John Vass

Other Events and Attributes:

• Deed-Purchase: 12 Nov 1713, South Farnham, Essex, Virginia, USA
• Deed-Purchase: 07 Jul 1753, Stratton Major Parish, King and Queen, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Essex Co., VA 9 Nov 1742, John Vass witnessed will of Elizabeth Jones of So. Farnham Parish. Will names granddaughter Elizabeth Webb and children Elizabeth Jones, John, William and Rice. (Source: King and Queen County records concerning 18th century persons. Baltimore: Genealogical Pub. Co., 1961, p. 22)

John Vass, s/o Vincent, married Rachel Pendleton d/o Philip Pendleton who married Isabella Hurt. John Vass left a will in Essex County, VA dated 13 Jan 1753 and proved 15 Apr 1755. This will mentioned eldest son Philip Vincent Vass, sons John, Henry and Reuben; daughter Ann Broocks (Brooks); deceased daughter Catherine Jones: children Martha and Ann Jones.

Deed-Purchase:
In a deed of gift dated 12 Nov 1713, Vincent Vass gave his only son, John Vass, a plantation in South Farnham Parish where John Vass lived along with 2 slaves and stock. This is likely the same property later deed (1750/1) to a younger Vincent Vass of Stratton Major Parish.

Deed-Purchase:
250 acres in Stratton Major Parish||

Family/Spouse: Rachel Pendleton. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Ann Brooks

Notes:

Ann Vass, daughter of John Vass married ? Brooks in 1753 [Essex Co., VA Will Book 10, pg 49]

Ann married Brooks in 1753. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Essex Co., VA 16 Mar 1772. Henry proved the will of Joshua Boughton. (Source: King and Queen County records concerning 18th century persons. Baltimore: Genealogical Pub. Co., 1961, p. 60.)

Notes:

Spotsylvania Co., VA
Deed Book F, 5 Oct 1765
Thomas Waller to Oliver Towles, Jr
Question: Is the adjacent property owner identified as Vincent Vass or Philip Vincent Vass?

Philip married Mary Curtis on Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Deed-Purchase: 18 Mar 1750, South Farnham, Essex, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Listed among slave owners in Spotsylvania county in 1783 are: VincentVass (2), Mary Vass (3) and Rice Vass (3).

The name Vincent Vass appears in Francis Jerdone's account book for his King & Queen County store (he was a leading merchant who established a chain of stores). The date of these accounts is 1750-1751. Also in the Jerdone papers are letters which reference a Mrs. Ann Vass who is in dire need for money. Jerdone and his partners advise their clerks to advance Mrs. Ann Vass whatever she needs until the estate of herson, William Johnson, can be settled. I get the impression that her son was wealthy and that Jerdone was somehow involved in the estate.

Following item can be found in the North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal, Vol. IV, page 220 (1978). It comes from the British Records Collection at the N.C. State Archives, Raleig, Stack/File 77.2518.4(Treasury Series T 79/94, Reports of Wm. Hening, Special Agent UnitedStates relative to British Debts.

27 October 1800

Vincent Vass (of Spotsylvania County, VA)

L23.15.8 owed Robert Jardine

'Vincent Vass has experienced a greater variet of fortune than any other man in Virginia. From some short time before this debt was contracted 'till his death, he had married 9 wives. No sooner was he ever marr'd than he spent his wife's [estate] & become insolvent. He died lately in the Penitentiary House in this State to whick Place he was sentenced to sevl yrs confinmt [several years confinement] for killing his ninth & last wife. He resided in the Coty [County] of Spotsa [Spotsylvania]'till about the year 1789 then for some yrs in the Coty [County] of Caroline & lastly in the Co ty of Halifax in this State. He has been solvent & insolvent so often that I find it impossble [impossible] to fix any particular dates to his various lives.'

CAPT. BENJ. WINSLOW, GOODRICK & GRASSLEY of Orange Co. EDWD. HERNDON of Spotsa County.

Incidentally, the Robert Jardine mentioned in this item was a merchant in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County, VA. He is mentioned in two notices in the Virginia Gazette. In the first of January 10, 1775 he notes he is personally overseeing his business in Fredericksburg formerly managed by Mr. George Mitchell. In a note of February 1, 1776 he announces the following: 'I intend to London in a very short Time, and have appointed mr. James Somerville, Merchant of this Place [Fredericksburg], my lawful Attorney, properly authorized to receive and discharge all Debts due me; and I beg that all those who are indebted to my Store will pay the same, and all those who are indebted by Notes, or open Accounts, are requested to come and pay, or reduce them into Bonds till it is more convenient to discharge them. Take Notice, I am the Principal for whom the late George Mitchell was Factor many Years.' Signed Robert Jardine.

Vincent Vass, married Jane Mountague in 1759 [ Essex Co., VA Order book 23 page 135]

Vincent Vass, married Winifred, daugher of John Gatewood in 1761 [Essex Co., VA Order Book 23, page 401]

The settlement of the estate of John Gatewood was made on 16 August 1762 by John Upshaw and Thomas Roane. The division is unclear. Mentionsbrother Richard Gatewood, Vincent Vass, Philip Gatewood, heirs of William Gatewood, Isaac Gatewood, James Rennolds, Thomas Bowcock and William May. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 12, pages 10-12.]

