Hi Janice,

My folks are also NC JESSUPS with VA roots and some PA connections. As far as I can tell, most of my ancestors lived in southwestern VA (Patrick and Henry Counties) bordering Stokes and Surry Counties in NC. We might have more in common than the same name! If so, I'll be more than happy to share my data with you.

The earliest documented Jessup that I've found in my area is a freedman living with the Quaker William Jessup family in Stokes County. Based on the Census Schedule, he was born between 1794 and 1806.

1820 Stokes Co., NC Federal Census
Census_Year 1820
Microfilm # M33-84
State NC
County Stokes
Enumerator M. Hill
Dated 21 Dec 1820

351 40Jessup William
Agriculture
two white males between the ages of 10 and 16; one white male between 18 and 26; one white male over the age of 45; two white females over the age of 45; and one free male Negro between 14 and 26.

Found an earlier Jessup from Northumberland County, VA, in the Book of Negroes who was born in 1735. He escaped from his owner and joined the British during the American Revolution. At the end of the war, he, along with other former slaves who joined the British cause because of the promise of freedom and land, boarded a ship headed for Nova Scotia. I haven't been able to trace him after that. The notation in the Book of Negroes is:

"Moses Jessup, 48, feeble fellow. Formerly the property of William Lee of Northumberland County, Virginia; left him 2 years ago. GBC."

Hope we make a connection. Whether we do or not, I wish you the best of luck in your search!

jan