PVT Randolph Lawson I1,2

M, ID# 8611, (1753 - Mar 1848)
Father:Bartholomew Lawson (1717 - b 20 Feb 1765)
Mother:Susanna Simkins (22 Jan 1731 - )
Charts:Juanita Bessie Counts * lineage (#1)
Juanita Bessie Counts * lineage (#2)
     PVT Randolph Lawson I was born in 1753 at Bedford Co, Virginia. He was the son of Bartholomew Lawson and Susanna Simkins. PVT Randolph Lawson I married Susanah Cross, daughter of William Cross and Sarah (Unknown), on 13 Jun 1791 at Patrick Co, Virginia. PVT Randolph Lawson I died in Mar 1848 at Albany, Clinton Co, Kentucky.
      Given that Randolph Lawson's many siblings were all born in Bedford Co, VA or the successor county, this researcher doubts Randolph was born in Cumberland Co, NC as he stated when he was elderly in his war pension application. Because of his proclivity for frequently moving, it is more likely Randolph moved to Cumberland Co, NC by the time he volunteered for the military and decided to call that location his birth place.

Randolph is believed to be the Randolph Lawson who volunteered to serve two stints totaling less than six months during in the Revoultionary War. According to the veteran's pension application he was "so young" when he volunteered he was usually assigned guard duty; however Randolph would have been about age 28 during his enlistment if he were born in 1752. The application provided details of the many places where Randolph lived.

At age 82 Randolph began an unsuccessful eight-year saga to claim a veteran's pension. Although he gave many depositions, had many witnesses provide affidavits and lawyers file numerous appeals, Randolph's statements concerning when and where he was during the war disproved he served the minimum six months required to receive a pension. Randolph was unable to sign his name on his paperwork. His pension claim statements reveal the following: He was born in the fall or winter, 1752 in Cumberland Co, NC; volunteered in NC circa 1780 for 3 months and did not receive discharge; volunteered again in NC for 6 mo in Jan or Feb 1781 and received discharge papers 2 weeks early, said discharge certificate was later destroyed when his house burned.

After the war Randolph stated he moved from North Carolina to Virginia to Tennessee to Illinois and finally to Kentucky. His moves took him from Cumberland Co, NC; to Stokes or Wilks Co, NC; to Henry Co, VA and to Patrick Co, VA, a county on the VA - NC border, where Randolph married Susannah Cross in 1791. If Randolph's 1752 birth date is accurate, his marriage to Susannah Cross at almost age 40 was relatively late in life and could have been preceeded by an earlier marriage, although no children have been identified to support that hypothesis.

Next Randolph stated he moved northward to Montgomery Co, VA and then south to Hawkins Co, East Tennessee. On 1 Sep 1797 in Hawkins Co for $100 William Roberts sold Randolph Lawson 100 acres adjacent to Thomas and Henry Begley. On 26 Aug 1799 Randolph sold 100 acres in Hawkins Co "... on the waters of Clinch River in the Punchean Camp Valley beginning at a hickory and cherry tree on a conditional line made between Moses Lee and Benjamin Green...." Witnesses Thos Jackson, Benjamin Rice. (Liber E, 26 Aug 1800, p. 226.) Randolph stated in his pension application that his home burned while he was living in Hawkins Co. Randolph was on the 1801 Hawkins Co, TN tax list.

At the Big Springs Primitive Baptist Church, Randolph and Susannah Lawson were noted in the church minutes of 1802. On 2 Oct 1802 the church met at Rob Camp and after worship began the business meeting. "Randolph Lawson's name should be _(word unkn)____ until he clears himself of a charge lodged against him." That same date a Thomas Jeffries was chosen for a position (unclear what position) in the church. On 1 Nov 1802 during the business meeting the church "opened a door for the reception of members and received Susannah Lawson by experience." On 1 Dec 1802 during the business meeting the church "released Randolph Lawson from the charge lodged against him." Built in circa 1796 on a section of land that was, at the time, still a part of North Carolina and later likely in Hawkins Co, this church was known as the Big Spring Meeting House until organized as a Baptist church in 1800.

