John Mavell Robinson Below is BETTY ROBERTSON RILEY's work on JOHN and MAVEL ROBINSON. It includes what is known of JOHN and MAVEL and their children. Betty believed, as I once did, that JOHN ROBINSON and THOMAS ROBINSON of Henrico Co VA were brothers. yDNA has since proved that to be incorrect. Betty descends from Thomas Robinson and that was her main reason for writing this excellent genealogy. I'm using this page to correct any omissions or errors in Betty's work, so if you find one, please email me and let me know. http://www.joelrobinson.com/robinson/JohnMavelRobinson/ Page 1 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson FIRST GENERATION 1. JOHN1 ROBERTSON (ROBINSON) was born ca. 1660. JOHN died 1721 in Henrico Co., VA, at 61 years of age. 1 He married MAVELL EAST in Henrico Co., VA, ca. 1690. MAVELL was born ca. 1670. MAVELL was the daughter of THOMAS EAST and UNKNOWN. MAVELL died before 1737.2 We believe this John Robertson (Robinson) was the brother of our ancestor Thomas Robertson (Robinson). (See the biography of Thomas Robertson, 1668- 1741.) We have carefully documented our descent from Thomas and Elizabeth Robertson. We want to make known what we have learned about John and Mavell, but we also want you to be aware that this line of descent has not been fully documented and should be researched by anyone claiming descent from John and Mavell. John Robinson was a “coller maker" who probably made collars for horses. John wrote his signature on the few documents that we have found, his sale of land in 1696 to Henry Turner, his deed of land in 1714 to his son, John Jr., and his 1719 witness to the will of Charles Scruggs. Few men of his day could read or write. Mavell East Robinson had two brothers, Thomas East Jr. and Edward. 3 Mavell's brother Thomas East Jr. and Thomas Cardwell were married to sisters, both daughters of Ann Perrin. Thomas Cardwell's daughter Eleanor was married to Richard Williams, schoolmaster and teacher of English. Thomas Cardwell gave Eleanor and Richard land on Gilley's Creek in 1713 and they became neighbors of John and Mavell who had patented land on Gilley's Creek in 1703. Thomas East, Mavell's father, was an overseer for Mr. Thomas Cocke's Turkey Island Plantation in Henrico County, Virginia. Mr. Cocke was a Justice from Henrico County in 1677 and a man of great wealth and prestige. In 1675, he named a John Robinson as one of 62 headrights when he was granted 3087 acres of land in Henrico County on the north side of the James River and the south side of the Chickahominy Swamp adjoining land taken up by Mr. Beauchamp. 4 It is possible that Thomas East married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Cocke and sister to Thomas Cocke. Richard Cocke died in 1665 and his will, after bequests to his sons, read: "any other son or their heirs that shall after my decease first possess said land, shall pay to my daughter Elizabeth Cocke, for her portion L100 sterling. If he or they shall refuse payment or fail to make same to said Elizabeth when she is 17 years old or at day of her marriage, which ever shall be first, then the land to be extended to her use until said sum be paid by annual value of the land..."5 In 1672 Thomas Cocke of Pickthorne Farm, son of Richard, granted Thomas East a parcel of land: "lying and being within line of what land he now holds but is part of that land belonging now to me and to my brother, given by will of our father. He shall have the land forever before any other person, he paying for the same what it may then be thought reasonable worth. If it fall to my share to have it, he only paying the acknowledgment of renting it every year by payment of one ear of corn the 25th day of December yearly til the 20 years be expired, which will be the 25th day of September 1688." 6 This would indicate that Thomas East had been on the land for four years before this contract was put into writing in 1672. It is clear that Thomas East was seated on land granted to Richard Page 2 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson Cocke, father of Elizabeth. This deed was produced in Henrico County Court in 1691: "a case between ye subscribed Cocke and East for ye above mentioned land and owned per both plaintiffs."7 We could not locate the court's decision concerning this case. Thomas East's first wife, perhaps Elizabeth Cocke, had died by 2 October 1685, when the marriage license of Thomas East to Dorothy Thomas was recorded in Henrico County, Virginia.8 Thomas East's remarriage might have been the reason the Cocke's tried to regain control of the land they had previously given to him. In May, 1726, Thomas East Sr., "being old and almost blind and unable to care of myself for common necessarys to support life and likewise in consideration of his care and overseeing of my plantation and Negroes do grant unto son Edward, 2 Negroes." Wit: William Porter, Jr., and John Porter. Signed Thomas (E) East, Sr.9 Thomas East Sr. was dead by 2 January, 1726/27 when his will was recorded. His will named his second wife Dorothy, sons Thomas and Edward and a daughter Mary Alsope. This will was read in an abstract; the original might reveal that Mary was Mavell.10 The Cocke family of Pickthorne Farm in Henrico County probably descends from the Cockes of Shropshire, England, and a yeoman known as "Tho. Cocke de Pickthorne whose daughter Alice married Thomas Holland de Burwarton et de Mideo Templo, London in 1592".11 The name Pickthorne occurs only in Shropshire, England and in this single instance in Colonial Virginia. The earliest record we found that is probably John Robinson who married Mavell East is a court deposition made by Thomas East. 1681: "Thomas East age 40, deposeth that he hath seen a mare and colt belonging to John Robinson ..."12 June 10, 1690, Thomas East Sr. gave his daughter Mavell, "1/5 of a tract taken up by me, Robert Woodson, Sr., John Woodson, William Porter and Robert Clarke, 106 Acres on the south side of White Oak Swamp, now in possession of John Robinson who married said Mavell East." Wit. Hannah Charles, Tho. Charles. 13 The following patents probably refer to this land owned by John Robinson: Capt. Thomas Cocke patented 49 acres of land in Henrico County on the north side of the James River, adjoining John Roberson, "to line of the White Oakes land on head line of the patent of Mongyes," 26 Apr. 1698.14 Capt. Thomas Cocke patented 943 acres, part of 1983 acres that his father Mr. Thomas Cocke had patented in 1675 and deserted. The land was known as Mongyes on the north side of the James River in Charles City County, "beginning on line of” Mr. Harrison to falling ground of the Western nigh deep runne crossing bridge road nigh John Roberson's house."15 The 1675 patent described the 1983 acres as in Charles City County on the north side of the James River, "beginning upon Gilles path near Merridaes path over Mongoies Run to the western branch of Herring Creek to a run of Chickahominy."16 February 1, 1691, John Robinson, Richard Ferris, Wm. Ferris, and Edward Mosby presented the inventory of Michaell Gartwrite at court. 17 John served on a jury in Henrico County in 1695. January 23, 1693/4, Henry Turner and Ann his wife of New Kent County, Virginia, sold John Robinson of Henrico County, 712 acres of land in Henrico County for 3000 pounds of tobacco. The land was on the north side of the Page 3 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson Chickahominy Swamp and 150 acres was to be deducted next to Mrs. Francis Izzard for the use of Henry Turner. Wit. Edward Finch, Benj a. Clarke. Recorded 2 April 1694.18 30 September 1696, John Robinson sold this same land back to Henry Turner for 3000 pounds of tobacco. Wit. John Haile, Thomas Cardwell, All. Clarke. Signed, John Robinson. Mavell, wife of John, relinquished her dower right.19 This may have been a mortgage to Henry Turner. Other deeds locate this land on Uphnam Brook. "Upuans Brook, now known as Brook Creek, was also known in the eighteenth century as Ufnam, Oughnom and Upland Brook. It rises north of Richmond and flows easterly to enter the Chickahominy near Meadow Bridge. The site is now known as Chamberlayne Heights."20 October 1, 1696, John Robinson, All. Clarke and John Field witnessed the deed when Thomas and Ann Cardwell sold 275 acres of land to George Fairfax. The land was on the north side of the James River and bounded by Gilley's Creek, Robert Green and said Cardwell.21 John Robinson was a Quaker. Quakers endured severe persecution in Virginia, persecution that included jail and fines of money and property. Their membership and meetings were held in secret. The Religious Toleration Act was passed in England in 1688, allowing dissenting religious groups to hold services openly. The act was put on the Henrico County Books in 1690 and at that time, John Pleasants gave a parcel of land for a Quaker meetinghouse and graveyard. This first meetinghouse was replaced with a new structure in 1700. Records were being kept in June of 1699 when a meeting was held at the home of William Porter, Jr. at Curles in Henrico County. In December of that year subscriptions were received to repair the meetinghouse at Curles or build another. John Robinson gave 250 pounds of tobacco and was