Person Page

     Johanna Lawrence married Solomon Weston.¹

     John Lawrence was born circa 1800 in Tennessee.^1,2,3 He married Betsey McKinsey on 12 October 1820 in Sumner Co., Tennessee.^4,5

     I believe that there is a possibility that the John Lawrence who married Betsey McKinsey is the son of Charles and brother of Lemuel, and is the John Lawrence that appears in Henry Co., Tennessee on the 1850 and 1860 census.

     Additional information on the descendants of John Lawrence of Henry Co. was provided by John Lawrence of Centerton, Arkansas, in his book Tennessee Pioneers in Henry County.

     In the Census of 1850, enumerated 18 December 1850, John Lawrence was listed as a head of household in Henry Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 51, occupation as a farmer, born in Tennessee.. Also enumerated in the household: Harriet A. Lawrence, Adeline Lawrence and Melissa A. Lawrence.³

     In the Census of 1860, enumerated 15 August 1860, John Lawrence was listed as a head of household in Henry Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 60, occupation as a farmer, born in Tennessee.. Also enumerated in the household: Harriet A. Lawrence.²

     John Lawrence was probably born in North Carolina circa 1765.¹ He married Lydia Malone, daughter of James Vinson and Unity ?, on 29 August 1792 in Sumner Co., Tennessee.² John died on 11 August 1845 in Tennessee.¹

     Based on the following information I believe that this John Lawrence is the John Lawrence who married Lydia Malone.

     On 18 June 1795, in the 19th year of American Independence John Lawrence and wife Lydia Lawrence, Exr of Lewis Malone, Dec'd Sumner Co., and Territory S of Ohio River deeded to James Campbell, (Lewis had made sale during his lifetime) 100 acres, L48, tr on Sinking Creek, part tr orig to James Clendening & abutting Henry Vinson. Witnessed by James Vinson and Robert Patton.

     On 2 January 1798, James Sanders deeded to John Laurance, for $200, 200 acres on branches running into Cumberland River on N. side, beg SW cor preemption orig granted James Clindinning. Witnessed by George Smyth. That deed reads as follows:³

     This Indenture made on the second Day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Ninety eight between James sanders of the County of Sumner & State of Tennessee of the one part & John Lawrance of the County and State aforesaid of the other part Withesseth that the said James Sanders for & in Consideration of the Sum of two hundred Dollars to him in hand paid by the said John Laurance the Receipt whereof he the Said James Sanders Doth hereby acknowledge hath granted bargained & sold and by these presents Doth grant bargain & Sell unot the said John Lawrance his heirs or assignes one Certain tract or parcel of land containing by estimation two hundred acres be the same more or less lying in Sumner County on some branches Runing into Cumberland River on the north side & Bounded as follows Begining at a Honey Lowst [sic] & Hickory the south west corner of a premeption originaly granted to James Clindinning thence Eastwardly with his line three hundred and twenty Six poles to his South East Corner poplar thence East thirty one poles to a Stake South ninety one poles to several pointers thence westerwrdly three hundred and fifty Six poles to a red oak North ninety one poles to the begining together with the appurtenances thence belonging to have and to hold the aforesaid tract of two hundred acres of land to the said John Laurance his heirs or assigns the said james Sanders for himself his heirs and assigns the said tract of two hundred acres of land to the said John Lawrance his heirs or assigns and the said James Sanders for himself his heirs and assigns the said tract of land [the repeated phrase as recorded] with all its appurtenances unto the said John Lawrence Lawrance his heirs and assigns against the Claim of all persons whomsomever will warrant & Defend In Testimony whereof the said James Sanders hath subscribed his name and affixed his Seal the Day and year first above written
Signed Sealed & Delivered
In presence of
Geo Smythe James Sanders (Seal)

     On the 1799 tax list John is listed with 200 acres "on Cumberland River" while his brother, Charles, is listed with John but with no acres indicating that Charles and his family probably were living on the land of his brother.

