These notes argue the finer points of the Lawrence geneology and as such, may seem arcane to some. Yet there is plenty of interesting history here too for the more casual investigator. A nice piece of work Mr Nelson. Many thanks. Source: http://trees.ancestry.ca/pt/EditStory.aspx?tid=35315084&pid=20361570994&pg=32768&pgpl=pid
Contact information:
Mark Nelson mjnels@peoplepc.com
Descendants of Robert Lawrence
Generation No. 1
1. Robert1 Lawrence was born 1125.
Notes for Robert Lawrence:
Robert, was a silversmith and worked for the resident Lord
of Lancaster Castle. Lancaster Castle, built on the remains of three
Roman forts, was first established in about the year 1100 A.D.
Today it serves as a prison for Britain.
The first individual of this name who lived in England , yet ascertained, Lawrence , The monk. Collier, in his Dictionary, has the name Laurentius. In Harris’s ” History of Kent,” it is Lawrence . He came from Italy with Austin, who was sent to Britain for The propagation of Christianity in the island.
Upon the death of Austin, he succeeded him to the Arzhbishopric of Canterbury. He is said to have been both learned and pious; and, at his death, was buried in the Abbey of St. Austins, A.D. 916. Also, ” He beareth Ermine, a cross raguled gules, by the name of Lawrence , of Lancashire.” “Raguled” is a term used ” to have been rudely lopped.”
Proceeding with the successive generation of ancestry, we have, in order of time, the first,——–Sir Robert Lawrence , of Ashton Hall.
I am familiar with this lineage, thru the 8th generation. My wife & I spent a great deal of time in SLC researching the Lawrence family.
Unfortunately, professional genealogists have debunked the whole thing (at least to the 8th generation here). They say that it was a forgery. Itcomes from an 1869 genealogy by John Lawrence , and also a book by H.G. Somersby, who is accused by current professionals as having deliberately written phony genealogies for wealthy clients.
One later generation shows John Lawrence marrying Mary de Welles. I found no proof of the existence of Mary de Welles. I looked in some of the “Complete Peerage” volumes. Mary de Welles supposedly was a dau of Margaret de Mowbray. Gary Boyd Roberts told me that the Lawrence s had no Mowbray descent. He is the foremost expert on the Mowbrays. Professionals also say that our “Sir Robert Lawrence of Ashton Hall” is purely fictional. There are
fairly-recent articles that deal with this problem. David L. Green, publisher of “The American Genealogist” is working on a article about the Lawrence family, & it will be published (in the NYGBR) hopefully within the next year. The Lawrence line does have a royal descent (going back to Louis IV, King of France) – see Gary Boyd Roberts’ book “Royal Descents of 500 Colonists”. Sorry to have to tell you all this. It was a great disappointment for us, after all the work we had done. Dennis “Dennis Lorensen” <lorensen@mato.com>
Child of Robert Lawrence is:
+ 2 i. Robert2 Lawrence, born 1170 in Lancaster, Lancashire County, England.
Generation No. 2
2. Robert2 Lawrence (Robert1) was born 1170 in Lancaster, Lancashire County, England. He married Daughter of Trafford. She was born 1170 in Lancaster, Lancashire County, England.
Notes for Robert Lawrence:
Sir Robert Lawrence was born in about the year 1150 A.D. in the direct vicinity of Lancaster , Lancashire, England. His father, also
named Robert, was a silversmith and worked for the resident Lord of Lancaster Castle. Lancaster Castle, built on the remains of three
Roman forts, was first established in about the year 1100 A.D. Today it serves as a prison for Britain.
In the year 1187, Robert Lawrence answered the call to the Third Crusades under King Richard the Lion-Hearted. After traveling aboard ship to Cyprus, he arrived in present-day Palestine to fight in the battle of The Siege of Acre where he scaled the walls, along with four other men, and opened the gates to the armies of Britain.
Acre fell, but was given back to the Turks a year later. In return for his bravery, Robert Lawrence was knighted by King Richard in 1191 and given Ashton Manor, sometimes called Ashton Hall, which is located three miles south of Lancaster , as a fief. His armor, a red cross on a white field, (a cross raguley, gules) is registered
with The College of Arms in London, England. There are several Ashton’s and Ashton Halls in Lancashire and they should not be confused with Ashton Manor of Lancaster . Diana Hanson 7/26/97
1191 A.D. had arms (a cross raguley,gules) conferred upon Sir Robert Lawrence by Richard Coeur de Lion for his braveyin scaling the walls of Acre in Syria. Sir Robert Lawrence of Ashton Hall in Lancashire was knighted by King Richard the Lionhearted,for gallant conduct at the seige of Acre, when that famous city of Syria was recovered from the Saracens by Knights of the third Crusades, A.D. 1191.
____________________________________________________________
Ancient History
The name Lawrence comes down through history from a very early date. It also appears very early in American records.
Authorities seem to agree that the name comes from the Latin, Laurentious. Authorities do not entirely agree as to the meaning of the word. Themeaning is usually given as “Laurel Crowned.” It is sometimes given as “flourishing like a green bay tree”. For this last use, see the first page of the town records of Hingham, Massachusetts. There does not seem to be much doubt, however, that the first meaning named above is the more correct. In connection with the ancient coat-of-arms of the family, a
crest was used by some Branch es of the family (our own Branch for instance), represented by two laurel Branch es forming a chaplet, which
would seem to confirm the meaning “Laurel Crowned.”
It is impossible to trace the family in the earliest stages in England,
prior to the 12th century A.D. At that time we find Robert Lawrence , an
officer in the army of King Richard 1(Couer- de-Lion), engaged in the third
crusade, attempting to wrest Palestine (the holy land) from the Infidels.
There he distinguished himself, especially at the Siege and Battle of Acre,
where he was the first to scale the walls of the city, and place thereon
the Crusaders’ Banner. For this he was knighted by King Richard, and was
thereafter known as Sir Robert Lawrence . Historical records show that this
battle took place on the 12th of July, in the year 1191, A.D.
It will be remember in history, that after a truce was established in
Palestine, the Crusaders turned their faces toward their far away homes.
Many of them, however, became scattered; and King Richard himself was
seized by the Duke of Austria and imprisoned for several years. Upon his
release, and return to England, and the resumption of his duties as King;
he did not forget Sir Robert Lawrence , but conferred upon him Ashton Hall,
with its income and rentals. Thereafter he was known as Sir Robert
Lawrence of Ashton Hall. Ashton Hall is located about three miles from the
city of Lancaster , Lancashire County, England. King Richard also conferred
upon the family a coat-of- arms, which is described as, —
Argent, a cross reguly, gules.” “Dan Bell” <Danl@Sedona.net>
Sir Robert, a son ,, and the immediate successor, of the knight of the
Crusades, to the estate of Ashton Hall, married a daughter of James
Trafford, Esq., of Lancashire ; by whom he had a son and heir, James
Lawrence .
Child of Robert Lawrence and Daughter Trafford is:
+ 3 i. James3 Lawrence, born 1195.
Generation No. 3
3. James3 Lawrence (Robert2, Robert1) was born 1195. He married Matilda de Washington, daughter of John de Washington. She was born 1230 in Dalton Travers,Kirkby Hill,North Riding, Yorkshire,England.
Notes for James Lawrence:
I found the paper on the Coat of Arms. Dennis Holliday had someone look
it up some years back, when he gave us a copy of the family tree. I
was thinking that everyone got a copy of the same thing. Here it is:
************************************************************************
Lawrence Coat of Arms
Burkes’ Heraldry
Lawrence : Argent, a cross naguly gules
No motto or crest
This is a very old and distinguished family whose ancestral
seat was Lancashire, England from a very early date.
This ancient English family is descended from Robert Lawrence , living
in Lancashire prior to the year 1200; therefore no motto or crest as
these had not come into use that early generally.
His grandson, Sir James Lawrence , married about 1250 to Matilda
Washington, heiress of the Lancashire Branch of the Washington family,
from which was descended our first president and patriot, George
Washington.
It is possible that this marriage is the origin of the Washington family
custom of using ” Lawrence ” as a given name in each succeeding
generation.
The Lawrence family claims a royal descent from Edward I in (1272-1307)
thru Mary Cocks, who married Walter Lawrence in 1742.
The ancestral coat of arms of Lawrence displays a silver shield upon
which is a red cross of the type termed “naguly.” This is an upright
cross with edges extremely ragged, suggesting a tree trunk from which
the Branch es have been cut off.
The cross is a symbol of religious significance or shows violent service
in the Holy Wars.
The colors have a special meaning and are recorded also:
Gules (red) signified military fortitude.
Argent (silver) showed purity and constancy.
The leaves around the shield are simply for decoration and have
no special meaning.
Painted by: Blanche H. Etheredge
Scotland Neck, North Carolina 27874 Rt#2
James of Ashton Hall married, it is said, “in 1252,” Matilda de
Washington, daughter of John da Washington, an heiress. A son by this
marriage, and the successor of Ashton Hall. Was John Lawrence , said to have
been living in thirty- seventh year of HenryIII.
Respecting the names ” Lawrence ” and “Washington,” it may be noted
that Lawrence Washington, a brother of the first President of the United
States, was one of the earliest proprietors of Mount Vernon.
