Person Page

     Robert Lawrence was baptized on 5 June 1611 in England.¹ He married Elizabeth Adkinson before 1638 in England. Robert died after 19 October 1682 in Virginia.²Robert 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.^3,4

     Robert Lawrence received two patents on August 25, 1642, in Isle of Wight Co.: 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.⁵ The patent for 200 acres was renewed on September 12, 1644.⁵ This land subsequently was conveyed to Daniel Washburne on July 8, 1652, witnessed by James Pyland and Robert Sabin.⁴

     Robert's eldest 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.

     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.⁵

     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.⁵

     Robert joined other Puritans migrating to Nansemond Co., Virginia prior to 1659. Robert was a justice of Nansemond County, Virginia in 1659-1660.⁶ 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."⁷ 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.³

     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.^4,8

     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.⁴

     On April 17, 1667, Lt. Col. John George patented 360 acres on Castle Creek adjoining Francis Place and Robert Lawrence.⁵

     On "this sict day tenth month in ye year 1679" (6 December 1679) a Robert Laurenc witnessed the wetting of Thomas Jordan and Elizabeth Burgh.⁹ This may be this Robert or may be his son Robert.

     On "this Seventh day of ye 8th month in ye year 1680" (7 October 1680) Robt Laurence and Eliz Laurenc witnessed the wedding of Henry Hollowell and Elizabeth Cotching.⁹

     Robert Lawrence probably was living as late as 19 October 1682 when Robert Lawrence, the elder, witnessed the Quaker wedding of John Scott and Elizabeth Belson.^2,8 The exact date of death perished in the destruction of the records of Nanesmond County. Additionally, a Robert Lawrence witnessed the marriage of Robart Jones and Martha Rice on "the tenth day of ye fift month in the year 1683."⁸ This could be the elder Robert or could be his son Robert.

     Records existing in other locations prove that he left four sons, but it is impossible to prove the names of any daughters.³

     For information on the Ashton Hall Lawrences ancestors of Robert and the ancestry of Robert through his mother's line which connects to noble and royal families, click here.

     Elizabeth Adkinson was born circa 1618 in England.¹ She married Robert Lawrence, son of John Lawrence and Grissell Gibbons, before 1638 in England.On "this Seventh day of ye 8th month in ye year 1680" (7 October 1680) Eliz Laurenc and Robt Laurence witnessed the wedding of Henry Hollowell and Elizabeth Cotching.²

     Robert Lawrence Jr. was born circa 1639 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.¹ He married first Unknown ? before 1662.² He married second Joane (Jane) Gay after 1688.² Robert died before 23 January 1720/21.Robert's birth date is based on an affidavit he made in 1708. "Robert Lawrence of Nansimond County aged about sixty nine years Examined and sworne saith. That abouth forty seven years ago this Deponent seated a plantation on the south west side of Chowan River abuth three or four miles aboth the mouht of Morattock where he lived about seven years, by which means he had often occassion of passing and repassing the Chowan, in which he often took notice and still very well knows a large creek on the said South west side of Chowan commonly called and known both by the English and Indians by the name of Weyanoke Creeke which creek issueth into Chowan abouth twenty miles above Morattuck River mouth and accortind to the best of his Deponents judgement abouth twenty miles below the mouth of Maherine River and this Deponent further saith that he never heard either the Blackwater Nottaway or Maherine River or any other River or Creek but that above mentioned called by the name of Weyanoke Creek. Signed: Robert R. Lawrence Sworn and addressed as the former."³

     Robert's second wife, Jane, was the widow of Henry Gay who died in 1688. Jane's children by Henry Gay are believed to be Henry Gay and John Gay listed as "son-in-laws" in Robert Lawrence's will, and Thomas Gay. It is believed that Robert was married previously and that the first wife was the mother of his children.