listed as one of the first members of the Curles meeting along with members of the Pleasant family, Woodsons, Porters, Watkins, Hughes and others.22 He witnessed the Quaker wedding of Benjamin Woodson and Sarah Porter in 1700. In February of 1700/1, he voiced his objection to the marriage of Joseph Woodson and Jane Woodson because they were "too near akin they being second cousins."23 The marriage took place over his objection. In 1702, John Robinson was dismissed from the Quaker fellowship because he had "married out."24 The famed Quaker missionary Thomas Story visited the Curles Meeting about 1699. He learned that Jane and John Pleasant's son was about to marry out, so he preached a sermon on mixed marriages and God's displeasure with them. This became a very serious matter and John was probably under pressure to bring Mavell into fellowship with the Quakers. During the time John Robinson's dismissal was under consideration James Howard and Joseph Parsons were being asked to give their reasons for not attending the Quaker meetings. It is obvious that they were not in agreement with his dismissal from the fellowship but they made the following statement at the next meeting: "James Howard and Joseph Parsons gave the meeting satisfaction that they were in unity with the settlement of the meeting." Members of the Howard and Parson families were to move to Lunenburg County with John Robinson Jr. John Robinson patented 831 acres in Henrico County, Virginia on 24 April 1703. The land was on the north side of the James River at a place known by Gilley's Creek, beginning at John Bayly, across the southern branch and crossing Gilley's main creek. He named as his headrights: Hugh Edwards, James Evans, Page 4 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson Mary Homey, Martha Floyd, and 13 rights paid for to Wm. Byrd, q Esq., auditor.25 That same day John sold 404 acres of this land patent to his brother-in-law Thomas East Jr. for 500 pounds of tobacco.26 Index of Virginia Residents, 1607-1800, by Dorothy Ford Wulfeck, included the marriage of a Joyce Robinson to a Samuel Bayly. As the Baylys and Robinsons were neighbors, further data may be available to prove a relationship of Joyce Robinson to this John Robinson. In October of 1711, John Robinson was one of 22 men who presented a claim for payment for work done at the Battery at Jamestown.27 5 March, 1714/15, John Robinson Sr., coller maker, gave his eldest son John Robinson Jr. 60 acres of land: "land lying and being on the north side of Gilley's Brook on the laine tract I now live on towards the upper end of the line." The land was never to be sold or mortgaged. Witnessed by Richard Williams and Eleanor (E) Williams. Signed by John Robinson, senior. Recorded at Henrico Court 4 April 1715, William Randolph, Clerk.28 About the time John gave this land to his son, he had land surveyed on Gilley's Creek, but he never filed for a patent. "At a council held at Williamsburg, day of December 11, 1728. Present the Governor, James Blair, William Byrd, Richard Fitzwilliam, William Dandridge, John Custis and William Randolph, Esquires. Disputes about entry's for lands were determined: Abraham Abney and Thomas Claiborne by their petitions setting forth that about 14 years ago there was surveyed for John Robertson of Gilley's Creek in the said county and adjoining to the lands of one Thomas East but no patent hath ever been sued out for the said land, nor any survey thereof returned into the secretary's office and praying that according to the orders of government in that behalf made the said lands may be granted to the petitioners. It is ordered that the said John Robertson be summoned to appear before this board at the next court of Oyer and Terminer to shew cause why the said land ought not be granted according to the prayer of the said petition." Wm. Robertson, Clerk of Court. It was perhaps obvious to those who were present that John Robinson had died, but they were following legal procedure. Henrico County deeds reveal names of John Robinson's neighbors: Thomas Harwood, Henry Brazele, Edwd. Moseby, Wm. Porter, Breashure Cocke, Thomas Pleasants, Richard Cocke, Sr., John Webb, Sr. and Giles Carter.29 John Robinson, his brother Thomas Robinson, Thomas Cardwell and William Eslee (Easly) witnessed the will of Charles Snuggs (Scruggs), 20 December 1718. The will was presented at court 2 Feb., 1718/19. 30 The inventory of the estate was made by Thomas Cardwell, Thomas Robertson and Thomas Wood, presented at court by William Bradshaw and recorded 6 April 1719.31 John Robinson's will was written December 5, 1720. This date was given as part of a deed of land sold in 1751 by John Robinson Jr. to Alexander Robinson. Part of that record read: " given by John Robinson in his will 5 Dec. 1720." 32 He died before July, 1721 at which time his will was proved at court and ordered recorded "but no administration with will annexed being then nor since granted to Mavell, widow of said John, it is ordered that she be summoned to Page 5 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson next court to accept or refuse administration." This was recorded at court 1 Oct. 1722.33 Mavell appeared at court 5 Nov. 1722 and accepted administration of the estate. Alexander Robertson and John Price, security. Thomas Williamson, Daniel Price, Robert Green and Henry Brazeel were to appraise the estate.34 Mavell Robinson presented the inventory of John Robinson at court, 7 Jan. 1723, and 7 Oct. 1723.35 Henrico County Wills and Deeds are missing for the years 1718 to 1725. We are fortunate that a few court records exist. Later deeds prove the names of three sons of John and Mavell: John Jr., Jacob and Isaac. James Robinson, a carpenter who married Susannah Chastain (daughter of Dr. Peter Chastain), may have been John and Mavell's son but we found no proof. The births of James and Susannah's children were listed in the Douglas Register at the same time as Isaac and Ann's children and they were family names - Ann b. 12 April, 1731; Alexander b 28 June, 1732; Zacarie b. 15 Dec., 1733; James b. 7 June, 1735; Marie b. 20 May 1739. James Robinson's will (21 February 1748, Goochland County, Virginia) gave his son Zacariah Robinson the plantation "whereon I now live" and gave Andro Diar 130 acres of land in Henrico County. His son James Robinson was to be given the 130 acres if Andro Diar did not pay him four pounds, four shillings. Five pounds was to be divided between his wife, not named, and three daughters, Ann, Mary and Eliza. John Harris was executor and Eliza Battersby and James Ford witnessed the will.36 Dr. Peter Chastain was a French Huguenot (Protestant) who immigrated to Virginia to escape religious persecution. Manakin Town was the site of the new Huguenot settlement. The Monocan Indians had deserted the area as the colonists advanced westward. During the summer of 1700 more than eight hundred Huguenots sought refuge in Virginia and the first group of 207 refugees journeyed up the James to the falls. There, Col. William Byrd II gave them shelter on his plantations. Col. Byrd was ordered to lay out 10,000 acres of land for the French refugees in 1704 and the settlement increased to about 500 inhabitants. During the first difficult years they were exempt from paying any taxes for seven years so they could support their own ministers. Manakin Town was only a few miles distant from our Robertson family on Gilley's Creek. Dr. Chastain died in 1728 naming his daughter Susanna in his will.37 James and Susannah owned other land in Goochland County but the following deed proves Susannah's relationship to Dr. Peter Chastain. In 1731, James and Susannah Robinson of St. James Parish, Goochland County sold Thomas Dickins of the Parish of King William, Goochland County, 115 acres of land for 15 pounds. The land had been left to Susannah "by reason of the death of my sister Mary, it being the 1/2 part of the proportionable compliment of my sister Mary's late father Peter Chastains will."38 In 1755, Zachariah Robertson sold John Pleasants Jr. of Cumberland County 130 acres of land which was devised to him by the last will of his father James Robertson, dec'd, "being part of 379 acres as per patent to Capt. Peter Chastain, dec'd bearing date 9 July, 1724, and lying on the west side of Jones Creek in Cumberland County."39 In 1748 this part of Goochland County became Cumberland County. Page 6 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson Mavell East Robinson died before 16 May 1737. At that time, her brother Thomas East of Hanover County, Virginia, "son and heir of Thomas East, Sr. of Henrico County, dec'd" sold Sackvil Brewer of Henrico County, Virginia 106 acres of land on the south side of White Oak Swamp. "Land was formerly given by Thomas East, dec'd, to his daughter Mavell East for life; which term being expired, land reverts to said Thomas East as heir at law." 40 This sale was recorded at court June 1, 1737 but must have been contested because it is the same land Mavell's grandson sold in 1753: 1753 - 1 July, John Roberson Jr. sold to Martin Martin, both of Henrico County, 106 acres on the south side of White Oak Swamp for 40 pounds, "being a 1/5 part of a . tract of land taken up by Thomas East