Next Randolph moved to Campbell Co, TN where he stated he stayed with his family for 20 years and where he acquired almost 120 acres over a period of years. The first acre given Randolph in 1810, likely by relatives, was noted as being in Anderson Co, TN on Painted Creek, and his four subsequent land acquisitions between 1824 and 1830 were on the same water way. Present-day Campbell and Anderson counties are adjacent.

In 1810 in Anderson County, Micajah Cross assigned 50 of his 400 acres to William Lawson who in turn gave an acre to Randoph Lawson. Micajah was a large landowner; he appears to be a contemporary of Randoph's wife Susannah Cross, however his relationship to Susannah if any is not known. William Lawson is possibly Randolph's brother who died the following year in Hawkins Co, TN. "To all to whom these presents shall come greetings that in of an entry made in the office of the survey or of the fourth district of number 758 dated the 15th day of November 1810 founded on a certificate of number 28 issued by the register of East Tennessee to Micajah Cross for four hundred acres of land dated the fifth day of January 1810 fifty acres of which are assigned by Cross to William Lawson and one acre by William Lawson to Randolph Lawson. There is granted by the said state of Tennessee unto the said Randolph Lawson and his heirs a certain tract a parcel of land contain ing one acre lying in the county of Anderson in the district of Hamilton on Paint Creek waters of the New River...." (The State of Tennessee, Tennessee Archives, Anderson Co, TN Book 4, East Tennessee District Grant 2796, p. 330.) Anderson Co was created in 1801 from a portion of Grainger and Knox counties in Tennessee.

The next documentation of Randolph was 12 Aug 1824 in Campbell Co, TN: "By virtue of an entry no. 189 dated the 12th day of Aug 1824, I have surveyed for Randolph Lawson twelve acres land including a part of his improvement where he now lives on Paint Rock Creek in said county...as represented by the plat-surveyed 30th August 1824.
Allen McDonald-scc; Rich'd D. Wheeler-scc; James Jeffries -scc. By his Dept. Jas. Hart, October 17th, 1832."

"I do certify that by virtue of an entry made in the entry taker office of Campbell County, Tennessee No. 301, dated January 27, 1826 I have surveyed for Randolph Lawson twenty five acres of land in said county on the waters of Paint Rock Creek ... as represented in the annex plat surveyed the 4th day of September 1805. Henry Thompson-scc; Mark Richardson; Robert Jeffers-scc; Surveyor cc." Whether this Jeffers may be related to the Jeffries family (various spellings used) which later married into Randolph's family is unknown. (Campbell Co, TN, Register of Deeds, Book B, Surveyors Book B, p. 10)

"I do hereby certify by virtue of an entry made in the entry takers office of Campbell Co, no. 489, dated the 24th day of December 1830, I have surveyed for Randolph Lawson, fifty six acres of land in said county on the waters of Paint Rock, beginning ... on the top of the ridge, where Young's Turn Pike road turns down to Paint Rock ... as represented in the annexed plat surveyed the 4th day of September 1835. Henry Thompson-scc; Mark Richardson; Dep. Surveyor C.C. (Campbell Co, TN, Register of Deeds, Book B, Surveyors Book B, p. 10)

"I do certify that by virtue of an entry made in the entry maker's office of Campbell County, Tennessee, no. 488, and dated 14 day of December 1830, I have surveyed for Randolph Lawson twenty five acres of land in said county on Paint Rock Creek ... as represented in the annexed plat, survey the 4th day of September, 1835. Henry Thompson-scc; Mark Richardson; Robert Jeffers-scc; Dep. Surveyor c.c." (Campbell Co, TN Surveyors Book B, p. 10)

By 1830 Randolph and his family were living in Campbell Co, TN, about 230 miles straight west from Patrick Co across the mountains on the TN - KY border. Randolph stated he stayed in Campbell Co with his family for 20 years and he appeared there on the 1830 census.
In the Lawson household were Randolph, age 60 - 69; one female each ages 40 - 49, 15 -19 [Clarissa] and 10 - 14; and one male age 15 - 19. Also living in the county in 1830 were the following Lawson and Jeffries families whose relationships with the progentiors Randolph Lawson and William Jeffries will likely be understood in the future.

