Person Page

     Jane Lawrence was born circa 1664. She married Henry Gay [II], son of Henry Gay [I] and Joane (Jane) Rogers (Sanders?).¹

     Jane Lawrence was baptized on 15 July 1582.¹ Jane died before 25 April 1586.¹ She was interred on 25 April 1586.¹

     Jean Ann Lawrence was born on 11 August 1949 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama.¹ Jean married first Julian Wayne Harris on 10 November 1972 in Alabama.¹ Jean married second Irving Keith Coleman.²

     Jennifer Ann Lawrence was born on 25 January 1981.¹

     Jeremiah Lawrence was born in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^1,2 Jeremiah died unmarried before 2 December 1755 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.³
     

     Jeremiah made a will on 30 November 1755. Jeremiah's will: leg. to George and Charles, the sons of my brother Robert Lawrence, land in Southampton County; to Sarah Lawrence, if she pays a bequest to her brothers, Hardy, Robert, George and Charles Lawrence; to Charles, the son of Jacob Darden; to brother Samuel; to sister Ann Joiner and her husband, William Joiner and her children; brother John; to Samuel, the son of brother John Lawrence. Ex. brother John Lawrence. Witnessed Joshiah Jordan, Joseph Scott, and Joseph Meredith.

     His will was recorded on 2 December 1756.

     Jesse Murry Lawrence was born on 29 May 1919 in Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee.^1,2,3 He married Lena Elizabeth Dreiling on 2 April 1942 in Thomasville, Thomas Co., Georgia.⁴ Jesse died on 29 January 1988 at age 68. Last residence listed in the Social Security Death Index was Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama.¹
     

     Jesse Murry Lawrence was listed as a son at age 3 (age incorrect), born in Tennessee, in the household of Carl Greenville Lawrence [Sr.] in 11th Civil District, Davidson Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1920 enumerated 2 January 1920.²

     Jesse Murry Lawrence was listed as a son at age 10, born in Tennessee, in the household of Carl Greenville Lawrence [Sr.] in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama, in the Census of 1930 enumerated 21 April 1930.³

     Jesse enlisted in the U. S. Army on 29 May 1941 in Montgomery, Alabama. Term of enlistment was not stated.⁵

     Jessica Eileene Lawrence was born on 28 February 1948 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama.¹ She married Ronald Wright Bagby.

     Jessie Louise Lawrence was born on 21 July 1928 in Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee.¹ She married Roy Murlyn Smith, son of Roy B. Smith and Amanda Daisy Devine, on 10 February 1951 in Davidson Co., Tennessee.²
     

     Jessie was also known as Jessie Lou.

     Jessie was also known as Lou.

     Jessie Louise Lawrence was listed as a daughter at age 3, born in Tennessee, in the household of Carl Greenville Lawrence Jr. in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama, in the Census of 1930 enumerated 2 April 1930.³

     Joel Lee Lawrence was born on 1 March 1966 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama.¹ He married Sherry Lorene Hambright.²

     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..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..²

     John Lawrence was probably born in North Carolina circa 1765.¹ He married Lydia Malone 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 married Marjery ?.² John died after 1432.
     

     The trustees of Edmund granted to his son John, lands in Skerton and Heysham. In 1420, the archdeacon of Richmond licensed the oratories of John Lawrence and Margery his wife at Lancaster, Poulton, and Scales.³

     John was a Member of Parliament in 1419. In 1413 and 1432 he was bailiff of Bucklow Hundred in Cheshire.

     John Lawrence was born say 1275. He married Elizabeth Holt.^2,3 John died after 1348.
     

