Vess genealogy

Willie Vess: Interesting Tennessee Finds

/ J. L. / 1 Comment

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?

Absalom Vess: Wilkes County, North Carolina

/ J. L. / 1 Comment

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.



Vess/Vest family of Rockbridge, VA: Mysterious Origins

/ J. L. / 1 Comment

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 (English roots). 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 & Testament dated 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. 🙂







Connecting the DOTSONS

/ J. L. / Leave a comment

Dodson, Dodson, Dodson

The Vess family may have not left an obvious trail of bread-crumbs, but upon further investigation of numerous documents, we do find a trail of DODSON’s.

Below, DODSON is pointed out in numerous VESS/VEST records from Patrick County, VA all the way to Franklin County, Alabama.

Patrick County, Virginia
The DODSON name first appears on the 1793 land record for Peter Vess in Patrick County, Virginia. Peter appears to have transferred land to John Spencer; land located on the waters of the Mays (MAYO) River, connected to the Dodson line. Witnesses are George Dodson Sr & Jr, and Thomas Dodson.

*Notice Benjamin FLETCHER is also noted as a witness. Is this the same Fletcher family associated with Absalom Vess in Wilkes County, NC?

Wilkes County, North Carolina
Although I haven’t found any specific DODSON-VESS records in Wilkes County, North Carolina, I have discovered a DODSON family in Wilkes County with land records for Brushy Mountain dated 1800. This is interesting, because research on Absalom Vess (1803-1809), suggests he was also living near Brushy Mountain.

White County, Tennessee
The DODSON family are neighbors to Peter Vess on the 1820 White County, TN census. The DODSON family are also mentioned in land records for Willis and William Vess.

Franklin County, Alabama
We then later have a couple of DODSON families listed on a plat map next to Willis Vess in Franklin County, Alabama.

Are These DODSON Families Related

It would be a crazy coincident if these DODSON families were not related. I mean what are the odds, this particular VESS family keeps finding themselves next to a DODSON family?

Interestingly, I discovered a DODSON family website, that reveals a similar migration pattern as the VESS family.

We are looking at the descendants of LAMBETH DODSON and SARAH HARRIS of Halifax Co. Virginia (1689-1780). According to this website, Lambeth DODSON had land on the MAYO RIVER in 1765. [Samuel, Peter, and William Vess also had land along the Mayo River 1780-1793]

His brother THOMAS DODSON, married ELIZABETH ROSE. [DNA Triangulation suggests the VESS family may have a ROSE ancestor]. Thomas Dodson had a son named George Dodson, but I am not sure if they are same Thomas and George Dodson’s on the 1793 land record with Peter VESS.

According to the website, Thomas DODSON may be connected to Rev. William Dodson of Iredell County, NC. Unfortunately, this is not 100% confirmed. [Absalom Vess is in Iredell County, NC]

Interesting notes on the children of Lambeth DODSON and Sarah HARRIS:

● RUBEN DODSON married AGNES WHITLOCK in 1780 in Surry County, North Carolina. Agnes Whitlock does appear to be part of the same WHITLOCK family as Talithia Whitlock (wife of Willis Vess) via CHRISTMAS family connections; further research is needed.

[WHITLOCK was in Patrick County, VA the same time as the VESS family and was in Surry County, NC]

● WILLIAM DODSON died in White County, Tennessee after 1830. His son died in White County, TN during the 1820’s, during the same time Peter Vess was in White County, TN too. This may be the same DODSON family living next to Peter VESS.


Other Interesting Finds

The DODSON family has connections with the WHITT family. This is interesting, because Samuel Vess in 1782 is listed next to a WHITT family. It also brings us back to HENRY VICE (more fun stuff on him later).

The DODSON family website references having property on the MAYO RIVER in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, which may suggest a time before Henry County was formed. After discovering BETTY VESS, perhaps there is another DODSON-VESS connection to be found.

Please share your thoughts with us?















Absalom, Jonathan, and Prior Vess: Wilkes County, NC

/ J. L. / Leave a comment

I recently received a book in the mail called, “Wilkes County, NC, Pleas & Quarter Sessions Court Minutes, 1798-1805,” by John A. McGeachy. I meant to order the book covering dates 1805-1810 with Priah (Pryor) Vess; however, the book that came in wasn’t a disappointment…

The book I accidentally ordered has a record for Absalom and Jonathan Vest. Prior to this, the earliest record I have for Jonathan is 1805 and the earliest record I have for Absalom is 1809. This book has them listed for Jury Duty as early as 1803!

