Peter Vess

Fall 2023: Vess Genealogy Recap

/ J. V. / 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!













Death of Pryor Vest (1831 Tennessee)

/ J. V. / 1 Comment

According to Sparta Recorder & Law Journal (Jan. 7, 1832), Pryor Vest died on December 29, 1831 in the Warren County jail from Typhus Fever.

Details of his death was published with reassurance his cause of death was not due to mistreatment of prisoners.

Why Pryor Vest was in prison, is unknown. Earlier Warren county records have been lost due to a court-house fire in 1852.

We do know that Pryor Vest was charged with assault in 1807 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, but was found not guilty. Wilkes County, NC, Pleas & Quarter Sessions Court Minutes 1805-1810
Transcribed by John A. McGeachy.

Pryor, William, and Peter Vest (unsure of their relation), settled in White County, Tennessee after 1810, with Pryor Vest obtaining land on Caney Fork in 1814 in an area later to be known as Sparkmantown in Van Burren County, which included the Dodson, Medley, Sparkman, Vest, and Simmon families.

You can see the Vess/Vest record history below.

YEARName Record Location
1814Pryor Vest Land RecordCaney Fork
1815Pryor Vest Land RecordCaney Fork
1815Pryor and William VestTax ListCaney Fork
1816Pryor and William VestTax ListCaney Fork
1817Pryor and William VestTax ListCaney Fork
1818Pryor and William VestTax ListCaney Fork
1819
1820Peter Vest Census RecordCaney Fork
1821
1822
1823Pryor and William VestTax List Caney Fork
1824Prior Vasse and William VassTax List Caney Fork
1825William Vest Tax List Caney Fork
1826William Vist and Willis Vist Tax List Caney Fork
1827
1829
1830Peter VestCensus RecordCaney Fork
1831Pryor Vest Death Warren County Jail (next to White Co)
Sources: Ancestry.com, Familysearch.org, and Newspapers.com Sparta Recorder & Law Journal Jan. 7, 1832

*There is no evidence to suggest Willis Vest of Tennessee is the same as Willis Vess of Alabama; however, there is circumstantial evidence (see previous posts) to strongly suggest they are both of the same Vess/Vest family.

William Voss: Surry County, North Carolina

/ J. V. / 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!








Catherine Vess in Patrick County, VA 1790

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The Patrick County Vess family is getting bigger! Samuel, William, Peter & Pugnance, Jonathan & Elizabeth (father Andrew Heron), Sarah, and now Catherine!

In the Henry County, Virginia land records [Deed books, v. 4-6 1788-1805 Familysearch.org], I discovered three “Vess” records. The remarkable part of this, is that the records are “Vess,” not “Vest.”

Two of the land records are between Samuel and Peter Vess and the other is between Samuel Vess and John Duncan. I still do not know if John Duncan is related to the Duncan family in Wilkes County, North Carolina.

One of the records, between Samuel and Peter Vess, (pg. 114-115), reveal that Samuel’s wife is named Catherine.

This is an amazing find, as it’s rare to find early genealogical records about spouses. It also confirms that Samuel Vess in Patrick County, Virginia in 1790 is not Samuel Vess in Rockbridge County, Virginia in 1800. Samuel Vess in Rockbridge County, Virginia was married to Mary Lyons/ Lenior.

The last record for Samuel Vess is dated 1795 in Patrick County, Virginia. So, what happened to Samuel and Catherine after that? And, what could Catherine’s maiden name be??





VESS Family: Intriguing Discoveries

/ J. V.

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. V. / 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!































Earliest Known Vess Record: BETTY VESS 1773

/ J. V. / 1 Comment

Quick Recap

In Wilkes County, North Carolina between 1787 – 1790, there is a WILLIAM VEST. He is found residing in the Isbell District along Kings Creek. In 1789, he is appointed to oversee the road along Elk Creek. Then, in 1790, he appears to have moved to the Judd District on Reddies River.

After 1790, the VEST name disappears. However, between 1803 – 1810, we begin to see the VESS name with Absalom, Jonathan, William, and Pryor “Vess.” After 1810, these men completely disappear from Wilkes County, North Carolina.


