain community in Wilkes County, North Carolina (1805 & 1830). • Souther family were members of Bill’s Creek Baptist Church same time as Peter and Catherine Vess (between 1828-1836). • Souther family obtained Peter’s land (1842) • Souther married Elizabeth Taylor, ex-wife of John Vess, son of Peter Vess (1854). • Souther is listed next to Rachel Crook, Catherine’s mother on the Buncombe Co. census (1830).
Fall 2023: Vess Genealogy Recap
When researching Vess genealogy, I read a lot of records (AND I MEAN A LOT) and PLUMMLEY is another name just as intriguing as SOUTHER….as it too seems to follow the VESS name!
Plummley/Plumlee/Plumly Family: NC, SC, & TN
In 1824, Prior VEST in White County, TN obtained land on Caney Fork, joining the PLUMLEYS line. On the 1830 White County, Tennessee census, there is a Lucy VEST (believed to be the wife of Pryor Vest), listed on the same page as Joel and Denton PLUMMLEY (sons of Issac Plummley).
In the 1830, Rutherford County, North Carolina census, Nathaniel VESS (NESS) and father-in-law John BELLEW, are listed next to Constant PLUMMLEY.
Constant PLUMMLEY is the son of William PLUMMLEY Jr. & Hester O’NEAL. Wiliam’s parents are William PLUMLEE Sr. and Phoebe DENTON (remember Denton Plummley mentioned earlier). William’s brother is Issac Plummley, (Constant’s uncle) who settled in White County, Tennessee.
William Plummley Jr. died in Glassy Mountain, Greenville County, South Carolina in 1830. Glassy Mountain is where I strongly believe Nathaniel Vess met Clarinda Bellew, as the Bellew and Gosnell families were prominent families in that area at that time.
Furthermore, on the 1830 census for Greenville, South Carolina (which also includes the Plummley family) is a mysterious “Polly Vess.”
Interestingly, the wife of William Plummley Sr, Phoebe Denton, comes from Shenandoah County (once Dunmore Co.), Virginia. Her parents are Abraham Denton and Sarah O’Dell.
Her father listed her (as Plumbly) in his 1774 will, made in the “County of Dunmore.”
Interestingly, there are “VESS” records in Dunmore county, as early as 1775, via Samuel and William Vess.
Now interestedly, according to family history published on Ancestry.com, posted 29 Feb 2012 titled, “Captain” Abraham Denton, 1700-1774,” the Denton family had issues with the law prior to moving to Dunmore County, VA. Would that consider them as “outlaws,” and if so… any connection to our family story about an O’Donnell & O’Neil outlaw? Could O’Donnell have been O’Dell and could O’Neil be referencing Hester O’Neils family? Or again, just all coincidence?
I look forward to researching this family further; maybe it will lead me to another “Vess” record!
I’ve plotted all the locations and dates we find “Vess” records. We now have an interesting timeline which shows the VESS/VEST family starting in Loundoun Co./ Dunmore Co. Virginia, going straight through Rockbridge Co. Virginia to Henry/Partick County, Virginia (once Pittsylvania Co). then onto Wilkes County, North Carolina, where they then appear to split up after 1810. By 1830, there is a Vess family in Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, North and South Carolina.
In all these areas where we have found VESS records, we also see the same family with records under the VEST name. Both names (VESS & VEST) were used interchangeably until 1830, with an occasional record of VOSS, VASS, and VERT in between.
What seems to be a reasonable rule of thumb when trying to sort out VESS families from other families of similar surnames, is the presence of the VESS name and how frequently it is used by a specific group of VESS/VEST families. You may come across a VESS record for the VEST family, but it is very rare. However, please note that it has been documented that some (1-2) VEST lineages from the Chesterfield Co. Virginia VEST family, did take on the VESS name, which appears to have occurred after 1850. And, we still do not know if the Rockbridge County, VA VESS family is VEST, WEST, or maybe VERT.