Sr., Robert Woodson Sr., John Woodson, William Porter and Robert Clarke and given by the said Thomas East unto his daughter Mavell, grandmother to the aforesaid John Robinson by deed bearing date 1690." Signed, John Roberson Jr. Anne, wife to the said John being privately examined relinquished her right of dower in the land. Witnessed by Ephraim Cartright, William Warringer, and James Allin.41 This pioneer Robertson family began to move further south where more land for their sons beckoned them. John and Mavell's son Isaac settled on Buffalo River and Buffalo Creek in what was soon to be Prince Edward County. Isaac left a son, John, in Chesterfield County. The vast land further south was all Lunenburg County when John and Mavell's sons Jacob and John Jr. settled on Louse and Cub Creeks, just north of the Staunton River in what would become Charlotte County. JOHN ROBERTSON (ROBINSON) and MAVELL EAST had the following children: + 2 i. JOHN2 ROBINSON JR. was born ca. 1691. + 3 ii. JACOB ROBINSON was born ca. 1693. + 4 iii. ISAAC ROBINSON was born ca. 1695. Page 7 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson SECOND GENERATION 2. JOHN2 ROBINSON JR. (JOHN1 ROBERTSON (ROBINSON)) was born in Henrico CO., VA ca. 1691. He married UNKNOWN. John Robinson Jr. was a blacksmith. His occupation was given in records. His father was noted in records as a coller maker. John Robinson Sr. (I), coller maker, gave his eldest son John Robinson Jr. (II), 60 acres of land 5 March, 1714/15. Prior to 1752, March 25 was the beginning of a new year. After adopting a new calendar in 1752, dates between January 1 and March 25 were given with the new year date annexed. John Robinson Sr. wrote this deed 5 March 1714 and it was recorded at court 4 April 1715. "Know all men by these presents that I John Robinson Of the county and Parish Of Henrico coller maker out of the special love and fatherly affection which I have towards my son John Robinson Junior Of the aforesaid county and parish and for the better settling and advancing of him in the world as well as for diverse other good considerations we the said John Robinson Senior hereto moving have given, granted ... (unknown word) confirmed for me my heirs executors administrators ... by these presents fully freely ... and absolutely give grant unto the said John Robinson my Eldest son 60 acres Of land lying and being on the north side of Gillys Brook on the laine tract I now live on towards the upper end ot the line. To have and to hold the aforesaid 60 acres Of land with all its rights profits privileges here communicated appertaining whatsoever to the land belonging or in any way appertaining in a large and ample manner to all...and purposes as he the said John Robinson Senior could or might do by virtue of any patten (patent) deed or other conveyance to him made or granted unto the aforesaid John Robinson Junior and to the male and female heirs of his body forever never to be sole nor morgished (sold or mortgaged) Witness my hand and sealL this 5th day of March Chimoguo Domino 1714 Witnessed by Richard Williams and (his wife) Eleanor (E) Williams. Legally signed by John Robinson Senior and marked with his seal. Court held for Henrico County the fourth day of April 1715 John Robinson acknowledged this deed to be his act and deed and the same was hereupon admitted to records Test. William Randolph Clerk."42 John, to be designated John (II), son of John (I) and Mavell East Robinson, was living in Henrico County on family land, August 30, 1728. On that date he and his cousin's Thomas East Jr., and Alexander Robertson witnessed a deed Of land from Thomas East, Sr., Mavell's brother, of Hanover County to John Lefon. John Robinson's (II) mark looked like a sideways 2.43 We do not know whom John Jr. (II) married. No deed was found that mentioned her name or deed for which she relinquished her dower rights. John Robinson (II) was living in Lunenburg County by June of 1746 when he was named to administer the "Goods, Chattles, and credits of Benjamin Williams during his absence from the Colony of Virginia." William Hayward (Howard) Page 8 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson posted bond of 50 pounds sterling for John Robinson and Clement Read was a witness. Signed John (2, his mark) Robinson and William Howard.44 James and Mary Howard were Quakers in Henrico County as was John Robinson's father. James Howard did not attend Quaker meetings during the time John's father was being dismissed from the fellowship and he had to state later that he was in agreement with the dismissal.45 William and Francis may have been related to James and Mary. We know that William's wife was named Sarah and they sold land to Field Jefferson of Henrico County on Allen's Creek on the Roanoke River bordering Francis Howard's line.46 Francis Howard's wife was named Diana. His daughters were named Elenor, Elizabeth and Hannah and his sons were William and Francis. His will named his cousin, Mary Howard. 47 John Robinson (II) of this biography gave land to Dinah Bridgewater, possibly his daughter. John's brother Isaac also named a daughter Dianne. These facts suggest a family relationship with the Howards. Diana Howard may have been sister to John Robinson (II), Frances Robertson Jefferson, Isaac and Jacob Robinson. Clement Read who witnessed the administration record for John Robinson, lived in Cornwall Parish near the Robinson's on Cub Creek.48 A Benjamin Williams patented 130 acres of land in Brunswick County, Virginia, 1 June 1741. The land was on both sides of Avent's Creek "opposite to the mouth of the Rock Branch adjoining Wm. Merrett." 49 Avent's Creek South of the Meherrin River flows west through land that is still Brunswick County then turns south through land that became Lunenburg County in 1746 and became part of Mecklenburg county in 1764—5. Avent's Creek was about ten miles northwest from Allen's and Cox's Creeks where Field Jefferson, Isham and Joseph East settled. This may have been Benjamin whose property John Robinson (II) managed while he was out of the colony of Virginia. John was not to settle on Avent's creek. In 1753 he patented 1604 acres of land in Lunenburg County on Cub Creek, near his brother Jacob. In 1756 an unidentified John Robertson patented 367 acres of land on both sides of Avent's Branch.50 In 1809, a Benjamin Williams was "of Madison County, Mississippi Territory" when he sold William Alsup 149 acres of land on Fall Creek, Wilson County, Tennessee. John Alsup and Elijah Cross witnessed the deed.51 The Williams had been neighbors of the Robinson's and East's on Gilley's Creek since the 1690's. Thomas East Sr. died in 1727, naming a daughter Mary Alsope in his will.52 We cannot be sure but suspect that this was Mavell who had married an Alsope after John Robinson's death in 1720. On Fall Creek in Wilson County, Tennessee was where descendants of Thomas and Elizabeth Robertson of Gilley's Creek settled, beginning in the late 1700's. Descendants of John and Mavell East Robinson arrived in Tennessee about the same time. In 1752, John Robinson (II) of Lunenburg County, gave his Henrico County land to his son John (III). The 130 acres of land must have included the 60 acres given to John (II) in 1714/15 and additional land left to him when his father died. Richard and Eleanor Williams were Robinson neighbors on Gilley's Creek in Henrico County. Page 9 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson 18 June, 1752, John Robinson of Lunenburg County "for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he hath and baroth unto the sd John Robinson Jun and for the better maintenance and lively hood of him the said John Robinson Sr. hath given granted unto sd John Robinson Jun all the Mefouage [dwelling house and out buildings] or tenements situate in Henrico County whereon the sd John Robinson Jr. now lives containing 130 acres... on the place called White Oak Swamp." Wit: John Williamson Jr., Richard Williamson, and Rob. Williamson. Signed: John (2, his mark) Robertson. Henrico Court 1st Monday in Nov. 1752.53 A year later, John Robinson Jr. (III) sold this 130 acres of land that his father had given him and noted that the land had belonged to his grandfather, John Robinson (I), whose wife was Mavell East. 1753 - 4 June, John Roberson Jr. (III), of County and Parish of Henrico, blacksmith, sold William Stone of New Kent County, planter, 130 acres bounded by Alexander Roberson, David Bins, James Cocke "it being all the land given by deed by my grandfather to my father John Roberson Sr." (II) Signed, John Roberson Jr. (III) Wife Anne relinquished her right of Dower.54 This deed further identified John Jr. (III) as the grandson of John (I) and Mavell East Robinson: 1753 - 1 July, John Roberson Jr. (III) sold Martin Martin (both of Henrico County) 106 acres on the south side of White Oak Swamp for 40 pounds, "being a 1/5 part of a tract of land taken up by Thomas East Sr., Robert Woodson Sr., John Woodson, William Porter and Robert Clarke and given by the said Thomas East unto his daughter Mavell, grandmother to the aforesaid John Robinson (III) by deed bearing date 1690." Signed John Roberson Jr. (III) "Anne, wife to the said John being privately examined relinquished