     On 25 December 1799, John Lawrence deeded to James Chapman for $515, tract on branches running into Cumberland River on N. side between mouth of Elliott's Branch and Asher's Creek, beg SW cor preemp orig granted James Clendining. Witnessed by Henry Belote and David Shelby.

     In Sumner County Court Minutes July 1801 Term deed from John Lawrence and Lydia his wife to James Campbell for 180 acres of land was proved by James Vinson.⁴

     In March of 1808, John Lawrence purchased a lot in the town of Cairo as follows:³

     Winchester & Cage deed to John Lawrence for a town lot in Cairo. Know all men by these presents that we James Winchester and William Cage Junior both of Sumner County and State of Tennessee for and in consideration of the sum of Seventeen dollars and fifty cents paid us by John Lawrence of Wilson County & State aforesaid the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge do hereby give grant sale and convey to the said John Lawrence his heirs and assigns foever all that lot of land situate lying and being in the Town of Cairo, and distinguished in the plan of said Town by Number forty three South side of high Street and containing fifty perches of land which will more fully appears by reference thereto being had. To have and to hold the said granted and bargained premisses with the privileges and appurtenances thereof to the Said John Lawrence his heirs and assigns forever to his the their use and behoof forever and further that the Streets and allies as laid out in the plan of the Said town shalt forever remain common higways to the citizens thereof, and we the Said James Winchester and William Cage Jun. for ourselves our heirs executors and administrators do covenant with the Said John Lawrence his heirs and assigns that we are lawfully seized of the premises that they are free of all incumberances that we have a good right to sell and convey the same to the said John Lawrence his heirs and assigns forever to hold as aforesaid and that we will warrant and defend the same to the Said John Lawrence his heirs and assigns foever against the lawful claims and demands of all persons. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and Seals this fifteenth day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and eight.
Sign Sealed & acknowledged J. Winchester (Seal)
in presence of William Cage Jun. (Seal)
State of Tennessee Sumner County March Term 1808 --The within deed from James Winchester & William Cage Jun. to John Lawrence for a town lot in Cairo No. 43 was duly acknowledged by the Said Winchester & Cage & ordered to registration let it be registered.
David Shelby Clark of Sumner County Court
Registered and Exam'd 18th Nov. 1812 James Douglass Register
by Thomas Calbert Deputy
Register of Sumner County.

     John Lawrence was listed as the head of a family on the 1840 Census in Wilson Co., Tennessee.⁵

     John Lawrence was born circa 1641 in Virginia.¹ He married Mary Power.² John died after 2 January 1696/97.³

     John 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

     John Lawrence was born in Nansemond Co., Virginia.^1,2 John died before 5 January 1758 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^3,4

     On 25 February 1739/40, John Lawrence assisted John Bowin and William Fowler in appraising the estate of William Bradshaw. On 25 June 1744, John, John Johnson, and William Fowler appraised the estate of James Tullaugh. On 9 September 1749, John and William Lawrence and William Edmonds appraised Fowler's estate. On 6 August 1752, John Lawrence, Jacob Butler, and James Bryant appraised the estate of William Daughtry. On 5 June, 1755, John and William Lawrence and John Darden appraised the estate of John Daughtry.

     On 12 July 1770, Charles and wife Amey sold land to John Lawrence for £50. The land was described as "being in the County of Southampton on the south side of Black Water it being part of a pattein granted to John Lawrence the sixteenth day of December 1714 Bounded as follows: Beginning in the pattein line where George Lawrance's new line begins as bounds him and thence south __East along that new line to the Cattail Branch then along the said Branch to the Pattain line then along the said ____ distance to joyn the said John Lawrances one land and so along Lawrances Land to the Pattain line then along the Pattain on to the begining it is one hundred & fory acres ... as was given the said Charles Lawrance by his uncle Jeremiah Lawrance."⁵ I believe this John is the John Lawrence in this transaction.