Y-DNA testing is the best way to help us further sort out the different VESS, VEST, VOSS, VASS, and VERT families. Y-DNA testing with family trees, can tell us their Haplogroup and the areas in which that Haplogroup once occupied.
Time Line
Below, I have included a timeline, that includes the location, family, and source of their “Vess” record.
1770-1774 Loundoun Co. VA (not on map) James and William Vess
1758-1786 Loundoun Co. VA (not on map) James and William Vess
Conrad “VERT” listed in the same record. The son of Conrad Vert, is Adam Vert. Adam Vert later appears in Rockbridge County, VA tax records, prior to Samuel & Hiram Vess.
1777-1779 Dunmore County, VA / Frederick Co. VA Samuel (wife Ann), Peter, and William Vess
Ancestry.com (Revolutionary War records)│Stewart Bell Jr. Archives Digital Collections (Vass record) *site deactivated Sept. 30, 2023
1773 & 1782 -1800 Pittslyvania Co. into Henry Co into Patrick Co. VA Betty Vess, Samuel (wife Catherine), Jonathan (wife Elizabeth Heron), Peter (wife Pugnance Vaughn), Sarah, and William Vess
1790 & 1805-1810 Wilkes County, NC William, Pryor, Absalom, Jonathan, and Peter Vess
Wilkes County, NC Pleas & Quarter Sessions Court Minutes 1795-1805 & 1805-1810, Transcribed by John A. McGreachy │Ancestry.com (1790 & 1810, 1820, & 1830 census, War of 1812 record) │Familysearch.org (court records & tax lists)
1814-1840 White Co. & Van Buren Co. TN Pryor, William, Peter, and Willis Vess
Ancestry.com (1820, 1830, 1840 census & land records)
1820 -1850+ Rutherford Co. NC(including Burke & Haywood Co) Peter and Nathaniel Vess
1850 -1860 Abbeville County, Saulda, South Carolina John Vess (husband of Drucilla Turner, father of James Vess). And, 1850 only, William Vess and John Vess, possible brothers.
I really look forward to making new discoveries in Vess genealogy this year! I got a fresh new blank notebook, an empty desktop, and a long list of new leads to explore!
And of course, what is a brand new year without setting a few new genealogy goals…
Y-DNA Testing
This year, I hope more families are encouraged to participate in the Vess Family DNA Project!
This project was open to us by Marilyn Barton and actively managed by Michael Travers and Vincent Vess through Familytreedna.com. A HUGE thanks to them for making this family DNA project possible! As well as their continued interests in Vess/Travers genealogy and their valuable knowledge in genetic genealogy!
Genetic genealogy has become a valuable tool in furthering our research in Vess genealogy. It has allowed us to explore the origins of the VESS surname, discover a connection with the early Travers family, identify new Vess lines, sort between the different earlier Vess/Vest families, and it continues to help us piece together Vess family history!
An accurate lineage for Willis Vess
The fact that Willis Vess has a complicated line of descendants, suggests there might have been more than one earlier Vess family in Alabama (other than Willis and John P. Vess). Super exciting!
Research strongly suggests this to be true, with the mysterious find of a “Peter Vess” mentioned in the 1840 list of letters at the Russellville Post Office (newspaper.com) and a “William Vess” mentioned as “heir” in an 1854 land record for Willis Vess; both who are not known nor appear to be documented as children of Willis Vess or John P. Vess.
I hope further research will lead to new discoveries!
The Travers Family
While we are still filling in the gaps of early Vess genealogy (post Revolutionary War), Y-DNA testing has provided us an even earlier timeline, connecting us to the early Travers family of Lancashire, England who are believed to have arrived in England with William the Conquerer in 1066 from Normandy.
I would love to research and post more about the different Travers families in America and their history prior to arriving to America.
Genealogy in General
I enjoy genealogy and I would love to expand this blog into sharing my passion for the world of genealogy, as well as some of my favorite researching tools, tips and tricks to researching stubborn ancestors.
