When I see “Andy Vest” in a North Carolina record, I immediately think of Andrew Logan Vess, but turns out, this is not Andrew Logan Vess at all. This is another unknown VESS!!
I found this record a while ago, for Benjamin and Andy Vest. It comes from the Polk County, North Carolina Court Records, dated 1856. They were ordered to be brought to court to be “dealt with,” no further details were provided.
I was left wondering who in the world is Benjamin (assuming Andy was Andrew Logan Vess), and what in the world did they do!
Turns out, Benjamin and Andy (Andrew) Vess are young teenagers, born between 1846/1847 in North Carolina. They appear to have the Vess surname, with records alternating between Vess and Vest in court-records. Interestingly, later records show that Benjamin settled with the VEST surname, while Andrew appears to have settled with the VESS surname.
1856 Court Records
In March of 1856, they were ordered to be brought to court to be dealt with; assuming they might be orphans.
In June of 1856, they were separated, with the courts ordering the Sheriff to take Benjamin Vest to Jonathan Arledge and Andy Vest to Thomas Littlejohn.
In September of 1856, Benjamin “Vess” entered into an apprenticeship under Jonathan Arledge until the age of 21.
In December of 1856, Andrew “Vess” entered into an apprenticeship under Thomas Littlejohn until the age of 21.
Records indicate that Benjamin “Vest” married Harriet Davidson in 1872 and Andrew “Vess” married a woman named Liewanner in 1899.
Where Did They Come From?
I do not know who the parents of Benjamin and William Vess are or where these kids even came from, but their Polk County court record references Henderson County. Polk County was formed in 1855 from parts of Henderson and Rutherford County.
I am only aware of one VESS family associated with Henderson County, NC. Elizabeth Vess, (ex-wife of John Vess) married Joshua Souther in Henderson County, North Carolina in 1856, but later records show them as residents of Buncombe County. Joshua Souther adopted Elizabeth’s youngest children, so I do not know where Benjamin and William would even fit in.
There must be another Vess/Vest family in the area that we aren’t aware of yet.
I am always saying it! Just when I think there is nothing more to discover, I end up stumbling across something new!
This record is great, as it further supports a Vess-Crook connection.
In 2023, it was discovered, via genetic genealogy methods, that the maiden name of Peter’s wife, Catherine, is CROOK, instead of Cook. An incredible discovery that has opened the door to potential discoveries of Peter and Catherine’s earlier lives and family history.
Catherine Crook is the daughter of John E. Crook and Rachel Haynes of Rutherford County, North Carolina, with the Crook family also having ties to Buncombe County, North Carolina.
During the early 1800’s, John E. Crook, obtained land in Rutherford County, North Carolina, joining his in-laws property (Haynes) on Cove Creek near Broad River, close to Bill’s Creek Baptist Church.
In 1830, Zephaniah Crook, (son of John E. Crook, Catherine’s brother) obtained land joining his father’s land in Buncombe County, North Carolina (on the Swannanoa River), with the land record indicating that John E. Crook is deceased. I haven’t found any records as to what happened to his land; maybe it eventually transferred to Zephaniah.
In 1831, Peter Vess obtains land on Cedar Creek in Rutherford County, North Carolina (later to become Buncombe County). Although Peter lived in Rutherford County, NC, he appears to have a connection to Burke County, North Carolina (later McDowell County), with his children having connections to both Burke and Buncombe County, suggesting possible early family ties to both counties.
Some of the earlier families of Burke County, NC eventually settled in the same general area as the Crook family, in Buncombe County (including the Souther family). There is a family relationship between Peter and these earlier families, but those specific relationships have yet to reveal itself. We also find Peter’s youngest children in Buncombe County, after Catherine’s death.
In 1835, Zephaniah Crook sells his property on Swannanoa River to Frederick Burnett. Peter Vess is listed as a witness. I had to do a double take, because the document is titled, Buncombe Deeds 1890, yet, the land record itself, is specifically dated 1835, not 1890. This isn’t entirely surprising, as I’ve uncovered records from much weirder places.
