Thomas Llewellyn & other miscellaneous info.
Sheila Wingate - Oct 28, 2012
On September 25th I flew to Virginia to visit my brother's family, but also stayed in Winchester, VA at my brother-in-law, Peter Wingate's home for nine days. While there, part of my visit was to research more on Thomas Llewellyn. I wanted to pinpoint exactly where he was and when he was there. Although I was unable to find records to substantiate when he lived in Frederick County, Virginia, I DID acquire some very interesting information. Probably THE most important record I found was the Law of October, 1705 regarding the so called 50 acres that nearly all researchers state is how Thomas received his 50 acres supposedly in Frederick County after his indenture was finished.
The book is: Laws of Virginia. It is in a collection of all the laws of Virginia from the 1st session of the Legislature, by William Waller Hening - 1823.
"An act concerning the Granting, Seating, and Planting, and for Settling the Titles and bounds of Lands; and for preventing unlawful Shooting and ranging thereupon."
"Be it enacted, by the governor, councill and burgesses of this present general assembly, and it is hereby enacted and declared by the authority of the same, That all and every person, male or female imported and coming into this colony and dominion free, has a right to fifty acres of land; and every christian servant, male or female imported after he or she becomes free, or time of servitude is expired, has a right to fifty acres of land for his or her importation; and every person coming into this colony, and importing a wife or children under age, hath a right to fifty acres of land for himself, his wife and every such child so imported, and certificate thereof shall be granted to every such free person and master of a family demanding the same, and to every servant after such their freedom in manner and form as is by this act hereafter directed, and that no person or persons by virtue of such importation shall hereafter claim any right to land other than the persons so imported as aforesaid, or those to whom they shall assign their right in the presence of two witnesses; any law, usage or custom to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding."
The other tidbit of important information as regards Frederick County is that it did NOT come into being until 1734 as a county, AND it was made clear to me by historians working at two historical societies, that no white man even entered that part of the country until about 1710. And Thomas died in 1732.
So my question was: WHERE WAS HE???
And where was Daniel Vernon living while Thomas was indentured to him? Norfolk area?
I've seen records that say he was married in Isle of Wight County and Prince Georges County. So I figure Thomas lived in Prince Georges County for the majority of his life, or maybe all of his life and never went to Frederick County.
Jesse was the last to leave the home farm, but probably after the death of his parents. OR maybe he moved his parents to the Norfolk area where the rest of the family had already settled. That would make sense wouldn't it? As far as I can tell no one knows where the children were born or where Thomas and Ruth are buried. For sure we know it was not Frederick.
Another thing that I can't figure out is what makes many researchers say Frederick County in relationship to Thomas and Ruth? Yeah, Shadrack lived in Loudon County but he was two generations later. Has someone seen a record that I haven't ?
It was suggested to me to contact the Library of Virginia (which I did by phone rather than make the 4 1/2hr trip down there) as they have the best source of anyone for the oldest records like I was looking for. Since many of the very oldest land records and other records have been lost to fires through the years, her suggestion was to see if Thomas Llewellyn could be located using the Chuckatuck or Nansemond Monthly Meetings. Has anyone ever seen these?
There was something written in a book that Jessey Lewelling is named in the Will Book for Thomas Lewelling Estate invoice and appraisal. Anyone ever seen that?
The following information comes from the books named.
In a book, "Bristol and America: A Record of the First Settlers in the Colonies of North America 1654 - 1685" printed in 1929 and reprinted in 1967 by Genealogical Publishing Company, the following are listed with their year of immigration.
Name Lewellen Year Where
Margt 1654 VA
Thomas 1663 - 1679 VA
Daniell 1637 VA
Elizabeth 1773 America
John 1655 VA
Jon 1637 VA
Thomas 1663 - 1679 Nevis
William 1650 VA
Name Llewellin
David 1663 - 1679 VA
Elizabeth 1654 - 1663 Barbadoes
Jenkins 1685 MD/VA
William 1761 America
Robert --age 28-- 1830 America
In a book, "Bounty and Donation Land Grants in British North America"
Freeman Lewelling - He served as a Private in the French and Indian War under Col. Byrd. He was in Prince Edward Co., Virginia in Feb 1780. He assigned his 50 acre warrant.
In a book, "Virginia Quit Rent Rolls, 1704" it listed a 'widdo Lewelling 100'
Warwick County - A True and Perfect Rent Roll of all the Lands that is held in Warwick Co. - 1704
From the "Virginia Magazine of History and Biography the William and Mary College Quarterly, & Tyler's Quarterly", I extracted these marriages for Norfolk and Amelia Counties.
Lewelling - Ann m Manor Dyson Jan 4, 1783
- Eliza m Spivy Wiatt Jan 6, 1783
Ann m Gideon Kilgore May 10,1799
Elizabeth m Samuel Langley Oct 19, 1760
Frances m Jno. Johnson March 19, 1763
Francis m Robert Toterdale Feb 25, 1812
James m Ann Owins July 2, 1796
Lucy m Wm R. Hall Jan 21, 1818
Margret m Peter Dyer Aug 27, 1754
Martha m Wm Murray Oct 5, 1753
Martha m Charles Williams Aug 6, 1790
Mary m John Crane May 12, 1766 Amelia County
Mayes m Sally Grant Dec 1804 Amelia County
Paul m Margaret Holmes April 6, 1798
Paul m Anny Godfrey June 15, 1802
Richard m Gracey Stokeley March 30, 1793
Hopefully there is some useful information here that you didn't know before.
