Click here to see the 2020-2026 Research
A family whose history and origins are just as mysterious as the Vess name itself!
Welcome to our website, a research site dedicated to unearthing the lost history, true origins, and lineages of the Vess family and their incredibly unique surname.
For generations, historical records have obscured early Vess ancestors – often blending Vess branches with phonetically similar surnames like Vest, Voss, Vass, and West. By pairing traditional genealogical research with modern genetic genealogical research, we are methodically breaking through brick walls to correct long-standing genealogical errors and restore true ancestral lines.
Vess Family DNA Project:
Testing genetic markers to confirm paternal lineages, separate misattributed branches, locate and identify earlier Vess ancestors, and establish concrete genetic links between American and European lineages.
Archival Reconstruction:
Re-evaluating primary source documents (wills, deeds, census records, military rolls, etc.) to untangle conflated identities and establish accurate timelines.
Open Collaboration:
Serving as a centralized repository for researchers, descendants, and family historians to compare findings, share documentation, and advance our collective understanding.
Whether you are looking to trace your lineage, learn more about the Vess surname, or want to help us piece together the complete story of the Vess family, this site is for you!
Vess Family Groups
North Carolina
Vess Family
(R1a2)
Rockbridge Co. Virginia
Vess Family
(Haplogroup Unknown)
Samuel Vess
Hiram Vess
We have identified two early Vess family groups, separated from the early Vest, Voss, Vass, and Vert families. At this time, we do not know if the two Vess families are related, as the Rockbridge County, Virginia Vess family has yet to complete Y-DNA testing.
BLOG
O’Donnell Vess
Family stories are one of those things genealogists love, but are discouraged to use in their research, due to the fact family stories are not always accurate, most of the time exaggerated, or made up entirely. But, I am not like most genealogists…I’d like to believe that family stories still contain some ounce of truth,…
William Vess and The Great Western Land Pirate (Update 2026)
Originally Published September 27, 2021 • Updated February 24, 2024 • Updated August 26, 2026 As you may know, I have been investigating a family story about an “outlaw” that the Vess family was supposedly involved with at one time. Thus far, I’ve explored possible connections with the outlaw, Lewis Redmond, who was “loved and…
Research Update 2026
It took me awhile, but I have FINALLY posted my personal perspective on Vess genealogy, based on the traditional and genetic genealogical evidence collected since 2020. The World of Vess Genealogy Our lineage, history, and origins prior to 1820, still remain somewhat a mystery; however, new genealogical records paired with genetic genealogical research is now…
Vess Genealogy 