her right of dower in the land." Witnessed by Ephraim Cartright, William Warringer, and James Allin.55 John Robinson's (II) mark in Lunenburg County was the same as his mark in Henrico County and could possibly have been a capital Q for Quaker. His father had been a Quaker. An old form for Q was a large 2. His mark was sometimes transcribed by those who abstracted the deeds as a 9, with the tail curled to the right, sometimes transcribed as a backward horizontal s, and sometimes as a horizontal 2, all ways to describe this distinctive mark. The Robertson, Jefferson, Branch, Field relationships are included in the biography of Thomas Robertson (1668-1741). We gave detailed circumstantial evidence that John (II) Robinson's sister was Mary Francis Robertson who married Field Jefferson. Mary Francis and Field named a son John Robertson Jefferson. We related their migration from their ancestral homes near the falls of the James River (now Richmond) to Brunswick County. County divisions placed this land in Lunenburg County. Later county divisions would place John Robinson's land in Charlotte County and Field Jefferson's land in Mecklenburg County. Migrating with John Robinson (II) and Field Jefferson were their cousin's, Isham and Joseph East, sons of Mavell's brother Edward. Another cousin, John Robinson, son of Isaac died in 1766 in Chesterfield County. His will gave his Mecklenburg land to his son John, who was living on that land. We have not been able to locate this land. Page 10 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson Field Jefferson, Julius Nichols, Charles Burks and Joseph East witnessed a deed in Cumberland Parish, Lunenburg County, 1752, when Henry Delony sold Isham East of the same parish and county, 300 acres of land on the southeast side of Cock's Creek at the mouth of School Branch bordering Hayward (Howard) and Harwell.56 In Henrico County, 1722, Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Pleasants sued Arthur Marcum for a debt due to them. Alexander Robertson and Jacob Robertson were witnesses for Marcum.57 This was Thomas Jefferson who died young in 1731, brother to Field Jefferson and Peter Jefferson, father of the President. Their father would have been noted as "Capt." Thomas Jefferson. These Jefferson boys were the same generation as John Robinson (II), of this biography, his brothers Jacob and Isaac and his possible sister, Mary Frances. Alexander Robertson was a cousin, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Robertson. The area of Lunenburg County that John Jr. and his brother Jacob were to live had been part of Prince George County until 1720, Brunswick County until 1746, Lunenburg County until 1765 when it became Charlotte County. John and Jacob lived on Cub and Louse Creeks on the north side of the Staunton River. Lunenburg County was all part of Cumberland Parish from 1746 until 1757. Cornwall Parish was formed in 1757 and was a part of Lunenburg County until the formation of Charlotte County in 1765. At that time all of Cornwall Parish was in Charlotte County. St. James Parish was in Mecklenburg after its formation in 1765. The early tax lists of Lunenburg County list three John Robinsons from 1748 to 1752. Two appear to be John, wife Mary and their son John of Prince George County, descendants of Christopher Robinson of Henrico County, Virginia. Bristol Parish records gave the births of John and Mary's children: Nathaniel, 1723; Abraham, 1725; Mark, 1729; and Edward, 1732. The Lunenburg tax list of 1748-1752 named John Jr., John, Mark, Edward and Abraham. The third was John Robinson (II) taxed first in 1749. In the 1764 tax list for Cornwall Parish John Robertson (II), smith (blacksmith), was levy free with 0 tithes and 430 acres of land. He was probably levy free because of his advanced age. Christopher Parsons patented land in Brunswick County on Cub Creek and Butterwood Swamp adjoining John Ellis and Joseph Ward in 1740. 58 In 1759, Christopher Parsons and John Barksdale sold part of this land to Collier Barksdale of Cumberland County.59 Collyer Barksdale and Thomas East had been together in Cumberland County in 1753.60 John East was on nearby Turnip Creek by 1750.61 Jacob was on Cub Creek by 1752 and later bought land on Louse Creek. Tarleton East was on Louse Creek in 1761. The Bridgewaters were on Gilley's Creek in Henrico County with the Robertsons and Cardwells as early as 1689. John Roberson (II), of this biography, patented 1604 acres on Cub Creek adjoining Christopher Parsons in August of 1753.62 The following deeds show what he did with some of that land. Martha Parsons and Sarah Stow were named as daughters in the deeds. Dinah Bridgewater and Fanny Stow, who were sold land from his patent on the same day, were probably his daughters. 1754 - 4 June, John Robertson of Lunenburg sold William Price of Henrico County 400 acres of land in Lunenburg on the lower side of Cubb Creek for L85. The land had been granted to Robertson by patent in 1753 and was bounded by Page 11 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson John Pollard, the patent line, Thomas Williams and Christopher Parsons. Recorded 4 June 1754. Signed by John (mark transcribed as T) Robertson.63 1754 - 2 July, John Roberson of Lunenburg and Cumberland Parish sold John Poulet of same, 200 acres of land on the lower side of Cub Creek for L40. The land was part of a patent of 1604 acres granted to Roberson, bounded by Thomas Word (Ward). John (mark transcribed as Z) Robertson Recorded 2 July 1754.64 1756 - 20 July, John Roberson of Lunenburg "to John Stow, son of Sarah Stow, of Lunenburg for the love that John Roberson has for John Stow, being the grandson of the said John Roberson." He gave him a certain tract of land of about 200 acres in Roberson's patent, a branch called Quarter Camp, also 1 feather bed and furniture, 1 cow and 1 cow yearling. Signed, John (his mark transcribed as S) Roberson. Witnessed by Clem. Read, Chas. Cupples, G. Carrington, Jr. Recorded 7 June 1757.65 1758 - 4 April, John Roberson of Lunenburg gave land (no acreage stated) to Samuel Parsons, a (legal) infant under the age of 21 years, for five shillings paid by John Parsons, his father and next friend, of Lunenburg. "If Samuel dies without heirs, then the land goes to John Parsons Jr. son of the aforesaid John Parsons; if John Jr. dies without heirs then the land goes to Martha Parsons, mother of the aforesaid and John." The tract of land was on the south side of Quarter Camp branch, part of that tract of land surveyed for Thomas Willis, which was transferred to the aforesaid John Roberson. The tract was bordered by land belonging to John Gwin, Thomas Word (Ward) and Robertson's patent. Signed John (his mark - horizontal, backward S) Roberson. 66 1758 - 2 May, John Robinson sold Dinah Bridgwater, both of Lunenburg, a 158 acre tract of land on Cubb Cr. for L50. Signed John (S, his mark) Robinson.67 1758 - 2 May, John Robinson sold Fanny (Frances) Stoe of Lunenburg 82 acres of land on Cubb Cr. for L50. Signed John (S, his mark) Robinson.68 1759 - July 3, John Robinson of the Parish of Cornwall sold Robert Saxton two tracts of land, 155 acres of land on the branches of Cubb Cr. for L16, bounded by Wetherford, 135 acres 0n the branches of Cub Cr. for L14, bounded by John Parsons. Signed John (S, his mark) Robinson.69 1759 - July 3, John Robinson sold Thomas Ward 100 acres of land for 10 pounds, land bounded on the south side by the run of Quarles Camp Branch, Thomas Ward and Thomas Williams. Signed John (S, his mark) Robinson.70 1764 - 3 April, John Robertson, smith (blacksmith) of the Parish of Cornwall in Lunenburg, sold Daniel Price Jr. of the Parish and County of Henrico, 100 acres of land in the parish of Cornwall and Lunenburg on the west side of Cub Cr. for L250. The land was bounded by Zachariah Waller and Edward Robertson and was part of a patent to John Robertson dated August 22, 1753, Signed John (S, his mark) Robertson. Wit: P. Carrington, Jas. Taylor, Zach Waller, Elisha White.7l Daniel Price Sr. had appraised the estate of John Robinson (I) in Henrico County in 1720. Page 12 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson The following John Robertson and James Franklin may have been third generation of their families who lived together on Gilley’s Creek ca. 1700. 1764 - 3 April, John Robertson of Lunenburg County bought 400 acres of land from James Franklin of Lunenburg County for L100. The land was on the branches of Turnip Creek bounded by Smith, and was the land and plantation whereon the said James (Franklin) now lives. Wit: Paul Carrington, Jas. Taylor, Elisha White, and Thomas Hope. Recorded 12 April 1764. 72 In 1706, Thomas Cardwell of Henrico County gave his daughter Mary, wife of James Franklin, land on Gilley’s Creek adjoining Thomas Robertson.73 We found no will or further records for John Robinson Jr. JOHN ROBINSON JR. and UNKNOWN had the following children: 5 i. MARTHA3 ROBINSON. She married JOHN PARSONS. 6 ii. DINAH ROBINSON. 7 iii. FANNY (FRANCES) ROBINSON. 