He married circa 1679. Her name is unknown. She was born circa 1661. Before moving to the Eastern Shore Geraldus lived in Boston (Turner: 115).

On 5 May 1683 Geraldus made an agreement with Reynier Vander and had it recorded in court (115). An abstract of the record reads:

Articles of Agreement Doctor Gerraldus Vessell of Boston, New England merchant and Reynier Vander Colen of New Castle, merchant by mutuall and vollintary agreement do contract and agree for the term of 7 years that whatsoever state of moveables that either party possess being by these presents firmly joyntly in copartership only the said Doctor Gerraldus Wessells excepting 1 house and lott in the City of Boston belonging to his wife but yearly rent and benefitt therof shall be to the joynt copartership, also The said Reynier Vander Colen excepting 1 lott and 2 houses in New Castle betwrrn the church and Ephraim Harmon's which he say be belonging to his wife, but yearly rent and benefitt therof shall be to the joynt copartership ... 300 a. further that all debts of either or both parties to be paid, if either of the parties doth refuse, neglect, defaud and delinquence his utmost to endeavour, help and assistance in the good management of the 300 a. afsd, shall forfitt to the party wronged the sum of 500 pounds... . Wit: Cornelious verhoofe, Anthont Heverly, Wm. Clark. (B:pg 96).

He petitioned the Maryland court to become a citizen in 1694 in Maryland (Maryland Assembly Proceedings: 58).

The record reads:

An Act for the Naturalization of Peter Ferdinando and his Children, of Andrew Imbert, Claudius Dutitree Gerardus Wissells and James his Son, Abraham Ambrose Lewis Dee Kock Brune John de Vagha Herman van Burkelo Nicholas de lamontaigne Hendrick Sluyter and Jacob Sluiter Junior Be it enacted by the King and Queen's most Excellent Maties by and with the Advice and Consent of this present Generall Assembly and the Authority of the same That Peter Ferdinando, Winifrid, Elizabeth, Mary, and Ann Daughters of the said Peter Andrew Imbert, Claudius Dutitree, Gerardus Wessells and James his son, Abraham Ambros and Abraham his sonn Lewis deKock Brune John de Vagha Herman Van Burkelo Nicholas de la Montagne Hendrick Sluyiter and Jacob Sluyter Junior and all and every of them shall from henceforth be adjudged reputed and taken as naturall borne People of this Province And th' they and every of them by the Authority aforesaid be Enabled and adjudged to all Intents and Purposes to Demand Challenge ask have hold and enjoy any Lands Tenements Rents and Hereditaments to which they might in any wise be Intituted as if they were free and naturall borne People and Subjects & also that they and every of them shall and may be Enabled to prosecute maintaine and avow and Justify and Defend all maner of Actions suits pleas plaints and other Demands whatsoever as liberally, ffrankly fifreely fully Lawfully and securely as if they and every of them had been naturall borne people or Subjects any Law Statute usage or Custom to the Contrary in any wise notwithstanding.

Geraldus Wessells had the following child:

1. James Wessells was born circa 1680. James died before 25 June 1754 (Nottingham Wills: 181).

He married Elizabeth circa 1707. Her surname is unknown. Elizabeth, was born circa 1689.

James and his father, Geraldus were naturalized in 1694 in Maryland. Maryland Assembly Proceedings: 58).

He witnessed the will of James Hutchinson on 30 December 1712 in Accomack Co., VA. it was probated 2 June 1713 (Nottingham Wills: 48). An abstract of the will reads:

HUTCHINSON, JAMES - 30 Dec. 1712 - 2 June 1713 - To son Thomas Hutchinson (under 18) plantation where I now live containing 366 acres & should he offer to sell the same I give it to my son James (under age) Daughter Elizabeth. To Howell Butey. To Howell Glading. To Martha Pitt. To William Howard. To Patience Simson. Unborn child. Wife Elizabeth & friend John Gladden Ex'rs. Witt: James Wessells, Kendall Towles, Thomas Towles.