Notes for Matilda de Washington:
THE WASHINGTON FAMILY
There is an interesting side line in connection with the Lawrence Family
History in England, but it has no bearing on the genealogy. It is only
given here as a matter of interest. The Lawrence Pedigree, as published by
H. G. Somerby, shows that James Lawrence of Ashton Hall, married Matilda,
the daughter of John de Washington. In fact, notice of this has been
evident in several records. It is more particularly referred to in the
“Genealogical Memoir of the family of John Lawrence of Watertown,” on page
6, where it is stated:-“James Lawrence married Matilda de Washington,
daughter of John de Washington, in 1252. (See item (3), “English Pedigree”.
Of this outline.
It should be stated here that the ancestral name of the Washington family
was De Wessyngton, the family being of Norman descent. Later it appears as
De Washington, and still later the “De” is dropped. Following the marriage
of James Lawrence and Matilda Washington, the Washington Family must have
thought well of “Uncle James Lawrence “, for ” Lawrence ” became a popular
given name in the Washington Family.
Mr. Henry F. Waters, A.M., formerly a prominent member of the New England
Historical and Genealogical Society, has probably gone into the genealogy
of the Washington Family more thoroughly than anyone else. A pamphlet
written by Mr. Waters, and entitled, “An Examination of the English
Ancestry of George Washington,” was published by the above society in 1889.
This pamphlet contains the Washington Genealogy, in which the name
Lawrence appears as the given name of members of the Washington Family, no
less than nine times in as many different generations. The last one named
is the favorite brother of George Washington. This brother, Lawrence
Washington, had very much to do with the shaping of the life and character
of the “Great Father of our County;” and from him he inherited the
Washington Estate, known as Mt. Vernon.
Another reference to this is found in the bound volumes of the Maryland
Historical Magazine. In volume 2, page 294, among other references to the
matter it states;- “the name Lawrence appears as a baptismal name in
several generations of the Washington family. Lawrence is a very old name
with the Washington’s in England; and one of the immigrant ancestors of the
family in Virginia was Lawrence Washington. There is evidence, however,
that it was derived from the ancient and honorable Lawrence Family of
England, through intermarriage with the Washingtons.”
Child of James Lawrence and Matilda de Washington is:
+ 4 i. John4 Lawrence, born 1260 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England; died in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England.
Generation No. 4
4. John4 Lawrence (James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1260 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England, and died in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England. He married Margaret Chesford. She was born 1260.
Notes for John Lawrence:
John of Ashton Hall married Margaret, daughter of Walter Chesford ; by
whom he had a son, John Lawrence , his heir and successor.
Child of John Lawrence and Margaret Chesford is:
+ 5 i. John5 Lawrence, born 1290 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England.
Generation No. 5
5. John5 Lawrence (John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1290 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England. He married Elizabeth Holt. She was born 1290 in Stably, Lancashire, England.
Notes for John Lawrence:
John , son of John and Margaret, married Elisabeth Holt , of Stably, in
Lancashire ; and died, it is said, A.D. 1360, leaving Robert Lawrence , his
son and heir.
Children of John Lawrence and Elizabeth Holt are:
+ 6 i. Edmund6 Lawrence, born 1315 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County,England; died 1381.
7 ii. Edward Lawrence, born 1317.
8 iii. James Lawrence, born 1319.
9 iv. William Lawrence, born 1321.
10 v. John Lawrence, born 1323.
11 vi. Alice Lawrence, born 1325.
Generation No. 6
6. Edmund6 Lawrence (John5, John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1315 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County,England, and died 1381. He married Agnes De Washington, daughter of Robert De Washington and Agnes le Gentyle. She was born 1340.
More About Agnes De Washington:
Name 2: Agnes de Washington
Child of Edmund Lawrence and Agnes De Washington is:
+ 12 i. Robert7 Lawrence, born 1371 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England; died 08 Sep 1439 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England.
Generation No. 7
12. Robert7 Lawrence (Edmund6, John5, John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1371 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England, and died 08 Sep 1439 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England. He married Margaret Holden. She was born Abt. 1379 in Lancashire County, England.
Notes for Robert Lawrence:
Note:
Sir Robert, of Ashton Hall, married Margaret Holden, of Lancashire,
and had,
I. I Robert ; II. Thomas, the father of Arthur Lawrence , Esq., of
Prior’s Court, in Gloucestershire ; III. William, born 1425, or before, who
fought under the Lancastrian banner at St. Alban’s in 1455, and , having
fallen there, was buried in the Abbey ; IV. Edmund, who is said to have
married a daughter of Miles de Stapleton, a descendant of distinguished
family of that name of Norman extraction. The Gloucestershire Branch of the
family had the same arms as already given ; likewise the Buckinghamshire
Lawrence . Thurs, ” Argent, a cross raguled gules, is borne by a family of the
name of Lawrence in Buckinghamshire and Gloucestershire.”—– ” Crest, The
tai ( or hindmost half) of a chub (fish) inverted and erect.”
Children of Robert Lawrence and Margaret Holden are:
13 i. Robert8 Lawrence, born 1399 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England.
14 ii. Edmund Lawrence, born 1405.
15 iii. Sibyl Lawrence, born 1410.
+ 16 iv. Thomas Lawrence, born 1410 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England.
17 v. Ann Lawrence, born 1412.
18 vi. William Lawrence, born 1425.
Generation No. 8
16. Thomas8 Lawrence (Robert7, Edmund6, John5, John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1410 in Ashton Hall, Lancashire County, England. He married Mabilla Redmain. She was born in England.
Children of Thomas Lawrence and Mabilla Redmain are:
19 i. Edmund9 Lawrence, born 1439 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
20 ii. John Lawrence, born 1441 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
21 iii. William Lawrence, born 1443 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
+ 22 iv. Aurther Lawrence, born 1445 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
23 v. Richard Lawrence, born 1447 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
24 vi. Robert Lawrence, born 1449 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
Generation No. 9
22. Aurther9 Lawrence (Thomas8, Robert7, Edmund6, John5, John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1445 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
Children of Aurther Lawrence are:
+ 25 i. Thomas10 Lawrence, born 1490 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England; died 1583.
26 ii. Savacre Lawrence, born 1492 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
Generation No. 10
25. Thomas10 Lawrence (Aurther9, Thomas8, Robert7, Edmund6, John5, John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1490 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England, and died 1583.
Child of Thomas Lawrence is:
+ 27 i. Thomas11 Lawrence, born 1539 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England; died 28 Jan 1592/93 in Milford, Connecticut, America.
Generation No. 11
27. Thomas11 Lawrence (Thomas10, Aurther9, Thomas8, Robert7, Edmund6, John5, John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1539 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England, and died 28 Jan 1592/93 in Milford, Connecticut, America. He married Martha Gage 22 Jul 1572 in Honey Land, London,Middlesex, England. She was born 1539, and died 1593.
Notes for Thomas Lawrence:
Sir John and Sir Thomas are both buried IN Old Chelsea Church in Chelsea (formerly a suburb of London but now in the London metropolitan area. In February of this year, my wife had the good fortune to visit London and I spent a great deal of time at this church. There are wonderful old monuments in honor of Sir John and Sir Thomas (their original buriel monuments). I will send you pictures. This church was the parish church of Sir Thomas More. On one side of the Nave there is the More Chapel and on the other side the Lawrence Chapel. It was quite amazing to see. Info From Thomas Humphrey Lawrence <TH Lawrence @aol.com>.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I wanted to let all of you know (if you don’t know already), that there appears to be quite some controversy in the texts I researched while in London about whether Sir Thomas Lawrence descends from the Lawrence s of Ashton Hall. I will do my best to set out the sources I found: The first source, from Jobes Journal, has apparently been circulated in the U.S. for some time. It traces the descent from Sir Rober Lawrence (accompanied Rirchard the Lion-hearted on a Crusade in 1191) as follows:
Sir Rober/Sir Thomas/William/John/Sir Edmund/Sir Robert/Sir Robert/Sir James/Sir Thomas/Arthur/Thomas/Thomas/Sir John
The second source, Thomas Faulkner’s History of Chelsea, April 18, 1829, discusses the Lawrence Family, generally, in describing Lawrence Street in Chelsea:
” Lawrence Street derives its name from its site having been the residence of the Lawrence family for many ages. On this spot stood the Manor House, until Lord Sandys alienated the manor to Henry VIII, when that Monarch sold the ancient house to Sir Thomas Lawrence , and erected another farther to the eastward.”
“The ancient and respectable family of Lawrence first came into England with William the Conqueror, and settled at Ashton Hall, in the county of Lancaster, where they resided for three hundred years, and possessed an immense property, which, in the year 1591, included thirty-four manors, the rental of which amounted to 60001 per anuum.”
It all sounds okay so far, huh?? Well, in 1904, Randall Davies published Chelsea Old Church. I currently have one of the 320 copies in my possession–on loan from the church.
In this book, Davies takes issue with Faulkner and contends that Sir Thomas did not descend from the Lawrence s of Ashton Hall: Of the pedigree of Sir Thomas Lawrence , he cites a pedigree by Lilly in the Harleian MS., No. 1096, “that he was the son of Thomas Lawrence of Chelmarsh, near Bridgnorth, in the county of Salop; where also Thomas Lawrence , his grandfather resided.”
Davies then launches into his criticism, which is largely–if not exclusively–based upon a paper by Walter Rye on ” Lawrence of Iver and Chelsea” published in Vol IV of the “Herald and Genealogist.”