8 iv. SARAH ROBINSON. She married UNKNOWN STOW. 9 v. JOHN ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA circa 1711. He married ANN. John Robinson and his father John were both blacksmiths. In 1738, Jacob and Martha Robinson sold land to John Robinson.74 John and Ann Robinson sold this land to Alexander Robertson in 1751. Matthew Bridgeman (probably Bridgewater) of Henrico County sold Nicholas Davies of Goochland County, 48 acres near Gilley's Creek for L10. The land, sold 16 August 1745, was bordered by land owned by Alexander Moss, John Harwood, and John Roberson, blacksmith.75 December 4, 1751, John Robinson Jr. sold 75 acres of land for L35 to Alexander Robertson, his cousin. The land was on the branches of Gilley's Creek and was given by John Robinson in his will dated 5 December 1720, to Jacob Robinson. John Robinson legally signed his name, and his wife Ann relinquished her dower right to the land.76 In 1752, John Robinson of Lunenburg County, gave his Henrico County land to his son John, of this biography: 18 June, 1752, John Robinson of Lunenburg County - "for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he hath and baroth unto the sd John Robinson Jun and for the better maintenance and lively hood of him the said John Robinson Sr. hath given granted unto sd John Robinson Jun all the Mefouage [dwelling house and out buildings] or tenements situate in Henrico County whereon the sd. John Robinson Jr. now lives containing 130 acres... on the place called White Oak Swamp." Wit: John Williamson Jr., Richard Williamson, and Rob. Williamson. Signed: John (2, his mark) Robertson. Henrico Court lst Monday in Nov. 1752.77 A year later, John Robinson (of this biography) sold this 130 acres of land that his father had given him and noted that the land had belonged to his grandfather, John Robinson, whose wife was Mavell East. Page 13 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson 1753 - 4 June, John Roberson Jr. of the County and Parish of Henrico, blacksmith, sold William Stone of New Kent County, planter, 130 acres bounded by Alexander Roberson, David Bins and James Cocke "it being all the land given by deed by my grandfather to my father John Roberson Sr." Signed, John Roberson Jr. Wife Anne relinquished her right of dower.78 This deed further identified John Jr. as the grandson of John and Mavell East Robinson: 1753 - 1 July, John Roberson Jr. sold Martin Martin, both of Henrico County, 106 acres on the south side of White Oak Swamp for 40 pounds, "being a 1/5 part of a tract of land taken up by Thomas East Sr., Robert Woodson Sr., John Woodson, William Porter and Robert Clarke and given by the said Thomas East unto his daughter Mavell, grandmother to the aforesaid John Robinson by deed bearing date 1690." Signed, John Roberson Jr. Anne, wife to the said John being privately examined relinquished her right of dower in the land. Witnessed by Ephraim Cartn'ght, William Warringer, and James Allin.79 3. JACOB2 ROBINSON (JOHN1 ROBERTSON (ROBINSON))80 was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1693. JACOB died 4 Sep 1780 in Caswell Co., NC, at 87 years of age.81 He married MARTHA.82 (Additional notes for MARTHA83) MARTHA died before 1773 in Caswell Co., NC. Our first record for Jacob Robertson was a court case, 1 October 1722. Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Pleasants sued Arthur Marcum "to pay the remainder of a debt due and court costs." Alexander Robertson and Jacob Robertson were witnesses for Marcum.84 This Thomas Jefferson was the uncle of President Thomas Jefferson. He died in 1730 and was about the age of Jacob Robertson. 20 June 1733, Abraham Childers Jr. patented 750 acres of new land on the north side of the James River on the west side of the upper branch of Ufnam Brook. The land bordered land of Col. Thomas Randolph, Jacob Robinson, John Walters, Robert Mosby and John Childers.85 6 April 1734, Jacob Robinson patented 390 acres of new land on the north side of the James River adjoining Col. Thomas Randolph, Abraham Childer's, sd. Robinson, John Walter and Thomas Cottrill.86 In 1738, Jacob Robinson sold land to John Robinson, his nephew. 87 J acob's wife Martha relinquished her dower right to the land. John Robinson Jr. sold this same land in December of 1751: "75 acres of land for 35 pounds to Alexander Robertson, land on the branches of Gilley's Creek, given by John Robinson in his will 5 Dec., 1720, to Jacob Robinson." Ann, wife of John, relinquished her dower right to the land.88 Every four years the parish checked the boundaries of land. One can see why this was done when oak trees and hickory saplings were used as markers. In 1739, the boundary between Jacob Robertson and Richard East was noted as found.89 1 September 1740, Jacob Robinson of Henrico County, planter, sold Martha Pattison (Patterson) of the same county, widow, 200 acres of land for seven pounds. The land was in Henrico Parish on the south side of Deep Run.90 Page 14 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson 1749 - 9 April, Mary Walters, widow of John Walters, dec'd, late of Henrico County, surrendered to Benjamin Cannon and Susannah his wife the plantation devised to her for life by her husband, 30 Sept., 1734. Jacob Robinson, who had been their neighbor since 1734, witnessed the deed along with William Merriman and John Eales (Ellis).91 John Walters died in 1734 and his will named his wife Mary and daughters Susanna Cannon and Ann Connaway.92 Susannah later sold her part of the land to Richard Cottrill another neighbor of Jacob's. Ann was the wife of James Conway who had been cared for by Alexander Robinson as a youth. In 1750, Jacob Robinson sold land to Agge Willis. 93 In 1754, William Allen and Agnes his wife sold 100 acres of land in Henrico County, "the same tract that Jacob Roberson deeded to Agnes Willis."94 Jacob Robinson had moved to Lunenburg County, Virginia by 7 April 1752. On that date Thomas Cunningham of Lunenburg sold Jacob 200 acres of land for L30 The land was on the north side of the Staunton River, "part of Kennon's patent deeded to Thomas Cunningham."95 Jacob Robinson was listed in William Caldwell's Lunenburg County Tax List for 1752. "About 1735 and for some years following, there was a large immigration to the neighborhood where churches were established at Cub Creek, in present Charlotte County. At the time of the organization the Cub Creek Church was in Lunenburg County. These settlements were made chiefly through the influence of John Caldwell, who settled on Cub Creek in what was known as the Caldwell Settlement."96 In the summer of 1995, Don and Betty Riley found the Cub Creek Church sign on Virginia secondary route 619, just south of the small town of Phenix, Virginia and south of Virginia primary route 40. The sign read: "Six miles south is Cub Creek Presbyterian Church, the oldest church in this section." Betty and Don were sitting in the car looking at the sign, trying to decide what to do when a county sheriff's car pulled beside them and the youthful officer offered to lead them to the church site. They would never have found the location without a guide. The officer was very proud to be a descendant of early members of the church. A plaque at the church site, where the original church foundation still stands, told the story of these first settlers: "The Caldwell Settlement - John Caldwell born in Ireland came to Pennsylvania 1727, died at Cub Creek 1750 and was buried here. Father of Rev. James Caldwell, hero of the Revolution, Grandfather of John Caldwell Calhoun, South Carolina Statesman. In May 1738 John Caldwell in behalf of many families of our persuasion who are about to settle in the back parts of Virginia asked the synod of Philadelphia to appoint a committee to wait on the Governor of the Government of that province to the laying a foundation of our interest in that place and to ask for the Colony Liberty of Conscience and the privilege of worshipping God in a way agreeable to the principles of our education. The Governor granted this request in 1738 a colony of Scotch Irish Presbyterians under the leadership of John Caldwell purchased more than 30,000 acres along Cub Creek in this vicinity and established here a settlement of Presbyterian Dissenters." Page 15 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson "Cub Creek Church - Here in 1738, the Caldwell settlement established its place of worship. The first building was a log meeting house which was used until 1820 when the present church was erected." The earliest ministers, serving before 1754, were James Anderson, John Thomson, William Robinson, John Blair and Samuel Davies. Thomas Watkins was a founder of the Presbyterian Church in Henrico County, Virginia. About 1740 "a few thoughtful and daring men, dissenting from the precepts and practices of the Established Anglican Religion began to study and to discuss the principles of Presbyterianism. The New Light Presbyterians believed the individual could experience sin and conversion and 7 receive a New Light." They met at Thomas Watkin's house. Governor Gooch of Virginia was alarmed by complaints of false preachers, but by 1747 they were allowed to assemble legally. A Presbyterian Congregation was licensed in 1747 and in 1753 Edward Watkins, father of Thomas Watkins sold an acre of land to a group of churchmen that included Alexander Robinson. In 1747, Samuel Davies was licensed and ordained as an evangelist by the Presbytery of New Castle, Delaware, and came to Virginia. He petitioned for a license to preach at a Presbyterian meetinghouse on the land of Thomas Watkins. "He was an eloquent preacher and delivered a forceful message."97 Records indicate that Jacob Robinson's land in Lunenburg County (later Charlotte County) bordered that of the Caldwell and Davies families. Jacob had son's named William and Alexander. They had come from Henrico County where Alexander Robinson was named as part of the organization of the Presbyterian Church where Samuel Davies was the preacher. Alexander may have been Jacob's son and may have moved to the Cub Creek community with Thomas Watkins and Samuel Davies. It is possible that the early preacher at Cub Creek Church, William Robinson, was Jacob's son”.98 6 April 1752, James Hunt of Lunenburg sold Dannill Abney of Lunenburg land on the north side of the Staunton that was part of a larger tract of land granted to John Ellis in 1736 and 1745. George Abney, William Glass and Jacob Roberson witnessed this deed.99 Jacob Robinson's mark in this record was the same as in his earlier Henrico County records, a capital I with a horizontal line through the middle. The Abneys were Robinson neighbors in Henrico County. 