Lawson families living nearby were predominantly his sons:
--Robert Lawson age 60 - 69 with a female age 50 – 59;
--Samuel Lawson age 29 [son of Randolph Lawson] with a female the same age.
--Mary Lawson age 40 – 49 with one male each under 5 and age 10 – 14 and one female each 5 – 9 and 10 – 14.
--Thomas Lawson, age 20 – 29, [son of Randolph Lawson], living next door to Randolph with his family [including wife Nancy Jeffries, sister of William B. Jeffries and daughter of William Jeffries];
--Elisha Lawson age 30 – 39 [son of Randolph Lawson] with his wife age 30 – 39 and one male under 5, one age 5 – 9 and two age 10 -14 and one female each age under 5 and 5 – 9;
--Maxwell Lawson [son of Randolph Lawson] and his wife each age 20 – 29 and five [sic] children under age 5.

Also nearby in 1830 were a number of Jeffries households:
--William Jeffries and his wife ages 50 - 59 [born 1780-1789] were living with with one male each under age 5, age 5 - 9, age 10 - 14, age 15 - 19 [William B. Jeffries, Randolph Lawson's future son-in-law] and females age 10 - 14 and 15 - 19;
–James Jeffries with one male each age 50 -59 and 20 - 29 and one female each age 50 - 59, 15 - 19, and 10 - 14 in the household; the James Jeffries household was next door to Randolph Lawson;
--Robert Jeffries with a male age 60 - 69 and female age 50 – 59;
--Robert Jeffries age 30 - 39 with his wife age 20 - 29 and two small children under age five.

Then in the fall of 1832 Randolph stated he "sold out" and moved to Johnson Co, IL with his children; his wife was not mentioned, although Susannah was still alive. He said William Jeffers and John Oliver, among named others, lived in his Illinois neighborhood and could testify to his character.

Randolph became ill and moved south again to Clinton Co, KY where he was documented in Jun 1838 and Jun 1839 on the county tax lists and was then on the 1840 census. He was noted as being in Cumberland Co, KY in 1844.

By 1840 William B. Jeffries and his father-in-law Randolph Lawson were living in Clinton Co, KY where the following families were present:
--Randolph Lawson age 80 – 89, his wife Susanah Cross age 60 to 69, and one male age 20 - 29, two females age 5 - 9, and one female age 30 – 39. Our ancestors Randolph and his then wife Susannah were reportedly at least 19 years apart in age and the Randolph and the oldest woman in this 1840 household were as well, as they had been in the 1830 census. None of the four adults in this home could read and write. Living nearby were:
–William Jeffries (Jeffreys) and his wife Clarissa ages 20 – 29, living 17 houses away from her father Randolph Lawson, with their family consisting of two sons less than 5, a son age 5 – 9, a daughter under 5, a daughter age 5 -9;
--Elisha Lawson, son of Randolph Lawson, with 7 in the household;

Because Randolph Lawson married Susannah Cross in Virginia on the border with North Carolina, it is important to note the Cross families living near Randolph. In Campbell Co, TN in 1830, the census taker enumerated the name of Absolom Cross but did not list anyone in the household, so it may have been an empty house. By 1840 Susanah Cross' parents were reportedly deceased, but it is interesting to note there were nine Cross families living in 1840 in Clinton Co, KY with their families, including Robert age 70 – 79, Gibbons and William age 50 – 59, Abraham age 40 – 49, Elisha age 30 - 39, and James G., William H. and James age 20 - 29.

In Oct 1842 the Clearfork Baptist Church granted a letter of dismissal to Brother and Sister Randolph Lawson. In Oct 1838 Rand Lawson and his wife Susannah were added to the church.

One researcher without documentation stated Randolph Lawson's name was Jacob Randolph Lawson. With the exception of Thomas and Clarissa who were thoroughly researched in census records, his other children were found in unsourced information; of note no one source had all the same children, so some may have died young and been forgotten and others of "his children" may belong to different families. His daughter Elizabeth Millie Lawson born in 1815 in Paint Rock Creek, Campbell Co, TN is more likely his granddaughter because he had an adult surviving daughter by the same name born in 1795 or the two women were possibly the same person. Furthermore, proposed progeny born in North Carolina after Clarissa was born in Tennessee, such as Madison Lawson, were not included with his children because in Randolph's many recounts of where he lived Randolph never indicated he returned to North Carolina after his marriage.

Although considerable unsourced material has been collected about the ancestors of Randolph Lawson, the data still needs to be verified with more specific research.

