Person Page

     Penelope Brown married William Lawrence, son of John Lawrence Jr. and Margaret Murphy.^1,2 Penelope died circa 1739.¹

     Penelope Lawrence was born before 1739 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4

     Sarah Applewhaite married William Lawrence, son of John Lawrence Jr. and Margaret Murphy, before 26 July 1746.¹ Sarah died before 2 December 1762.²Sarah made a will on 6 October 1762. Leg. son John; son Mills; daughter Mary; daughter Ann; to Thomas Lankford, Sr. Ex. brother Arthur Applewhaite. Wit: Thomas Lankford; Hardy Lawrence, Jr; and Sarah Lawrence.

     Her will was recorded on 2 December 1762.

     John Lawrence was born before 26 July 1746 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^1,2 He married first Unknown Tynes, daughter of Thomas Tynes and Celia West, circa 1766.³ He married second Mary Bridger, daughter of James Bridger and Susanna ?, on 13 January 1773 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^4,5,6,7 John died before 3 January 1788 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.¹John was also known as [Col.] John Lawrence.

     Kenan Lawrence incorrectly gives Col. John Lawrence's birth date as 1754. The will of Ann Applewhaite dated 26 July 1746, names John Lawrence, son of her daughter Sarah Lawrence so John had to have been born prior to that date.

     John Lawrence, Esquire, was a Justice of Isle of Wight County 1766-1783, and sheriff in 1781. On 7 August 1777, John Lawrence, Gent., and Justice, was ordered by the Court to administer the oaths in the district of which Mills Lawrence was the Captain of the Militia.

     On 4 April 1782, John Lawrence "is hereby appointed to purchase a wagon and a team of four strong, able horses in good order for the use of the Contential Army agreeable to the act of the General Assembly, in that case made and provided." On 6 July 1780, Colonel John Lawrence took the oath as Officer of the Militia in Isle of Wight County, having been appointed 6 April. He had been a Captain as early as 5 November 1772.

     John made a will in November 1787. John's will mentions wife Mary; son William land in Southampton County; daughter Salley, one-half of the money due me from the estate of Benjamin Baker; son John; daughter Peggy; brother Mills Lawrence. Exs. Mary, brother Mills Lawrence and Elisha Lawrence Ballard. Wit: none. Security: Joshua Council, Mills Eley.

     His will was probated on 3 January 1788. The estate of Col. John Lawrence was appraised by Mills Eley, Wade Mountfore, and James Johnson, appraisal order on 21 January 1788, and recorded 2 December 1794. The account of John Lawrence's estate was examined by James Wills, Mills Eley, Joseph Duck, signed by Mills Lawrence and Elisha L. Ballard, and recorded on 3 December 1798.

     Mary Lawrence was born circa 1749 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4,5 Mary died after 1762.⁵Mary was also known as Molly.

     Ann Lawrence was born circa 1753 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4,5

     Sallie Applewhaite Lawrence was born circa 1755.^1,2,3,4 She married Goodrich Wilson.⁴

     Mills (Miles) Lawrence was born in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.¹ He married Martha ?.² Mills (Miles) Lawrence married Elizabeth ?.³ Mills died circa 1815.²Mills was also known as [Capt.] Mills (Miles) Lawrence.

     On 5 June 1777, Mills Lawrence was Captain of a Militia Company in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. On 7 August 1777, Henry Vaughan was appointed Second Lieutenant in his Company. In May of 1781, Soloman Edmungs became his Second Lieutenant. On April 4, 1782, Mills Lawrence was still on active duty as a Captain of the Militia. In some records Mills' name is spelled Miles.⁴ Miles and Martha had no children.

     Kenan Lawrence in his manuscript indicates that Mills married a Martha and died without issue. Boddie in Historical Southern Families, vol. 1, page 184, indicates that Mills died unmarried.

     Jesse M. Lawrence indicates that Miles Lawrence married Elizabeth and that they had one child, Mary who married Joseph R. Robertson.

     I have included both marriages here until I can determine which, or perhaps both, is correct.

     William Lawrence was born circa 1772 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.² He married Margaret T. Jones on 21 January 1783 in Granville, North Carolina.²

     John Lawrence was born circa 1770.^1,2 He married Sarah Groce on 26 December 1791.³

     Peggy Lawrence was born circa 1776 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.