     On November 24, 1653, a Robert Lawrence was used as a headright by Francis Grey of Charles City County, which might indicate that Robert Jr. had been sent to England for a visit and upon his return was used as a headright by Francis Grey.⁴

     Robert Lawrence, Jr. patented 625 acres west of the Chowanoke River in North Carolina on September 25, 1663, for transportation of thirteen colonists. On April 13, 1664, Robert Lawrence, the younger, sold George Pierce, smith, of Nansemond Co. 300 acres on Beaver Dam Swamp from 600 acres patented on May 20, 1673, in Nansemond Co. George Pierce assigns this land to Hodges Council on November 20, 1674.⁴

     On "this sict day tenth month in ye year 1679" (6 December 1679) a Robert Laurenc witnessed the wedding of Thomas Jordan and Elizabeth Burgh.⁵ This may be this Robert or may be his father the elder Robert.

     On July 27, 1682, Robert Lawrence, William Scott, Robert Couger, and Francis Hutchins witnessed the will of Peter Edwards of Isle of Wight Co.⁶ On November 6, 1682, Robert Lawrence, Richard Booth, and John Brown, witnessed a deed of Mathew Strickland and his wife Eliz. of Lower Parish to William Evans of Upper Parish 800 acres on the main swamp of King Sale for 4,000 bls. of tobacco.¹

     On "this tenth day of ye fift month in 1683" (10 July 1683) Robart Laurenc witnessed the wedding of Robart Jones and Martha Rice.⁵ Again I'm not sure whether this is Robert or his father the elder Robert.

     Robt Laurence Senior and Joone [sic] Lawrence witnessed the wedding of John Mory and Elizabeth Hichins "this fifteenth day of the Second month in the yeare 1686" (15 April 1686.)⁵ Robert's father has probably died by this time and Robert is now known as Robert Senior as he has a son Robert Junior.

     On July 9, 1689, Robert Lawence, Robert Cooper, and Thomas Sykes requested administration of the estate of Thomas Cullen of Isle of Wight Co., recorded on October 20, 1689.⁶ On October 23, 1689, Robert Lawrence, Jeremiah Exum, Francis Bridle, William Mayo, William Smelly, and William Murphy, appraised Cullen's estate.⁶

     On December 9, 1689, Robert Lawrence and John Brown witnessed a deed of John and Ann Smith to John Mackmihill. On March 22, 1696/7, Thomas Mumford, planter of Isle of Wight, sold Daniel Sanbourne some land assigned to Munford by Robert Lawrence adjoining Giles Lawrence.¹ On April 10, 1699, the will of Hodges Council bequeathed land bought from Robert Lawrence and George Pierce to his son John. In 1704 Robert Lawrence owned 400 acres in Nansemond County⁷ and 400 in Isle of Wight County.⁷

     On "this 11 day of the 11 mo in the year 1699" (11 January 1699/1700) Joana Lawrence and Robt Lawrence Juner witnessed the wedding of Thomas Gay (son of Joana Lawrence) and Rebecca Page.⁵

     On October 8, 1705, Robert Lawrence, Sr., Robert Lawrence, Jr., and Thomas Brown witnessed will of George Green.⁶ (Robert Sr. here is probably Robert Jr. the son of the immigrant Robert, and the Robert Jr. here is probably his son.)

     On January 9, 1706/07, Robert Lawrence, son and heir of Robert Lawrence deceased, sold to Robert Crawford of Lawne's Creek Parish, Surry, "150 acres of land granted to my father 28 September, 1643." This land patented by the elder Robert Lawrence, lay next to the land of the widow Alice Bennett and the deed of his son, Robert, Jr., was endorsed "This day being the 8th of April, 1706, William Bennett has given peaceable possession of these premises to Robert Lawrence of Isle of Wight in the presence of these witnesses, Carter Crawford, William Brantley."¹ He also sold to Robert Crawford on the same date, 100 acres east of Lawne's Creek patented by his father on August 25, 1642, witnessed by William Bennett, John Berryman, and Thomas Bagnell.⁸

     On "15 day of the 11 mo 1707" Robert Lawrence and Elizabeth Lawrence were witness to the marriage of James Denson and Sarah Dryton.⁹

     On April 29, 1708, Robert Lawrence, Richard Exum, and Robert Cooper witnessed the will of Thomas Sikes.⁶ On July 25, 1715, Robert, Richard Wooten, and James Tullaugh appraised the estate of William Mayo.⁶ His own estate was appraised by Thomas Sikes, Jacob Darden, John Pope, and Thomas Gale on February 27 1720/21.⁶

     Robt Lawrence Junor and Joane Lawrence witnessed the marriage of Thomas Gay and Rebecca Page "this 11th day of the 11th mo in the year 1699."