Detailed sources:
--Leslie McConachie's research, Deep Down Genealogy, http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=lesliesc&id=I97348, accessed 2015.
--Big Springs Primitive Baptist Church Minutes, 1802, Claiborne Co, TN Pioneer Project. Transcribed verbatim by Nancy Cassada Nelson, Nov 1999 from microfilm #557 in the Tennessee State Archives. rootsweb.ancestry.com/~tnclaibo/pioneer/baptist/introduction.htm and http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/17585870/person/1276537865/media/4?pgnum=1&pg=0&pgpl=pid|pgNum
--Rev Morris M. Gaskins, Lighthouse in the Wilderness: History of Clearfork Baptist Church, Clear Fork Baptist Church, Albany, KY, 1972.

Children of PVT Randolph Lawson I and Susanah Cross

Citations

  1. [S494] Lawson Family Records.
  2. [S508] Leslie McConachie Research.

Nancy Jeffries1

F, ID# 8612, (1831 - 1864)
Father:William B. Jeffries (13 Dec 1812 - Oct 1870)
Mother:Clarissa "Clara" Lawson (13 Dec 1812 - 12 Feb 1897)
     Nancy Jeffries was born in 1831 at Campbell Co, Kentucky. She was the daughter of William B. Jeffries and Clarissa "Clara" Lawson. Nancy Jeffries married Elijah Carter in 1850 at Richland, Madison Co, Arkansas. Nancy Jeffries died in 1864 at Richland, Madison Co, Arkansas.

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.

Rosetta May Millican1

F, ID# 8613, (1880 - 1952)
     Rosetta May Millican was born in 1880. She married Lawson Cephas Counts, son of George Washington Counts and Clara Jeffries, in 1899 at McKinney, Collin Co, Texas. Rosetta May Millican died in 1952.

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.

Mary Jane Rickets1

F, ID# 8614, (1839 - 1921)
     Mary Jane Rickets was born in 1839. She married Dr Thomas Hampton Jeffries, son of William B. Jeffries and Clarissa "Clara" Lawson, on 27 Oct 1858. Mary Jane Rickets died in 1921.

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.

Elijah Carter1

M, ID# 8617, (1822 - 1862)
     Elijah Carter was born in 1822. He married Nancy Jeffries, daughter of William B. Jeffries and Clarissa "Clara" Lawson, in 1850 at Richland, Madison Co, Arkansas. Elijah Carter died in 1862.

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.

Catherin A. Jeffers1

F, ID# 8618, (c 1830 - )
     Catherin A. Jeffers was born c 1830 at Tennessee. She married Joshua Smith Jeffries, son of William B. Jeffries and Clarissa "Clara" Lawson, a 1850.

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.

Hiram Cooper1

M, ID# 8619, (a 1835 - )
     Hiram Cooper was born a 1835. He married Sarah A. Jeffries, daughter of William B. Jeffries and Clarissa "Clara" Lawson, in 1860.

Citations

  1. [S493] Jeffries Family Records.

Sarah L. (Unknown)1

F, ID# 8621, (c 1859 - )
     Sarah L. (Unknown) was born c 1859. She married James Calvin Jeffries, son of William B. Jeffries and Clarissa "Clara" Lawson, in 1867.

Citations

  1. [S493] Jeffries Family Records.

Alexander H. Fritts1

M, ID# 8622, (1851 - 1940)
     Alexander H. Fritts was born in 1851. He married Victoria C. Jeffries, daughter of William B. Jeffries and Clarissa "Clara" Lawson, in 1871. Alexander H. Fritts died in 1940.

Citations

  1. [S493] Jeffries Family Records.

Thomas Wells1

M, ID# 8623, (a 1831 - )
     Thomas Wells was born a 1831. He married Lucetta / Lucrettia Ann Jeffries, daughter of William B. Jeffries and Clarissa "Clara" Lawson, a 1866.

Citations

  1. [S493] Jeffries Family Records.