     John made a will on 2 March 1757 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia. John's will:

(1) grandson Elisha Lawrence Ballard, the home plantation, the land in Southampton County received in his father's will, half a patent in Southampton County, 2 slaves, still, worm, featherbed, and furnishings; (2) nephew John Lawrence, half a patent in Southampton County; (3) granddaughter Honour Ballard, slave, feather bed and furnishings, and £20 in cash; (4) granddaughter Ann Ballard, ditto; (5) daughter Ann Ballard and her husband Elisha Ballard who is to act as executor, 2 slaves and the rest of the estate. Witnessed: Hardy Lawrence, Joseph Lawrence, William Moore.

     His will was probated on 5 January 1758.

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

     John Lawrence was born circa 1710 in Bertie Co., North Carolina.^1,2 Conflicting evidence states that John Lawrence was born circa 1721.³ He married Jane Walston, daughter of Philip Walston, circa 1740.^1,4,2 John died before May 1788 in Bertie Co., North Carolina.⁵

     On 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.^1,6

     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

     John Lawrence was born on 20 August 1806 in South Carolina.¹ He married Elizabeth ?.¹ John died in 1837 in Lowndes Co., Mississippi.¹

     John Lawrence was born circa 1879 in Tennessee.^1,2

     John Lawrence was listed as a son at age 1, born in Tennessee, in the household of William G. Lawrence in Henry Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1880 enumerated 18 June 1880.²

     John Lawrence was born say 1715.¹ He married Pheribe Darden on 10 January 1793 in Southampton Co., Virginia. There is a Pheribe Darden who married a John Lawrence in Southampton Co. Virginia, 10 January 1793. This may be the Pheribe that was the wife of this John Lawrence. However, if so, she probably was not his first wife nor the mother of his children as John died about 1795, and two of his married daughters were had died by 1795..² John died before 12 January 1796.¹

     The following is a deed between George Lawrence and his son John Lawrence.¹

This Indenture made the twenty second day of October Ann Domi 1735 and in the sixt year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland Defender of the Faith and between George Lawrance of Nancymond County in Virginia of the one part and John Lawrance of the same County of the other part Witnesseth that the said George Lawrance his self his heirs Exrs: Adms: have for divers good and valuable considerations him thereunto moving and especially for an in consideration ________ do hereby from the acquit and discharge the said John Lawrance his heirs and assigns forever and have given granted bargained and soald and by these presents doe give bargains sell enfeoffed confected Transferred and delivered by turf and twig unto ye the said John Lawrance his heirs and assigns forever all my Right and title of a certain tract of Land containing one hundred akers of land more or less lying and being on the south side of the main Black water being part of a patent of Eight Hundred and thirty akers which patin bairs date the 27th of April 1686 begining at the mouth of the deep branch and running up the said branch to a small branch and running up the small branch to the old Injun parth and along the said parth two the out line and along the said line two the main black water and along the main run to the mouth of the aforesasid deep branch including with all the appertanences thereunto belonging with free privileges to git timber out of the Pocoson for the nessaryise of the plantation he the said John not making any wast or selling the said timber for for his one proper use TO have and held the daid bargoned premises and every part there of together with all rights and privileges and appertenances to the said belonging or in any manner of wise appertaining unto him the said John Lawrance his heirs and assigns forever and I the said George Lawrance doe further covenant promice afirm and agree to and with the said John his heirs and assigns that the said John his heirs and assigns that the said bargons sails and margages and every part and persell there of now is and for evert hereafter shall be stand and remin unto the said John his heirs and assigns free and cleared from all former bargons sails and margages and all manner of incumbrances what soever and that I have at the time of the sealing delivery a good sum and an defesable Estate of Inheritance in ffeen an to the said bargained promises and every part thereof which I doth hear by transfer oblidge my self my heris Exrs: and Administrators to warrant and defend this my sail of all and singular ye promeses to him the said John his heirs and assigns again all and all manner of persons what soever ______ and further I the George Lawrance doe hereby covenant and promice to and with ye said John Lawrance his heirs and assigns that I the said George Lawrance by heirs Executors and administrators shall and will at any hereafter within the pace of seven years at the request of the said John his heirs and assigns make doo and execute any other and further deed or deeds or other wrightings what soever for the beter confirming the title of the above bargoned promises unto the said John his heirs and assigns as the said John his heirs or assigns shall be reasonable Desired or Required where of I the Siad George Lawrance have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal the day and year above Raten ---