By researching Catherine’s family, we might be able to find clues to Peter’s past, as I would think they would have met through mutual families.
I was able to dig up another record for Jonathan Vess in Lincoln County, Missouri.
This is exceptionally rare! I was not expecting to find any more records in Missouri, as records prior to 1830 in Missouri are extremely limited!
I found him, out of chance, in the Lincoln County, Missouri Probate Records. The date appears to be 1826, listed in a guardianship record for William Quinn, who was appointed guardian of Isiah Gilmore. William Quinn was ordered to pay bond to 3 men, Jonathan Vess, John “Hepperson,” and Chirstopher McVay, as securities.
In short, these men, usually close neighbors or family members, will be responsible for paying the bond with their own money, in the event, William Quinn were to mismanaged the funds for Isiah Gilmore. It’s my understanding, that this is kind of like an insurance policy for a child who inherited cash/property.
Unfortunately, none of these records seem to provide us any clues as to where Jonathan Vess was prior to 1825; which means, we’ve likely hit another brick wall!
However, it does appear that Christopher McVay and Jonathan Vess in the probate record with William Quinn might have been neighbors.
In 1825, Jonathan Vess obtained land from Alfred Gordon, whose property joined Benjamin Allen’s line. On the 1830 census (the first available census for Lincoln County, Missouri), shows Christopher McVay, listed next to Benjamin Allen, and John Quinn (possible relative of William Quinn). Had Jonathan Vess remained in Missouri after 1829, he probably would be listed on census in between Benjamin Allen and Christopher McVay.
While this strongly suggests he is neighbors with those listed on the probate record, it doesn’t mean they couldn’t be related to them either. Families often traveled in groups, and reside next to each other (or really close to each other). He could have a sister or older daughter, who might be married to one of his neighbors. Or, one of these neighbors could be a cousin.
We just don’t have enough information, to determine whether Jonathan Vess is a lone wolf in Missouri, or if he is following family.
Interestingly, I have been reviewing the Stephen F. Austin Registry of Families to see who else might have arrived in Texas the same time as Jonathan Vess in 1829 and so, far, I have found a John Brown, with his wife Nancy, who not only arrived in Texas in 1829, but also did their oath around the same time in December. Furthermore, I discovered a land record in Jackson County, Texas dated 1830 for a John Brown. I am curious, if this is the same John Brown from Missouri, and if so, what part of Missouri did Mr. Brown come from?
Of course, more research needs to go into this, but it’s the only lead I have for right now.
It’s always exciting to add newly discovered ancestors to the Vess family tree!
Rachel Melinda Vess (1881-1969) is a new addition to the Peter Vess lineage. She is the daughter of James Harvey Vess and Mary Josephine Dalton, granddaughter of Andrew Logan Vess and Lucy Malinda Halford, and great-granddaughter of Peter Vess and Catherine Crook.
Rachel M. Vess never appeared on census, due to the 20 year gap in missing census records between 1880 – 1900. Imagine how many Vess ancestors are missing due to the lost 1890 census!
Rachel Vess married Henry O. Smith on May 11, 1899 in McDowell County, North Carolina. Together they had 5 children: Ella Mae, Lina, Alan, Nelson Burlan, and Bulah Josephine.
From what we can tell, the names “Rachel” and “Melinda” hold significant importance to the Peter Vess family, as we see these names repeated throughout several earlier generations. We do know that Rachel is the name of Catherine Crook’s mother, Rachel Haynes. We also know that Peter and Catherine had a daughter named Rachel. However, I am not sure where the name Melinda comes from – perhaps Peter’s side of the family? Records tell us that one of Peter and Catherine’s daughters also went by the name Melinda.