Davies describes the Sir Thomas monument, which is in Chelsea Church (have you all visited this Church??) and then states: “It is noticeable that in the engraving of this monument in Faulkner’s history of Chelsea, the “chief” is omitted from the Lawrence coat. Mr. Rye suggests that this omission was made in order to support Faulkner’s attempts to establish the goldsmith’s descent from the Lawrence ‘s of Lancashire . This “chief” is in itself enough to dispose of any such claim; and, indeed, in Gwillim’s ‘Display of Heraldry” it is stated that this coat was “given by William Dethick, Garter, A.D. 1594 to — Lawrence of London, goldsmith.”
Yet in the Visitation of Buckinghamshire made in 1634, Thomas Lawrence is actually stated to be “descended from Lawrence of Lancashire.””
At the end of the chapter on the Lawrence s, Davies concludes “Such are the records of the Lawrence s of Chelsea, a family remarkable for neither wealth, nor descent, nor any exceptional merit. . . .”
What do you all think of Davies’ discussion? After reading these conflicting accounts, I visited The College of Arms and spoke with Henry Bedingfeld, York Herald. I showed him the Davies and Faulkner manuscripts and asked him how much it would cost for the College of Arms to conduct further research to attempt to resolve the possible discrepancy. We also discussed the substance of Davies’ attack.
Mr. Bedingfeld stated that there are several possible explanations. First, Davies could simply be wrong. As I pointed out to him, Davies bases his (and Rye’s) conclusion on the fact that Sir Thomas was issued a new coat of arms. Bedingfeld said this was not uncommon and does not necessarily mean that Sir Thomas did not descend from Sir Robert–he simply may have been unable to prove it to the satisfaction of the people who hand out coats of arms.
Also, his descent from Sir Robert is strengthened by his statement during the Visitation that he descended from Sir Robert (was it common to lie to make your pedigree sound more impressive??). Finally, Bedingfeld said that Rye was a famous and infamous debunker and that many of conclusions were simply wrong.
Do any of you know anything about this controversy??
Bedingfeld sent me a quote in March of this year of 125 pounds (about 200 dollars?) to research the issue and give me a report, along with a copy of Rye’s paper.
More About Thomas Lawrence and Martha Gage:
Marriage: 22 Jul 1572, Honey Land, London,Middlesex, England
Children of Thomas Lawrence and Martha Gage are:
28 i. Thomas12 Lawrence, born 1584 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
29 ii. Blanche Lawrence, born 1586 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
30 iii. Martha Lawrence, born 1588 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
+ 31 iv. John Lawrence, born 1589 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England; died 13 Nov 1638 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
32 v. Mary Lawrence, born 1590 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
33 vi. Sarah Lawrence, born 1592 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
Generation No. 12
31. John12 Lawrence (Thomas11, Thomas10, Aurther9, Thomas8, Robert7, Edmund6, John5, John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1589 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England, and died 13 Nov 1638 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England. He married Mary Grisselle Gibbone 1610 in Bury, Stedmonds, England, daughter of Jarvis Gibbone and Grysell Birdie. She was born 1590 in Bennenden, Kent County, England, and died Mar 1674/75 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
Notes for John Lawrence:
Sir John Lawrence ,merchant of London.Dates in Historical Southern Families Vol.1 page 181 by John Bennett Boddie 1958
Sir John and Sir Thomas are both buried IN Old Chelsea Church in Chelsea (formerly a suburb of London but now in the London metropolitan area. In February of this year, my wife had the good fortune to visit London and I spent a great deal of time at this church. There are wonderful old monuments in honor of Sir John and Sir Thomas (their original burial monuments). I will send you pictures. This church was the parish church of Sir Thomas More. On one side of the Nave there is the More Chapel and on the other side the Lawrence Chapel. It was quite amazing to see. Info from Thomas Humphrey Lawrence <TH Lawrence @aol.com>
Sir John Lawrence made his will on October 18, 1638, and it was probated on January 21, 1638/9. His will reads as follows: [IT:I, Sir John Lawrence of Delefords and Iver, Bucks Kt. and Bt., desire to be buried in my Chapel at Chelsea. All my interest in the Parsonage of Dorking, Surrey, which I, with my brother-in-law Richard Colville, purchased of Richard Hollman, to my sister Martha Jackson, widow, and she be dead at my decease same to her daughter Martha. 300£ to my eldest daughter, Ann Lawrence ; 200£ to my second daughter Frances Lawrence ; bequests to servants; all my interest in 7010£ which long since I recovered my judgement of Anne Babington, executrix of Vry Babington, dec., in H. M. Court of Exchequer due me from the estate of Robert Bromley, dec. Of what can be recovered 1/2 to my eldest son John Lawrence and the other moiety to my younger children. 100 marks towards the finishing of my house at Iver. Rest of personal estate to my younger children, Anne, Robert, Frances , Grissell, and Henry, those age 21 to be paid soon as possible and the others to be paid at 21 or marriage. All portions of my younger children to amount to 900£ apiece and all my houses and land at Chelsea to provide this. * * * The settling of wife’s estate has cost me more at this date than double the value of her inheritance, were it to be sold. The legacies of 5000£ which I have given her younger children is more than double the value of her estate after her decease. Wife Dame Grissell to sole extrx. provide she shall settle within 12 months after my death all her estate in lands and tenements on her eldest son John Lawrence and heirs male and in default of same to son Robert Lawrence , etc. Witnesses Pugh Flood, clarke; Samuel Forest, John Hynde, Martha Jackson, Rice Thomas.:IT][CI:106:?3:CI]
Hugh Buckner Johnston in his [IT: Lawrence Family:IT] manuscript relates the following concering Sir John Lawrence : “Sir John Lawrence , Knight and Baronet, was a wealthy merchant of London. He purchased one share of stock in the Virginia Company in Virginia on June 23, 1620, a fact that may entitle his descendants to membership in the Order of the First Families of Virginia. In June 1632, Sir John Lawrence , “Adventurer”, and others, recorded their plans to transport three hundred colonists for agriculture, mining, etc., to Long Isle, about one hundred fifty miles north of Jamestown. On August 24, 1635, he was party to a suit in the High Court of Admiralty in London, and his kinsman and factor, Richard Bennett, testified concerning goods sent to Virginia on the ship[IT:Revenge:IT].” He entered Oxford (St. John’s College) 27 May 1603 at age 14. He received a B. A. from Oriel College on 29 October 1604 and a M. A. from St. Edm Hall on 7 July 1615. John was knighted at Royston 26 January 1609/10 and was made a baronet on 9 October 1628.[CI:358:?3:CI]
More About John Lawrence and Mary Gibbone:
Marriage: 1610, Bury, Stedmonds, England
Children of John Lawrence and Mary Gibbone are:
+ 34 i. Robert13 Lawrence, born 1610 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England; died 19 Jan 1681/82 in Nansemond County, Virginia.
35 ii. John Lawrence, born 1615 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
36 iii. Grissell Lawrence, born 1622 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
37 iv. Henry Lawrence, born 1624 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
38 v. Thomas Lawrence, born 1626 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
39 vi. Anne Lawrence, born 1628 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
40 vii. Frances Lawrence, born 1630 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
41 viii. Sampson Lawrence, born 1632 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
Generation No. 13
34. Robert13 Lawrence (John12, Thomas11, Thomas10, Aurther9, Thomas8, Robert7, Edmund6, John5, John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1610 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England, and died 19 Jan 1681/82 in Nansemond County, Virginia. He married Elizabeth Adkinson Bef. 1638 in England. She was born 1615 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England, and died 1660 in Ware, Gloucester, Virginia.
Notes for Robert Lawrence:
Note:
Justice for Nansemond County Virginia for 1659-60.
Robert entered Oxford University on November 4, 1631, and possibly studied law at the Inner Temple in the following year. Upon becoming of legal age and receiving his inheritance, he married and departed for the Virginia Colony with his wife, Elizabeth.(4)
Robert’s son, Robert Jr., was born about 1639. He was not used as a headright when Robert obtained land in Isle of Wight in 1642 for importing himself and his wife, therefore he was probably born after Robert’s arrival in Virginia.1638 migrated from Chelsea, Middlesex, England
On October 19, 1682, Robert Lawrence , the elder, witnessed the wedding of John Scott and Elizabeth Belson.