Spotsylvania Co., VA. 16 Nov 1770. Guardian bond to William Garrett with Vincent Vass security for William, Thornton, and Minor Meade, orphans of Thomas Meade. These are siblings of Susannah Meade who married Philip Vincent Vass.

Deed-Purchase:
On 18 Mar 1750 Vincent Vass bought 240 acres in South Farnham Parish from John Vass for 155 lbs. Vincent Vass is identified as being from Stratton Major Parish, King and Queen County.

Vincent married Ann Rust in 1743. Ann was born on 04 Oct 1727 in , Richmond, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Vincent married Elizabeth on 29 Aug 1783 in , Orange, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(Source: Crozier, William Armstrong. Virginia Colonial Militia 1651-1776. Baltimore. Southern Book Co. 1954)

Notes:

Thomas appears on the 1782 land tax list of King and Queen County with 250 acres of land.

Thomas married Sarah Shepherd on Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Sarah Degraffenreid

Sarah married Baker Degraffenreid in 1762 in , Lunenburg, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Between 1780 and 1781, Harrisburg, Granville, North Carolina, USA; In 1781, [P] served as a commisary in Harrisburg, Granville County, North Carolina.
• Tax List: 1790, , Caswell, North Carolina, USA
• Census: 1820, , Halifax, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Philip Vass, in a deposition given in 1816, stated that he was administrator of the estate of Ewen Clements in 1774. He must have been at least 21 at this time giving 1753 as the latest possible birthdate.

The 1769 tuition of Philip Vass at Robertson

Friday, 20th October, 1780. Ordered that the Following be made out and sent Colonel Burton:

Sir:

The Board, with the utmost Impatience, are desirous of hearing from you how you have managed the County Commissioners, what provisions you have collected and Waggons procured. We have not had any account from you since your appointment as toatters.

The great Exigencies of the Army demand immediate supplies, which must be had at every hazard and Event, otherwise the Consequences will be fatal to this Country. Much is therefore depending on your Exertions, having under your care two largcts abounding with all kinds of Necessaries, which by this time we are of opinion might have been here had the Commissioners done their duty and full attention been paid this Service.

Mr. Vass, the Commissioner of Granville, hath behaved with great Remissness of duty, as almost every one in the Counties below you, except Warren. Nothing they have done as yet; they must be superceded for Negligence, and assistants be app by you to immediately purchase, impress or otherwise procure provisions at this critical Juncture, should they continue remiss. The Army march next Monday, and scarce anything here to support them. Beef must be had and drove here with the utmost dispatch, as also eight Waggons to carry the Baggage. The Board flatter themselves, from your zeal for your Country, that nothing will be wanting in you to carry the above into Effect.

Saturday, 4th November, 1780. Ordered that the following be made out and sent Mr. Phillip Vass, County Commissioner, Granville:

Sir:

The last Supplies of Cattle and Wheat from Granville have given the Board great satisfaction as to the activity of its County Commissioner. We wish the Commissioners of some of the other Counties were equally industrious; however, we know thrces of Granville are great as to provision supplies, and we flatter ourselves what you have done is only an Earnest of your future Exertions. You'll inform us what further prospect you have of Cattle and Wheat. The Time of salting Beef and Pork will soon arrive, to which we must pay the closest attention.

Tuesday, 24th October, 1780. Received a Letter from Philip Vass, Commissioner Granville, relative to his department. Filed No. 53.

Tuesday, 31st October, 1780. Received a Letter from Philip Vass, County Commissioner Granville. Filed No. 64.

Sunday, 12th November, 1780. An Order for Twenty-five Bushels Salt given in favour of Philip Vass, County Commissioner, Granville.

Tuesday, 6th February, 1781.
Resolved that Phillip Vass, commissioner of Granville county, do retain for the use of the State, all the hogs now in his possession by order of the Board of War, and claimed by Mr. Taylor and others, giving the owners certificates for the same agreeable to law.
Ordered, that the above Resolve, with the following message, be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:
We send for concurrence a Resolve relative to a number of hogs impressed by Phillip Vass, of Granville county,

Wednesday, 12 May, 1784. Resolved, That the Comptroller settle the accounts of issues with Philip Vass, late County Commissioner in Granville to the end that this State may have credit with the United States for such Issues.

Tax List:
Philip Vass appears in the Caswell County, North Carolina Tax list in 1790.

Census:
1 male 18-26, 1 male over 45, 1 female 16-26, 2 female 26-45, 1 female over 45, 8 male slaves under 14, 4 male slaves 14-26, 1 male slave over 45, 9 female slaves under 14, 6 female slaves 14-26, 5 female slaves 26-45.