Josiah (Joseph) Vess is the son of Peter Vess and Catherine Crook in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Not much is known about him, as he seems to have disappeared after 1850, like his older brother John. Fortunately, I was able to dig up a little something…
Burke County
Josiah Vess was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, in 1822, most likely on Knobs Creek. In 1831, his father obtained land on Cedar Creek (located in the Broad River Township), which is sandwiched in between Burke and Buncombe County.
We know from Peter’s records, that the family had connections to Burke County, even though they were residents of Rutherford County. This was likely because Cedar Creek is located closely to the Burke County border.
His parents, Peter and Catherine, left Bill’s Creek Baptist Church prior to 1836, and by 1838, they appear to have become members of Bethlehem Baptist Church, located in Crooked Creek of Burke County. This area of Burke County, will later become part of McDowell County in 1842.
Bastardy Bond: Elizabeth Justice
In 1844, Josiah Vess of Rutherford County, was called to McDowell County, to answer to a Bastardy Bond via Elizabeth Jutis (Justice).
I could not find any more court records about it, so I cannot confirmed whether or not Josiah Vess had a child with Elizabeth Justice. But, if true, the child may have been William A. Justice.
William A. Justice was born in 1844 in McDowell County, and died during the Civil War from disease. The 1850 census reveals his mother’s name was Elizabeth Justice, and there was no father listed on census with her.
1846: Family’s Return To Bill’s Creek
On April 27, 1846, Josiah married Zillah (Zilia) Early, daughter of Andrew Early and Nancy Duncan. Together they had six children: Mary Jane, William Bailey, Rhoda Adeline, Zilla, John Jefferson (pictured below), and Emmaline.
Josiah’s son, John Jefferson Vess and wife, Dorce Sylvain Laughter, with children, Jason and baby Zilla.
During the Fall Court of 1846, Josiah, and his older brother John, are part of the deed transaction between his father, Peter Vess, and Joseph Souther. This is when Peter gave his land (on Cedar Creek) to Joseph Souther to settle a $50 debt.
On December 26, 1846, Josiah and his wife, Zilla, along with his brothers John, Andrew, Alfred, and Alexander, become members of Bill’s Creek Baptist Church, joining their mother, Catherine who returned in 1844.
On the 1850 census, the Vess family is back in Bill’s Creek (Rutherford Co).
Here we see Josiah, listed with his wife, Zilla, and two of their children, Mary and William. His older brother, John and his family are also listed, as well as their mother Catherine, with the rest of his siblings (except for Andrew, who is living near his Halford in-laws).
Peter probably died shortly after transferring his land to Joseph Souther in 1846.
1849-1853 Conflict With Father-In-Law
We can find records of Josiah Vess in the book, “Bill’s Creek Baptist Church: Two Hundred Year History,” by Helen M. Lu.
Lu notes that Josiah Vess was a member of the church in 1846, 1847, 1848, and 1849.
On October 15, 1853, he was excluded due to excessive drinking. In November, he was charged for threatening to kill his father-in-law (Andrew Early). However, his membership was restored in December, after admitting that he did make “some threat,” but did not follow through with it.
Death of Josiah and Zilla Vess
There is no official record of Josiah’s death, however, Josiah and his family seem to have disappeared after the 1850 census, with their children reappearing after 1870 as adults.
We do know that Zillah died on December 26, 1862, as we find her memorial in the book, “Bill’s Creek Baptist Church: Two Hundred Year History,” by Helen M. Lu. Her memorial does not mention her husband, focusing largely on her young children, suggesting he may have passed away prior to 1860.
“Sister Vess left behind a numerous family of helpless little children to mourn their irreparable loss.” – Bill’s Creek Baptist Church: Two Hundred Year History, by Helen M. Lu.
1860: The Nanney Family
Although Zilla’s death is reported to be in 1862, her children appear to be living with the Nanney family on Cathey’s Creek in 1860.
On the 1860 census, in Cathey’s Creek, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Amos and Temp Nanney list their children as “Thomas, Mary, Zeruah, Jothan, William, and Infant.”