Robert Lawrence received two patents on August 25, 1642, in Isle of Wight County : 200 acres upon Lawnes Creek, adjoining the lands of Mr. Harding and the widow Bennett’s lands for importation of himself, Eliza his wife, John Backwell, and Edward Ison; and 100 acres on Lawnes Creek adjoining his own land and the land of Mr. Tooke for the importation of James Long and Margerie Aldrige.[CI:192:?3:CI] The patent for 200 acres was renewed on September 12, 1644. This land subsequently was conveyed to Daniel Washburne on July 8, 1652, witnessed by James Pyland and Robert Sabin.[CI:196:?3:CI]On September 28, 1643, Robert received a patent for 150 acres near the mouth of Lawnes Creek adjoining John Stocker, Georg Hardie, and Thomas Gyer for the importation of Thomas Merrick, Wm. Penny, and John Pond.[CI:193:?3:CI]On August 20, 1644, Robert Lawrence and Ellis Brown patented 400 acres in Lower Norfolk County upon the east Branch of Elizabeth River adjoining John Sidney and Richard Woster, 300 of the acres due by assignment of a patent dated May 22, 1637, from Thomas Sawyer, and the remaining 100 acres for paying the costs of importing two servants.[CI:195:?3:CI]
Robert joined other Puritans migrating to Nansemond County , Virginia prior to 1659. Robert was a justice of Nansemond County, Virginia in 1659-1660 for on March 14, 1659/60, he petitioned the Virginia House of Burgesses to have a “writ of ease granted him from his future officiating as a Commissioner in the County of Nanzemund.”[CI:191:?3:CI] He probably became a quaker about this time and was not in sympathy with the policies and actions of the Church of England and the Government towards the Quakers and Puritans residing in the County.[CI:197:?3:CI]
Early Quakers differed widely from the sedate, punctual, peace loving and well ordered society that we know in America today. Initially they assumed disorderly characteristics. They denied all respect to magistrates and under a zealous impulse they burst into churches, disturbed public worship and exhorted ministers and congregations with fervid railings and reproaches. They sought no offices, courted no parties, flattered no one in power, cared nothing for earthly vanities, refused to take measures for national defense and denounced war.[CI:226:?3:CI]
Testimonial given by Thomas Jordan at a Quaker meeting the 1st month, 1661, stated that he was “taken at a meeting at Robert Lawrence ‘s and bound over to the court of Nansemond” for refusing to take certain oaths prohibited by their faith.[CI:198:?3:CI]On April 17, 1667, Lt. Col. John George patented 360 acres on Castle Creek adjoining Francis Place and Robert Lawrence .[CI:199:?3:CI]Robert Lawrence probably was living as late as 1682 when Robert Lawrence , the elder, witnessed the Quaker wedding of John Scott and Elizabeth Belson.[CI:200:?3:CI] The exact date of death perished in the destruction of the records of Nanesmond County.
Records existing in other locations prove that he left four sons, but it is impossible to prove the names of any daughters.[CI:107:?3:CI]Robert Lawrence , son of Sir John Lawrence , Merchant of London, appears to be the first of this Lawrence family in virginia.He obtained a patent of 100 acres of land on Lawne’s Creek,Isle of Wight,and another one of 200 acres “adjacent to the widow Bennett and Mr.Hardy , August 25,1642”. He was a justice of the peace for the county of Nansemond in 1959-60. his wife was named Elizabeth.(17th century page 491) . See Nicholson’s Herald & Genealogist; vol.1V, for a more detailed and complete study of this family. Dates in Historical Southern Families Vol.1 page 181 by John Bennett Boddie 1958
William, John, Robert,and Giles Lawrence make their appearance on the ancient records of Colonial Virginia at about the same time and in the same locality.Every indication points to them being brothers.Source is Brøderbund WFT Vol. 5, Ed. 1, Tree #2828, Date of Import: Apr 23, 1997,Frank H Phelps 1680 Columbia Dr.,Englewood,Fla.34223-2518 941-475-5364 The Lawrence Familt exerpt from probably Library of Congress,Pages 613-614
Robert Lawrence belonged to the Quakers, or else was a Quaker sympathizer, because in a deposition by Thomas Jordan,the famous Quaker minister, made in July 1661, he declared he had been persecuted.” by six weeks imprisonment for being taken at a meeting in my own and released by a King’s proclamation. Secondly , taken at a meeting at the house of Robert Lawrence and bound over to the court at Nansemond County. And , He adds, taken by distress by Sheriff Thomas Godwin.
My estimated birth date for Robert is 1617. He married Elizabeth in England prior to imigrating. I have no surname for Elizabeth. What is the source for the surname ADKINSON? His son Robert was born circa 1639, who married Jane (or Joane) Gay, a widow, based on a deposition he made in March 1707/08 where he stated he was born in 1639 (source Boddie:17th Century Isle of Wight). Robert (Sr.) received a headright in 1642 for importing himself and wife Elizabeth. His son Robert was not mentioned for the headright therefore it appears that he was born after they arrive. Therefore it is estimate that Robert and Elizabeth imigrated circa 1638 probably shortly after his father Sir John died. Robert the Elder (believed to be Robert (Sr.) witnessed the Quaker wedding of John Scott and Elizabeth Belson in 1682 therefore his death date is after that.
There was another William Lawrence in Queens County at this time whose family migrated to Monmouth County, New Jersey. The Lawrences’ who came on the ship Planter were the St. Albans Lawrence ‘s. There was also a Henry Lawrence in MA who was an original immigrant not connected to the St. Albans Lawrence ‘s. Also a George Lawrence in MA. A John Lawrence from Wisset, England. A Robert Lawrence in Virginia of Ashton Hall, England. Numerous “Laurens” whose name transposed to Lawrence over the years and a Johannes Lorentz from Germany whose descendants changed there names to Lowrance and Lawrence .There are quite a few more who could be original immigrants and not connected to any of the above. “Dennis A. Lawrence ” <lawren05@sprynet.com>
Occupation-Justice for County of Nansemond
More About Robert Lawrence and Elizabeth Adkinson:
Marriage: Bef. 1638, England
Children of Robert Lawrence and Elizabeth Adkinson are:
42 i. Robert14 Lawrence, born 1639 in Lawne Creek Parish, James City County, Virginia.
+ 43 ii. John Lawrence, born 1643 in Lawne Creek Parish, James City County, Virginia; died Jan 1695/96 in Nansemond County, Virginia.
44 iii. Henry Lawrence, born 1644 in Lawne Creek Parish, James City County, Virginia.
45 iv. George Lawrence, born 1645 in Lawne Creek Parish, James City County, Virginia.
Generation No. 14
43. John14 Lawrence (Robert13, John12, Thomas11, Thomas10, Aurther9, Thomas8, Robert7, Edmund6, John5, John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1643 in Lawne Creek Parish, James City County, Virginia, and died Jan 1695/96 in Nansemond County, Virginia. He married Mary Power in Isle of Wright, Virginia, daughter of John Power and Ruth Phypo. She was born 1643 in Nansemond County, Virginia, and died 1700 in Perquimans County, North Carolina.
Notes for John Lawrence:
Dates in Historical Southern Families Vol.1 page 182 by John Bennett Boddie 1958 John Lawrence ,1st, patented 625 acres of land on the west side of the Chowanoke River, in North Carolina, next to his older brother, Robert Lawrence ,Sept.25,1663. He made his will in Nansemond County, Jan.2,1696. His wife Mary signed her name at quaker meetings as “Mary Lawrece North Carolina, Widow” after 1700 (17th century 494). The will of John lawrence names two son-in laws , Henry Sanders and Richard Taylor, but the names of his daughters are omitted indicating that they were deceased. John made his will in Nansemond County on January 2, 1696/7, and it may have been probated later that year. His widow signed some Quaker records soon after 1700 as Mary Lawrence , widow. [CI:110:?3:CI]
John lived in Nansemond County and most of the records pertaining to him were destroyed. On September 25, 1663, Mr. John Lawrence patented 625 acres west of the Chowanoke River adjoining Mr. Robert Lawrence, in (North) Carolina, for the transportation of thirteen colonists into this Colony. On January 28, 1663/4, he witnessed the will of Mary Fortsen in Albemarle County, North Carolina. He patented 530 acres in Isle of Wight on June 5, 1678. On August 22, 1686, he and John Jordan were to be paid by the heirs of Edward Perkins of Isle of Wight County. On June 13, 1687, John Larance, Robert Wallace, and Thomas Rolfe witnessed the will of Peter Mayfield of Albermarle County. On May 10, 1688, Giles Linscott sold Henry Baker land on Blackwater Swamp in Isle of Wight County that adjoined the land of John Lawrence .[CI:109:?3:CI]
Carolina. To all &c. Whereas &c. Now Knowe yee that I the said Sir Wm. Berkeley Knt. Governor &c. Give and grant unto Mr. John Laurence [or Lawrence] six hundred twenty five Acres of Land being on the Westward side of the River of Chawanoke begining at the Mouth of A swamp at A small young marked Cypresse ….. soe up the said swamp west to A marked oake with 3 notches on A point of land and soe west along by Mr. Robert Lawrence … 320 poles to A marked white oake thence south 312 ….. one? halfe to the Corner tree of Land lately surveyed by Jam[es] Murdah and thence east along by the said Marked trees 320 poles to the River side and soe up the River to the first stacon, The said Land being due to the said Lawrence by & for the transportacon of thirteene persons into this Collony &c. To have and to hold &c. To be held &c. Yeilding and paying &c. Provided &c. Dated the 25th September 1663. Geo: Teague, Kath: Cornelius, Wm. Sharpe, Ann Bleak?, Wm. Hare, ffen:? Nachington?, Jho: Hill, Giles Wake, Hugh ffarthy, Sar: Helier, Wm. Brichenton, Jane Doughting. Transcribed from image: Virginia Land Patents Original Book 5, page 95. http://198.17.62.51/LONN/LO-1/003-2/003_0401.tif Library of Virginia ~~ http://www.lva.lib.va.us
More About John Lawrence and Mary Power:
Marriage: Isle of Wright, Virginia
Children of John Lawrence and Mary Power are:
46 i. Priscilla Ann15 Lawrence, born 1664 in Nansemond County, Virginia.
47 ii. Ann Lawrence, born 1666 in Nansemond County, Virginia.
48 iii. John Lawrence, born 1668 in Nansemond County, Virginia.
49 iv. Elizabeth Lawrence, born 1671 in Nansemond County, Virginia.