     Robert made a will on 20 April 1720 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia. The will is damaged beyond complete reading, but the following items are legible:

     (1) wife to have use of all movable property,
     (2) son Robert to have the lands
     (3) son-in-law (this word was also used for a stepson in those days) Henry Gay to have a chest, iron rack, and a pair of iron wedges
     (4) son-in-law and executor John Gay to have a long table, great brass kettle, and great iron pot, and
     (5) witnesses Ambrose (A) Sanders and Jane Gay.⁸

     His will was probated on 23 January 1720/21.

     Henry Lawrence was born in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^1,2 He married Elizabeth Edey, daughter of Humphrey Edey.³ Henry died before 27 September 1739.On 19 October 1670, Henry and Elizabeth Lawrence received 350 acres on the N. W. branch of the Nansemond River from the will of Humphry Edey; 250 acres adjacent Mr. Robert Lawrence granted to the said Edey and 100 acres on an island adjacent a creek purchased by said Edey from Jno. Loyd.³

     George Lawrence was born say 1642 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^1,2George received a patent for 120 acres on July 20, 1680, "at the head of his father's line to an oak on the land held by patent by John Lawrence, brother to said George, to Mr. Ison's line, to old Mr. Lawrence's line, for the tranportation of three persons." He later received another patent of 830 acres on Blackwater in Nansemond County by Coleman's corner line and White Marsh for importation of thirteen colonists. In 1704 he owned 400 acres in Nansemond County. The destruction of the Nansemond County records left no proof that George Lawrence had children. However, a possible son of George is James Lawrence.¹

     Additional information has indicated that George may also have had other sons. In 1686, George deeds deeds John Lawrence a portion of lhis 830 acres. The deed also refers to James and Henry Lawrence. In the 1704 Nansemond Quit Rent Roll listed are Jno. Lawrence 100 acres,³ Geo. Lawrence 400 acres,³ Henry Lawrence 200 acres,³ and James Lawrence 100 acres.³ This appears to indicate that George had sons John, Henry, and James, and had divided this patent of 830 acres between them. The deed from George to John Lawrence reads as follows:

     Whereas I George Lawrence of Nansemond County Planter have taken a Pattent of Eight Hundred and thirty acres of Land under ye hand of this Excellency Francis Lord Howard Baron of Effinghamd and Governor of Virginia - bearing date the 27th day of April 1686 and the Seale of the Collony; and James Lawrence, John Lawrence and Henry Lawrence have beene at ye Equall Charge in taking up the same.

     Now Know all men by these presents that I the said George Lawernce for ye consideration aforesaid do for mee my heirs & Executors and Administrators give grant Aliens and convey unto John Lawrence of Nansemond County aforesaid a Certaine parcell of the Said Land begining at the foot of the Deepe Branch and so running up this Branch to a marked white oake ans so along the line of marked trees to a pine standing upon an arme of the deep branch and so upon the said arme to the row of marked trees to ye head line of ye patent and so down ye line of the patent and frm thence to ye foot of the Branch first mentioned; with free privileges to get timber out of the Pocosson any time for ye necessary use of the plantation hee ye said John not making any wast of selling the said timber, but for his own proper use, with all other perfits, privileges, commodities and advantages to the same belonging, as fully as I have it granted to me in ye said patent, he the said John paying unto our soveraigne Lord and Lady, the King and Queen, yearly and every year hereafter to them and their heirs and successors one fourth part of the quit rents that shall be due by virtue of the said patent to have and to hold unto him the said John Lawrence, his heirs and clearly acquitted and discharged from all former gifts and grants what so ever by me heretofore made or any person from by or under me, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of November in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred & ninety two.⁴

His
George X Lawrence (Seal)
Mark

Signed sealed and
delivered in the presence of us

James Doughtir
James Lawrence

Acknowledged in open court held for
Nansemond County November ye 13th
1692 by John Low Attorney for George
Lawrence and is recorded in ye records
of Nansemond County

Teste
Joseph Bridger Clk Curt.