All the children of Philip Vass can be accounted for in the 1820 census. James P. Vass is enumerated in his own household. Daughters Elizabeth and Mary are married by this date and are listed in their husband's household. That leaves one son, Philip E., and three daughters, Ann, Apphia, and Sarah L. who are all still living in their father's household.

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Webb. Elizabeth (daughter of James Webb and Mary Edmunson) was born on 30 Jun 1754. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Webster, Irene B. Rockingham County North Carolina Deed abstracts 1785-1800. Southern Historical Press, Inc., Easley, SC. 1973.
p. 100. Book E page 332. John Bellefant to Vincent Vass, Jr. of Person Co. for 225 pds Va. Money. 310A on Adams Br & the river adj. James Ray, George Peay, Dovington, Adam Tate, Oct 26, 1798. geo. Peay, Sr., J. Campbell, Mordecai Johnson.
From Rockingham County North Carolina Will Abstracts 1785-1865, abstracted and compiled by irene B Webster, Southern Historical Press, 1984
Will Book A
p38. James Ray: May 3, 1806. Prb. Nov. 1806. Wife Betty Ray. Daus. Sally Bellenfant, Jinny Ray, Ursley Ray. Sons: Parram Ray, Pleasant Ray, Payton Ray. Exrs: Parram Ray, Pleasant Ray, Payton Ray. Wit: Vincent Vass, Catherine Vass, William Douglass. (pg. 15)
p68. Gideon Johnson, Senr. October 2, 1807. Prb. Nov. 1807. Sons: Gideon Johnson, William Abner, Mordecai and Peter Johnson. Daus: Elizabeth Ray, Judith Condon, Naomi Johnston, Ursula Piller, Nancy Cotton. Grandau: Ursula Deatherage. Exr: son, Gideon Johnston. Wit: Allen Walker, Vincent Vass, Junr., Charles P. May. (pg. 16)

Elizabeth Reid Murray, Wake: Capital County of North Carolina, Vol. I, Prehistory through Centennial, Capital County Publishing Co. (Raleigh, North Carolina 1983), p.71.

The General Assembly continued to meet frequently throughout the war years. The session of 1781 was planned for New Bern, where several earlier session had been held. After Cornwallis

Died:
At home of Spencer T. Hurt

Vincent married Caty Chambers on 05 Feb 1797 in , Person, North Carolina, USA. Caty was born in Jun 1781; died on 26 Aug 1862 in , Tipton, Tennessee, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Ann Parker

Notes:

Halifax Co., VA Marriage Bond - 24 Dec 1827. Preston Parker and ANN VASS who signs her own consent. Sur. and Wit. PHILIP E. VASS. Married 24 Dec 1827 by the Rev. Thomas E. Jeter.

Ann married Preston Parker on 24 Dec 1827 in , Halifax, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Apphia Ewing

Notes:

Halifax Co., VA Marriage Bond - 15 Nov 1823. George B. Ewing and APPHIA VASS, dau. of PHILIP VASS who consents. Sur. John Walsh. Wit. John Walsh and SARAH L. VASS.

Apphia married George B. Ewing on 15 Nov 1823 in , Halifax, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Elizabeth Shapard

Elizabeth married John S. Shapard on 15 Oct 1808 in , Person, North Carolina, USA. John (son of William Shapard and Mary Booker) was born between 1777 and 1784 in , , Virginia, USA; died on 14 Oct 1857 in , Halifax, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Mary Boyd

Mary married on 01 Jul 1794 in , Person, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Sarah L. Womack

Notes:

Halifax Co., VA Marriage Bond - 3 Oct 1827. Edward Womack and SARAH L. VASS who signs her own consent. Sur. Thomas B. Comer. Wit. Thomas B. Comer.

Sarah married Edward Womack on 03 Oct 1827 in , Halifax, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1820, , Halifax, Virginia, USA
• Census: 1830, , Halifax, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Birth:
James' father was County Commissioner of Granville County, NC in 1780. In 1790, he was on the tax list and census of Caswell County, North Carolina. Therefore, James was probably born in either Granville or Caswell County, North Carolina.

Census:
1 male 18-26, 1 female under 10, 1 female 16-26

Census:
3 males under 5, 1 male 30-40, 1 female under 5, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 30-40

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1820, , Halifax, Virginia, USA
• Census: 1830, , Halifax, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Philip E. Vass was convicted in 1831 of the murder of Henry Polly, his overseer, and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He died in prison in 1832. This is the Philip Vass who freed his slaves in his will leading to the famous case of the Vass slaves.

Birth:
Philip's father was on the 1790 tax list of Caswell County, North Carolina. He lived in a section that became Person County in 1791. So, Philip E. Vass was likely born in Person County, North Carolina.

Census:
Philip E. Vass is the male, 26-45, listed in the household of his father, Philip Vass.

Census:
Philip E. Vass is listed in the 1830 Census of Halifax County, North Carolina with 2 males, 30-40, in his household. The second male in the household is likely Henry Polly, his overseer. Shortly after this census, Philip E. Vass is convicted of the murder of Henry Polly.