Thomas is the son of Amos Nanney, as later records reveal; but, the other listed children, do not appear in future records or are listed on any family trees. However, their names do match the names of Josiah’s children (Mary, Zillah, John, and William), strongly suggesting, these children are likely VESS.
I cannot confirm 100%, that the children of Josiah were living with a Nanney family in 1860, as the record itself is badly faded (below is just a transcription of it); however, there are a couple of other Nanney-Vess connections.
Nanney Family Connections
Josiah’s oldest daughter, Mary, married Charles Nanney, son of Randal Nanney. And, his son, John Vess is listed in the will for Tinsey Searcy (Nanney), daughter of James Nanney (Amos Nanney’s uncle).
I wasn’t able to find any earlier Vess-Nanney connections. They do not appear as members of Bill’s Creek Baptist Church, so I am not sure how the children of Josiah and Zilla became acquainted with the Nanney family.
Burke County, North Carolina is interesting, because many families in Wilkes County, North Carolina relocated to this area after 1800, including our families of DNA interest: the Rose, Parks, and Sparks families. But, so did the Souther family, who were once close neighbors of Absalom Vess in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Peter Vess seems to have a connection with some of the Wilkes County, NC families in Burke County, NC, but whatever those connections are specifically, have yet to reveal itself…
I found a new Burke County record, dated 1833, with Peter Vess listed on the “Sale of the Estate of Moses Noblitt/ Noblett,” having obtained an ax and a saw from the sale. Also listed, but not the least surprising, is also John Souther. Another record with Vess and Souther.
You can find Noblitt/Noblett on the Vess Family tree, but the connection is generations later, via sisters, Lola Mae Vess and Mattie Vess, daughters of Alfred Vess and Nancy Banther (descendants of Andrew Logan Vess). They married Noblitt cousins, related to the earlier Noblitt family of Burke County, NC.
Moses Noblitt lived on Crooked Creek. In 1831, he added 5 acres to his existing property next to the Davis family. This is interesting for several reasons:
The Vess and Davis families have a long oral history of being old close families, but no one seems to know their history together. We don’t have a lot of Davis-Vess connections on the family tree. Yet, Andrew Logan Vess is buried in the Davistown Free-Will Baptist Church cemetery, that used to be a private cemetery for the Davis family.
Michael Souther, from Wilkes County, North Carolina obtained land in 1801 on Crooked Creek. This makes me wonder if Peter Vess could have also been on Crooked Creek prior to 1820.
Other interesting families on Crooked Creek include the Burgin, Bird, Bellew, and Crawford families:
a) Burgin and Bird are some of my earlier ancestors via my 2nd great grandmother, Cora Nevada Moffitt, wife of Pinkney Vess (son of Andrew Logan Vess).
b) The Burgin family was a prominent family in North Carolina, with large tracts of land and plantations, who were also involved in politics. A website during the early 2000’s, mentioned Burgin having a “Vess” servant, which has been long since deleted (I never saved a copy). If not a man named “Vess,” I do not know what a “Vess” servant could mean. But the idea of Peter having been an indentured servant is not new.
c) Jesse Souther, brother of Michael Souther, came to Burke County after 1810 and appears on record near the Burgin, Bird, and Bellew families.
d) Bellew interests me, because we don’t exactly know (100% for sure) the origins of Nathaniel Vess and Clarinda Bellew.
e) Crawford interests me, because I share DNA matches with Willis Vess of Franklin County, Alabama via a Crawford connection – which is bizarre, as the Willis Vess family, to the best of my knowledge, has never been to Burke, Rutherford, or Buncombe County.
Peter Vess obtained land on Cedar Creek in Rutherford County, North Carolina in 1831. This property is located in the Broad River Township, which is sandwiched in between Buncombe and Burke County. Peter’s property is close to the Crooked Creek area, where we are finding records of him in Burke County.