50 v. daughter Lawrence, born 1674 in Nansemond County, Virginia.
51 vi. daughter Lawrence, born 1676 in Nansemond County, Virginia.
52 vii. child Lawrence, born 1677 in Nansemond County, Virginia.
+ 53 viii. Robert Lawrence, born 1680 in Nansemond County, Virginia; died 01 Jan 1743/44 in Bertie, North Carolina.
54 ix. Mary Lawrence, born 1681 in Nansemond County, Virginia.
Generation No. 15
53. Robert15 Lawrence (John14, Robert13, John12, Thomas11, Thomas10, Aurther9, Thomas8, Robert7, Edmund6, John5, John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born 1680 in Nansemond County, Virginia, and died 01 Jan 1743/44 in Bertie, North Carolina. He married (1) Elizabeth Marshall. She was born 1672, and died 1747 in North Carolina. He married (2) Elizabeth Humphrey. He married (3) Elizabeth Nichols 1710, daughter of Humphrey Nichols. She was born Abt. 1690 in Nansemond County, Virginia, and died in Nansemond County, Virginia.
Notes for Robert Lawrence:
Note: Ref: 1. Historical Southern Families, V-I, p183 Robert Lawrence owned 410 acres in Nansemond County in the Rent Rolls of 1704. On 24 March 1729/30, Robert Lawrence , Yeoman, and wife, Elizabeth Lawrence of the Lower Parish of Isle of Wight County sold Edward Cobb, Jr., Yeoman, for 2,000 pounds of tobacco in cask, 90 acres from a patent to the said Robert Lawrence on 16 June 1727, south of Blackwater and southwest of Cypress Swamp, witnessed by William Cobb, Henry Cobb, and James Holland; James Holland of Nansemond County was appointed Attorney to handle the transaction. On 10 November 1730, Robert Lawrence of Bertie Precinct in North Carolina, Yeoman, sold William Fowler of the Lower Parish of Isle of Wight County, Yeoman, for £20 current Virginia money 250 acres on Beaver Dam Swamp in the Lower Parish from a patent dated 28 May 1673, witnessed by Hardy Council, Sr., Hardy Council, Jr., and Joseph Holland. This last tract appears to have been part of a patent divided by Robert Lawrence , Sr., between his sons John Lawrence and Robert Lawrence , Jr., at the time of his death in Nansemond County. Robert Lawrence , son of John Lawrence , Sr., inherited lands in Nansemond County, Isle of Wight County, and Bertie County. Although he was living on the Bertie County property in 1730, it is obvious from various surviving records that he moved back to Nansemond County and died testate at some time prior to 1747, but his will parish with the rest of the early Nansemond County records during the Revolutionary War. The Bertie County records prove that this Robert left eight children.[CI:130:?3:CI]
More About Robert Lawrence and Elizabeth Nichols:
Marriage: 1710
Child of Robert Lawrence and Elizabeth Marshall is:
+ 55 i. James L.16 Lawrence, born Abt. 1710 in New Kent, Virginia; died Abt. 1788 in Bertie, North Carolina.
Children of Robert Lawrence and Elizabeth Nichols are:
56 i. Humphrey16 Lawrence, born 1712.
57 ii. George Lawrence, born 1718.
58 iii. William Lawrence, born 1721.
59 iv. Elizabeth Lawrence, born 1725.
60 v. Thomas Lawrence, born 1727.
61 vi. Robert Lawrence, born 1729.
62 vii. Martha “Patty” Lawrence, born 1731.
63 viii. Nathaniel Lawrence, born 1735.
Generation No. 16
55. James L.16 Lawrence (Robert15, John14, Robert13, John12, Thomas11, Thomas10, Aurther9, Thomas8, Robert7, Edmund6, John5, John4, James3, Robert2, Robert1) was born Abt. 1710 in New Kent, Virginia, and died Abt. 1788 in Bertie, North Carolina. He married Jean Walston Abt. 1740, daughter of Phillip Walston and Jean Gordon. She was born Abt. 1710.
More About James Lawrence and Jean Walston:
Marriage: Abt. 1740
Children of James Lawrence and Jean Walston are:
64 i. Richard17 Lawrence, born 1733 in Albermarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa; died Aug 1796 in Surry Co., North Carolina Formed 1770 From Rowan County; Stepchild. He married (1) Susanne Claibourne; born Abt. 1735. He married (2) Isabella “Cherokee Indian” Ross Abt. 1759 in Virginia; born 19 Aug 1746 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa; died 1838 in Surry Co. North Carolina.
Notes for Richard Lawrence:
Richard Lawrence : 1741-found in Fredericksville Parish Records in Louisa Co. Virginia 1760 bought 200 ac St. Ann’s Parish, Albemarle County, Virginia from Charles Smith. John (x) Lawrence , wit. 1763- Bought 75 ac amherst County Virginia from Chas. Smith. John (x) Lawrence . Wit. 1765-Sold 75 ac Amherst County to Jos Morris, 1772-Bought 264 ac on Hickory Crk, Albemarle County Virginia from John Maxwell. John (x) Lawrence, Joseph Lawrence, Wit. 1772- Had 49 ac surveyed Amherst County 1773 Bought 46 ac Hickory Crk. Amherst County Virginia from Jas. Doughlas. Joseph Lawrence , James Lawrence -wit. 1777- Sold 46 ac Amherst County to Thos. Johnson and 200 ac Amherst County, to Jos Morris 1778- Listed as a Juror in Surry County North Carolina 1779- Bought land in Surry County North Carolina 1784-On Surry County North Carolina State Census 1 male over 16, 7 males under, 16, 5 females.
On February 9, 1784, Richard Lawrence bought from Daniel Humphres for 9L, 400 acres(?), part of the land sold by Thomas Smith to Danl Humphres, lying on Renfroes Creek, north side of tract of land known by the name of the Crushy Bottom. Signed by Daniel Humphres. Witnesses: David Humphres, Benj Humphres, ? Humphreys. (From e-mail message from SShamhart@aol.com on October 12, 1999.) Surry County, North Carolina, Book B, p. 228.
Richard Lawrence , who lived in Albemarle County, Virginia then later 1778 in Surry county, North Carolina died intestate and left 17 heirs. Since he was a man of means, it took many years for his estate to settle and by the time it did, most of his daughters had been married and their married names were included in the files. The lady that sent the info to me said she went to Raleigh, North Carolina to look at his file and saw the originals for all the documents therein.
Biographical text for unknown wife of Richard Lawrence It is possible that the unknown first wife of Richard Lawrence was named Susannah, or Sarah Sally, probably Claiborne. The Lawrence , Claiborne, Burch, and Harris families had long lived near one another in both Virginia and nc, and had inter-married.
2nd. Wife Isabella ? Pat <PHHGENE@aol.com>
18 Oct 1798 – Hugh Armstrong & James Bryson appointed by the Court to settle with the Administrators of Richard Lawrence, deceased, after deducting the sum of L541.27 3/4 for debts that appears to be owing by the estate and for services done by the Administrators (all which sums may be seen at large in an exhibit market with the letter “A” herewith posted), report the following sums to be due and owing by the Administrators to the persons ——-to wit
Isabel Lawrence L71.17.71/2 Joseph Lawrence 70.0.1 1/2 James Lawrence 83.8.9 1/4 Clabourn Lawrence 65.7.71/2 Benjamin Humphrey 46.9.71/4 Randolph Lawrence 61.17.71/4 Nicholas Baker 31.2.63/4 Colby Creed 47.3.51/4 Richard Lawrence 56.2.71/2 Samuel Lawrence 63.7.7 1/2 Benjamin Lawrence 57.3.9 John Lawrence 33.3.1/4 Henry Lawrence 84.7.1/2 Patsey Lawrence 22.3.9 1/2 Isaac Forkner 84.3.9 1/4 David Lawrence 34.3.9 1/4 Sarah Lawrence 104.3.7 1/4 Nancy Lawrence 39.3.7 1/4 Rhoda Lawrence 124.3.9 1/4
Based on information in HUMPHREY GENEALOGY, Randolph and Samuel Lawrence submit inventory of estate of Richard Lawrence –including 2046 acres of land, seven negroes, one pair money scales, twenty dollars, three shillings and nine pence Virginia Currence, one French crown and a half, etc., on 23 August 1796.
Then on November 1796, in an account of sales of the estate of this Richard Lawrence , we find mentioned Samuel Humphreys, Thomas Word (probably one of the Humphreys in-laws), Benjamin Humphreys (probably his son-in-law), Richard, Samuel, Henry, Randolph, John and Joseph Lawrence , and Isabelle Lawrence , who bought a large number of items including the family Bible, so was “probably” the widow.
On January 12, 1797, additional sales from this estate were recorded, and again on October 18, 1798 the final accounting of the estate, showing sums owed to the estate.
Information on Richard’s wives and children came by e-mail from Sophia Shamhart, shamhart@aol.com, October 11, 1999, who forwarded it from a Rootsweb posting dated March 26, 1998, posted by phhgene@aol.com. This posting also said:
“Richard Lawrence , who lived in Albemarle County, Va, then later in Surry county, North Carolina, died intestate and left 17 heirs. Since he was a man of means, it took many years for his estate to settle and by the time it did, most of his daughters had been married and their married names were included in the files. The person who sent me this info went to Raleigh, nc to look at his file and saw the originals for all the documents therein. Many members of this large family went to Tennessee and Kentucky.”