James registered to pay taxes for the years 1723 to 1734 in Annenessex Hundred in Somerset Co, MD. (*). In 1731, 1733 and 1734 his son Ephraim was also listed (Somerset MD Tax Lists).)

On 29 January 1749 in Accomack Co., VA on indenture was made between he and Edmond Linton.

Grantor: Edmund Linton Grantee: James Wessels, planter (Keddie: 73). The indenture reads:

For and in consideration of a good and suffucuent maintenance during his natural life and for other good causes and considerations the said Linton conveys and makes over to Wessels all that tract or parcel of land lying and being near the head of Back Creek cont. 50 more or less and being the part of the land formerly belonging to Darby Linton deceased and bounded: adjoining the land of Col. Arbuckle and thence to the land of Mark Evans and from thence ... to the land of Ephraim Wessells, son of the said James and thence to the land of Mark Ewell and to have with all houses, orchards etc.

Signed
Edmund Linton

Witnesses
Major Bird
Solomon Bird

James made a will on 7 April 1751 in Accomack Co., VA. It was probated 25 June 1754 (Nottingham Wills: 181). An abstract of his will reads:

VESSELS, JAMES, Sr. living on Fisher's Island - 7 Apr. 1751 - 25 June 1754 - To son Ephraim Vessels 1 s. To son Shadrack 1 s.  To son Elijah 1 s. To son James plantation & land where he now lives being 50 acres Bal. of estate to wife Elizabeth during her widow & then to my 3 daughters as my wife sees fit, viz: Keturah, Betty & Rebecca Vessels - To daughter  Hannah 1 s. Wife & son James Exrs.  Not witnessed  - Proved by James Vessels.

NOTE: The location of Fisher’s Island is not known.

On 1 July 1751 in Accomack Co., VA, a procession was ordered to be taken both James Wessells and his son Ephraim were present. This was the last time James shows up in the procession records (Walczyk Processioners: 75.). The district included Back Creek to the North Branch of Guilford up the Branch to Wallops Road Including Elias Bell’s land decd bounding on Wallops Road to Long Love Branch.

James Wessells and Elizabeth, his wife had the following children:

i. Hannah Wessells was born circa 1715.

ii. Ephraim Wessells was born circa 1717. Ephraim died before 25 January 1774 (Nottingham Wills: * 274-275). He married twice. He married a daughter of Arthur Parks and Sarah his wife, circa 1739. She was born circa 172. She died before 1765.

He married Ann circa 1765 in Accomack Co., VA. Ann, was born circa 1740. Ann, made a will on 19 July 1776 in Accomack Co., VA. It was probated 24 September 1776 (Nottingham Wills: 298). An abstract of her will reads:

VESSELS, ANN - 19 July 1776 - 24 Sept. 1776 - To son in law Ephraim Vessells. To daughter Amey Vessells. To daughter Ann Vessells. Ephraim Vessells Exr. Witt: William Young, Sr., Sinah Justice, Rebecca Vessells.

Ephraim Wessells was listed in the household of his father, James Wessells in 1730 in Little Annamessex Hundred (Russo: 3). The Tax Tist reads:

Ephraim Wessells, Ephraim Wessells [hs]" (his son) household 121 Annemessex Hundred [Smiths Island].

Ephraim Wessells was listed in the household of James Wessells in 1733 in Somerset Co, MD. The Tax List reads:

Wassells, James, Wassells, Ephraim, Robert Smith houshold 67 Annemessex Hundred [Crisfield]." He was listed between Thomas Summers and Thomas Ward. (*)

Ephraim Wessells was listed in the household of James Wessells in 1734 in Somerset Co, MD (Russo: 65.). the tax list reads: "Wepells, James, Wepells Ephraim, household 117, Annemessex Hundred [Crisfield]." he was listed between Philby Dies and Selby Claywell. NOTE: after this year there are no more Wessells in Somerset.

On 3 July 1746 in Accomack Co., VA Ephraim bought 50 acres on Silverthorne Ridge in Accomack from Richard Evans (Accomack Deeds, 1744-1753: 512).