Unfortunately, the book for court records between 1805-1810 is not available; however, Google Books online provides us with a preview for PRIAH (Pryor) Vess:

It reveals that Priah (Pryor) Vest was charged with Assault. The preview does not show the date of the court-minute session. However, it continues to state that the defendant was found “not guilty” and that the court ordered Priah and William Vest be “bound” in the sum of 200 pounds for 12 months good behavior (McGeachy).

The index references Absalom and Jonathan Vess/Vest, but provides no preview.

In addition, Vince Vess sent us a link from Genealogy.com in reference to James P. Fletcher. It appears that Jonathan Vess wasn’t the only Vess associated with the Fletcher family; so was Absalom Vess.

In 1809 and 1810, Absalom Vess is mentioned in the Sale of Estate and Inventory of Estate for William Fletcher.

So, who was this Fletcher family and do they have relation to the Fletcher family in Patrick County, VA?

Peter Vess of Rutherford County, NC: Deed Record

/ J. L. / 2 Comments

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

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

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


Familysearch.org Deed Book 45

I will transcribe as best as I can…

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

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

The [illegible] after signing
John Vess

his X mark
Josiah Vests
Peter Vests

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County

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

G. E. Logan“

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

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

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

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

Very interesting!







Hodges and Samuel Vest: Tennesse and Virginia

/ J. L. / Leave a comment

Updated Sept. 8, 2024

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…










Samuel Vess Family Patrick County, VA: Timeline

/ J. L. / 1 Comment

● 1782: Personal Property Tax List Henry County, VA
Samuel Vest with John Whitt, Turner family, William Heard, and Richard Reynolds

● 1783: Personal Property Tax List Henry County, VA
William Vest and Samuel Vess

● 1784: Personal Property Tax List Henry County, VA
Samuel Vess

● 1785: Personal Property Tax List Henry County, VA
Samuel Vest

● Marriage Record Henry County, VA
Peter Vess and Pugnance

● 1786: Personal Property Tax List Henry County, VA
NO VESS/VEST LISTED

● 1787: Personal Property Tax List Henry County, VA
Peter Vess – under age 21. (estimate birth between 1766-1771)
Samuel Vess- over age 21

Notes: Probably estimate Peter’s birth between 1766-1771. Samuel is likely Peter’s father.

● 1788: Personal Property Tax List Henry County, VA
Peter Vess
Sarah Vess
Sam Vess (Samuel Vess)

● 1789: Personal Property Tax List Henry County, VA
Peter Vess
Samuel Vess

● 1790: Personal Property Tax List Henry County, VA
Peter Vess
William Vess
Samuel Vess

Notes: Land records not dated. But Samuel Vess was granted 13 acres part of Abraham Penn’s 1,000 acre grant in 1783 and references Peter Vest’s corner (probably sometime after 1785). William’s land record for 175 acres states surveyor Dickenson which was a surveyor between 1779-1780.

1791: Patrick County, VA was created from Henry County

● 1791: Personal Property Tax List Patrick County, VA
Samuel Vess
Peter Vess

● 1791-1792: Patrick County Land Tax
Samuel Vess transfers 50 acres of land to Peter Vess

● 1792: Personal Property Tax List Patrick County, VA
Samuel Vess
Peter Vess
William Vess

● 1792: Marriage Record Patrick County, VA
Jonathan Vess and Elizabeth Heron

● 1793: Personal Property Tax List Patrick County, VA
Samuel Vess

● 1793: Land Dispute Peter Vess and Fletcher Family with Copely Family
Notes: Tax records show a George and Benjamin Fletcher but no COPELY


● 1793: Patrick County Land Deed List 1791-1801 (FHL film 33,337)
Peter and wife Margaret and John Duncan and wife Janey, 100 acres on Mays River, Dodson line to John Spencer.

● 1794: Personal Property Tax List Patrick County, VA
Samuel Vess

● 1795: Personal Property Tax List Patrick County, VA
Samuel Vess
Peter Vess
Jonathan Vess

● 1796: Personal Property Tax List Patrick County, VA
Peter Vess

Notes: Did Samuel Vess pass away?

● 1797: Personal Property Tax List Patrick County, VA
Peter Vess

● 1798: NO VESS FAMILIES LISTED

Samuel Vess Revolutionary War Records

/ J. L. / 2 Comments

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!












Patrick County, Virginia Vess Families: 1782-1797

/ J. L.

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.