Then follows the names of 4 children by his first wife, followed by “Individual biographical text for Richard Lawrence “:
Then follows biographical text for unknown wife of Richard Lawrence (see First wife bio), followed by 6 children by second wife.
An e-mail from Carol L. Vidales, <vidales@worldnet.att.net>, said: “The book, GENEALOGICAL ABSTRACTS OF REV. WAR PENSION FILES, vol II F-M, abstracted by Virgil White (Waynesboro, TN: Nat’l Historical Pub. County , 1991), has this on page 2028:
‘Joseph Lawrence or Lawrence “W31810, Virginia & North Carolina Line, appl. 11 Oct 1832 Monroe County IN a res. of Green County IN, soldier was born 1 Nov 1755 in Albermarle County Virginia & he stated his step-mother Isabella Lawrence of Surry Co. North Carolina gave him the date of his birth, soldier’s father was Richard Lawrence , soldier lived in Albemarle County Virginia at 1st enlistment & he also was Maryland. prior to 1777 & afterwards moved to Surry County North Carolina & lived there at other enlistments.'”
You show Jane Lawrence as the daughter of this Richard L. This, however, is tentative; she is my ancestor, and I have not been able to prove the relationship since she does not appear by name in his probate proceeding–only Benjamin Humphreys, who <a> Jane Lawrence did marry, according to documentation. It has not been proven that the Benjamin H. who was named in the estate is the same Benjamin H. who married a Jane Lawrence.
Dolores Kinsey <dskinsey@grandecom.net>
1741-found in Fredericksville Parish Records in Louisa Co. Virginia 1760 bought 200 ac St. Ann’s Parish, Albemarle County, Virginia from Charles Smith. John (x) Lawrence , wit.
1763- Bought 75 ac amherst County Virginia from Chas. Smith. John (x) Lawrence . Wit. 1765-Sold 75 ac Amherst County to Jos Morris,
1772-Bought 264 ac on Hickory Crk, Albemarle County Virginia from John Maxwell. John (x) Lawrence, Joseph Lawrence, Wit.
1772- Had 49 ac surveyed Amherst County
1773 Bought 46 ac Hickory Crk. Amherst County Virginia from Jas. Doughlas. Joseph Lawrence , James Lawrence -wit.
1777- Sold 46 ac Amherst County to Thos. Johnson and 200 ac Amherst County, to Jos Morris
1778- Listed as a Juror in Surry County North Carolina
1779- Bought land in Surry County North Carolina
1784-On Surry County North Carolina State Census 1 male over 16, 7 males under, 16, 5 females.
On February 9, 1784, Richard Lawrence bought from Daniel Humphres for 9L, 400 acres(?), part of the land sold by Thomas Smith to Danl Humphres, lying on Renfroes Creek, north side of tract of land known by the name of the Crushy Bottom. Signed by Daniel Humphres. Witnesses: David Humphres, Benj Humphres, ? Humphreys. Surry County, North Carolina, Book B, p. 228.
Richard Lawrence , who lived in Albemarle County, Virginia then later 1778 in Surry county, North Carolina died intestate and left 17 heirs. Since he was a man of means, it took many years for his estate to settle and by the time it did, most of his daughters had been married and their married names were included in the files. The lady that sent the info to me said she went to Raleigh, North Carolina to look at
his file and saw the originals for all the documents therein.
Biographical text for unknown wife of Richard Lawrence. It is possible that the unknown first wife of Richard Lawrence was named Susannah, or Sarah Sally, probably Claiborne. The Lawrence , Claiborne,
Burch, and Harris families had long lived near one another in both Virginia and NC, and had inter-married.
Colby Creed is listed in the 1798 as one of the persons due money from Richard Lawrence’s estate. Colby Creed married a Susannah Lawrence. Who is this Susannah?
18 Oct 1798 – Hugh Armstrong & James Bryson appointed by the Court to settle with the Administrators of Richard Lawrence, deceased, after deducting the sum of L541.27 3/4 for debts that appears to be owing by the estate and for services done by the Administrators (all which sums may be seen at large in an exhibit market with the letter “A” herewith posted), report the following sums to be due and owing by the Administrators to the persons ——-to wit
Isabel Lawrence L71.17.71/2
Joseph Lawrence 70.0.1 1/2
James Lawrence 83.8.9 1/4
Clabourn Lawrence 65.7.71/2
Benjamin Humphrey 46.9.71/4
Randolph Lawrence 61.17.71/4
Nicholas Baker 31.2.63/4
Colby Creed 47.3.51/4
Richard Lawrence 56.2.71/2
Samuel Lawrence 63.7.7 1/2
Benjamin Lawrence 57.3.9
John Lawrence 33.3.1/4
Henry Lawrence 84.7.1/2
Patsey Lawrence 22.3.9 1/2
Isaac Forkner 84.3.9 1/4
David Lawrence 34.3.9 1/4
Sarah Lawrence 104.3.7 1/4
Nancy Lawrence 39.3.7 1/4
Rhoda Lawrence 124.3.9 1/4
Based on information in HUMPHREY GENEALOGY, Randolph and Samuel Lawrence submit inventory of estate of Richard Lawrence –including 2046 acres of land, seven negroes, one pair money scales, twenty dollars, three shillings and nine pence Virginia Currence, one French crown and a half, etc., on 23 August 1796.
Then on November 1796, in an account of sales of the estate of this Richard Lawrence, we find mentioned Samuel Humphreys, Thomas Word (probably one of the Humphreys in-laws), Benjamin Humphreys (probably his son-in-law), Richard, Samuel, Henry, Randolph, John and Joseph Lawrence, and Isabelle Lawrence , who bought a large number of items including the family Bible.
On January 12, 1797, additional sales from this estate were recorded, and again on October 18, 1798 the final accounting of the estate, showing sums owed to the estate.
An e-mail from Carol L. Vidales, <vidales@worldnet.att.net> , said: “The book, GENEALOGICAL ABSTRACTS OF REV. WAR PENSION FILES, vo l II F-M, abstracted by Virgil White (Waynesboro, TN: Nat’l Historic al Pub. County , 1991), has this on page 2028:
‘Joseph Lawrence or Lawrence “W31810, Virginia & North Carolina Line, appl. 11 Oct 1832 Monroe County IN a res. of Green County IN, soldier was born 1 Nov 1755 in Albermarle County Virginia & he stated his step-mother Isabella Lawrence of Surry Co. North Carolina gave him the date of his birth, soldier’s father was Richard Lawrence, soldier lived in Albemarle County Virginia at 1st enlistment & he also was Maryland prior to 1777 & afterwards moved to Surry County North Carolina & lived there at other enlistments.'”
Information on Richard’s wives and children came by e-mail from Sophia Shamhart, shamhart@aol.com, October 11, 1999, who forwarded it from a Rootsweb posting dated March 26, 1998, posted by hhgene@aol.com.
Name: Richard Lawrence
Given Name: Richard
Surname: Lawrence 1 2
Sex: M
Birth: Abt 1733 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties 2
Death: Aug 1796 in Surry County, North Carolina Formed 1770 From Rowan County 2
Reference Number: 15768
Change Date: 27 Jun 2003 at 12:17
Note:
Richard Lawrence : 1741-found in Fredericksville Parish Records in Louisa Co. Virginia 1760 bought 200 ac St. Ann’s Parish, Albemarle County, Virginia from Charles Smith. John (x) Lawrence , wit. 1763- Bought 75 ac amherst County Virginia from Chas. Smith. John (x) Lawrence . Wit. 1765-Sold 75 ac Amherst County to Jos Morris, 1772-Bought 264 ac on Hickory Crk, Albemarle County Virginia from John Maxwell. John (x) Lawrence, Joseph Lawrence, Wit. 1772- Had 49 ac surveyed Amherst County 1773 Bought 46 ac Hickory Crk. Amherst County Virginia from Jas. Doughlas. Joseph Lawrence , James Lawrence -wit. 1777- Sold 46 ac Amherst County to Thos. Johnson and 200 ac Amherst County, to Jos Morris 1778- Listed as a Juror in Surry County North Carolina 1779- Bought land in Surry County North Carolina 1784-On Surry County North Carolina State Census 1 male over 16, 7 males under, 16, 5 females.
On February 9, 1784, Richard Lawrence bought from Daniel Humphres for 9L, 400 acres(?), part of the land sold by Thomas Smith to Danl Humphres, lying on Renfroes Creek, north side of tract of land known by the name of the Crushy Bottom. Signed by Daniel Humphres. Witnesses: David Humphres, Benj Humphres, ? Humphreys. (From e-mail message from SShamhart@aol.com on October 12, 1999.) Surry County, North Carolina, Book B, p. 228.
Richard Lawrence , who lived in Albemarle County, Virginia then later 1778 in Surry county, North Carolina died intestate and left 17 heirs. Since he was a man of means, it took many years for his estate to settle and by the time it did, most of his daughters had been married and their married names were included in the files. The lady that sent the info to me said she went to Raleigh, North Carolina to look at his file and saw the originals for all the documents therein.
Biographical text for unknown wife of Richard Lawrence It is possible that the unknown first wife of Richard Lawrence was named Susannah, or Sarah Sally, probably Claiborne. The Lawrence , Claiborne, Burch, and Harris families had long lived near one another in both Virginia and nc, and had inter-married.
