Person Page - 406

     Louisa Wessells was born circa 1774 in Accomac County, Virginia.¹ She married Charles Copes circa 1799.¹ As of circa 1799, her married name was Copes.¹ Louisa Copes was the probable mother of Charles Copes and George Vessels Copes. I have no proof that Charles Copes the surgeon was the older brother of George Vessels Copes, but who else could he be? They both were born in Virginia and moved to Southwalk, in Philadelphia County. Charles is recorded in the Family Bible which is in our possession. Why would he be recorded in there if he wasn't George's brother? Would a cousin be included? Doubtful--there were others who were probably cousins already in Southwalk. Presume they are brothers. Charles Copes, the husband of Louisa, is a heir to his mother-in-law and she gives him the suffix of "Sr." in her will. It indicates there is a younger Charles in the same area. It usually, but not necessarily refers to his son. The Charles who later became a Navy surgeon had just been born. The mother's maiden name is WESSELLS which could become VESSELLS in some records. That is carried as George's middle name. Louisa was probably a free white female, age 26 and under 45, in Charles Copes's household, on the 1820 Census in Accomac County, Virginia.²

     Sophia was born in Accomac County, Virginia, circa 1732. Gail M . Walczyk gives a date of circa 1737, (source: (http://www.easternshoreheritage.com/processions/accomack/acc_9/household_10.htm) data ownloaded 18 Sept 2013). If this date is correct Sophia would have been 11 years old at her first marriage. I consider that unlikely.. As of circa 1748, her married name was West. She married Mr. (?) West circa 1748. Sophia Wessells was named the executrix under the will of James Wessells on 7 April 1751 in Fisher's Island, Accomac County, Virginia.^1,2 As of before 26 April 1768, her married name was Wessells.³ Sophia Clark married Elijah Wessells, son of James Wessells and Elizabeth Tolley, before 26 April 1768.^3,4 Sophia was the executrix of Elijah Wessells's estate in Accomac County, Virginia, on 24 February 1794.^3,4 Sophia Clark left a will on 3 October 1799 in Accomac County, Virginia. 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.^5,4 She died before 28 October 1799 in Accomac County, Virginia.⁵ Her estate was probated on 28 October 1799 in Accomac County, Virginia.^5,4

     Mr. (?) West married Sophia Clark, daughter of Elizabeth Clark, circa 1748.

     Elizabeth Clark left a will on 2 August 1762. An abstract of her will reads:
CLARK, ELIZABETH - 2 Aug. 1762 - 26 Apr. 1768 - Daughter Sophia West sole legatee & Exec. Witt: William Melson, Bridget Melson,Thomas Batson. - p. 151 In order of probate: Sophia West "now Sophia Wessels" qualified, Elijah Wessels security.¹ Her estate was probated on 26 April 1768 in Accomac County, Virginia.¹

     Elijah Wessells was born circa 1722.¹ He married Sophia Clark, daughter of Elizabeth Clark, before 26 April 1768.^1,2 Elijah Wessells left a will on 25 September 1781 in Accomac County, Virginia. An abstract of the will read:
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.^1,2 On 20 March 1790 his name was also recorded as Elijah Orpels. He died before 24 February 1794. His will was proved on 24 February 1794 in Accomac County, Virginia.^1,2 His estate was probated on 28 October 1799 in Accomac County, Virginia.¹ His estate was settled on 30 September 1800 in Accomac County, Virginia, The documents read:
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.^1,2
      Elijah was listed as the head of a family on the 1790 Census in Anne Arundell County, Maryland. He was probably the one free white male at least 16 years of age or above in his household. The household consisted of five persons, three free white females and a free white male under the age of 16 years.³

     Walter Tolley was born circa 1660.¹