100 John Ellis was the reader at the Church of England Parish Chapel located about a mile below the Lower Westham in the Parish of Henrico. John Ellis in 1728 left land to his son, John Ellis, that by description was near the land of Jacob Robinson. 101 John Ellis of Lunenburg County was probably related to the Henrico County Ellis family. 1 March 1758, Robert Andrew sold Ervin Patterson land on the north side of the Staunton River that was bounded by Jacob Roberson, Andrew Cunningham, John Page 16 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson Cunningham, John East, Thomas Fares (Ferris) and John Kersey. James Hunt, Wm. Caldwell, Thomas Moore and William Cunningham witnessed the deed.102 Other neighbors of Jacob's were David Caldwell, James ‘ Caldwell, Harwood and James Vernon.103 The Kerseys had been Jacob Robinson's neighbors in Henrico County.104 In 1760, Jacob Robinson patented 400 acres of land on Louse Creek, Lunenburg County, Virginia.105 In 1762 Jacob said he was of Halifax County when he sold William Stanfield of Lunenburg: "all that tract of land in Lunenburg on the branches of Louse Creek containing about 400 acres." Thomas Hope, David Caldwell and John McNeis witnessed the deed.106 Halifax County was just across the Staunton River from Lunenburg County. Also in 1762, Jacob Roberson Sr. of Halifax County sold David George of Lunenburg County a tract of land of about 160 acres in Lunenburg on the branches of Cub Creek, bounded by Joseph Davies, Patterson, Hordwich, Harwood, and Andrew Cunningham. James East, John McNies, J no witnessed the deed. Rogers, Wm. East and Joseph Street.107 Jacob and his family moved to North Carolina and his will was written in Orange County, North Carolina before Caswell was formed from Orange County in 1777. Jacob and Alexander Robinson were ordered to work on a road in Orange County, North Carolina in May of 1763. Jacob, James, and John Robertson and John Cearcy (Keirsey) were among those in Orange County who signed a petition to form Caswell County from Orange County in 1771.108 John Kersey, husband of Jacob's daughter Eleanor, was granted "a licence to keep an ordinary at his non dwelling house" 10 December 1777. James and Samuel Robinson entered into bond with him as securities. This ordinary (tavern) would have been on the road from Yanceyville to Red House. Jacob's will was recorded in 1780: "I Jacob Robinson of Orange County ... do will and bequeath to son James Robinson, plantation where he now lives and one riffle gun, my own using gun; to my youngest son Samuel Robinson, the plantation where I now live, below son James line and my lying bed ... all my stock ... if no heirs, to go to my grandchildren to school them ... to my grandson William Kersey the plantation where his father John Kersey now lives, for his father and mothers use as long as they shall live, or cease to live on, and then to return to my son James land joining it. Give to dau. Easter one feather Bed and for my son Samuel to pay fifteen shillings yearly for Ten years ... give to my dau. Jemima one bed, and my son Samuel to give her fifteen shillings yearly for ten years from my death, I give to rest of my sons William Robinson, Jacob Robinson, Thomas Robinson and Alexander Robinson, seven shillings and six pence. I give to my grandson David Keisey one feather bed at my death. Thomas and Samuel Robinson, sons to be Executors." Wit: James Williams, William Blacke, Tatton (Tarlton) East. Proved in Sept. Court, 1780, Caswell County, North Carolina.109 A Thomas Robertson died in Caswell County in June of 1782. He named sons Thomas, John, Mark and Alexander, and daughters Easter (Hester), Sarah and Page 17 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson Gemina (Jemima). John Anthony and Thomas Robinson witnessed the will. Executors were sons, John and Thomas.110 This may have been Jacob's son Thomas. JACOB ROBINSON and MARTHA had the following children: 10 i. JAMES3 ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1713. 11 ii. SAMUEL ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1715. 12 iii. WILLIAM ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1716. 13 iv. JACOB ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1718. 14 v. JOHN ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1720. 15 vi. THOMAS ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1722. 16 vii. ALEXANDER ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1723. 17 viii. EASTER ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1725. 18 ix. JEMIMA ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1727. + 19 x. ELEANOR ROBINSON was born ca. 1732. Page 18 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson 4. ISAAC2 ROBINSON (JOHN1 ROBERTSON (ROBINSON)) was born in Henrico Co, VA ca. 1695. ISAAC died 17 Nov 1766 in Prince Edward Co, VA, at 71 years of age.111 He married ANN in Henrico Co, VA, ca. 1725. May 7, 1753, John Roberson of Chesterfield County, Virginia, sold land to Matthew Bridgeman of Hanover County, stating that he was the son of Isaac Robertson and that the land had been given to him by his deceased grandfather John Roberson in his last will date of 5 Dec., 1720. The deed was witnessed by Richard Hooper (Harper) and William Bridgeman (Bridgewater) and signed by John (R) Roberson.112 The amount of land could not be read on the microfilm. This was the record that proved Isaac to be a son of John and Mavell East Robinson. The will mentioned was one of many lost Henrico County records. In November of 1725, Richard Martin died and John Martin was named administrator of his estate. Henry Hatcher and Isaac Robertson were security for the administrator and Thomas Dickins was a witness.113 Isaac Robinson petitioned the Gentleman Justices at Goochland County, Virginia Court, 16 September 1729, to be added to the list of tithables. It was "so ordered."114 Goochland had been created from Henrico County in 1727. Isaac’s land must have been in both counties after that date. Isaac Robson, Richard Wade and Samuel Hix were ordered by the court to make an inventory of the estate of Samuel Butler, dec'd. Maj. Willis presented the inventory at court, 15 Feb., 1731/2.115 1 Aug., 1734, Isaac patented 400 acres of land in Henrico County on the north side of the Appomattox River, on a small branch of Swift Creek and by the main south branch of Swift Creek, adjoining James Akin, Arthur Mosely, said Isaac Robinson and John Pride (Price).116 Other neighbors were John Maxey, William Worley and William Lansdon.117 A sheriff‘s account book by John Nash recorded Isaac Robinson, as living on the south side of the James River which became Chesterfield County in 1749. He was taxed for 1 levy and he had 130 acres of land and a new patent of 400 acres.118 16 May, 1738, Isaac Robinson of the County of Henrico sold Thomas Watkins of Goochland County 200 acres of land located in Goochland County on the north side of the Appomattox adjoining land of James Atkin, Arthur Moseley, Edward Watkins and a small branch of Swift Creek, "being part of 400 acres patented to said Isaac bearing date 1 Aug., 1734." Signed, Isaac (+ his mark) Robertson1 Wit: Rob. Payne, James Holman and Stephen Watkins. Ann, Isaac's wife relinquished her dower rights.119 20 Sept. 1745, Isaac patented 400 Acres of land in Amelia County on the upper side of Buffalo River, "beginning at a pile of rocks by a branch" adjoining Randolph.120 This part of Amelia County would become Prince Edward County by 1753-1754. The Buffalo River goes south from the Appomattox River and almost meets the Little Roanoke River, which goes on south to the Staunton River. Isaac's brothers settled on Cub Creek just west of the Little Roanoke near the Staunton River. An 1826 map of Virginia shows the Buffalo River and the Little Roanoke River joined by a junction canal. Page 19 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson Isaac's will was written 1 December 1759, and was recorded at court 17 November 1766. His wife Ann and his son Thomas were executors of the estate. Son John was given 333 acres of land on the James River in Manakin town. Son Isaac was given 100 acres of land on Mill Creek. Son Alexander was given 100 acres "where he dwells" joining James and joining his brothers Thomas and Zachariah. Son Thomas was given 100 acres bordering Alex and Randolph. Son Zachariah was given 100 acres "where I dwell" after decease of his mother. Witnesses were Laud Southerland, Thos. Bryan and Thos. Bull.121 Isaac's son John died in May of 1766 after Isaac's will was written and before Isaac died. Isaac's widow Ann was still living in 1773 when she and Zachariah sold Alexander ten acres "by Roberson's Mill Creek" in Prince Edward County, Virginia. ISAAC ROBINSON and ANN had the following children: + 20 i.J0HN3 ROBINSON was born ca. 1726. 