     John Lawrence was the first Squire of Ashton and the first to use the surname Lawrence. John was a Member of Parliment in 1301 for Lancaster.⁴

     Richard, son of William the Cook, gave lands to Thomas, son of Richard de Stainall in 1315-16. This same Richard also gave land to John Lawrence and his wife Elizabeth.³ In 1323 John Lawrence held 30 acres in Skerton by a rent of 6s. 8d.³

     In 1331, John made a complaint of trespass on his fishery at Ashton. John in conjunction with Elizabeth his wife and Edmund their son held the Stapleton part of Ashton manor in 1338 for life. The family then or a little later obtained, apparently by marriage, the estate of the Gentyl and Washington families in Carleton, Scotforth, and elsewhere.³

     Also in 1331, he was holding lands in Lancaster and Lentworth from Robert de Holland.⁴

     Between 1318 and 1325 he was a juror in at least eight inquests.²

     In 1337, John Lawrence of Ashton obtained land in Stodday on Netherbaiske Brook from Robert son of Thomas son of Roger de Stodagh.³

     In 1338, John Lawrence in conjunction with Elizabeth his wife and Edmund their son held the Stableton part of Ashton for life. The family then or a little later obtained, apparently by marriage, the estate of Gentyl and Washington families in Carleton, Scotforth and elsewhere.³

     In 1346 he was a partner in a farm belonging to the Cockersand Abbey Estate⁴ and at an inquest was holding additional lands in Lancaster from the Earl.² In 1346 he was paying the Earl 10d. annually for the harrowing, reaping, etc., due from 32 acres in Skerton.³

     Also in 1346, he held a half plough-land in Amounderness Hundred by the service of two crossbows. John de Hackinsall held a plough-land and a half and the Abbot of Cockersand held half a plough-land.³

     In 1347 John gave to John the Frereson and Joan his wife (who had sons John and Edmund) a burgage in St. Mary-gate upon Caldkeld Bank³ and was master of the manor of Ashton by a yearly fee of £22.⁴ In 1348 he was holding 5 acres in Skerton and Hackensall from the Duke⁴ and was a partner with his nephew, John Lawrence of Lancaster, in the milnfield in Lancaster.²

     In 1347 John Lawrence held the Coucy moieties of Ashton and Scotforth at a rent of £22.³

     In 1348-50, William de Heaton made a claim for messuages, etc., in Lonsdale against Thomas son of Marmaduke de Thweng, John Lawrence of Ashton, William de Washington, and Robert de Haldleghes.³ John was granted in Ashton Hall for life in 1324.²

     Ashton Hall, the ancient seat of the Lawrences, is located about three miles to the south of the town of Lancaster, in northern Lancashire. It is picturesquely situated, commanding fine views of the estuary of the River Lune, and of Morecambe Bay, an extensive inlet of the Irish Sea. Ashton Hall is noted for the sylvan beauty of its spacious park, which is well diversified with hill and vale. The mansion is a large edifice, with many of the characteristics of an ancient baronial castle, having a square tower at one end, and numerous battlements, turrets, and machiocolations. Successive alterations and additions have been made at different epochs, in harmony with the medieval type of architecture. The oldest portion is probably from the fourteenth century. The interior contains a fine baronial hall.⁵

     In 1066 Ashton was one of three manors of Cliber, Machern and Gillemicheld and appears to have been accessed of two plough-lands. (The other two manors, Ellel and Scotforth, retained their connection to Ashton being held by the Lancaster family.) Afterwards, it was granted to Count Rogers of Poitori and a little later formed part of the lordship held by the Lancaster family, being held by knight's service. In the time of Henry II (1154-1189) William de Lancaster I granted half a plough-land to Gilbert de Ashton to hold by service of half a mark yearly. The second moiety wash shared or inherited by the families of Stableton and Metham, Thweng and Pedwarding, and appears to have been acquired by the Lawrence family of Lancaster.³

     In 1226, the Millfield at Ashton rendered 5s. a year to the king. in 1323 it was held by many free tenants, who in all paid 5s. to the earl. This Millfield contained 20 acres. Tenants were William and Randle le Gentyl and John and Alice Lawrence.³

     The free tenants in 1301 were Roger de Slene; another who had a messuage and 5 acres for a rent of 20d; Lawrence son of Thomas who rendered 6s. 8d. yearly; John de Ashton who held a messuage and 4 oxgangs of land and paid 6s.8d. rent; and Randle who paid 7d. In 1292 Gervase de Ashton claimed land against a Lawrence de Ashton. In a list of free tenants some 40 years later are recorded: William son of Lawrence, 2s. 6d; the same William, for Brantbreck, 1d; Alan de Ashton, 17 1/2d; John Ward, 2s. 6d; John, son of William the Clerk, 20d; Gervase del Green, 20d; Henry Alcok 5 1/2d; in all 14s. 6d.³