An transcript of the deed reads:

This indenture made this third day of July Anno Domini MDCCXLVI between Richard Evans of the Province of Maryland of the one part and Ephraim Vessells of Accomack County in the Colony of Virginia, Planter, of the other part. Land lying and being in the Swamp near the head of Back Creek known by the name of Silverthorne's Ridge bounded on the land of William Young Sen. from thence to the land of Rachel Royal and Mark Evans. It being part of the tract where on Mark Evans now dwells being 50 acres. Mary wife of Richard relinquishes her rights. 30 July 1746 - Richard Evans presented and acknowledged his indenture with [-----] [-----] to Ephraim Vessells to be his act of Deed and admitted to record previous to which Mary, the wife of the said Richard was privately examined and voluntarily relinquished her right of dower in the lands comprising in this venture.

On 1 July 1747 in Accomack Co., VA, a procession was ordered to be taken among others the boundaries of the lands of Ephraim Wessells were processioned (Walczyk Processioners: 63.). This district was from Back Creek to the North Branch of Guilford up the Branch including Elias Bell's land bounding on Wallops Road to Longlove Branch. The text reads:

. . . between Mark Ewell & Ephraim Vessells; a line between Ephrim Vessells & Edmond Linton; a line between Mark Evans & Eprhim Vessells; a line between Ephrim Vessells & Richard Justice. . ." Ephraim was present when the procession was taken

He resided Back Creek, in Accomack Co., VA in 1747. He was names as the owner of the land adjoining Edmund Linton’s property in a deed on 29 January 1749 in Accomack Co., VA. (Keddie: 73).

In 1749 in Accomack Co., VA Ephraim 50 bought acres of land (A109) near land of John Evans from Mark Ewell of Mark (Whitelaw: 1108).

In his father, James Wessells will on 7 April 1751 in Accomack Co., VA, Ephraim was named as an heir. It was probated 25 June 1754 (Nottingham Wills: 181).

On 1 July 1751 in Accomack Co., VA, a procession was ordered to be taken both Ephraim Wessells and James Wessells were present (Walczyk, Processioners 1723-1794: 75.). The district encluded Back Creek to the North Branch of Guilford up the Branch to Wallops Road Including Elias Bell’s land decd bounding on Wallops Road to Longlove Branch. The text reads:

Pursuant to an Order of Vestry Dated the First Day of Augt 1751, We the Subscribers Excepting one Line between Robt Justice & Mark Evans, Else have Processioned all the land lines from Back Creek To the North Branch of Guilford up the Branch to Wallops Road Encluding Elias Bell’s land decd bounding on Wallops Road to Longlove Branch a new line between Robt Justice & Wm Young; & a new line between Wm Young & Jno Young; a new line between Jos: Walker & Thos Riley; a new line between Jos: Walker & Mary Sparrow. The Persons present Thos Riley, Richd Justice, Jos: Walker, Mark Evans, Geo: Hope Ewell, Mark Ewell, Wm Cook, Benjn Parks, James Vessels, Wm Taylor, Robt Justice, Ephraim Vessels, Jno Young, Wm Young, Jos: Riggs, Joshua Riggs, Richd Hasting, Robt Davis, Jno Taylor, Henry Wright, Wm Savage, Jno Major, Jno Pettit, Wm Evans, Wm Hickman, McWilliams Wright, John Taylor.

Ephraim Wessells was present for procession taken on 5 May 1759 in Accomack Co., VA (Walczyk Processioners1723-1794: 92.). The district taken was from Back Creek to the North Branch of Guilford & so up the Middle Road.

In Mark Ewell of Mark's will, Ephraim was named by Mark to handle his estate on 10 October 1760 in Accomack Co., VA. The will was probated 30 December 1860 (Nottingham Wills: 202).

An abstract reads To son George Ewell plantation where I now live and that part of land I hold by my father's will. To son William Ewell 50 acres. Daughter Sarah Ewell. To daughter Ann /Ewell/ Daughter Famey Ewell. Wife Tabitha and Ephraim Vessells Exrs. Witt: George Hope Ewell, Thomas Lewis, William Young." - In order of probate: Tabitha Ewell appointed guardian to George Ewell, heir at law to the testator.