Susanah Cross1,2

F, ID# 8624, (15 Apr 1765 - 1844)
Father:William Cross (a 1739 - )
Mother:Sarah (Unknown) (a 1744 - )
Charts:Juanita Bessie Counts * lineage (#1)
Juanita Bessie Counts * lineage (#2)
     Susanah Cross was born on 15 Apr 1765 at Charles Parish, York Co, Virginia. She was the daughter of William Cross and Sarah (Unknown). Susanah Cross was christened on 1 Jun 1766. She married PVT Randolph Lawson I, son of Bartholomew Lawson and Susanna Simkins, on 13 Jun 1791 at Patrick Co, Virginia. Susanah Cross died in 1844 at Clinton Co, Kentucky.
      Note when the Jeffries (Jeffers) and Lawson families were living in Preston Co, VA (now WV) in 1820, the families of Jacob, Issac, Michael and Abram Criss were living in the area. Randolph Lawson, who did not appear in Preston Co in 1820, married a Susannah Cross.

Children of Susanah Cross and PVT Randolph Lawson I

Citations

  1. [S494] Lawson Family Records.
  2. [S508] Leslie McConachie Research.

Bartholomew Lawson1

M, ID# 8625, (1717 - b 20 Feb 1765)
Father:William Lawson (a 1690 - c 4 Feb 1754)
Mother:Elizabeth (Unknown) (c 1690 - 1757)
Charts:Juanita Bessie Counts * lineage
     Bartholomew Lawson was born in 1717 at Brunswick Co ?, Virginia. He was the son of William Lawson and Elizabeth (Unknown). Bartholomew Lawson married Susanna Simkins, daughter of John Simkins and Elizabeth Rench, a 1749. Bartholomew Lawson died b 20 Feb 1765 at Cumberland Co, North Carolina.
      Bartholomew Lawson was also known as Bart, Bartlett, Bartley and Bartholomue. He was born in Virginia, likely in the part of Brunswick Co, that became Lunenburg Co in 1746. Bedford Co, VA was organized from Albemarle and Lunenburg counties, VA in Dec 1753, which may explain why one of Bartholomew's children was listed as born in Lunenburg Co, VA in 1756. Researchers generally agree on who Bartholomew's children were but not on when the children were born.

In 1748 Bartholumy Lawson and his brother Jonas were listed with one tithe each on the Lunenberg Co, VA list taken by William Caldwell. Bartholomew's father-in-law John Simkins was on the same tithe list. In 1749 and again in 1750 in William Caldwell’s District were Bartley Lawson 1 tithe; Jonas Lawson 1 tithe; John Lawson and sons(?) William Lawson and John Lawson junior 3 tithes. In 1752 in Caldwell's district they were listed as: John Lawson senior 1 tithe; John Lawson 1 tithe; and Jonas Lawson tithe.

Bartholomew was in court in 1758: Bartlett Lawson, Plaintiff vs. Joseph Mays, Defendant, in case. This day came the parties by their Attorneys and thereupon also came a jury.... The jury says that the Plaintiff has sustained damages because of Defendant’s breach of the promise and assumption in the declaration specified, to one penny besides his costs. Ordered that Plaintiff recover against Defendant and Hugh Henry and Joseph Ray, who were returned security for his appearance, his damage afd. and his costs. (Halifax Co, VA Court Orders 1758-1759, March Court 1758, Plea Book 2, part 2, p. 274.)

Bartholomew and his brother Jonas were noted in William Rogers' will on 25 Dec 1758: "....To my dear wife the plantation I now live on during her lifetime, also all the moveable estate to be at her disposal till she marries or die. If she marries I leave to her the third part of the moveable estate and the rest to be divided amongst the children equally. Also at her death I leave the tract of land I now live on which contains 235 acres to be divided equally between my three sons George, William and Clement, also leave and bequeath Barclet Lawson one hundred acres at the one end of the tract where he now lives which hundred acres is exclusive of the 235 formerly mentioned, also I bequeath to my son David a tract of land lying on Stanton River containing eighty eight acres whereon Jonas Lawson now lives. Executrix: Loving wife. Witnesses: Robert R. Shipley, Edward Shipley and Elizabeth Shipley. At a court held for Bedford County 26 March 1759 – The within written last will and testament of William Rogers deceased was exhibited in Court by Secia (or Lecia) Rogers Executrix and the same was proved by the oath of Robert Shipley and Edward Shipley two of the witnesses. Subscribed and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of these and Executrix who made oath according to Laws, she having first with Charles Talbot and Barlet Lawson her security’s entered into and acknowledged their Bond for the due and faithful Execution of the said Will. Teste Benjamin Howard CBC. (Bedford Co, VA Deed Book 1, 1754-1762, p. 209-210.)