There is so much more to explore in Burke County, North Carolina; especially, in the Crooked Creek area (now McDowell Co), as many of those families later relocated to Buncombe County, where we have more Vess connections.
I didn’t think there were anymore records to be discovered for Nathaniel Vess.
When it comes to early Vess ancestors, Nathaniel Vess probably has the most records, so it was extremely exciting when I was able to find more records for him.
1849 Buncombe County, North Carolina: Land Record
In 1849, Jackson Vest (Andrew Jackson Vess), son of Nathaniel Vess, makes several transactions with D. E. Freeman, to secure a debt, which requires repayment. A. Baird is authorized to auction Jackson’s property, if repayment is not made. Nathaniel Vess is witness to the transactions.
Jackson transferred the Deed of Trust to D. E. Freeman on 11/3/1849.
1853 Haywood County, North Carolina: Court Record
In 1853, State Vs Nathan Vest, Nathaniel Vess had a judgement against him for $100, which was dischargeable upon payment to the court.
1854 Haywood County, North Carolina: Court Record
In 1854, Nathaniel Vess was called upon as a witness in a court case between Robert Rogers (and others) and John L. Smith (and others).
The case pertained to the estate of Lewis Smith (deceased 1842), specifically, regarding a dispute about a rental agreement and maintenance responsibilities of the property that were not being kept up.
Robert Rogers requested that rent be minimal due to the conditions of the property affecting the land value. There were several witnesses giving testimony about the condition of the property and improvements (if any).
Nathaniel Vess was a witness for John L. Lewis, giving testimony about the condition of the property the past 3 years and noting changes to the property.
He submitted a request for reimbursement for $1.40, for appearing as a witness and for travel expenses.
1856 Haywood County, North Carolina: Court Record
In 1856, Nathaniel Vess was bound to $500 to the court for the welfare of a child Abraham Vess, had out of wedlock with Caroline Mathis.
1860 Haywood County, North Carolina: Land Record
In 1860, there are 2 land records (2857 & 2858) for Nathaniel Vess.
He first claimed 100 acres located on Hurricane Creek & waters of Pigeon River.
Then, he claimed 100 acres on the east side of Pigeon River with John L. Smith.
Nathaniel Vess of North Carolina
I never thought in a zillion years, I’d ever discover a land record for Nathaniel Vess, let alone court records.
When we think of Nathaniel Vess, we immediately connect him to South Carolina; however, he appears to have spent a good portion of his adult life in North Carolina. It’s also important to note, that almost all of his children were married in Haywood County, North Carolina.
But, remarkably, not a single record suggesting any kind of connection to Peter Vess of Rutherford County, North Carolina, despite being in Rutherford County, North Carolina in 1830 with his Bellew in-laws. And, nothing to further support his connection to South Carolina.
During the 18th and 19th century, it became increasingly popular among Southern families to use their middle name as their first name.
While it wasn’t uncommon for formal documents to address men by their middle name, rather than their given name, it didn’t usually apply to women (they often had to use their given name).
1852 Case Record: Eleana Vest vs John Vess & Others
An 1852 record was shared with me, about a case between an “Eleana Vest” (deceased) and the children of Peter and Catherine Vess, pertaining to the sale of property.
The immediate question on everyone’s mind is: Who in the world is Eleana Vest?
Jones O Williams Administrator of Eleana Vest Deceased Vs John Vest & Others Petition to sell real Estate
“In this case the Court appoints R. L. Gilkey Guardian [illegible] to the infant defendants to wit, Rachel, Eliz or Malinda, Zephaniah , & Jasper Vest , and orders publication to be made in the Mountain Banner for six consecutive for John, Alfred & Alney Vest to appear at the next term of this court to be held on the 6th Monday after the 4th Monday in June and next to show cause if any they can why the [illegible] of the Petition shall not be granted. Publication made 8th June 1852.
Another record was shared with me, dated 1856, pertaining to the same case above, acknowledging the “execution of an order to Jonathan Williams, a tract of land containing 109 acres more or less.”