Signed Sealed and delivered George Lawrence (Seal)
in the presence of us
John Butler
/---/
Thomas Core
his mark

At a Court held for Nansimond County October ye 22nd 1735 George Lawrence came into Court and ack. his Deed for Lands etc. to the said John Lawernce with is recorded
Teste Christo Jackson Clk

     31 August 1747, Abraham Riddick and John Lawrence Son of George are ordered to Procession all the lands in the bounds No. 13 According to Law.³

     An additional deed between William Lawrence and John Lawrence follows:¹

This Indenture made this Thirteenth Day of April in the year of our Lord Christ One Thousand and Seven hundred and Seventy two Between William Lawrance of the County of Nansimond in the Colony of Virginia of the One part and John Lawrance of the Same place known by the Name of John Lawrence son of George of the other part Witnesseth that the Said William Lawrance for in consideration of the Sum of Sixty Pounds good & lawful money of this Colony already in hand paid him by the said John Lawrance the receipt of which Sum the said William doth hereby acknowledge and himself thereof fully and entirely Satisfied Have Barganined Sold Aleined and Enscoffed and by these presents doth Bargain Sell Alein Enscoff and for Ever Confirm unto the said John Lawrance his heirs and Assigns for Ever a Certain parcell of Land lying and being Seituate in the Upper Parish of the County of Nansimond Containing byEsteemation One Hundred and fifty Acres be teh same more or less According the bounds following: Viz beginining at a Pine Standing in the Line of the Said John Lawrance thence along the Said Line to a white oak standing in the old patent of the said John Lawrance thence along the said line to a Pine Standing on Blackwater River Bank thence up the said River the several Courses thereof bounding thereon to a Saplin White Oak on the River Bank thence to a Gum Standing in the deep Branch thence up the said Branch and bounding thereon to a pine (torn) marked trees to a (torn) in the arm of the said Deep Branch (torn) called the Pocoson (torn) Lowerside of the Pocoson & some marked trees to a Cypress (torn) to a gum thence a line of Marked trees on the Lower side of the Pocoson to a white oak standing near the head of a Branch the bounds of a deed granted by George Lawrance the Elder to Henry Lawrance bearing the date November the first Anno Domini One Thousand Six Hundred and Ninety two thence according to the ancient Reputed bounds of that Deed up to the Head Line and so upon the upper side of the Pocoson to a small Branch that crosses a Ridge of Land to a Red Oak thence along a line of Marked trees to the Beginning Pine Together with all Houses Orchards Gardens Woods Water Ways Mines and Minerals and all other Profits and Commodities thereto Belonging on in any wise appertaining with the Reversion and Reversions, Remainder & Remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof and of every part and parcell thereof. To Have and to Hold the said Bargained premises with the appertainences unto the said John Lawrance his heirs and Assignes for Ever and the Said William Lawrance for himself his heirs doth quit Claim and possession of in and to the Said Bargained Premices and every part and parcell thereof unto the Said John Lawrance his heirs and Assignes for Ever to his and their proper use benefit & schoof for Ever and it is further agreed of by and Between the partes to these presents & hereby Specially Covenanted that all the rights title Interest Claim and Demand wich the said William now hath in the Said Bargained premices shall Immediately to the Said John Lawrance his heirs & assignes for Ever only it is hereby Covenanted and Agreed by the Said partes the heirs and assigns for ever that the said William & (torn) his heirs lawfully begotten shall for Ever have a Liberty in the aforesaid Pocoson (torn) for the use of the plantation of the said William his heirs (torn) thereof only for the uses aforesaid in Witness thereof the Said William Lawrance hadth hereunto set his hand and fixed this seal day and date first above written

Signed Sealed and Delivered William Lawrance (Seal)
In presence of
Nic. Parker Received this thirteenth day of
Lemuel Godwin April 1772 from John Lawrance
Lemuel Riddick Sixty Pounds
William Lawrance

At Court held in Nansemond County April 13 1772 this deed and receipt from William Lawrance to John Lawrance (torn) by the said William (torn)
(Signed) (torn)

     The above deed leads me to believe that this William Lawrence probably is either the son or grandson of Henry Lawrence, son of George Lawrence.