2nd. Wife Isabella Ross
18 Oct 1798 – Hugh Armstrong & James Bryson appointed by the Court to settle with the Administrators of Richard Lawrence, deceased, after deducting the sum of L541.27 3/4 for debts that appears to be owing by the estate and for services done by the Administrators (all which sums may be seen at large in an exhibit market with the letter “A” herewith posted), report the following sums to be due and owing by the Administrators to the persons ——-to wit
Isabel Lawrence L71.17.71/2 Joseph Lawrence 70.0.1 1/2 James Lawrence 83.8.9 1/4 Clabourn Lawrence 65.7.71/2 Benjamin Humphrey 46.9.71/4 Randolph Lawrence 61.17.71/4 Nicholas Baker 31.2.63/4 Colby Creed 47.3.51/4 Richard Lawrence 56.2.71/2 Samuel Lawrence 63.7.7 1/2 Benjamin Lawrence 57.3.9 John Lawrence 33.3.1/4 Henry Lawrence 84.7.1/2 Patsey Lawrence 22.3.9 1/2 Isaac Forkner 84.3.9 1/4 David Lawrence 34.3.9 1/4 Sarah Lawrence 104.3.7 1/4 Nancy Lawrence 39.3.7 1/4 Rhoda Lawrence 124.3.9 1/4
Based on information in HUMPHREY GENEALOGY, Randolph and Samuel Lawrence submit inventory of estate of Richard Lawrence –including 2046 acres of land, seven negroes, one pair money scales, twenty dollars, three shillings and nine pence Virginia Currence, one French crown and a half, etc., on 23 August 1796.
Then on November 1796, in an account of sales of the estate of this Richard Lawrence , we find mentioned Samuel Humphreys, Thomas Word (probably one of the Humphreys in-laws), Benjamin Humphreys (probably his son-in-law), Richard, Samuel, Henry, Randolph, John and Joseph Lawrence , and Isabelle Lawrence , who bought a large number of items including the family Bible, so was “probably” the widow.
On January 12, 1797, additional sales from this estate were recorded, and again on October 18, 1798 the final accounting of the estate, showing sums owed to the estate.
Information on Richard’s wives and children came by e-mail from Sophia Shamhart, shamhart@aol.com, October 11, 1999, who forwarded it from a Rootsweb posting dated March 26, 1998, posted by phhgene@aol.com. This posting also said:
“Richard Lawrence , who lived in Albemarle County, Va, then later in Surry county, North Carolina, died intestate and left 17 heirs. Since he was a man of means, it took many years for his estate to settle and by the time it did, most of his daughters had been married and their married names were included in the files. The person who sent me this info went to Raleigh, nc to look at his file and saw the originals for all the documents therein. Many members of this large family went to Tennessee and Kentucky.”
Then follows the names of 4 children by his first wife, followed by “Individual biographical text for Richard Lawrence “:
Then follows biographical text for unknown wife of Richard Lawrence (see First wife bio), followed by 6 children by second wife.
An e-mail from Carol L. Vidales, <vidales@worldnet.att.net>, said: “The book, GENEALOGICAL ABSTRACTS OF REV. WAR PENSION FILES, vol II F-M, abstracted by Virgil White (Waynesboro, TN: Nat’l Historical Pub. County , 1991), has this on page 2028:
‘Joseph Lawrence or Lawrence “W31810, Virginia & North Carolina Line, appl. 11 Oct 1832 Monroe County IN a res. of Green County IN, soldier was born 1 Nov 1755 in Albermarle County Virginia & he stated his step-mother Isabella Lawrence of Surry Co. North Carolina gave him the date of his birth, soldier’s father was Richard Lawrence , soldier lived in Albemarle County Virginia at 1st enlistment & he also was Maryland. prior to 1777 & afterwards moved to Surry County North Carolina & lived there at other enlistments.'”
You show Jane Lawrence as the daughter of this Richard L. This, however, is tentative; she is my ancestor, and I have not been able to prove the relationship since she does not appear by name in his probate proceeding–only Benjamin Humphreys, who <a> Jane Lawrence did marry, according to documentation. It has not been proven that the Benjamin H. who was named in the estate is the same Benjamin H. who married a Jane Lawrence.
Dolores Kinsey <dskinsey@grandecom.net>
2
Marriage 1 Susanne Claibourne b: Abt 1735
Note: Reference Number:57173
Married: Abt 1753 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties
Change Date: 29 Oct 2002
Children
Benjamin Lawrence b: Abt 1754 in Virginia Statehood 1788
Joseph Lawrence b: 1 Nov 1755 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties
James Lawrence b: Abt 1757 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties
Claibourne Lawrence b: Abt 1759 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties
Marriage 2 Isabella Ross b: 1746 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties
Note: Reference Number:57041
Married: Abt 1760 in Virginia Statehood 1788
Change Date: 29 Oct 2002
Children
Rhoda Lawrence b: Abt 1761 in Amherst County, Virginia Formed 1761 From Albemarle County
Randolph Lawrence b: Abt 1763 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties
Jane Lawrence b: 1765 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties
Richard Lawrence b: Abt 1767 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties
Lucy Lawrence b: Abt 1770 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties
Francis Lawrence b: Abt 1771 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties
Samuel Lawrence b: Abt 1772 in Amherst County, Virginia Formed 1761 From Albemarle County
Benjamin Lawrence b: 1774 in Albemarle County, Virginia Formed 1744 From Goochland And Louisa Counties
John Lawrence b: Abt 1775 in Amherst County, Virginia Formed 1761 From Albemarle County
Henry Lawrence b: Abt 1777 in Amherst County, Virginia Formed 1761 From Albemarle County
Mourning Lawrence b: Abt 1779 in Surry County, North Carolina Formed 1770 From Rowan County
Sarah ‘Sally’ Lawrence b: Abt 1782 in Surry County, North Carolina Formed 1770 From Rowan County
Martha ‘Patsy’ Lawrence b: 6 Jun 1783 in Surry County, North Carolina Formed 1770 From Rowan County
David Lawrence b: 1784 in Surry County, North Carolina Formed 1770 From Rowan County
Nancy Lawrence b: Abt 1789 in Surry County, North Carolina Formed 1770 From Rowan County
Sources:
Abbrev: Patricia Hines Hall, <PHHGENE@aol.com>
Title: Patricia Hines Hall, <PHHGENE@aol.com>
Date: 9 May 1999
Abbrev: Dolores Kinsey <dskinsey@grandecom.net>
Title: Dolores Kinsey <dskinsey@grandecom.net>
Date: 29 Oct 2002
More About Richard Lawrence:
Date born 2: 1733
More About Richard Lawrence and Isabella Ross:
Marriage: Abt. 1759, Virginia
65 ii. Mary Ann Lawrence, born 1740 in North Carolina; died 09 Jun 1785 in Surry Co., North Carolina Formed 1770 From Rowan County. She married William Henry Sr. Burch Abt. 1763 in Rowan Co; born Abt. 1741 in Carolina Co., Virginia; died 1816 in Surry Co., North Carolina.
Notes for Mary Ann Lawrence:
Mary Ann was
a Lawrence according to many old documents written about this family. There is a family legend that says that a Burch man and a Lawrence man traded sisters. If William Burch and Mary
Ann Lawrence were two of these, then his sister should have married her brother.
Evidence of the wife of William Burch is from the gravestone of their son Charles in Greene Co, IN, which states son of W. & M. A. Burch.
According to Eddie Burch, William Burch married Mary A. —-, maybeLawrence, lived in Surry and Stokes Co NC. Where he died in 1815/16 or so it would seems from deeds and tax records. Couple must have beenhard-shelled Baptists since all of their children that I have learnedof were of that faith. Nobody has located their tombstones so far. The information is from fragments of bible records and letter s written in1930 by grandaughter in Monroe county Indiana. Most dates are from tombstones.
More About Mary Ann Lawrence:
Date born 2: 1740
Date born 3: Abt. 1741, Probably Gilford County, NC
Died 2: 1785
Record Change: 07 Jun 2002
Notes for William Henry Sr. Burch:
IN DEEDS
25 Dec 1829 – William Burch to John Burch D/3 4 Aug 1831 –
William Burch from Benj. Freeland D/310 25 Jul 1836 – William
Burch to George Burch E/269
25 Dec 1829 – William Burch & Elizabeth wife of Monroe Co
to John Burch same; $160; 80 ac. SS/ William (X) Burch. Wit:
Absolom Baker, George Adams D/3
4 Aug 1831 – Benjamin Freeland & Jane, wife, of Monroe Co to
William Burch of same; $150; land to be sold @ Vincennes D/529
25 Jul 1836 – William Burch, Elizabeth wife, to George Burch
all Monroe Co; valuable consideration, love & affection; 40 ac
land sold @ Vincennes. SS/ William (X) Burch, Elizabeth (X)
Burch Wit: James Crane JP, George W Collings E/319
Names of the siblings of William Burch Jr. come from the Bible
record included in his Revolutionary War application.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR PENSION
Berch, William, or Burch, Elizabeth no. R788 service NC born
NC
Fragments of the Burch Family Bible included: Across the front is piece written faintly “Henry Burch” The ages of William and Elizabeth Burches children Mary Burch was born February
the 4th 1815 George Burch was born on the 7th of February Nancy Burch was born May the Lazarus Burch was Born the 6th day of June Sally Burch was Born the 2 day of June 1821
faintly in different handwriting 1846 1766 82 Levi Burch was Born September the 18th 1824 Henry Burch was Born October the 18th 1826 William Burch was born in the year of our Lord 1764 May the 10th The words “Henry Burch” are written upside down, and again “Henry” is written across another page. It appears that Henry might have been learning how to write.