Betty Vess 1773: Pittsylvania County, Virginia

Looking at the 1790 Wilkes County, North Carolina census for William VEST, he is listed next to Barnet OWEN (Judd District). After a little digging, Barnet OWEN is related to Henry MULLINS (also on 1790 census).


Barnet OWEN and Henry MULLINS, both purchased land in 1787 on the waters of Reddies River at the head of Tumbling Shoal Branch. Reddies River connects to the Yadkin River. These are the only two families with land records, via nclandgrants.com, referencing “Tumbling Shoal Branch,” so I assumed these families probably have close connections with each other.

I discovered a family website, “The Descendants of Henry Mullins,” by Charles Owens. According to Owens, Henry Mullins purchased land from William Owen in Pittsylvania Co., VA in 1773; listing BETTY VESS as one of the witnesses! If this record does read “VESS,” it would become the earliest known “VESS” record found to-date.

Also listed as witnesses is the ALFORD family, which we know is related to the VEST family (Bedford / Chesterfield Counties). However, the ALFORD family is quite extensive, according to their amazing website, The ALFORD American Family Association, and thus has connections with many early American families.

I am in the process of trying to find the original record between Henry Mullins and William Owen to see if there is a property description to determine exactly where in Pittsylvania County, VA this property was located; for that it may better determine if Betty Vess is a VESS, VEST, or VOSS.

Samuel, Peter, and William Vess resided in Patrick County, VA, an area that was once Henry County; but prior to the formation of Henry County (1777), it was Pittsylvania County. Betty Vess predates the formation of Henry County. So, was Betty in the southern part of Pittsylvania that will become Patrick County (making her a VESS), was she in the northern part that will later become Bedford County (making her a VEST), or was she in today’s eastern portion of Pittsylvania (making her a VOSS)???

More research is needed.

What are your thoughts? Do you think this is another potential “Vess” ancestor?

Peter Vess of Rutherford County, NC: Deed Record

/ J. V. / 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!







Patrick County, Virginia Vess Families: 1782-1797

/ J. V.

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

Land Records

William Vess (Transfer of Land) bounded to Reynolds family. Ancestry.com

Samuel Vest 1783, 1,000 acres joining Abraham Penn and connecting to George Dotson and Peter Vest line. Ancestry.com

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.











More Pieces To The Mysterious John VESS of South Carolina

/ J. V.

In August of 2020, I discovered two John Vess families in South Carolina whose origins are a mystery.

The first is an 1850 census record for John and William E. Vess of Saluda Regiment, Abbeville, South Carolina. Both of them are in their 20’s, they are listed as carpenters, and they claim to be born in North Carolina.

The second is an 1850 census record for John Vess and Drucilla Vess of Saluda, Abbeville, South Carolina. John is 25 and he is listed as a farmer. 1860 census, suggests John Vess died, for that it is just Drucilla Turner and James Vest (assuming their son).

Today, I came across Civil War records for John Vess and William VESTZ (pretty sure it’s William Vess). The first record, John Vess states he enlisted in Greenville, South Carolina and his occupation is a carpenter. These two records, might be referring to John and William Vess from the 1850 census.
According to these records, John Vess was hospitalized and William was captured. I am not sure if they survived the war though.

In between John Vess and William Vestz, is a Civil War record for JOHN VEST. He too was enlisted in Greenville, South Carolina. What makes his record so interesting, is that he was forced to write a letter asking to be discharged from the military due to his age. The discharge was granted, which means this John Vest was born sometime before 1815.

Fold3: Civil War Record and Letter Certifying His Age

I found an 1880 census record for a John Vest in Greenville, South Carolina with a birth year that would put him at the approx. same age as John Vest in the Civil War record above. This John Vest (1880 census) was born about 1815 in South Carolina and states both his parents were born in South Carolina.

This is very intriguing, because there are no early records of a VEST or VESS family in South Carolina. All we know is that we have records that strongly suggest that Nathaniel Vess was born in South Carolina in 1794 with a connection to Greenville, South Carolina via Clarinda Bellew who also states both his parents were born in South Carolina (below). Could Nathan Vess and John Vest be related???