     Another deed, following, also helps to distinguish some of the family relationships and particular delineate between John son of George and John son of Michael.¹

Articles of agreement indented and made this seventh day of November in the year of our Lord Christ, one thousand seven hundred seventy-two by betwixt and amongst Bengemon Baker and John Lawrence son of Michael & John Lawrance son of George, Lemuel Lawrence William Lawrance all of the upper parish of Nansemond County witnesseth that whereas the said Bengemon Baker under a purchase from John Lawrence the son of Michael and the said John and Lemuel from under a purchase from William Lawrance and also a patent granted to Lemuel Lawrance date sixth of February one thousand seven hundred and seventy one, ______ bounds of lands granted by patent to George Lawrance dated the 27 APril Anno Domini one thousand six hundre eighty-six for eight hundred thirty acres of land and in order to ascertain and to establish the bounds of each party they have mutually agreed and laid off for the said Bengemon Baker 232 acres of the said land be there more or less in the said bounds to wit beginnig at the two white oak saplings standing at the head of a small branch at the lower side of the pocoson by the main road thence running north 85 degrees east by a line of marked trees up in the pocoson to a stake thence by a line of marked trees through the pocoson to a marked red oad and white oak standing by a small branch that crosses a ridge of land the branch is the ancient and reputed bounds of the deed granted from George Lawrance the elder to Henry Lawrance and so up the branch to a marked pine thence along a line of marked trees to a red oak standing in Thomas Shivers line thence along the said line and boundary thereon to a white oak standing in Bengemon Baker's line called Colman's old line thence along the said Line and bounding thereon to a white oak in William Lawrance's line thence along the said line west to the Branch first mentioned and thence to the first station, all the land contained in the said boundary, the said John Lawrance Lemuel Lawrance and William Lawrance for and in consideration of his the said Bengemon Baker's purchase as aforesaid as all so for and in, the further consideration of five shillings good and lawful money of the Colony of Va by the said Bengemon Baker to the said John Lawrance and Lemuel Lawrance and William Lawrance in hand paid they the said John Lemuel and William for themselves their and every of their heirs and assigns for ever Doth Release Quit Claim and possession of all right title Privelege of timber and all other profits and commodities which they either of them have unto any part of land with the bounds aforesaid unto the said Bengemon Baker his heirs and assigns for ever and the said Bengemon Baker & John Lawrance son of Michael for and in consideration of the purchase made by the said John and Lemuel as aforesaid and the patent granted unto the said Lemuel also for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings good and lawful money of the Colony of Virginia by the said John Lemuel and William in hand paid the said Bengemond Baker for himself his heirs and assigns forever doth release quit and claim and possession of all right title and priveliege of timber and all other profit and commodities he they said Bergemon and John hath unto any other party of the said land not in the bounds laid off as afore said except a piece of land granted to John and Paul Lawrance by patent as ______ land unto the said John Lemuel and William their and every of their heirs and assigns forever and all and every of the said Bengemon Baker John Lawrance son Michal John Lawance Lemuel Lawrance and William Lawrance severally for themselves their heirs and assigns doth hereby agree to with each other that they will stand to and abide by the division aforesaid and not claim any profit privelege or immunities of in or to any other part of the said land than what is hereby themselves their heirs executors and administrators assigns firmly to the other to stand to and abide by the same in the penal sum of 200 pounds current money and hereunto have set their hands and seals the day and date aforesaid.

