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.

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!