The two Lawson brothers were also appointed as appraisers for the Rogers' estate. Inventory and Appraisal of the Estate of William Rogers, listed household furnishings, livestock and farm equipment for a total amount of 49 pounds and 11 shillings. Appraisers appointed by the court were Charles Talbot, James Talbot, Barlet Lawson and Jonas Lawson. Recorded 24 July 1759, Teste Benjamin Howard CBC. (Bedford Co, VA Deed Book 1, 1754-1762, 21 Jul 1759, p. 229-230.)

The three Lawson brothers and some of their sons had difficulty paying their taxes because they were included on the 1762 Bedford Co, VA Insolvents List: William Lawson (run away), John Lawson, John Lawson, Jr., David Lawson, Jonas Lawson all owed 5 lbs. tobacco; Bartlett Lawson owed 10 lbs. tobacco. (Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. XXIII, number 3, 1 Aug 1985, p. 72.)

The Lawsons were back in court for a suit against them in 1762: Idem vs. Bar Lawson, Idem vs. Wm. Lawson, Idem vs. Lawson, Hartee vs. Lawson. No details were given on the case except it shows a judgment was given in the case of Idem vs. Lawson. (Bedford Co, VA Order Book, 1761-1762, Book 2, 28 Jul 1762, p. 60.) The following month they returned to court on this case: Idem vs. Bartlet Lawson, Idem vs. Jonas Lawson, Idem vs. Wm. Lawson, Idem vs. Lawson. Judgment was given in Bartlet and Jonas’ cases but nothing shown in William and John’s cases. (Bedford Co, VA Order Book, 1761-1762, Book 2, 25 Aug 1762, p. 68.)

Bartholomew's wife Susanna inherited 100 acres from the estate of her father John Simkin, which she was to receive upon her mother's death. On 9 Sep 1763 Bartholomew Lawson of the County of Bedford sold to Michael Pruit [his brother-in-law] of the said County of Bedford for the sum of forty five pounds one hundred acres, that tract situated, lying and being in the County of Bedford on the south side of Falling River bequeathed to the said Lawson by John Simkins, deceased. Signed Bartholomew + (his mark) Lawson. Witnesses were Thomas Watkins, James Prewit, Patient Shiply. Recorded 27 Sep 1763. Teste Ben Howard CBC. (Bedford Co, VA Deed Book 2, 9 Sep 1763, p. 268-270.)

The 1763 Bedford Co, VA tithes included one each for William, John, Jonas and David Lawson. (Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. XXIII, number 3, 1 Aug 1985, p. 73.) This may be about the time Bartholomew moved his family to North Carolina, where he died in 1765.

Bartholomew's widow was in court in Feb 1765. "Ordered on motion of P. Ballard, attorney for Susannah Lawson, widow of Bartholomew Lawson, late of this county, that she have letters of administration on his estate, securities: Thomas Collins and John Overton, bond: 500 pounds, proc., she then qualifying." "James Muse was ordered to return to said Susannah Lawson 2 negroes that he had taken from her unlawfully." (Abstracts of Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Cumberland Co, NC, Oct 1755-Jan 1779, Vol I, 20 Feb 1765.) Bartholomew Lawson’s administratrix returned inventory and to have liberty to sell the perishable estate of the deceased sufficient to pay debts of deceased. (Abstracts of Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Cumberland Co, NC, Oct 1755-Jan 1779, Vol I, 21 May 1765.)

The property sale did not go well for Susannah. "Ordered last court that sheriff sell as much of the estate of Bartholomew Lawson as would be sufficient to satisfy all debts due by the deceased, the sheriff by mistake sold the whole estate amounting to 254 pound, 11 shillings and 4 pence, proc., the widow and administratrix being dissatisfied with the sale and the several persons who became purchasers at the sale being willing to restore said goods, the widow ordered to receive the goods and return all bonds to purchasers and to appear at next court." (Abstracts of Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Cumberland Co, NC, Oct 1755-Jan 1779, Vol I, 23 Aug 1765.)