     Elizabeth Marshall married Robert Lawrence, son of John Lawrence and Mary Power, circa 1692.^1,2Some say that Elizabeth may have been the daughter of Humphrey Nichols. Others say her maiden name was Marshall or Humphreys. John H. Cobb suggests that her name was Elizabeth Cobb.³

     Humphrey Lawrence was born circa 1712 in Bertie Co., North Carolina.² He married Ann Ashley, daughter of Thomas Ashley, in July 1747.^3,4 Humphrey died before June 1772 in Bertie Co., North Carolina.³On 9 January 1747/8, Humphrey described himself as a Planter of Bertie County and sold George Lawrence for £5/10/0 current Virginia money 120 acres "which was Willed to me by father Robert Lawrence Lying & being in Bertie County" south of Bear Swamp, "being Part of the Land my father Robert Lawrence Lived on when he Died." Witnessed: William Lawrence, Alexander How, and John Sallis.⁵

     On 2 November 1753, Thomas Ashley deeded to Humphrey Lawrence, Goldsmith, and wife, Ann "for & in consideration of the Love Good Will & affection that he doth bear unto his well beloved Daughter Ann intermarried with the sd Humphrey Lawrence," 82 acres west of Coshoke Swamp adjoining Thomas Ashbourne, Great Branch, Thomas Ashley, Henry Vanluven, and Robert West, Jr., witnessed by Samuel Ormes and James Ormes.⁶ "A list of Taxes recd. for the Year 1758" and also 1759 showed Humphrey Lawrence with one white poll.

     On 23 September 1766, William and Ann Virgin sold Humphrey Lawrence for £26/8/0 proclamation money a certain tract adjoining Thomas Ashley and the Main Branch, witnessed by Robert Odeon and John Smith.⁷

     In 1768 John Cook sold to Humphrey Lawrence for £12 a tract of 77 acres on Blackwalnut Swamp, witnessed by William Ashburn.⁷

     On 28 December 1772, Thomas Leath of Hyde County sold Ann Lawrence, widow of Humphrey Lawrence for £12 proclamation money 50 acres adjoining Thomas Ashley in Bertie County, witnessed by Frederick and Charles Hodgson. "An Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Humphrey Lawrence Deceased" was "Taken June 13th 1772."

     Humphrey made a will on 26 April 1771 in Bertie Co., North Carolina. Humphrey's will:

(1) wife and executrice Ann Lawrence, use of slave, house, plantation and a child's part of the stock and household goods, then equally to all the children; (2) son Frederick Lawrence, the William Virgin tract; (3) son Reuben Lawrence, one slave and the land behind David Bryan and Ben Cook; (4) David Lawrence, slave, rifle, working tools, and one-third of the still owned with sister Elizabeth Spruill; (5) daughter Ann Lawrence, one slave; (6) Nathaniel Lawrence, one slave; (7) executor Humphrey Nicholls. Witnessed: William Kingston Evrat, Charles Hodgeson, and Elizabeth Boulton.^8,9 Another will abstract indicates that Humphrey was a goldsmith.¹⁰

     His will was probated in June 1772.

     Robert Lawrence was born circa 1696.⁴ Robert died circa 1788.⁴

     George Lawrence was born circa 1694.² He married Sarah Jordon circa 1745.^3,4,1 George died before January 1756 in Bertie Co., North Carolina.³George Lawrence and Edward Mason witness the will of Christian Norsworthy in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, on 6 November 1727. On 24 August 1739, George Lawrence, Robert Lawrence, and Mary Lawrence witnessed the will of William Reddick of Bertie County, North Carolina.

     On 9 January 1747/8, Humphrey described himself as a Planter of Bertie County and sold George Lawrence for £5/10/0 current Virginia money 120 acres "which was Willed to me by father Robert Lawrence Lying & being in Bertie County" south of Bear Swamp, "being Part of the Land my father Robert Lawrence Lived on when he Died." Witnessed: William Lawrence, Alexander How, and John Sallis.⁵

     He may have been the George Lawrence whose land adjoining that of Henry Lawrence in Nansemond County, Virginia, was processioned on 4 March 1747/8. His line adjoining Michael Lawrence was processioned on 8 February 1752/3, and with Abraham Riddick on 13 September 1755. On 10 March 1756, George Lawrence's land was processioned by Moses Darden and Joshua Gardner. On 2 February 1760, his lines adjoining James Norfleet, John Lawrence, and Paul Lawrence were processioned. The processioning on 8 March 1760, indicated that the land lay between the Blackwater and Notoway Rivers.