     John Lawrence was born circa 1641 in Virginia.¹ He married Mary Power.² John died after 2 January 1696/97.³John lived in Nansemond County and most of the records pertaining to him were destroyed. On September 25, 1663, Mr. John Laurence patented 625 acres west of the Chowanoke River adjoining Mr. Robert Laurence, in (North) Carolina, for the transportation of thirteen persons 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.⁴

     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. In 1703 she witnessed the marriage of Abraham Rickesis and Mary Bellson.⁵

     Mary Power was born circa 1648.¹ She married John Lawrence, son of Robert Lawrence and Elizabeth Adkinson.² Mary died after 1700.³Kenan Lawrence in his History of the Lawrence Family indicates that Mary's surname may have been Power. The source for this speculation is not mentioned.

     On 'the 14 day of the 10 mo 1699" (14 December 1699) Mary Lawrence, Joane Lawrence, and Elizabeth Lawrence" witnessed the marriage of Jacob Rickesis and Mary M. Exum.⁴ Joane is probably the wife of Robert Lawrence, brother of John Lawrence who is the husband of Mary Lawrence. Elizabeth is probably the wife of Henry Lawrence, bother to John and Robert.

     On "this 14 day of the 2 mo in yeare 1700" (14 May 1700) Mary Lawrence widdow and Joane Lawrence witnessed the wedding of Wm Powell and Mary Page.⁴

     On "the 15 day of this instant mo being the first mo of the year 1702" (15 April 1702) the marriage of Thomas Page and Isabell Lawrence was witnessed by brothers Michall Lawrence and Thomas Lawrence (brothers of Isabell), Elizabeth Lawrence (probably Isabell's mother), Joane Lawrence (wife of Robert Lawrence, and Mary Lawrence (wife of John Lawrence). Isabell was the daughter of Henry Lawrence, brother to the aforementioned Robert and John, and Elizabeth Edey.⁴

     Priscilla Lawrence was born circa 1660 in Nansemond Co., Virginia.² She married Matthew Whitfield [II], son of Matthew Whitfield [I].³ Priscilla died before 1703.⁴On February 9, 1708, Mathew and Priscilla Whitfield of Nansemond County, sold their interest in a patent made to the late Mr. John Lawrence for 530 acres to John Lawrence of Newport Parish in Isle of Wight County for 5,000 pound of tobacco. John bequeathed part of it to his daughter, Elizabeth, who bequeathed her share to her sister, Priscilla Whitfield.⁵

     Priscilla and Matthew moved to Bertie County, North Carolina³.

     Mary Lawrence was born in 1681.¹ She married John Thomas, son of Richard Thomas and Elizabeth Sanders.² Mary died circa 1736 in Virginia.¹On November 22, 1704, John Thomas, of Nansemond County, Virginia, deeded to Col. Thomas Pollock of Chowan Precinct in North Caroina, 208 1/3 acres west of Chowan River, part of 625 acres patented by John Lawrence, deceased, on September 25, 1663, "by right of Mary my now wife daughter of ye aforesd. Jon. Lawrence", witnessed by Francis Parrott, Nathan Chevin, and David Henderson. On October 16, 1713, Mary Thomas, widow, of the Upper Parish of Nansemond County, sold John Lawrence, Sr., for 5,100 pounds of tobacco, 100 acres in the Lower Parish Isle of Wight County from a patent of 530 to John Lawrence, deceased, on June 5, 1678, "upon maine Blackwater" and bequeathed to her by her said father in his will dated January 2, 1696/7, witnessed by William Wilkinson and Giles Driver, Jr.³

     On September 20, 1736, John Thomas of the Upper Parish of Nansemond County, sold John Lawrence, Jr. of the Lower Parish of Isle of Wight County, for 2,100 pounds of tobacco 100 acres from 530 acres east of Blackwater bequeathed to daughter Mary Thomas by John Lawrence, Sr³.