Susannah moved to Henry Co, VA, which was created in 1777 on the border of NC; she was recorded there in 1783 with her son William. The Lawson appeared on the Henry Co, VA Tax List as follows:
--1779: David Lawson, William Lawson, Moreman Lawson, William Lawson and Jonas Lawson.
--1780: David Lawson, William Lawson, William (Big Billey) Lawson, John Lawson and Jonas Lawson.
--1790: Thomas Lawson (Mill Pond) 1 free white male over 16 years; Robert Lawson 1 free white male over 16 years, 1 horse or colt; David Lawson 1 free white male over 16 years, 7 horses or colts; David Lawson (Dan River) 1 free white male over 16 years, 1 horse or colt; Thomas Lawson (Dan River) 1 free white male over 16 years, 1 horse or colt; Jacob Lawson 1 free white male over 16 years, 1 negro over 16, 1 horse or colt; Susanna Lawson, 1 horse or colt; and Bartott [Bartholomew II?]
Lawson 1 free white male over 16 years.

Susannah and her son sold land on 25 Aug 1782. "...from Susannah Lawson of Henry County, and William Lawson (her son) of Henry County, to John Brooks of Campbell County [VA not TN] for 65 pounds, 100 acres in Campbell County on both sides of Little Falling River, it being the land that William Rodgers, deceased, willed to Bartlett Lawson, deceased, and bounded by the patent line. Signed Susannah (her X mark) Lawson, William (his X mark) Lawson. Witnesses – Daniel Mitchell, William Cooper, Joseph Callaway. Recorded 5 Dec 1782." Campbell CounCo, VA was organized from Bedford Co, VA on 15 Dec 1781.

On 29 Aug 1795 Lisha [Elisha] Lawson [Susannah's son] of the County of Surry and State of North Carolina sold "all my right of my grandfather's John Simkins estate in the hands of my mother Susanna Lawson… also all my part, right, title, interest of my Father's estate whose name was Bartlet Lawson. (Patrick Co, VA Deed Book 1, p. 570; GS7908-5, Co 604.) Patrick Co was created from Henry Co, VA in 1790.

Children of Bartholomew Lawson and Susanna Simkins

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.

John Lawson1

M, ID# 8626, (1755 - 4 Jan 1838)
Father:Bartholomew Lawson (1717 - b 20 Feb 1765)
Mother:Susanna Simkins (22 Jan 1731 - )
     John Lawson was born in 1755 at Bedford Co, Virginia. He was the son of Bartholomew Lawson and Susanna Simkins. John Lawson married Anna (Unknown) in Jan 1775 at Stokes Co, North Carolina. John Lawson died on 4 Jan 1838 at Morgan Co, Tennessee.
      John Lawson lived in Morgan Co, TN apparently at the time of his death.

Citations

  1. [S494] Lawson Family Records.

Susanna Simkins1

F, ID# 8627, (22 Jan 1731 - )
Father:John Simkins (c 1690 - c Mar 1754)
Mother:Elizabeth Rench (c 1694 - 9 Feb 1763)
Charts:Juanita Bessie Counts * lineage
     Susanna Simkins was born on 22 Jan 1731 at Henrico Co, Virginia. She was the daughter of John Simkins and Elizabeth Rench. Susanna Simkins married Bartholomew Lawson, son of William Lawson and Elizabeth (Unknown), a 1749. Susanna Simkins died at Henry Co ?, Virginia.
      Susannah Simkins reportedly died in in 1787 in Henry Co, VA.

Children of Susanna Simkins and Bartholomew Lawson

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.

Elizabeth Rench1

F, ID# 8628, (c 1694 - 9 Feb 1763)
Father:Seth Rench (c 1667 - 14 Jun 1704)
Mother:Rachael (Unknown) (1665 - )
Charts:Juanita Bessie Counts * lineage
     Elizabeth Rench was born c 1694 at Henrico Co, Virginia. She was the daughter of Seth Rench and Rachael (Unknown). Elizabeth Rench married John Simkins in Apr 1711 at Varina Parish, Henrico Co, Virginia. Elizabeth Rench died on 9 Feb 1763 at Lunenburg, Lunenburg Co, Virginia.
      After her marriage in 1711 Elizabeth Rench / French went to court in Henrico Co, VA to ask for her share of her father's estate in accordance with his will.