Signed sealed
Copy of deed

Bengemon Baker
John Lawrance
John Lawrance
Lemuel Lawrance
William Lawrance.

     John made a will on 27 May 1795 in Nansemond Co., Virginia.

     The will of John Lawrence was recorded Jan. 12, 1796 and appears in The Southside Virginian, Vol. 1, No. 1, p. 27 as follows:¹

     John Lawrence was born on 6 September 1749 in Virginia.¹ He married Mary Ann Powers on 6 July 1771 in Goochland Co., Virginia.² John died in 1817 in Mississippi.³

     John left Goochland Co. in 1797 with his brother, William, to come to the Mississippi Territory where they lived until they died. Both were traders, trappers, and scouts for the Army in the War of 1812. John lived in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana on Lake Pontchatrain and used a schooner to ply trade with New Orleans.⁴

     John Lawrence was born circa 1878 in Kentucky.²

     John Lawrence was listed as a son at age 2, born in Kentucky, in the household of George Henry Lawrence in Cadiz, Trigg Co., Kentucky, in the Census of 1880 enumerated 18 June 1880.²

     John Lawrence was born circa 1735 in Nansemond Co., Virginia.²

     On 4 July 1754, Michael Lawrence granted land to John his son. 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 Lawrence for the good Will and Natural Love which I Bair to my son John John Lawrence of the same County and Parrish afor sd Hath given & granted & by these presens doth Give Grant & Confirm unto my Sd Son John all that plantation pease or parcell of Land Whereon I live & all the apertuences thereunto belonging with all my stockes of cattell horses Hogs Housell Stuff & all the Rest of my Estate which I am now perceatd of To Have & To Hold the sd Land ( ) goods & chattels to the sd John Lawrence his hairs Exrs or asigns for ever 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 Asigns Will maintain his above father & mother & keep them with Good Serfishant meet drink washing & Loging well clothd & keep them from all manner of wont whatsoever in sickness & health dureing Both there Natural lives and for the true performance of this Righting I do put My sd Son Infull 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 Lawrence
Joshua Gardner
(Recorded July 8, 1874 Nansemond Co.)¹

     On 13 September 1755, Jesse Riddick and John Lawrence Son of Michael were ordered to procession lands in the parish in the bounds of No. 11.³

     John Lawrence was born say 1665.

     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.¹

     John 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.

     John Lawrence was baptized on 1 December 1588 in England.^1,2 He married Grissell Gibbons in 1609 in England.^1,2 John died on 12 November 1638 in England at age 49.¹ He was interred on 14 November 1638 in Chelsea Church in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.¹

     John was also known as [Sir] John Lawrence Baronet.

     John Lawrence, Esq., was from Delaford in Iver, Buckinghamshire and Chesea, Middlesex.³ Hugh Buckner Johnston in his Lawrence Family manuscript relates the following concering Sir John Lawrence:

     "Sir John Lawrence, Knight and Baronet, was a wealthy merchant of London. He purchased on 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 Revenge."⁴

     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 1628.¹

     On a large tablet of black marble, affixed to the east wall:

     Sacred to the memory
     of S^r. John Lavrence late of Iver in y^e covnty
     of Bvcks Knight and Baronet who married Grissill
     davghter & co-heire of Gervase Gibbon of Benenden
     in the county of Kent Esq. by whom he had issve
     seven sons and fovre daughters Hee deceased the
     xii^th of Novemb^r. 1638. aged 50 years

     What bad men dy & tvrn to their last sleepe
     What stir the poets and engravers keepe
     By a fained skill, to pile them vp a name
     With termes of Good & Just ovt lasting fame.
     Alas poor men, svch most have neede of stone
     And Epitaphs, the Good ( indeed ) lack none
     Theire owne trve worth's enovgh to give a glory
     Vnto th' uncankerd record of theire story.
     Such wass the Man lyes heere yet doth pertake
     Of verse and stone bvt tis for fashion sake.