Neither record provides a description of the land, but according to a deed record in 1846, Peter Vess transferred his property, “109 acres more or less” to Joseph Souther, to cover a $50 debt. The record did state that if the debt was paid, the transaction would become void.
Because the property involves the children of Peter and Catherine, including their minor children, this strongly suggests this could be Peter’s property on Cedar Creek.
Would this mean, the property was returned to the Vess family at some point? And, if so, is “Eleana,” his wife, Catherine?
Unavailable Records
The case was supposedly published in the Mountain Banner (local newspaper) in 1852, which probably would have included a description of the property. Unfortunately, Newspapers.com, the largest database of newspapers, does not have any copies of the paper published in 1852.
There also doesn’t seem to be any further deed records available regarding this sale of property. Neither under the names of Jones Williams or Eleana Vest to Jonathan Williams.
1848 Court Minutes: Tax List
There are no census records for an Eleana Vest. However, we do see an “Eleazar Vest” on the 1848 Rutherford County, NC tax list with Andy Vest (Andrew Logan Vess). Could this be Eleana (Eleanor), misspelled?
At first I thought this was Eleazar Vest, a real person from Virginia, but there are no records suggesting he ever left Virginia, had any business in North Carolina, or any kind of possible connection to VESS.
Eleanor Is Often Misspelled
In the book, “Bill’s Creek Baptist Church ⎮ Two Hundred Year History 1782-1982,” by Helen M. Lu, there does list an E. C. Vess, Elaner C. Vess, and an Eleanor C. Vess. However, she appears in member lists after 1880, and is noted as the wife of Bailey Vess, with census records (listed as B. W. Vess and Ellen C. Vess) stating she was born in 1851. Rules her out as Eleana Vest in 1852.
I do not know which Bailey Vess. Interestingly, our family lineage for Peter Vess, which is quite extensive, has several ancestors named Bailey Vess; however, neither are listed with a wife named Eleanor C. Vess. I guess we have another mystery to dig into!
Anyway, my point, is that the name Eleanor has various misspellings. I’ve also seen it spelled as Eliana too.
So…perhaps Catherine’s full name is Eleanor Catherine Crook? This might explain why we haven’t found any marriage records between Peter and Catherine.
More Research Is Needed To Confirm
While, this seems like this could be Catherine and may very well be Catherine, we need more records to confirm it!
Nonetheless, this is very exciting! Please let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Citations
Lu, Helen M. Bill’s Creek Baptist Church: Two Hundred Year History. 1984.
John Vess (b. 1820) is the son of Peter Vess and Catherine Crook in Rutherford County, NC. He married Elizabeth Taylor and had 5 children together: Sarah, Silas, Mary, Sophrona, and William.
In 1854, Elizabeth announced her divorce to John Vess in the newspaper, stating he was an out-of-state resident. She married Joshua Souther in Henderson County, NC, the same day she announced her divorce in the newspaper.
A newly discovered record, reveals that Silas and Mary Vess, “orphans of John Vess,” were bound to Joshua Souther in 1855.
This suggests John Vess either died or is long gone from the state of North Carolina!
We do not know where John Vess went after 1850.
There is some speculation that he is one of the three John Vess families in Abbeville County, South Carolina, while there is some speculation that he is John P. Vess in Franklin County, Alabama who is not only the same age at John Vess in North Carolina, but also doesn’t appear in Alabama until 1860.
John Vess as John P. Vess would make those mysterious close shared DNA matches between me (a descendant of Peter Vess) and the Alabama Vess family (connecting to Tennessee Simmons/ Dodson family) make better sense, since John P. Vess married Louisa F. Simmons, who I believe is Louisa F. Dodson, former wife of Zachariah T. Simmons in Tennessee.
Remarkably, by arranging my shared DNA matches to the Alabama Vess family to match their suggested relationship to me on Ancestry’s family tree, strongly suggests that Willis Vess or John P. Vess is the son of Peter Vess.