     Sarah may have been pregnant when George died. In the Bertie County Court records of the fourth Tuesday of September in the year 1771, a Frances Laurence, orphan of George Laurence deceased came into Court and chose Jamees Perry her guardian which is approved by the Court on giving Security in the sum of one hundred pounds procln. Money which is given by Joseph Parker and Humphry Laurence.⁶ Humphry was George's brother.

     George made a will on 16 March 1752 in Bertie Co., North Carolina. George's will:

(1) daughter Ann Lawrence, a heifer; (2) daughter Sarah Lawrence, a heifer; (3) Joshua Lawrence, son under eighteen, part of land adjoining "my brother Thomas' land, half interest in a mare; (4) George Lawrence, son under eighteen, part of the land, half-interest in a mare; (5) wife and executrix Sarah Lawrence, use of the home plantation, cattle, hogs, household goods, and the old mare; (6) brothers and executors, Thomas Lawrence and John Lawrence. Witnessed: John Yeats, Robert Lawrence, and Thomas Lawrence.⁷

     His will was probated in January 1756 in Bertie Co., North Carolina. The estate of George Lawrence was inventoried by Sarah Lawrence on 24 July 1772.^7,8

     William Lawrence was born circa 1700.¹ He married Elizabeth ? circa 1730.² William died on 7 September 1758 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^3,1On 7 August 1751, William Lawrence of Bertie County paid John Sallis £16 current Virginia money for 400 acres adjoining George Walston, Walston's Creek, Arnold Hopkins, John Bowin, James Newland, and Bear Swamp, witnessed by John Ridick and Ann Reddick.⁴ He may have been the William Lawrence whose land in Nansemond County, Virginia, was processioned by Elisha Darden and Joseph Carr in the presence of Jacob Darden and Joshua Gardner on 23 December 1771. On 20 August 1790, William and Ann Lawrence of Bertie County sold James Morris for £60 current North Carolina money 100 acres adjoining John Lawrence, Ben Bowen, Thomas W. Pugh, and Reddick, witnessed by William Weston. In the Bertie County Census of 1790 he was listed with one male over sixteen, two males under sixteen, three females, and four slaves.

     The inventory of William's estate in January 1759 by Elizabeth Lawrence mentions Plat of lands dated Sept. 7, 1762, mentioning 400 acres left to the orphans (unnamed) of the dec'd. adj. Walston's Creek and Nulon. Depositon (dated Nov. 13, 1799) by Nathan Brownlow, stating he lived with Mrs. Elizabeth Cobb about thirty years previously, when William Lawrence (father of the defendant, name not given) died and left a considerable estate. At this time Mrs. Cobb told him she had enough money to buy a Negro for each of her children by the said Lawrence, being the deponent (name not given) and Anna, now Mrs. Horton.⁵

     Elizabeth Lawrence was born circa 1708.² Elizabeth married first Thomas Sutton.¹ Elizabeth married second Thomas Speller.¹ Elizabeth married third Samuel Sprewell before 1759.^3,4 Elizabeth died without issue on 21 December 1787.³Her will was probated in February 1787 in Bertie Co., North Carolina. On 21 December 1787, the inventory of the estate of Elizabeth Spruil, deceased, was taken by Thomas Lawrence and Frederick Lawrence.

     Elizabeth made a will on 7 April 1787 in Bertie Co., North Carolina. This will is important as it names so many of her relatives. Some of the relationships of many others are easily determined. Her will:

(1) Frederick Lawrence, one slave; (2) Williamson Lawrence, one slave; (3) Robert Lawrence, son of John Lawrence, reversion in a slave left for said father's use; (4) brother Robert Lawrence and Sarah Hardon, one slave; (5) Samuel Spewell, one slave; (6) Elisabeth Lawrence, daughter of John Lawrence, Jr., one bed and furnishings; (7) John Lawrence, Jr., one chest and table; (8) Sarah Morriss, small bedstead and furnishings; (9) Ann Cullifer, small bedstead and furnishings; (10) Joanna Weston, bedstead and furnishings; (11) Elisabeth Lawrence, daughter of John Lawrence, Sr., set of teacups and saucers, and six silver spoons; (12) William Lawrence, 2 cows with calves, and 2 ewes with lambs; (13) Thomas Lawrence, nephew and executor, one slave; (14) George Lawrence, 6 plates and one dish; (15) Nancy Lawrence, daughter of John Lawrence, Sr., 6 pewter plates, one dish, and one basin; (16) William Cobb, 5 cattle and 8 sheep to share with Martha Barnacastillow, Mary Williams, and Ann Cullifer; (17) Reuben Lawrence, interest in a still; (18) Asa Lawrence, large and best chest; (19) Sister Martha Parker, largest trunk and contents; (20) negro woman Chloe, her freedom; (21) brother John Lawrence, to share with brother Robert Lawrence and sister Martha Parker all articles not bequeathed in the will. Appoint cousins Thomas Lawrence and Frederick Lawrence Executors. Witnesses: Constantine Reddick, George Nichols, and Asa Lawrence.^3,5,6

     Thomas Lawrence was born circa 1699.² He married Elizabeth Williamson.^3,4 Thomas died before August 1763 in Bertie Co., North Carolina.⁵Thomas Lawrence described himself as a Planter of Bertie County on 21 April 1760, and bought from David Ryan for £30 proclamation money 150 acres adjoining Martin Griffin, Bear Swamp, and George Lawrence, witnessed by Robert West, Peter Winant, and John Webb.⁶

     On 19 February 1763, Thomas Lawrence sold Jacob Lawrence of Bertie County for £5 a tract of 110 acres adjoining Thomas Lawrence, witnessed by Humphrey Lawrence and Robert West. David Ryan planter of Bertie Co. sold to Thomas Lawrence planter of same on 1 May 1763 for £70 proclamation, 200 acres which was part of a 640 acre patent to John Holbroock 6 December 1720, joining Bird, Holboock, Col. POllock, Thomas Lawrence, witnessed by Peter Winant, Humpy Lawrence, William Lewis.⁶

     On 26 August 1764, Elizabeth Lawrence, Spinster (widow), deeded to her son Zebulon Lawrence a negro girl Penny aged ten years, with reversion to the other surviving children at his death, witnessed by Thomas Bell and Penelope Winant.⁶

     Thomas made a will on 16 May 1762 in Bertie Co., North Carolina. Thomas' will:

(1) wife and executrix Elizabeth, 2 slaves, 2 horses, use of land and 5 slaves, cattle, hogs, sheep, movable estate, then to his sons were under age; (2) son Thomas; (3) son Asa; (4) son Williamson; (5) son George; (6) daughter Elizabeth Lawrence; (7) brother and executor John Lawrence; (8) brother and executor Samuel Spruel. Witnessed: William Hopkins, Edward Bird, and Elenor Lewis.^7,8,5 On 3 August 1774, the division of estate mentions Negroes Tom, Jenny, Sam and Jim divided as follows (1) to Asa Lawrence - half of Negro Sam; (2) to George Lawrence - Simon; (3) to Thomas Lawrence - half of Sam; (4) to Elizabeth Lawrence - Jin; and (5) to Williamson Lawrence - (no Negro named).⁹

     John Lawrence was born circa 1710 in Bertie Co., North Carolina.^2,3 He married Jane Walston, daughter of Philip Walston, circa 1740.^2,4,3 John died before May 1788 in Bertie Co., North Carolina.⁵On 12 February 1754, John Lawrence paid Arnold and Edith Hopkins £20 money of Great Britain for a tract of land south of Beaver Dam Swamp adjoining Michael Hill, witnessed by John Reddick, John Hopkins, and William Baker.^2,6

     In 1787, John Lawrence, Planter, sold Obediah Lawrence, Planter, for £27 a tract of 100 acres on Bear Swamp Marsh joining said Lawrence, Benjamin Bowen and Whitmell Pugh, witnessed by Solomon Weston and Abner Lawrence.⁷

     On 27 July 1787, John and Jane Lawrence of Bertie County sold John Lawrence for £30 current North Carolina money 100 acres (messuage) joining Benjamin Bowen, William Lawrence, Thomas Sutton, Bar Swamp, and William Reddick, witnessed by Solomon Weston and Zediah Lawrence.⁷

     John made a will. John's will:

"...sick and in low condition..." "Wife Jean Lawrence - my whole estate during her widowhood but if she marries or removes my executors are to divide the estate as follows: (1) to my son Abner Lawrence - land and plantation where I now live, but if he dies before coming of age it shall fall to my son Robert Lawrence, but if Robert Lawrence should not live to posses it it shall fall to my younger son Obediah Lawrence (2) to my son Abner Lawrence - Negro Vilet." Ex. son John, Samuel Moore, wife. Wit. Elisabeth Griffin, William Flood, Joshua Lawrence (Probate indicates Luke Colliins swore he wrote part of the will for the dec'd.⁸

     His will was probated in May 1788 in Bertie Co., North Carolina. The estate of John Lawrence was inventoried April 10, 1788 by Samuel Moore and Jane Lawrence, including 200 acres of land. Account of sale (undated) by Samuel Moore. Petition (undated) by William Flood and wife Dorothy and others, being heirs of the dec'd. stating he died testate and his exrs were Samuel Moore and Jane Lawrence his widow. The petition states the dec'd left the following children: 1. Robert Lawrence, the eldest, who was married and had issue; 2. Obediah Lawrence who was married and had issue; 3. Dorothy Lawrence, who married William Flood and had issue; 4. Johanna Lawrence who married Solomon Weston and had issue; 5. Martha Lawrence who married her cousing J. Lawrence and had issue; 6. Ann Lawrence who married her cousin William Lawrence and had issue; 7. Abner Lawrence who married and had issue; and 8. Betsy Lawrence who married her cousin William Lawrence and had issue. The exrs. of the dec'd answered the petition Feb 1790. Account current from May 1792 to May 1794 by Thomas Whitmell Pugh. Money was received from the account of sale and his part of the dec'd in the estate of Mrs. Spural in 1792. Money was paid to Luke Collins, Jehu Nicholls, John Hopkins, Capt. Harramond, William Lawrence, Josiah Redditt, and William Weston.⁹

     Martha Lawrence was born circa 1697.² She married Joseph Parker.^3,4,2 Martha died after 1788.¹

     Joseph Parker married first Martha Lawrence, daughter of Robert Lawrence and Elizabeth Marshall.^1,2,3 Joseph married second Amelia King.⁴ Joseph died on 18 March 1798.

     Michael Lawrence was born circa 1676 in Nansemond Co., Virginia.^1,2 Michael married first Elizabeth ? circa 1723.² Michael married second Susanna Larcomb, daughter of Unknown Larcomb and Susanna ?, circa 1730.³ Michael died after 1754.⁴On "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.⁵

     In Chowan Co., North Carolina, on 1 April 1754, Michael Lawrance and wife Susannah sold to Lemuel Reddick for £20:10 Virginia, one half of lands on Loosing Swamp in Chowan Co. and Perquimans Co. commonly called Mount Folly which moity of land containing about 200 acres said Michael and Susannah holds as the said Susannah being one of the daughters and coheir of Suanna Larcomb late of Nansemond Co., deceased there never being any division between the said Susannah and her sister Elizabeth the late wife of Hugh Horton deceased nor since with her legal represenatives.⁴

     Michael and his wife gave land to son John on 4 July 1754 as follows:

     "To all people to whome this Writing shall come that I Michel Lawrence of the upper parrish of Nansemond County Send greeting know yee that I the sd Michel Lawernce for the good Will and Natural Love which I Bair to my son John Lawrence of the same County & Parrish aforsd hath given & granted & by these presens dot Gie grant & Confirm unto my Sd Son John all that plantation pease or parcell of land Whereon I live & all the apertunences thereunto belonging with all my stocks aof cattell horses Hogs Housell Stuff & all the Rest of my estate which I am now percestd of To Have & To Hold the sd Land () goods & chattels to the sd John Lawrence his hairs Exrs ads or asigns forever to him & there proper use & behoof forever freely & quietly without any Matter of Challing Claim Whatsoever In considerration that the said John Lawrance for himself his Hairs Exrs Ads or Asings Will maintain his above father & mother & keep them with Good Serfishant meet drink, washing & Login well clothed & keep them form all manner of wont whatsoever in sickness and health dureing Both there Natural lives and for the true performance of this Righting I do put My sd son Inful I percestion of all the above premisses to him () forever. In Wittness I hearunto Set My hand & seal this fourth day of July 1754.
Mikill Lawrence Sind Seald & deliverd In the presents of T Jethro Durden P Poul Lawrance Joshua Gardner (recorded July 8, 1754, Nansemond Co.).²