21 ii.ISAAC ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1728. 22 iii.ALEXANDER ROBINSON was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1730. 23 iv.ZACHARIAS ROBINSON was born in Virginia ca. 1733. 24 v.THOMAS ROBINSON was born in Goochland Co., VA 8 Oct 1736. He was christened in St. James Northam Parish, 8 Oct 1736.122 25 vi. DIANNE ROBINSON was born in Goochland Co., VA 25 Mar 1739. She was christened in St. James Northam Parish, 25 Mar 1739.123 26 vii. LUCY ROBINSON was born in Goochland Co., VA 15 Mar 1740/1. She was christened in St. James Northam Parish, 15 Mar 1740/1.124 27 viii. MAGDALIENE ROBINSON was born in Goochland Co., VA 15 Mar 1740/1. She was christened in St. James Northam Parish, 15 Mar 1740/1.125 Page 20 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson THIRD GENERATION 19. ELEANOR3 ROBINSON (JACOB2, JOHN1 ROBERTSON (ROBINSON)) was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1732. ELEANOR died 8 Mar 1798 in Caswell Co., NC, at 65 years of age.126 She married JOHN KEIRSEY ca. 1750. JOHN was born in Charlotte Co., VA ca 1730. JOHN was the son of JOHN KEIRSEY and URSULA. JOHN died 19 Apr 1812 in Caswell Co., NC, at 81 years of age.127 John Kersey bought 100 acres of land from John Campbell, November 1, 1783, on Country Line Creek, "up creek to Hugh Dobbins line to Wilson's corner," for L50. Wit: Wm. McAdin, David Patterson, and Thomas Miles.128 John Kersey sold 400 acres to John Low on 11 January 1786, for L100. The land was on the waters of Country Line Creek on both sides of Nukes (or Meekes) Branch by Tho. Tarplay’s line on William Stephen’s line. Wit: Jas Stringer and Abrm Fulkerson.129 John and Eleanor lived on Country Line Creek between Yanceyville and Red House. The family kept a tavern at "his non dwelling house" which he was granted a license to run in 1777. James and Samuel Robinson entered into bond as his securities. John Keirsey wrote his will 22 February 1812 and it was recorded in July Court, 1812, Caswell County, North Carolina. ELEANOR ROBINSON and JOHN KEIRSEY had the following children: 28 i. SAMUEL4 KEIRSEY. He married MARY MATLOCK. 29 ii. URSULA KEIRSEY. URSULA died Aug 1—-0.130 She married WILLIAM PARKER 1798. WILLIAM died Apr 18-0.131 30 iii. THOMAS KEIRSEY was born ca 1750. THOMAS died ca 1805. 31 iv. WILLIAM KEIRSEY was born ca 1753.132 32 v. DAVID KEIRSEY was born ca 1764. DAVID died after 1808. 33 vi. JAMES A. KEIRSEY was born ca 1766/68. JAMES died ---- - — 41.133 34 vii. DRURY KEIRSEY was born ca 1770. DRURY died 13 Feb 1813 in Caswell Co., NC, at 42 years of age. 35 viii. DICY KEIRSEY was born 5 May 1771. DICY died 5 May 1848 at 77 years of age.134 She married WILEY JONES in Caswell Co., NC, 27 May 1797. WILEY died 27 Aug 1831.135 36 ix. SARAH KEIRSEY was born ca 1772. SARAH died 25 Dec 1815 in Caswell Co., NC, at 43 years of age.136 37 x. MARTHA KEIRSEY was born ca 1774. MARTHA died Sep 1822/23 in Caswell Co., NC, at 49 years of age.137 38 xi. JOHN KEIRSEY was born ca 1775. JOHN died in Grajnger Co., TN. He married NANCY AGNES HIGHTOWER. 39 xii. ALEXANDER T. KEIRSEY was born in Caswell Co., NC ca 1778. ALEXANDER died 1 Feb 1852 at 73 years of age.138 Page 21 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson 20. JOHN3 ROBINSON (ISAAC2, JOHN1 ROBERTSON (ROBINSON)) was born in Henrico Co., VA ca. 1726. JOHN died 14 May 1766 in Chesterfield Co., VA, at 39 years of age.139 He married SARAH. May 7, 1753, John Roberson of Chesterfield County, Virginia, sold land to Matthew Bridgeman (Bridgewater) of Hanover County. He said that he was the son of Isaac Robertson_and that the land had been given to him by his deceased grandfather John Roberson in his last will date of 5 Dec. 1720. The land was "bounded as in sd. will." The deed was witnessed by Richard Hooper and William Bridgeman and signed by John (R) Roberson. 140 The amount of land could not be read on the microfilm. John Robinson's wife's name was Sarah.141 Chesterfield County was formed in 1749 from that part of Henrico County lying south of the James River. There were three parishes of the Church of England in the county. Dale Parish occupied the southern part, Manchester, the northern part, and King William, the far western part along the Cumberland County (now Powhatan) line. There were several Robertson families in Chesterfield County at this time: sons of Rev. George Robertson, sons of Jeffrey Robertson, a William Robertson of Dale Parish who died in 1757, and John, son of Isaac. We believe the following records belong to John, son of Isaac. 1750 - 10 Jan., The will of Sarah Bryers of King William Parish named her "trusty friend John Robson" as her executor. She named her son Edward Bryers in the will and Curell Keen, Elizabeth Keen and John Robson witnessed it.142 1753 - 2 Feb., Churchwardens of King William Parish appointed John Robertson guardian to Lawrence Bryers. At a later date John Robertson, guardian of Larrance and Sarah Bryers, orphans of Sarah Bryers, dec'd, presented their guardianship accounts at court.143 1766, 4 May, The will of John Robertson was presented at court by his executors, friend, Edward Briers and John's son I Isaac. He named his three children, Elizabeth, Isaac and John. His land in Mecklenburg County was to be given to his son John. His Chesterfield land was to be sold and the money divided among his three children. Partree Smith, James Branch, witnessed the will and Anderson Brittain.144 His estate was valued at L54.9.0 by William Britton and John Morrisett. Edward Bryas, Executor, held a public sale of his estate 27 October 1768.145 The Brewer (Bryar) family had been neighbors of the Robinsons in Henrico County. In 1753 "Edmund Brewer and John Price witnessed a gift of land from Alexander Robertson to his son Alexander Jr.146 The name Peartree (Partree) Smith, witness to John Robinson's will, is very good proof that the relationship between Isaac of Prince Edward County and John of Chesterfield County is correct. In 1720, Obediah Smith petitioned Henrico County Court to have one acre of land on Pickanocky allotted to him to build a water gristmill. The court agreed and Obediah bought the acre of land from Joseph and Martha Pleasants. 147 In 1725/26 Joseph Pleasants died and left his son Joseph the land and plantation known as Pickanocky next to Obediah Smith's line, including 100 acres that was formerly Thomas Robinson's.148 Obadiah Smith died in June of Page 22 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson 1746. His will named his wife Mary, sons William, John, Obadiah, Jacob, Luke and daughters Elizabeth Ellis and Mary Smith.149 Luke Smith married Arabella Grumarrin, daughter of Gilley and Susannah Grumarrin.150 In 1744, Luke and Arabella gave their son Obediah land on Tuckahoe Creek in Goochland County. 151 Obediah Smith, son of Luke and Arabella, married Mary Burk and they had a son named Peartree, born 13 June 1748.152 The will of John Robison left land in Mecklenburg to his son John. We believe these deeds were earlier transfers of that land prior to his death, when his wife Sarah was still living. In 1759, John Robertson of Chesterfield County bought 1250 acres of land for L350. The land was on the south side of the South Meherrin River and had been patented by Philip Poindexter in 1755. Abraham Maury, Susana Maury, and William Bragg witnessed the deed. 153 May 24, 1763, John Robertson of Chesterfield county gave his son John Robertson two tracts of land in Lunenburg on the south side of the South Meherrin River, the first containing about 1250 acres, where the said Robertson Jr. now lives, formerly Mr. Phillip Poindexter's. The second tract "being on the same side of the river adjoining the aforesaid tract containing 400 acres being part of a larger tract granted to Joseph Davis by patent dated Aug. 10, 1759." He also gave his son five Negroes: Harry, Jamey, Aneky, Nanney, and Milley. Neill Buchanan Sr., Thomas Erskine, and George Crawford witnessed the deed. Sarah Robertson, wife of John Robertson relinquished her right of dower to the conveyed lands.154 Joseph Davies, who had originally patented 400 acres of the land, also owned land on the branches of Cub Creek that bordered the land of this John's Uncle Jacob Robinson in 1762. Philip Poindexter had come from Goochland County where he owned land adjoining this John's cousin John Robinson on Muddy Creek in 1748/49.155 JOHN ROBINSON and SARAH had the following children: 40 i. ELIZABETH4 ROBINSON. 