Unfortunately, just because it would make sense, doesn’t mean it’s accurate.
We need more DNA testing and genealogical records to further explore the relationship between both Vess families.
According to the Stephen F. Austin’s Register of Families, Jonathan Vess arrived in Texas in 1829 from Missouri.
Stories about Jonathan Vess never mention Missouri, as it has been long believed he came from South Carolina.
So, let’s do some research!
Vess/Vest Records
Early Vess records often alternate between the VESS, VOSS and VEST surnames. We see it in records for the early Vess/Vest families in Patrick County, Virginia, early Vest/Vess families in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and early records for our known ancestors like Peter and Willis Vess.
The VESS surname didn’t really stick until after 1840.
This consistent use of alternating names in early records helps us identify “potential” VESS ancestors to further research. We cannot immediately assume they are VESS, but it has become an efficient tool in looking for Vess-related records that may be under a similar surname.
Jonathan – Not As Popular As John
Fortunately for us, Jonathan Vess appears to have preferred the name “Jonathan” over “John,” which vastly narrows down the search field for potential records.
Interestingly, Jonathan, as a first name, doesn’t seem as popular as the first name, John. Indexed searches for Jonathan on Ancestry.com, in general, regardless the surname, still returns just a couple of pages of results – making it extremely easy to browse through!
Military Records
I came across two military records – one for Jonathan VESS (Rangers, United States Volunteers) and another for Jonathan VEST (Capt. Collard’s Co. Louisiana Militia).
I am very confident these records refer to the same individual, but further research is needed, because there are no stories that Jonathan Vess ever went to Missouri, let alone Louisiana!
Interesting Military History: War of 1812
It turns out that, Capt. Collard’s “Louisiana Militia” is sort of misleading on this record for Jonathan Vest. It’s not Louisiana as we know it today.
Elijah Simmons Collard started out as a private in the Upper Louisiana Militia, an area that was known as Haute-Louisiane (aka Illinois Country), which included Missouri territory. He then became Captain of the “Missouri” Militia.
Jonathan VEST is listed as a private under Captain Collard’s Company, which if Collard was “captain” at that time, this would likely include the Missouri Militia.
There is also a military record for Jonathan VESS as a Ranger. Rangers were volunteers, and they came out of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. As you can see on the map above, those states appear to be located in Upper Louisiana.
The Capt. Collard’s Co. record for Jonathan Vest likely refers to the Battle of New Orleans (1815), which included volunteers (Rangers) and militia’s.
Jonathan Vest is listed as a Louisiana solider for the Battle of New Orleans. However, there doesn’t seem to be a record of him, on official military lists regarding that battle, suggesting he was likely a volunteer. Which is probably why there are two War of 1812 records for him – one regarding the Battle of New Orleans and the other stating he is a Ranger.
Building A TimeLine To Search For More Records
Given the history of the Rangers and Capt. Elijah Simmons Collard, I suspect Jonathan Vess was not a resident of Louisiana during the Battle of Orleans, but a resident somewhere in Upper Louisiana (Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois area).
While records for Jonathan Vess appear scarce, these military records give us a further look at where he might have been in between his marriage in 1792 in Virginia (to Elizabeth Heron) and his arrival to Texas in 1829, allowing us to narrow our search for more records.
As for his connection to South Carolina, I am still researching!
1792 Patrick County, Virginia Marriage Jonathan Vess and Elizabeth Heron
1795 Patrick County, Virginia Tax List Jonathan Vess
1803 Wilkes County, North Carolina Jury Duty Jonathan Vess
1805 Wilkes County, North Carolina Land Record Jonathan Vess/Vest Witness to land record between Nathan Duncan & John Fletcher Jr.
War of 1812 Records Jonathan Vess (Ranger) Jonathan Vest (Capt. Collard Louisiana Militia) Battle of New Orleans
1829 Stephen F. Austin Register of Families Jonathan Vess
Vess Genealogy 