     Traces of the Lawrence estate in Ashton appear in inquisitions of some of the heirs, though the tenures are not always recorded. By some agreement, the manor descended through Boteler of Rawcliffe to Radcliff of Winmarleigh, and so my marriage to Gilbert Gerard woh purchase the other moiety from the Crown. Thus the whole became united in him and his descendants, the Gerards of Bromley and the Dukes of Hamilton. (Richard Skillecorne held part of it of the king in cocage in 1534. Thomas Regmaiden in 1520 held the reversion of the fourth part of the manor. John Boteler in 1534 held the manor of the king as duke in socage.) Sir Gilbert died in 1593 holding the manors of Ashton, Stodday, and Scotforth of the queen as of her crown of England in a fee farm by the hundredth part of a knight's fee and a rent of £16.11s. 4d.³

     King James I on his way from Scotland to London by Carlisle in 1617 arrived at Hornby, and thence went to Ashton Hall, where he knighted two gentlement on 11 Augus.³ In August 1648, the Duke of Hamilton stayed a night at Ashton Hall which was, in later years, to become inheritance of this family.³

     Ashton Hall was probably built by John's son Edmund. See Edmund Lawrence for additonal information..

     John Lawrence married Emma ?.²
     

     John and his wife, Emma, received lands in Lancaster in 1329.

     John died without issue in 1479.¹

     John Lawrence was baptized on 1 December 1588 in England.^1,2 He married Grissell Gibbons, daughter of Gervas Gibbon and Grisilde Roberts, 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 Lawrence Jr. was born circa 1668 in Nansemond Co., Virginia.^1,2 He married Margaret Murphy before 17 November 1714 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^3,4 John died before 23 April 1739 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^3,5
     

     John 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

     John William Lawrence was born on 30 June 1850 in Gallatin, Sumner Co., Tennessee.^1,2,3,4 He married Elizabeth D. Gregory on 18 July 1872 in Sumner Co., Tennessee.^1,5 John died on 14 February 1924 in Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee, at age 73.⁶ He was interred on 16 February 1924 in Spring Hill Cemetery in Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee.⁷
     

     John William Lawrence was listed at age six months, born in Tennessee, as a member of the household of Lemuel Lawrence in Sumner Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1850, enumerated 9 October 1850.⁸

     On the 1850 U. S. Census there are a William and a John listed with the same age. These are actually one person, John William Lawrence.

     John William Lawrence was listed at age 9, born in Tennessee, as a member of the household of Lemuel Lawrence in Sumner Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1860, enumerated 14 June 1860.⁹

     John William Lawrence was listed at age 20, born in Tennessee, occupation as a farm laborer, as a member of the household of Lemuel Lawrence in Sumner Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1870, enumerated 23 June 1870.¹⁰

     In the Census of 1880, enumerated 9 June 1880, John William Lawrence was listed as head of household in Davidson Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 30, occupation as a farmer, born in Tennessee. Also enumerated in the household: Elizabeth D. Lawrence, Lemuel Lawrence and Nancy Lawrence.¹¹

     John William Lawrence was listed as the head of a family on the 1900 Census enumerated 13 June 1900, in Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 49, no occupation listed, born in Tennessee. Also enumerated in the household: Elizabeth D. Lawrence.²

     John William Lawrence was listed as the head of a family on the 1910 Census enumerated 27 April 1910, in Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 60, occupation as carpenter, born in Tennessee. Also enumerated in the household: Elizabeth D. Lawrence.³

     John's Obituary:

     Kelly Michelle Lawrence was born on 21 December 1977 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama.¹

     Kimberly Ann Lawrence was born on 8 April 1962 in Dayton, Montgomery Co., Ohio.¹ She married Shawn Kenneth Tucker, son of Walter George Tucker and Sandra Mary Catherine Horton, on 21 September 1991 in Reston, Fairfax Co., Virginia.²
     