     John Lawrence Jr. was born circa 1668 in Nansemond Co., Virginia.^1,2 He married Margaret Murphy, daughter of William Murphy Jr. and Sarah Holladay, before 17 November 1714 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^3,4 John died before 23 April 1739 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^3,5John Lawrence, Jr. was a Cornet in the Isle of Wight County Militia in 1702, and signed an address of loyalty to Queen Anne. In the Rent Rolls of 1704 he owned 175 acres in Nansemond County,⁶ and 400 acres in Isle of Wight County.⁶ On 25 October 1706, John Lawrence, Mathew Whitfield, and Jacob Barnes witnessed the will of William Frizzell. On 9 February 1708, Mathew and Priscilla Whitfield on Nansemond County sold John Lawrence of Newport Parish in Isle of Wight County for 2,000 pounds of tobacco, their interest in 530 acres on Main Blackwater, patented on 5 June 1678, by John Lawrence, deceased father of Priscilla Whitfield, who gave it to his daughter Elizabeth Lawrence on Nansemond County, who bequeathed it to her sister, the said Priscilla, witnessed by Richard Exum and James Hunter.³

     On 16 October 1713, Mary Thomas, widow, of the Upper Parish of Nansemond County, sold John Lawrence, Sr., of Isle of Wight County, for 2,100 pounds of tobacco, 100 acres on Main Blackwater, patented by her late father, John Lawrence, on 5 June 1678, and bequeathed to her in his will, witnessed by Giles Driver, Jr., William Wilkinson, and Thomas Mandew. On 27 March 1721, John Lawrence of Isle of Wight County, sold Robert Lawrence of Nansemond County for £10, a tract of 280 acres south of Main Blackwater from his patent of 16 December 1714, adjoining Robert Smelley, Cattail Branch, Thomas Swann, and Miry Branch, witnessed by William Scott, Elizabeth Exum, and Sarah Lawrence.³

     On 9 January 1724/5, John Lawrence, Thomas Driver, and Thomas Loyde witnessed the will of Giles Driver, and Lawrence was asked to help divide the estate. On 24 February 1728/9, John Lawrence, William Fowler, and William Daughtry appraised the estate of James Councill. On 28 November 1737, John Lawrence, John Bowen, and Virgus Smith appraised the estate of Robert Westray.³

     John was a vestryman of Old Brick Church founded in 1638.⁷

     John made a will on 27 January 1738/39 in Newport Parish, Virginia. John's will:

     (1) son John, a plantation of about 150 acres where he and William Freeman were living south of Blackwater, half the still, and five shillings sterling;
     (2) son and executor William, rest of the Blackwater land, the home plantation, half the still, feather bed and bolster, rug, blanket, pair of sheets, pot, chest, cedar table, half the chairs, 2 guns, slave, large brass kettle after the mother's death, and the marriage of his sisters, one-fifth of the pewter, and half of the rest of the cattle;
     (3) wife and executrix Margaret, to have the use of the home dwelling; gift of half the chairs, one-fifth of the pewter, half of the rest of the cattle, and all the hogs;
     (4) daughter Margaret Lawrence, feather bed and bolster, rug, blanket, pair of sheets, one-fifth of the pewter, chest, pot, 2 cows with calves, and one slave;
     (5) daughter Priscilla Lawrence, feather bed and bolster, rug, blanket, pair sheets, one-fifth of the pewter and one slave;
     (6) son-in-law Robert Carr, five shillings sterling;
     (7) daughter Sarah Moore, five shillings sterling.
     Witnesses Robert Lawrence, Charles Counsell, and Thomas Brewer.³

     His will was probated on 23 April 1739. On 28 January 1739/40, the inventory of the estate of John Lawrence was recorded in the Isle of Wight County Court by Margaret Lawrence and William Lawrence.⁵

     Robert Lawrence was born circa 1672 in Nansemond Co., Virginia.¹ He married Elizabeth Marshall circa 1692.^2,1 Robert died before 1747.²Robert 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.²

     Elizabeth died before 9 February 1708.¹Elizabeth left her land to her sister Priscilla.

     Matthew Whitfield [II] was born circa 1660 in Scotland.¹ He married Priscilla Lawrence, daughter of John Lawrence and Mary Power.²