41 ii. ISAAC ROBINSON. 42 iii. JOHN ROBINSON. Page 23 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson 1. Will proved July Court, 1721, Henrico Co., VA, Court Orders p. 212. 2. Henrico County, VA, Deed Book 1725-1737, p. 623. 3. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1688-1697, p. 669. 4. Virginia Land Patent Book 6, p. 564. 5. Edward Pleasants Valentine Papers, p. 640, Valentine Museum, Richmond, Virginia; Henrico Co., VA original papers, package 12. 6. Henrico Co., W/D 1688—1697, p. 245. 7. Henrico Co., W/D 1688-1697, p. 245. 8. Henrico Co., VA Marriage Record, p. 619. 9. Henrico Co., VA W/D 1725-1737, p. 26. 10. Henrico Co., VA W/D 1725-1737, p. 77. 11. Harl. Soc. Pub. 28, 250-251. 12. Henrico Co., VA, Record B1, 1677-1690, p. 162. 13. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1688—1697, p. 146. 14. VA Patent Book 9, p. 138. 15. VA Patent Book 9, p. 198. 16. VA Patent Book 6, p. 563. 17. Henrico County W/D, 1688-1697, Book 3, p. 270. 18. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1688-1697, p. 476. 19. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1688-1697, p. 667. 20. Tidewater Virginia Families, Virginia Lee Hutcheson Davis, Pub. Williamsburg, VA V4, N4, Feb/Mar 1996, p. 223. 21. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1688-1697, p. 662. 22. Hinshaw’s Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy, Vol. 6, p. 210. 23. Valentine Papers, p. 2044. 24. Henrico Co., Virginia Friends Records 1699—1834, FHL #7558. 25. VA Patent Book 9, p. 521. 26. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1697-1704, p. 409. v 27. Henrico Co., VA Court Orders 1710—1714 p. 107. 28. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1714-1718, p. 16. 29. VA Patent B10, p. 191; Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1714-1718, p. 228. 30. Misc. Henrico Court Records 1650-1807 Part 2 p. 425. 31. Misc. Henrico Court Records 1650-1807 Part 2, p. 447. 32. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1750-1767, p. 188. 33. Henrico Co., VA Minute Book 1719-1724, p. 212. 34. Henrico Co., VA Minute Book 1719—1724, p. 220. 35. Henrico Co., VA Minute Book 1719-1724, p. 226, 298. 36. Goochland Co., VA Will Book 5, p. 514. 37. Goochland Co., VA W/D Book 1, p. 44; Louis H. Manarin and Clifford Dowdey, The History of Henrico County, pp,72,73, Charlottesville: Univ. Press, 1984. 38. Goochland Co., VA Will Book 1, pp. 258,259,260. 39. Cumberland Co., VA Deed Book 2, p. 199. 40. Henrico Co., VA W/D 1725-1737, p. 623.“ 41. Henrico County W/D 1750 -1767, p. 247,248. 42. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1714—1718, p. 16. 43. Henrico Co., VA, W/D, 1725-1737, p. 201. 44. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 1, pp. 33-34. 45. Hinshaw’s Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy V6. 46. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 1, p. 14-18. 47. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 1, pp. 479-481. 48. Charlotte Co., VA, Deed Book 2, p. 242-247. Page 24 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson 49. VA Patent Book 18, p. 987. 50. Index to Lunenburg Co., Virginia Patents 1746-1916, TLC Genealogy, 1990, PO. Box 403369 Miami Beach, FL 33140-1369, Book 33 - "Patents Issued During the Regal Government," p. 66. 51. Wilson Co., TN, Deed Book D, p. 389. 52. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1725-1737, p. 77. 53. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1750-1767, p. 185. 54. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1750-1767, pp. 332,333. 55. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1750-1767, pp. 247, 248. 56. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 2, p. 468. 57. Henrico Co., VA Minute Book 1719-1724, p. 212. 58. VA Patent Book 18, p. 741. 59. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 5 p. 375. 60. Goochland Co., VA, W/D Book 5, p. 296. 61. Index to Lunenburg Co., Virginia, Patents 1746-1916, Book 29, p. 167. 62. Index to Lunenburg Co., Virginia, Patents 1746-1916, Book 31, p. 357. 63. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 3, p. 507. g 64. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 3, p. 533. 65. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 4, p. 467. 66. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 5, p. 177. 67. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 5, p. 225. 68. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 5, p. 227. 69. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 5, pp. 414, 416. 70. Lunenburg Co., VA. Deed Book 5, p. 427. 71. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 9, p. 454. 72. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 9, p. 450. 73. Henrico Co., VA Deeds 1706-1737, p. 18. 74. Henrico Co., VA Court Orders 1737-1744, p. 54. 75. Henrico Co., W/D 1744-1748, p. 92. 76. Henrico Co., VA W/D 1750-1767, p. 188. 77. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1750-1767, p. 185. 78. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1750-1767, pp. 332,333. 79. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1750-1767, pp. 247, 248. 80. Caswell Co., NC Will Book 1777-1814, Kendal, Donaldson abstract p. 5. 81. Caswell Co., NC Will Book 1777-1814, Kendal, Donaldson abstract p. 5 82. Henrico Co., VA Court Orders 1737-1744, p. 54. 83. Caswell Co., NC Will Book 1777-1814, Kendal, Donaldson abstract p. 5 84. Henrico Co., VA Minute Book 1719-1724, p. 212. 85. VA Patent Book 15, p. 80. 86. VA Patent Book 15, p. 196. 87. Henrico County Court Orders 1737-1744, p. 54. v 88. Henrico Co., VA, W/D 1750-1767, p. 188. 89. Historical Henrico Parish, FHL 975545N2M. 90. Henrico Co., VA, Misc. Court Records V4, p. 1181. 91. Henrico Co., VA W/D 1748-1750, p. 100 92. Henrico Co., VA W/D 1725—1737, p. 483. 93. Henrico Co., VA Court Orders 1750-1767, p. 38. 94. Valentine Papers, p. 25. 95. Lunenburg Co., VA Deed Book 2, p. 474. 96. Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, V18, p. 41. 97. History of Henrico County Virginia. 98. Charlotte Co., VA, Deed Book 2, p. 452 Page 25 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson 99. Lunenburg Co., VA Deed Book 2, p. 465. 100. VA Patent B22, p. 555. 101. Henrico County VA W/D 1725-1737, p. 220. 102. Lunenburg Co., VA Deed Book 5, p. 304. 103. Lunenburg Co., VA Deed Book 5, p. 399. 104. Henrico Co., VA Court Orders 1737-1744, p. 1. 105. VA Patent Book 34, p. 673. 106. Lunenburg Co., VA Deed Book 7, p. 273. 107. Lunenburg Co., VA, Deed Book 7, p. 316. 108. History of Caswell County North Carolina, Powell. 109. Caswell Co., NC, Book A, p. 103. 110. Caswell Co., NC, Book A, p. 9. 111. FHL 975.563 Prince Edward Co., VA W/D B1, p. 52. 112. Henrico Co., VA W/D 1750-1767, pp. 227,228. 113. Misc. Henrico Co., VA Court Records 1650—1807, Part 2, p. 617. 114. Goochland Co., VA Order Book 1728-1730, p. 145. 115. Goochland Co., VA W/D Book 1, p. 328. 116. VA Patent Book 15, p. 255. 117. Goochland Co., VA W/D Book 3, p. 226. 118. Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Vol. 21, Henrico County; Southside by Fleet, p. 27. 119. Goochland Co., VA, W/D Book 3, p. 116. 120. VA Patent Book 24, p. 165. 121. Prince Edward Co., VA, W/D Book 1, p. 52. 122. Douglas Register. 123. Douglas Register. 124. Douglas Register. 125. Douglas Register. 126. Death date recorded in the Bible record of James Jones of Milton Township, now in possession of descendants of Jesse Case, Caswell Co., NC. Copy on file in Register of Deeds Office, Caswell Co., NC. Bible printed and published, Boston, 1832, Charles Gaylord. 127. Bible record of James Jones and inventory recorded in October Court, 1812, Caswell Co., NC, History of Caswell Co., NC, Kersey and Allied Lines, compiled by Cooper, 1983. 128. Caswell Co., NC, W/D Book B, p. 119. 129. Caswell Co., NC, W/D Book G, p. 178. 130. Bible record of James Jones. 131. Bible record of James Jones. 132. The children of John and Eleanor are named in the wills of Jacob Robinson, Alexander Robinson (her brother) and John Keirsey. Beverly N. Robinson, 2275 S.W. Winchester Ave., Portland, Oregon, 97225—4559, and Maxine Edmondson, Gentry, Arkansas. 133. Bible record of James Jones. 134. Bible record of James Jones. 135. Bible record of James Jones. 136. Bible record of James Jones. 137. Bible record of James Jones. 138. Bible record of James Jones. 139. Chesterfield Co., VA Will Book 2, p. 170). 140. Henrico Co., VA W/D 1750—1767, pp. 227,228. Page 26 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK ** John Mavell Robinson 141. Lunenburg Co., VA Deed Book 8, p. 12. 142. Chesterfield Co., VA Will Book 1, p. 13. 143. Chesterfield Co., VA Will Book 1, p. 308 and Book 2, p. 1. 144. Chesterfield Co., VA Will Book 2, p. 170; Chesterfield Court Order Book 4, p. 204. 145. Chesterfield Co., VA Will Book 2, pp. 189, 191. 146. Henrico Co., W/D 1750-1767, p. 228. 147. Henrico Co., VA Court Order Book 1719-1724, p. 25 and 53. 148. Henrico Co., VA W/D 1725-1737, p. 3. 149. Henrico Co., VA W/D 1744-1748, p. 155. 150. Henrico Co., VA W/D 1710-1714, p. 31. 151. Goochland Co., VA Deed Book 4, p. 413. 152. Wilkin's Report, 1986. 153. Lunenburg Co., VA Deed Book 5, p. 566. 154. Lunenburg Co., VA Deed Book 8, p. 12. 155. VA Patent Book 26, p. 249. Page 27 of 27 ** PAGE BREAK **