     Kimberly was also known as Kim. Kimberly graduated from Herndon High School in Herndon, Fairfax Co., Virginia, in June 1980.²

     Krissoa Lawrence was baptized on 14 February 1627.²

     Lemuel Lawrence was born on 15 April 1803 in Gallatin, Sumner Co., Tennessee.¹ He married Nancy Daniel, daughter of John Daniel and Catherine Couch, on 5 October 1849 in Gallatin, Sumner Co., Tennessee.^1,2,3 Lemuel died on 8 March 1881 in Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee, at age 77.¹
     

     On 7 November 1831 a Nancy Lawrence appeared before the Sumner County Court indicating that "she was delivered of a bastard child, which may become chargable to this County, and that Lemuel Lawrence near Jonesborough in the County aforesaid is the father of said child."⁴

     Additional related court records: "Lemuel Lawrence and Robert Lawrence one held afirmly bound to the Justices of the Court of pleas quarter session of said County in the penal sum of five hundred dollars the payment of which we bind ourselves our heirs executors sealed with our seals & dated this 9th day of November 1831. The condition of the above obligation as such that where as one Nancy Lawrence a single woman who made oath that the said Lemuel Lawrence did beget a child on her body which is now 4 months old, now it the said Lemuel Lawrence shall make his personal appearance at such Court of pleas & quarter session held in Sumner County at the Court house in the town of Gallatin on the 2d monday in November 1831 then the above obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force & virtue."

     There were two Lemuel Lawrences in Sumner County records in this period. The other married Nancy Rogers in 1820. Our Lemuel was single at this time and is probably the one mentioned in the lawsuit. The Robert is probably his uncle or could be his older brother.

     After his marriage to Nancy, the heirs, his siblings, to the land purchased for the maintenance of his mother Elizabeth after the death of her husband Charles, sold their shares of that land to Lemuel as noted in the following deeds.

     On 2 January 1849, Robert Lawrence, Anderson Kirkpatrick and his wife Emmaliza Kirkpatrick (daughter of Amah and John Moss), Joseph C. Johnson and his wife Mary Jane Johnson (daughter of Amah and John Moss) sell their share of the land purchased in 1833 for the widow of Charles Lawrence and his children to Lemuel. That deed is as follows:⁵

     We Robert Lawrence Anderson Kirkpatrick and Emmaliza Kirkpatrick his wife Joseph C. Johnson and Mary Jane Johnson his wife have this day bargained and Sold and do hereby transfer and Convey to Lemuel Lawrence 7 his heirs forever in Consideration of Eighty dollars to us paid a tract of land in the State of Tennessee Sumner County and District No. __ Containing by estimation fifty acres be the same more or less and bounded as follows Beginning at the North West corner of a tract belonging to Jacob Howdyshalt dec'd. Running thence West with an old line (formally Rutherford & Pattons) 64 poles to the North East Corner of a tract formerly belonging to Jane Farr thens South 177 poles to a Red Oak thence East b64 Poles to a Stake in the West foundary of line of Said Howdyshalt tract thence North with Said line to the beginning. To have and to hold the same of the Said Lemuel Lawrence his heirs and assigns forever. We do covenant and bind ourselves our heirs and representation to warrant and defend the title of Said land to Lemuel Lawrence his heirs and assigns forever against any claim to be made by us and any Person claiming throught or under us but no farther the 12th day of January A D 1849
Attest Eliza Kirkpatrick Robert Lawrence (S)
Mary Jane Johnson An'd Kirkpatrick (S)
Acknowledged before us 17th July 1849 Emmaliza X Kirkpartrick (S)
Fletcher Campbell JP for Wilson County Jos C. Johnson (S)
Mary Jane Johnson (S)
State of Tennessee Wilson County
     Personallly appeared before me Josiah S. McClain Clerk of the County Court of Said County of Wilson Robert Lawrence Anderson Kirkpatrick and Joseph C. Johnson within named bargainers with whom I am Personally acquainted and who acknowledged that they executed the within Deed for purpose therein Contained. Witness my hand at Office this 16th day of January 1849.
J. S. McClain Clerk
State of Tennessee Willson County
To Fletcher Campbell Esquire
You are hereby authorized and empowered to take the examination of Emaline Kirkpatrick and Mary Jane Johnson (the femes Covert) privately and apart from their husbands relative their free Execution of the within Deed and the Same so taken Certify under your hand and Seal. Witness Josiah S. McClain Clerk of County Court of Wilson County at Office this 16th day of January 1849.
J. S. McClain Clerk
State of Tennessee Wilson County
     Eliza Kirkpatrick & Mary Jane Johnson (the femes Covert) having personally appeared before me and having by virture of the authority in me vested, been examined privately and apart from their husbands Anderson Kirkpatrick and Joseph C. Johnson and they having acknowledge the due Execution of the within deed by them freely voluntarily without compulsion constraint or coercion by their said husbands the same is therefore certified.
Witness my hand and Seal this 17th Day of February 1849
Fletcher Campbell JP (S)
Rec'd for Registration 7th April 1849 at 11 Oclock AM
J. Bruce Regr
Registered & Examined 9th April 1849
J. Bruce R. S.C.