3 Nov 1843 – Aquilla Rogers, Judge of the Probate Court, Monroe Co, IN states that he has visited in the residence of William Berch and has ascertained that William served in the Revolutionary War, that he is in his 80th year and infirm, and that his testators Season (?) Long, David Carpenter, Absalom Baker and James Baker are of good character and to be believed.
Question 1. Where and in what year were you born? Answer. On
Haw River North Carolina the county not recollected.
Question 2. Have you any record of your age and if so, where is it? Answer. I have a copy of it in my house written by one Thomas Barnes an Irishman.
Question 3. Where were you living when called into the service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live? Answer. On Fish River, Surry County, North Carolina. Since the War I lived in Stokes County, moved from Surry and from Stokes county North carolina to Monroe County Indiana ——
Question 4. How were you called in to Service, were you draughted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if so for whom? Answer. There was a call for Militia and I volunteered.
Question 5. States the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such continental and Militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstanced of your service. Answer. I recollect the names of Col. Micajah Lewis who was killed and col John Armstrong; the former he thinks was of the Militia and the latter of the main or regular army; and those here before names; and knows of no circumstance of more note than before stated nor of
anything more important than testimony.
Question 6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the Service and is so by whom was it given and what has become of it? Answer. I never received a discharge as I recollect of.
Question 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. Answer. William Edwards, Samuel Slone and all the neighbors. SS/ William (his mark) Berch
5 Feb 1853 – Elizabeth Berch of Greene Co, IN appeared, is the widow of William Berch, and is aged 66 years. She married William 2 Apr 1812 in Surry Co, NC by William Fletcher,
Minister of the Gospel, and her name before marriage was Elizabeth Ritter. William died in Monroe County, IN 17 Sep 1848. She further states that she, William Burch and their children came from Surry Co, NC in the fall of 1823 and arrived in Monroe County in December, a few days before Christmas. She and her husband raised seven children all of whom are living, and that the said decendent by his first wife raised seven children to maturity, all of whom are males. SS/
Elizabeth (her mark) Berch.
(NOTE FROM NELDA – IN THIS IS MENTIONED “Wolframburger’s ” This is one of my ancestors and the name is spelled Wolfensberger and one branch of the family did change the name to Sparger..but not all.)
Letter to Eddie Burch from William Altus, dated Sep 1975:
“William Burch, Sr., the first known progenitor of our line, died in either 1815 or 1816. He was on the tax list of Surry County with his current 200 A. in 1815; then in the 1816 tax list the land is shown credited to George Burch (his next door neighbor) “for Wm. Burch’s heirs.” Wm, Sr’s land was not much good for it was evaluated as worth $200 in 1815; $100 in 1816, while son George’s land (194 1/2 A) was worth $500 both years. (Ed. Note: Dr. Altus failed to realize that elderly men were granted a lower tax rate.) So now you have a definite date (within a margin of 12 months) as to when Wm, Sr., died. Where did he live? I can tell you that, too, within a short margin. I purchased a big scale map of Surry and Stokes and with a description of the area assessed … I can tell you with certainty that our Burch clan from about 1799 to 1820, anyway,
lived in the northeast corner of Surry County, just east 2,3,4 miles of Mt. Airy…The Burches lived 3-5 miles from the Virginia-North Carolina state line with Patrick Co, VA to the north…. William Burch, Jr., I know got land from the state of North Carolina in 1799 for a few cents… There were nine grants of land in this general period (1780-1830) to a William Burch but this is the only one to our group. Grant was for 200 A. and a John Wolframburger’s (Ed note: John was William Jr.’s
sons father-in-law; the name was changed to Sparger about this time.) line is mentioned. (I believe John’s farm may have abutted the State Line). In 1815 Wm. sells this land (Wolframburger’s line is mentioned, thus identifying it) to Bezeleel Burch. Who Bezeleel Burch was I don’t know, but I
suspect him to be related to Bazzie Burch who showed up about the same time. Bazzie or Basil Burch was married in (I think) 1798 in Henry County, just a few miles away. I know that
Basil Burch belongs to a clan of Burches then living in Henry. Descendants are still there in Martinsville, VA. … (Ed Note: Dr. Altus is completely wrong on this tack; Bezebeel Burch was
the son of William Burch Jr and Mourning Harris, his first wife. William Jr. sold Bezebeel his Surry County land when he went to Monroe Co, IN.) Back to Wm., Jr. After selling out here he went to Stokes County (he shows there in 1820 along with Charles, our ancestor) and lived until his remove to Indiana. Joseph Lawrence… S31810, got $40 per annum for his Rev War Service, beginning Mar 1831. Joe was born about 1755 in Albemarle Co, VA entered service in 1775 or 1776 (he wasn’t sure) just after marriage… then in Spring 1777 he removed from Va where he’d served 1 year in the militia to Surry Co, NC. He gives detailed data of serving with a number of
Captains…. applied for pension in Fall, 1832, in Greene Co, IN. …..two witnesses Dana Banta, a preacher, and our own William Burch Jr … he knew Joseph Larence 10 or 12 years in
Surry Co, NC…lived close to him for 3 years in IN. ..I believe him to be 77 years of age…..Isn’t it true that you wrote me that the man shown as 80-89 living with Henry Burch in 1840 was Joe Laurence? We know that Joe came from Albemarle Co, VA adjacent to Caroline Co where the literate Burches came from. And Wm. Southern came from Rockingham Co, Va same area.” (Ed. Note: The above letter represents the personal opinion of Dr. Altus. He evidently did not know that Bazabeel Burch was the son of William Burch and Mourning Harris Burch, or that James Philip Burch (their son) was married to Mary (Wolfen)Sparger. Or that the Burch family was
considered to be one of aristocracy in Surry County – Robert Harris, the father of Mourning, was one of the wealthiest men in VA and NC. Mourning Burches mother was a Glen – another
very wealthy family.)
The History Of The Burch Family by Davis Burch, son of George Andrew Jackson Burch – Jun 1935 – 2529 Moore St. Bellingham, WA (Sent to William Altus in 1970 by Paul E. Burch)
He writes that in 1720 Thomas B. Burch and Elizabeth Hammond, the dau of Elder Jacob Hammond of Swanshire, England were accompanied by his brother James, md aboard ship on the way to America. James moved to NY and Thomas and family lived in VA until 1773. (Ed note: a fanciful account of the war of 1812 was contained in this document explaining how the families of James Black Burch and “General” Lawrence were lost and finally found in a tree.) James B. Burch, my grandfather, was married and emigrated to IN where he resided and where all thirteen of his children were born, 8 boys and 5 girls, namely, Lewis, Davis, Nicholas, George, John, Joseph and his twin James, Elizabeth, Mary, Ann, Martha and Rachel. Joseph and James were romping and playing when James fell off the bed and broke his neck. Then Jonathan, the youngest son was born. “This family migrated to the territory of Iowa…….”The forgoing facts were told to my Grandfather, James Black Burch, about 58 years ago when I was sixteen years old, when he stopped at my father’s house to stay over night and to visit us when he went from his home in Fayette Co. to the churches in the North West part of Iowa. We were living on our farm one mile west of Chickasaw when he told me about my ancestors on the Burch side………
Comments by Lee Burch, son of Nicholas Smith Burch, 23 Jun 1949, age 70 ” I am sorry to say with all due respect and love for Davis, that he was very much confused in his memory of the Burch family history. I know nothing of the story of said Thomas B. Burch. I know that my grandfathers mother was not a Hammond but a Lawrence. I do not know what her given name was but she was a sister to Captain Lawrence father, so Captain Lawrence and my father James B. Burch were cousins. Capt. Lawrence did die from wounds on his ship. I think he was known as Capt. Lawrence and not General. I did understand that Capt. Lawrences father also married my great grandfathers sister, traded sisters, you might say……I don’t know exactly what relations the Hammonds were. Either James father or his mother sister married a Hammond because he had cousins named Hammond and some of his cousins sons lived in Kansas. James and Joel Hammond; James Hammond preached my mothers funeral. ” (Ed. note: John Hammonds lived in Surry Co., North Carolina the same time as the Burch and Lawrence families. It is certainly possible that their was a Hammonds Burch marriage.)
More About William Henry Sr. Burch:
Name 2: William Burch
Date born 2: 1740
Date born 3: 1741
Date born 4: Abt. 1744, Haw River, N.C.
Died 2: 1815, Surrey County, NC
Died 3: 1817
Record Change: 07 Jun 2002
Marriage Notes for Mary Lawrence and William Burch:
[2433387.ged]
_STATMARRIED
More About William Burch and Mary Lawrence:
Marriage 1: Abt. 1763, Rowan Co
Marriage 2: Abt. 1763, Probably Gilfford County, NC
66 iii. Robert Lawrence, born 1744 in North Carolina.
67 iv. John Lawrence, born 1746 in North Carolina.
68 v. Dorothy Lawrence, born 1748 in North Carolina.
69 vi. Elizabeth Lawrence, born 1750 in North Carolina.
70 vii. Abner Lawrence, born 1754 in North Carolina.
71 viii. Obediah Lawrence, born 1756 in North Carolina.
End of file