Follow & Join The Vess Genealogy Adventure
New discoveries in Vess Genealogy happen all the time, so please be sure to follow & subscribe to this blog to have new posts sent directly to your inbox!
I absolutely welcome other researchers to join in on the adventure! If you have any information that may assist in this research, please email me at vessgenealogy@gmail.com.
Peter VESS married Catherine “Katie” CROOK, daughter of John Emmanuel CROOK and Rachel HAYNES of Rutherford County, North Carolina.
The Haynes Family: Catherine’s Maternal Side
Catherine’s maternal grandparents are William Presley HAYNES and Sarah Emma GIBBS. Together they had 10 children: John, Mary, Sarah, William Jr., Hezekiah, Rachel (Catherine’s mother), Henry, Eli, and Levi.
William Presley Haynes was the first pastor at Bill’s Creek Baptist Church, which is believed to have been established in 1785. William is believed to have died in 1788 per his probate record. His 300 acres of land on Cove Creek near Broad River was split among his wife and younger sons. Several of his older children relocated to Kentucky. The last bit of William’s land was later sold to John Ledbetter in 1805, after Sarah’s death.
The Crook Family: Catherine’s Paternal Side
Catherine’s paternal grandparents are Andrew CROOK and Sarah BABER, daughter of James BABER and Mildred ARTHUR. Only two children are named in Andrew Crook’s 1814 Rutherford County, North Carolina probate record: Mildred Arthur Creighton Crook and “illegitamate” son, John Emmanuel Crook.
The Crook family is of Irish and Scottish descent, according to a biological sketch for Ira FOSTER, second husband of Mildred Arthur Creighton Crook (Catherine’s aunt). It further states that “Andrew Crook was born in Ireland and his mother was a Creighton.”
Mildred Arthur Creighton Crook Ancestry.com
I strongly believe that SARAH “COOK”, listed as a member of Bill’s Creek Baptist Church, between 1829-1835 with Peter and Catherine VEST is actually Sarah CROOK (Baber), Catherine’s grandmother, wife of Andrew Crook. According to Peter’s 1830 census, they had an elderly woman living with them, which I strongly believe is also Sarah.
John Emmanuel Crook married Rachel Haynes, daughter of William Haynes and Sarah Gibbs. Together they had 7 children: Zephaniah, William, Susannah, Mary Polly, David, Catherine, and Melinda. Marriage records for several children are witnessed by an Issac Creaton (which may be Creighton), a possible relative of Andrew Crook.
Crook Meets Haynes: Bill’s Creek Community
Andrew Crook, Catherine’s grandfather, obtained land in Buncombe County, North Carolina in 1804 on Gap Creek, which deed records suggest he turned around and sold it. In 1810, he is listed on the Rutherford County, North Carolina census (slave owner), but there doesn’t seem to be any (existing) land records for him in that county. However, his son, John Crook, is also listed on the 1810 census with a land record showing he obtained land in Rutherford County, North Carolina in 1804.
According to the 1804 land record, John Crook obtained land on Cove Creek joining William Haynes (Sr.) original property on Cove Creek near Broad River; not too far from Bill’s Creek Baptist Church.
Crook Family of South Carolina: Possible Connections
Although the Biological Sketch of Ira Foster states Andrew Crook, Catherine’s grandfather, was born in Ireland, many family trees on Ancestry.com believe he is the son of Andrew Crooks and Janne (believed to be Creighton) of Newberry County, South Carolina, whose children (per probate records) are Samuel, John, Nancy, Elizabeth, and Andrew (Jr.).
Andrew Crooks Sr. and his sons, owned land between the Enoree and Broad Rivers in Newberry County, South Carolina (records kept in Abbeville Co.) prior to 1800. If related, could this possible give light to the mysterious Vess family living in Greenwood (once part of Newberry County) during the 1850’s??
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. 🙂
Vess Genealogy 