     On 17 December 1850, John Lawrence and William Lawrence sell their share of the land to Lemuel as follows:⁵

     We John Lawrence and William Lawrence have this day bargained and Sold and do hereby transfer and Convey to Lemuel Lawrence and his heirs forever for the Consideration of eighty dollars to us paid a tract of land in the State of Tennessee Sumner County and District No. 5 Containing by estimation fifty acres be the same more or less and bounded as follows Beginning at the North West corner of tract belonging to John Donnell and formerly the heirs of Jacob Howashel dec'd running thence West with an old line formerly Rutherfords and Pattons 64 Poles to the North East Corner of a tract formerly belonging to Jane Farr now to Mary J. Green thence South 177 Poles to a Red Oak thence East 64 Poles to a stake in the West boundary line of the Said Howdyshalt tract thence North with Said line to the beginning to have and to hold the same to the Said Lemuel Lawrence his heirs and assignes forever We do covenant and bind ourselves our heirs and representatives to warrant and defend the title of the land to Lemuel Lawrence his heirs and assigns forever against any claim to be made by us or any Person claiming through or under us but no farther this 17th day of December 1850
John Lawrence (S)
William Lawrence (S)
State of Tennessee Sumner County
     Personally appeared before one John L. Bugg Clerk of the County Court of Said County John Lawrence & William Lawrence by his Attorney in fact John Lawrence the bargainers with whom I am Personally acquainted and how acknowledged that they made and executed the within deed for the Purpose therein Contained Witness my hand at Office this 17th December 1850
John L Bugg Clerk
Rec'd for Registration 17th Dec 1850 at 1 Oclock PM J. Bruce Reg'r
Registered & Examined 21st January 1851 J. Bruce Reg'r SC

     On 5 January 1856, Lemuel sells this land to Mitchell R. Moore as follows:⁵

     This Indenture made this Fifth day of January one thousand eight hundred and fifty six and entered into between Lemuel Lawrence of the County of Sumner and State of Tennessee on the one part and Mitchell R. Moore of the County and State aforesaid of the other, henceforth that the Said Lemuel Lawrence for and in Consideration of the Sum of Five Hundred Dollars to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged this day bargained sold transfer conveyed confirm by these present doth bargain and sell, parcel of land lying and being in the County of Sumner, State of Tennessee, and on the waters of Sinking Creek & Containing by Computation Fifty acres of land be the same more or less and bounded as follows - Beginning at the North West Corner of a tract formerly belonging to Hardyshalt _____Running West with Schlulers line & Millers formally Daniels Sixty four poles to the said Moores North West Corner thence with the Said Moores line South One hundred and Seventy Seven poles to Lamuel Gorleys line formally John Daniel thence East with Said Gorleys line sixty four poles to a stone now Gorleys but formerly HardyShelts old tract thence North with Goostres line _____ line formerly Hardy Shells West Boundary One Hundred & Seventy Seven poles to the Beginning Containing by Computation Fifty acres be the same more or less to have and hold the aforesaid tract piece or parcel of Land together with all the improvements and appurtenances there to belonging or in any wise appertaining unto Said parcel or tract of Land, to Said Mitchell R. Moore his heirs & assigns forever, and Said Lemuel Lawrence for himself, his heirs and assigns do so covenant and agree to warrant & defend the title of the above bounded tract of Land, and premises against himself, his heirs or assigns Executor & Administrator and assigns forever against the claim or claims of all and every persons or persons whatever Claiming the Same, in witness whereof I Lemuel Lawrence have hereunto have set my name and affixed my Seal this day and date above written.
Signed and Sealed in his
the presence of Lemuel x Lawrence (Seal)
State of Tennessee mark
County of Sumner
     Personally appeared before me John L. Bugg Clerk of the County Court of Said County, Lemuel Lawrence the Bargainer with whom I am personally acquainted and who acknowledged that he Executed the foregoing deed for the purpose thereas Contained with my hand at office this 5th day of January 1856
John L. Bugg Clerk
Rec'd for Registration 12th January 1856 at 2 Oclock PM
Registered and Examinied on the 14th day of January 1856