Billie Harris - Oct 29, 2012
Sheila, yes indeed, there is some useful information that I didn't know before. Mind you, I've been researching for a good 45-50 years now. I knew that if someone paid the passage of another person (known as an indentured servant) to the colonies, they received 50 acres of land, however, I had no idea the indentured servant himself received 50 acres once he served his indentureship - which generally lasted seven years or less. I may have learned it previously but if so, I'd forgotten until just now.
You are absolutely right about Frederick County. What is now Frederick County is up near the Pennsylvania border and early settlers remained near the ocean and waterways and didn't venture inland that far.
In tracing the history of that county, it was formed 1738 from Orange and Augusta and Augusta was formed 1738 from Orange so we need to look at the formation of Orange. Orange was formed only four years previously from Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania was formed 1720 from Essex, King and Queen and King William.
Essex was formed 1692 from Old Rappahannock. King and Queen was formed 1691 from New Kent and King William was formed 1700 from King and Queen.
So IF Thomas was from the area that some have said was Frederick, it appears it would have been in New Kent County and so far, we don't have anything for a Lewallen in New Kent County for any year.
I have some problems with the genealogy that's been provided for Thomas anyway. It gives the name of Jesse John Lewallen born 1689 Frederick County and died 1778 in Tennessee. As I've said in previous posts, giving a child two names wasn't common until after the Revolutionary War so I seriously doubt the name was both Jesse and John.
I don't believe Thomas was in Norfolk unless he was the son of Edward who died 1752 and named his children, including Thomas, in his Will. Thomas died 1758 in Norfolk. The earliest we have listed so far is in 1730 Charles City County who was the son of Richard, and the next one in 1752 Amelia County an inventory of Thomas' estate and it mentions Jesse.
Take a look at the following site and see if there's anything on there that might help.
[NOTE: broken link]
Sue Cooper - Nov 1, 2012
Billie, I am not criticizing you, certainly, without your extensive research and interest in the Lewallen families, I am sure that their descendants would not know so much of the history of this family. It's just one thing, perhaps little to some, but, a huge pet peeve of mine; Jesse John Lewallen or whatever his name was, did not die in TN in 1778. I know you are saying you have a problem with the genealogy which has been provided and the location of his death is wrong. TN did not become a state until 1796. The region was being settled as early as 1768. I am sure you are familiar with the Watauga Association of 1771, which spread out over Eastern TN. In 1776, NC accepted this district as Washington Co. which eventually embraced all of the present state of TN. After about 4-5 years, it became known as the State of Franklin, but that eventually vanished as well. Many sections were settled prior to statehood, they were actually a part of NC. In fact, you will find records which refer to Washington Co. or Davidson Co.,NC. However, all early records for these two counties are found in TN. Just my 2cents worth. Keep up the Good work!!
Billie Harris - Nov 2, 2012
Sue, you're right about the statehood for Tennessee and I do have a problem with the genealogy itself. I used to have information on the history of Tennessee and Kentucky but right now can't find it. If I do, will post it. I did just post the county formations for Tennessee though. Came from my trusty old "Handbook for Genealogists" by Everton Publishers. That book sits right here next to me and I refer to it constantly. I would suggest it for anyone researching their families.
Rick Llewellyn - Oct 29, 2012
Some things to consider although you say your Thomas died 1732:
In Prince George Co. (later Amelia Co.) there was a Thomas Lewellin (of Westover Parish) who, on jan. 6, 1730, deeded land. In the deed, " ... being part of a tract Richard Flewellin, father of said Thomas ..."
This Thomas was married to Anne as detailed in the Vestry Book & Register of Bristol Parish. In the vestry record, "... Jesse Lewellin, son of Thomas and Anne Lewelling ..." Later records suggest her name was Susannah Craddock.
This Thomas shows on the Tythables for Amelia Co. for 1736, 1743, 1744, 1746, 1747, 1749, 1750 and 1751. (I believe Thomas had a son born between 1723 and 1743 or thereabouts based on Jesse's birthdate of Mar. 11 1733.) It could be the tythables show both a Sr. and a Jr. However, as already noted, Thomas died May 28, 1752 (actually noted in a deed record).
There is another Thomas Lewellin identified in the Feb 4, 1768 Virginia Gazette, location given as Brunswick. And another dated Mar. 19, 1772, no location given. There are several records in the Brunwsiwck Co. Deed Books for this particular Thomas.
There were several indentures of a Thomas Lewellin, one in 1664 to Joespeh Singer and one in 1670 to William Sawyer.
There was a Thomas Llewellin (wife a Quaker) on the Fairfax Co Tythables, 1749
There was a mention a a Thomas Lewellen licensed to keep an ordinary at his house in Greensville Co. (sorry no date but I probably just missed it in the William & Mary College Quarterly)
The reason I mentioned this is that your note of Jesse as a son of Thomas was a line I have followed. And, I had not seen a Thomas who died in 1732 in Va.