In the 1762 James Justice in orphan's account Ephraim Wessells was paid L02.10 for board. Arthur Emmerson was James Justice's guardian (Walczyk Orphans 1741 -1770: 62). In the 1763 James Justice in orphan's account Ephraim Wessells was paid L01.10 for board. Ann Emmerson, widow of Arthur, was James Justice's guardian (Walczyk, Gail Orphans 1741-1770: 72). Circa 1764 Ephraim and [-----] had John Wessells of Ephraim. In the 1764 James Justice in orphan's account Ephraim Wessells was paid L01.10 for plank. John Walker now was James Justice's guardian (72). In the 1765 James Justice in orphan's account Ephraim Wessells was paid L00.12.3 for plank. John Walker again was James Justice's guardian (Walczyk Orphans 1741-1770: 86).

In the procession ordered to be taken on 22 July 1771 in Accomack Co., VA, Ephraim Wessells was one of the processioners assigned to procession the Back Creek District (Walczyk Processioners 1723-1792: 101.).

Ephraim made a will on 21 December 1773 in Accomack Co., VA. It was probated 25 January 1774 (Nottingham Wills: 275-276). An abstract of the will reads:

WESSELLS, EPHRAIM - 21 Dec. 1773 - 25 Jan. 1774 - Wife Ann Wessells. To son Arthur Wessells 16 acres adjcent where he lives. To son Ephraim Wessells my plantation & all the land belonging not before given. To daughter Creshe Parks Wessells. To daughter Rebeccah Wessells. To daughter Rachel Wessells. To son Ephraim Wessells 16 acres that I hold of William Young, Jr., & 20 acres of land & marsh being part of the land & marsh that was William Young Sr's. on France Creek. To son Ephraim Wessells land purchased of Robert Justice & Joseph Webb until my son John comes of age. Daughter Ann Wessells. Bal. of estate to wife during her widow Daughters Rebecca, Rachel & Ann residual legatees. Wife & son Ephraim Exrs. Witt: William Young, Sr., David Lewis, Solomon Ewell. In order of probate: James Wessells heir at law to the testator.

NOTE: on the north side of Timber Creek and west of the western bayside road there is a large acreage of upland and marsh, much of the latter being hard marsh which was good grazing ground. The next indentation above Timber Creek is Little Back Creek, and the one above that is french or France Creek. The mashes between the two originally were called Marvell's Islands, but later this name was used only for the lower one, while the upper became Shores or Shoaris Island. The land above the last namd was called the Island Ridge. Originally Little Back Creek was called Marvell's Creek, or My Lord Marvells's Back Creek; Little Back Creek was Oyster Creek, and Young's Creek was Island Creek for a while until it became the south fork of Muddy Creek. - (Whitelaw p 1107).

iii. Keturah Wessells was born circa 1719. In James Wessells will on 7 April 1751 in Accomack Co., VA, Keturah was named as an heir. It was probated 25 June 1754 (Nottingham Wills: 181).

iv. Elijah Wessells was born circa 1721. Elijah died before 24 February 1794 (Nottingham Wills: *). He married Sophia Clark before 26 April 1768 in Accomack Co., VA. Sophia was born circa 1737. Sophia was the daughter of George Elizabeth Clark. She first married a Mr. West circa 1748. Sophia died before 28 October 1799 (Nottingham Wills: *). Circa 1770 Sophia and Elijah Wessells had Elizabeth Wessells of Elijah in Accomack Co., VA. Circa 1777 Sophia and Elijah Wessells had Louisa Wessells in Accomack Co., VA. Circa 1782 Sophia and Elijah Wessells had Elijah Wessells in Accomack Co., VA.