     On the 1860 U. S. Census he appears in Gallatin Post Office, District 6, of Sumner County as a farmer with no real estate value listed and personal estate of $300. He is listed as Samuel Laneer but the names of his wife and children along with a Katherine Daniel who would be his mother-in-law appears to confirm that Samuel Laneer is Lemuel Lawrence.

     On the 1870 U. S. Census he again appears in Gallatin Post Office, District 5, of Sumner County as a farmer with no real estate value and personal estate of $200.

     It would appear that after selling the land in 1856, Lemuel moved to the Gallatin area and may have rented land to farm.

     By the 1880 U. S. Census, Lemuel and his wife were living with his eldest son, John William in the 8th District of Davidson County. The surname is spelled Laurens on that census.

     Lemuel died 8 March 1881, probably in Nashville, Davidson County. His wife Nancy died 7 August 1883, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where she probably was staying with her son Robert. I have been unable to find the burial of either.

     Lemuel Lawrence was listed as the head of a family on the 1830 Census in Sumner Co., Tennessee. Enumerated were:
          1 white male 20-30 (Lemuel)
          1 white female 50-60 (unknown)
          1 white female 60-70 (his mother, Elizabeth).⁶

     Lemuel Lawrence was listed as the head of a family on the 1840 Census in Sumner Co., Tennessee. Enumerated were:
          1 white male 30-40 (Lemuel)
          1 white female 5-10 (could possibly be the bastard child of Nancy Lawrence that he fathered or unknown)
          1 white female 40-50 (possibly Nancy with whom Lemuel begot the child or unknown)
          1 white female 50-60 (possibly his sister Amah or unknown).⁷

     In the Census of 1850, enumerated 9 October 1850, Lemuel Lawrence was listed as a head of household in Sumner Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 50, occupation as a farmer with property value of $600, born in Tennessee.. Also enumerated in the household: Nancy Lawrence and John William Lawrence.⁸

     In the Census of 1860, enumerated 14 June 1860, Lemuel Lawrence was listed as a head of household in Sumner Co., Tennessee. He was listed as Samuel Laneer at age 56, occupation as a farmer with personal estate of $300, born in Tennessee. Also enumerated in the household: Nancy Lawrence, John William Lawrence, James David Lawrence, Henry Smith Lawrence, Robert W. Lawrence, Frank Johnson Lawrence [Sr.], Sally S. Lawrence and Catherine Daniel.⁹

     In the Census of 1870, enumerated 23 June 1870, Lemuel Lawrence was listed as a head of household in Sumner Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 66, occupation as a farmer, with personal property of $200, born in Tennessee.. Also enumerated in the household: Nancy Lawrence, Henry Smith Lawrence, John William Lawrence, James David Lawrence, Robert W. Lawrence, Frank Johnson Lawrence [Sr.] and Felix W. Lawrence.¹⁰

     Lemuel Lawrence was listed as father at age 66, born in Tennessee, in the household of John William Lawrence in Davidson Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1880 enumerated 9 June 1880.¹¹