Billie Harris - Oct 30, 2012
Good info, Rick. In thinking about this, it would seem someone wrote the year 1732 as the year Thomas died when it should have actually been 1752. And you just said something I didn't realize before which is that Anne, his wife, was short for Susanna.
Clete Ramsey - Oct 30, 2012
Shelia & Billie,
As I’ve posted before, my “wild goose chases” trying to connect Prince Edward County’s Richard Lewallen to Gracie Stokeley of Norfolk County turned up records of these marriages in Norfolk, some of which Shelia notes:
30 March 1793. Richard Lewelling and Gracie Stokeley. Surety: Eyrs Stokeley.
22 December 1798. James Kilgore and Sally Stockley. Surety: Richard Lewelling. The entry noted that Sally Stockley was a sister-in-law of Richard Lewelling.
10 March 1799. Gideon Kilgore and Ann Lewelling.
22 September 1801. Woodman Stokeley and Mrs. Peggy Lewis. Surety: John Gray.
17 July 1802. Turner Stevenson and Mrs. Grace Lewelling. Surety: James Kilgrow
8 April 1825. Gideon Kilgour and Mrs. Elizabeth Potts (widow). Security: Abel Lewelling.
I’m still trying to figure out who was who.
Clete
Billie Harris - Oct 31, 2012
Clete: Seeing the name of "Mrs. Elizabeth Potts" in your post made me do a little more research because the Potts and the Bursons were connected and Deborah Burson married Shadrach Lewelling. May be an entirely different Potts family, however, I'm now wondering if the Loudoun Lewellings and the Norfolk Lewellings might be connected.
In Loudoun:
1762 John Conrad married Elizabeth Potts and among the witnesses were Shadrick Lewellin and Deborah Lewellin.
In 1766 there was a Bill of Sale recorded between James and Mary John and Thomas and Susannah Lewellen of one part and Thomas Pursley of the other. The property was in Loudoun "on Drains of Kittocton bounded .. beginning at a stake in a line of Colo, Fairfax .. to a stake corner to Jonas Potts land .. corner to James John and Thomas Lewellen .. containing 116 1/2 acres of land. Now This Indenture Witnesseth that James John and Mary his wife and Thomas Lewellen and Susannah his wife for sum One Hundred and ten pounds current money of Virginia .. by deeds of lease & release .. sold said 116 1/2 acres of land situate bounded and being as is above set forth and described "
1768 - Thomas Lewellin witnessed the Will of David Potts. Jonas Potts' Will was filed the same year and lists his wife Mary, sons David, Samuel, Jonas, Edward, and daughters Hannah and Elizabeth.
1772 – Thomas and Susannah Lewellin sold land and among the witnesses was Samuel Potts
Sheila, I know this Thomas was later than yours but seeing Potts in Clete's posting made me wonder if maybe the Norfolk group might somehow be connected to the Loudoun family.
Clete Ramsey - Oct 31, 2012
Billie,
There’s a thread in History, beginning with my 9 February 2011 post, “Thomas & Mattie Cowan Llewellyn, New Mexico,” in which you, Landy Gobes and me, discuss the Potts-Burson-Lewellyn connections. As I mentioned in my post, my late father had two Potts connections through his maternal grandfather, John Madison Owens (b. 1869, KY; d. 1949, MO). Working my way back from John Madison Owens, I haven’t found any indication members of the Potts family living in Loudoun County had a connection to any member of the Potts family living in Norfolk. Doesn’t mean there wasn’t one; only that I found no evidence of it. I’ll have to go back and look at Joe Reichel's genealogy page, “Potts, Spry & Other Families” [NOTE: broken link], and see if there’s any mention of a Potts-Norfolk connection there or in other Potts family histories.
Clete
Billie Harris - Oct 31, 2012
Clete, you may have to jog my memory occasionally. But another question. You've done considerable research for Norfolk County. Have you come across a Potts who married an Elizabeth in that county? I haven't found Abel being connected to the Loudoun group, but with biblical given names such as Abel, Shadrach, Meshach, Isaac, Thomas, can't rule anything out.
Sue Cooper - Nov 1, 2012
Sheila, I just want to say, this is Great information. We MUST know the laws of the time and for the location where our ancestors lived in order for us to correctly interpret the records which they left us. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this. This is very helpful, no matter what families are being researched.
Sheila Wingate - Nov 1, 2012
I've been trying to keep up with all that everyone has written, but have been so busy this week with doing things like taking hubby to dentist, getting gas dryer delivered & set up, that I haven't hardly been on the computer. Will be doing some checking on my records, hopefully this weekend.
Everyone has put in some very interesting info so that I definitely need to look at what I have again, because I THOUGHT that Thomas had a son, Thomas who died in 1752, because if Thomas was b. 1643 came to America and was indentured, then he could not likely be the same one that died in 1752. And apparently the two men were:
Thomas m. Ruth Vernon & son? Thomas m Susannah. Did I get that right in what has been written here?