On 26 December 1795 in Accomack Co., VA, the boundaries of the lands of Sophia Wessells <link> http://easternshoreheritage.com/processions/accomack/acc_9/household_10.htm in District 9 were processioned. Henry Wright was present (Walczyk, Gail M., Processioners Returns 1797-1816: 22). The procession in part reads:

Ninth District - Decr 26th 1795 - John Wharton, William Onions, Charles Drummond, & Geo. Russel, Geo. Clayton, William Thornton, William Younge, Mark Ewell, James Vessels, Sophie Vessels, Solomon Ewell, Ephraim Vessels, Solomon Parks, Elizabeth Killman, Charles Taylor, Arthur Killman, John Parks, Thos Justice, William Lewis, Absolem Lewis, Chas Ewell, Geo. Ewell, Comfort Shrieves, Edward Killman, James Alworth, Thos Taylor, Southy Bell, William Younge, Charles Bagwell, The Land formerly [-----]. Wm Onions, Rob Davis, Jas Vessels, Ephm Vessels, Mark Ewell, Isaiah Justice, Thos Grey, Edw. Killman, Wm Thornton, Wm Lewis, Solo Ewell, Solo Young, Absm Lewis, Geo. Willett, Geo. Willett, Solo Grey, Geo. Clayton, Henry Wright, Geo. Russel. Henry Wright, Richd Bundick, Rodger Miles, Chas Taylor & Benjn Parks present.

On in 1795/6 in Accomack Co., VA, the boundaries of the lands of Sophia Wessells and Levin Copes in St. George District 1 were processioned. Richard Jacob was present for the procession (Walczyk Processioners 1797-1816: 2.). <Future link> On in 1795/6 in Accomack Co., VA, the boundaries of the lands of Sophia Wessells and John Gootee in St. George District 1 were processioned. Levin Copes was present (2).

Sophia made a will on 3 October 1799 in Accomack Co., VA. It was probated 28 October 1799 (Nottingham Wills: *). An abstract of her will reads:

VESSELS, SOPHIA - 3 Oct. 1799 - 28. Oct. 1799 - To son Elijah Vessels & Charles Copes, Sr. all the brandy, cider & corn & all that was made on the plantation in the year 1799 to be divided between them. Son Elijah residual legatee. Witt: Hancock Simpson, Betty Groton - p. 255. In order of probate: John A. Bundick qualified.

On 30 September 1800 in Accomack Co., VA Elijah's Estate was settled on 30 September 1800. Named in the settlement are Elijah Wessells , Sophia Wessells , Elizabeth Wessells and Louisa Wessells (Miles & Miles Wills: 580.). The text reads:

John A Bundick admr of Sophia Wessells. Named in settlement: the Estate of Elizabeth Wessells decd to John A. Bundick admr of Sophiah Wessells. Cash paid to Thomas Cropper, guardian to Elijah Wessells & to Charles Copes in right of his wife Louisa. The amount of the Estate of Elijah Wessells found 12 November [no year] by John A. Bundick, the admr of Sophiah Wessells at her decd Auditors Southey Satchell & John Moore."

In his father, James Wessells will on 7 April 1751 in Accomack Co., VA, Elijah was named as an heir. It was probated 25 June 1754 (Nottingham Wills: 181).

Elijah made a will on 25 September 1781 in Accomack Co., VA. It was probated Proved 24 February 1794 (Nottingham Wills: *). An abstract of his will reads:

VESSELS, ELIJAH - 25 Sept. 1781 - Proved 24 Feb. 1794 - Prob. 28 Oct. 1799 - To wife Sophia Vessels whole estate during her widow, & should she die before the child she now goes with comes to lawful age my plantation on the Bayside to be rented out yearly for the maintenance of the said child, & should the aforesaid child be a boy he to have the said plantation To son Elijah the land where I now live at the death of my wife. Bal. of estate to be divided between my daughters Witt: Thomas Watson, Jacob Taylor, George Middleton. Wife Exec."

Elijah's Estate was settled on 30 September 1800. Named in the settlement are Elijah Wessells , Sophia Wessells , Elizabeth Wessells and Louisa Wessells (Miles & Miles Wills 580.).