     Arms: Argent, a cross raguly gules, on a chief azure three leopard's heads or; on a scutcheion of pretence the arms of Ulster; impaling Sable, a lion ramp. between three escallops or. (Gibbon)⁵

     "In 1637, Margaret, Countess of Nottingham; Elizabeth, Countess of Devonshire; Edward, Lord Gorges; sir John Danvers and Sir John Lawrence, with others protested against the amount levied on Chelsea (it being at a rate four times greater than that of other taxes), but took care to state their complaint was only against the amount, and not against the tax itself. The Sheriffs replied that the unusual rate was "in respect of persons of honour and quality who had summer houses there, but land and property elsewhere." In the following year (1638), Sir John Lawrence, Nicholas harman, and Sir John Abeale drew up another partition, stating that, by appointment of the High Constable, they had lately made a 'ratement' for ship-money, according to every man's estate. They had rated themselves and som few others at a higher proportion, in order to spare the minister and some of the weak estate. The Sheriffs, however, who were strangers to the place, at the instigation of some 'factious spirits,' had struck out the names of these abatements upon the petitioners, the Countess of Devon and Sir John Fearne. They prayed that the first rate might be confirmed, but with what sucess is not recorded."⁶

     John made a will on 19 October 1638. His will reads as follows:

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 pounds to my oldest daughter, Ann Lawrence; 200 pounds to my second daughter Frances Lawrence; bequests to servants; all my interest in 7010 pounds 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 pounds 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 pounds 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.⁷

The reference "all my interest in 7010 pounds 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." refers to the heirs of the estate of John Bromley whom Sir John Lawrence's mother, Martha Cage, married after the death of Sir John's father, Sir Thomas Lawrence.

     His will was probated on 21 January 1638/39.

     John Lawrence was baptized on 11 May 1610 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.^1,2 He married Mary (May) Hempson before or about 1646 in England.¹ John died after 28 December 1680.¹

     John was also known as [Sir] John Lawrence.

     Sir John was the second Baronet. He entered Oxford at age 17. In 1631 he was admitted to the Inner Temple. Sir John succeded to the Baronetcy 13 November 1638.¹

     In 1650 he bought Bardwell Manor, Bucks. It was sold in 1666.³ (Note: According to Schuyler Lawrence, Sir John sold Bardwell Manor in 1666, yet says he died in 1664. From the information in G.E.C. Complete Baronetage it would appear that it was his wife who was buried 11 October 1664 in Chelsea, not Sir John and Schyler Lawrence had confused the two. G.E.C. states that Sir John was living 28 December 1680 but died before 19 February 1710/11.

     This Sir John Lawrence repaired the monument of Sir Thomas More in Chelsea Church and had this inscription recut upon a slab of black marble "After he was beheade, this trunke was interred in Chelsea church, near the middle of the south wall, where was some slight monument erected, which being worne by time, Sir [John] Laurence of Chelsea (no kinne to him) at his own proper costs and chardges erected to his memorie a handsome inscription of marble."⁴

     John A. Lawrence was born on 15 February 1858 in Trigg Co., Kentucky.^1,2,3,4

     John A. Lawrence was listed at age 2, born in Kentucky, as a member of the household of James Henry Lawrence in Cadiz, Trigg Co., Kentucky, in the Census of 1860, enumerated 25 September 1860.²

     John A. Lawrence was listed at age 12, born in Kentucky, as a member of the household of James Henry Lawrence in Canton, Trigg Co., Kentucky, in the Census of 1870, enumerated 19 June 1870.³

     John A. Lawrence was listed as a son at age 22, born in Kentucky, in the household of James Henry Lawrence in Cadiz, Trigg Co., Kentucky, in the Census of 1880 enumerated 17 June 1880.⁵

     John Allen Lawrence was born on 8 September 1911 in Enfield, Halifax Co., North Carolina.¹ He married Edna Earle Allen on 20 June 1937 in Enfield, Halifax Co., North Carolina.¹ John died on 21 February 1977 in Enfield, Halifax Co., North Carolina, at age 65.¹