Elijah Wessells and Sophia Clark’s children were:Elijah Wessells , Sophia Wessells , Elizabeth Wessells and Louisa Wessells.

v. James Wessells was born circa 1723. James died after 1753. He married Patience Young circa 1738. Patience was born circa 1722. Patience was the daughter of John Young and Comfort, his wife Circa 1740 Patience and James Wessells had William Wessells in Accomack Co., VA. Circa 1752 Patience and James Wessells had John Wessells in Accomack Co., VA. In John Young will on 8 August 1769 in Accomack Co., VA, Patience was named as an heir. It was probated 8 August 1769 (Nottingham Wills: 248). An abstract of his will reads:

YOUNG, JOHN - 8 Aug. 1769 - 27 Dec. 1769 - Wife Comfort - To son John Young plantation where he now lives adjcent where I live. To son George plantation where I now live at the death of his mother. To sons John & George my Island Ridges, that is the plantable land thereof. To sons John, George & Solomon all the marsh adjcent the Ridges above mentioned. To son Solomon plantation I bought of Isaac Williams. Daughter Anne Hinman. Daughter Patience Wessels. Daughter Tabitha Young. Wife Exec. & 3 sons Exrs. Witt: William Young, Sr., Margaret Young. Southy Simpson.

On 29 January 1749 in Accomack Co., VA James Head of Back Creek from Edmund Linton. Grantor: Edmund Linton Grantee: James Wessels, planter

In his father, James Wessells will on 7 April 1751 in Accomack Co., VA, James was named as an heir. It was probated 25 June 1754 (Nottingham Wills: 181).

Circa 1752 James and Patience had John Wessells in Accomack Co., VA. On 30 July 1753 an unknown person from James Wessells .

vi. Shadrack Wessells was born circa 1725. In his father, James Wessells will on 7 April 1751 in Accomack Co., VA, Shadrack was named as an heir. It was probated 25 June 1754 (Nottingham Wills: 181).

vii. Elizabeth Wessells was born circa 1728. In her James Wessells will on 7 April 1751 in Accomack Co., VA, Elizabeth was named as an heir. It was probated 25 June 1754 (Nottingham Wills: 181).

viii. Rebecca Wessells was born circa 1730. In James Wessells will on 7 April 1751 in Accomack Co., VA, Rebecca was named as an heir. It was probated 25 June 1754 (Nottingham Wills: 181).

She witnessed the will of her step mother, Ann’s on 19 July 1776 in Accomack Co., VA. it was probated 24 September 1776 (Nottingham Wills: 275).

Sources:
_____. Maryland Assembly Proceedings, Sept. 20-Oct. 18, 1694, Lib. L. L. 2.

_____. Somerset County Tax Lists, 1723-1759, County Agency Series (COAGSER) Listing at the Maryland State Archives, Somerset County Court (Tax List) MSA C1812, Archives of Maryland, 737+ volumes, (Baltimore and Annapolis, MD., 1883-), 696: MSA No.: C1812-2.http://archivesofmaryland.net

Keddie, Leslie & Neil. Accomack County Virginia Land Deeds 1744-1746 & 1746-1749. Salisbury MD: Family Tree Bookshop 2007.

Nottingham, Stratton. Wills and Administrations of Accomack County, Virginia 1663-1800. Bowie MD: Heritage Books, Inc., 1990.

Miles, Moody K. and Barry W. Accomack Co. VA, Wills & Administrations of Accomack County 1800-1860. Bowie MD: Heritage Books Inc. 2000.

Russo, J. Elliott. Tax Lists of Somerset County 1730-1740. Westminster MD: Family Line Publications, 1992.

Turner, C. H. B. Some Records of Sussex County Delaware. Lewes DE: Colonial Roots.

Walczyk Gail M. Accomack Processioners Returns 1723-1794. Coram NY: Peter's Row, 2003.

Walczyk, Gail M. Accomack County Processioners Returns 1723-1792. Coram NY: Peter's Row, 2003.

Walczyk, Gail M. Accomack County Orphans Accounts 1741-1770. Coram NY: Peter's Row 2001.