Children of Elizabeth Rench and John Simkins

Citations

  1. [S499] Simkins Family Records.

Mary Simkins1

F, ID# 8629, (1715 - 1754)
Father:John Simkins (c 1690 - c Mar 1754)
Mother:Elizabeth Rench (c 1694 - 9 Feb 1763)
     Mary Simkins was born in 1715 at Henrico Co, Virginia. She was the daughter of John Simkins and Elizabeth Rench. Mary Simkins married (Unknown) Wheeler a 1735. Mary Simkins died in 1754.

Citations

  1. [S499] Simkins Family Records.

Mary Ann Devers1

F, ID# 8630, (20 Aug 1806 - 18 Dec 1887)
     Mary Ann Devers was born on 20 Aug 1806 at Virginia. She married Randolph Lawson II, son of PVT Randolph Lawson I and Susanah Cross, in 1838. Mary Ann Devers died on 18 Dec 1887 at Big Piney, Pulaski Co, Missouri, at age 81.
      Mary Ann Devers was buried on the Francis Hiram Woods farm.

Citations

  1. [S508] Leslie McConachie Research.

Catherine "Katie" "Lakey" Lawson1

F, ID# 8634, (10 Jun 1792 - 15 Jun 1838)
Father:PVT Randolph Lawson I (1753 - Mar 1848)
Mother:Susanah Cross (15 Apr 1765 - 1844)
     Catherine "Katie" "Lakey" Lawson was born on 10 Jun 1792 at Patrick Co, Virginia. She was the daughter of PVT Randolph Lawson I and Susanah Cross. Catherine "Katie" "Lakey" Lawson married Thomas Chambers in 1805 at Buffalo Creek, Campbell (later Scott) Co, Tennessee. Catherine "Katie" "Lakey" Lawson died on 15 Jun 1838 at Juntsville, Scott Co, Tennessee, at age 46.
      Catherine Lawson was reportedly married at age 13.

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.

Elizabeth "Millie" Lawson1

F, ID# 8635, (15 Jan 1795 - 10 Nov 1881)
Father:PVT Randolph Lawson I (1753 - Mar 1848)
Mother:Susanah Cross (15 Apr 1765 - 1844)
     Elizabeth "Millie" Lawson was born on 15 Jan 1795 at Virginia. She was the daughter of PVT Randolph Lawson I and Susanah Cross. Elizabeth "Millie" Lawson died on 10 Nov 1881 at Scott Co, Tennessee, at age 86.
      The two birth dates given for Elizabeth "Millie" Lawson are 10 Jun 1793 in Scott Co, VA (no other children born in Scott Co, VA so may be TN) and 15 Jan 1795 Virginia. This researcher presumed both dates may be correct and a daughter Elizabeth born in 1793 may have died shortly and been followed by the birth of a second daughter Elizabeth in 1795. This would also explain why many researchers added a [third] daughter Elizabeth born 1815 -- they heard Randolph had two daughters named Elizabeth and assumed someone else's daughter was also Randolph's. The presumed Elizabeth born 1793 was not added here because so many children were already born circa 1793 that the 1793 birth date could be that of another sibling.

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.

Elisha "Eli" Lawson1

M, ID# 8636, (1793 - 20 Jul 1870)
Father:PVT Randolph Lawson I (1753 - Mar 1848)
Mother:Susanah Cross (15 Apr 1765 - 1844)
     Elisha "Eli" Lawson was born in 1793 at Christianburg, Montgomery Co, Virginia. He was the son of PVT Randolph Lawson I and Susanah Cross. Elisha "Eli" Lawson married Rachel Ellen Phillips on 1 Jul 1814. Elisha "Eli" Lawson died on 20 Jul 1870 at Campbell Co, Tennessee.

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.

Mary Louise "Polly" Lawson1

F, ID# 8637, (10 Jan 1797 - 19 Aug 1867)
Father:PVT Randolph Lawson I (1753 - Mar 1848)
Mother:Susanah Cross (15 Apr 1765 - 1844)
     Mary Louise "Polly" Lawson was born on 10 Jan 1797 at Virginia or Tennessee. She was the daughter of PVT Randolph Lawson I and Susanah Cross. Mary Louise "Polly" Lawson married Hardin Prewitt c 1815 at Tennessee. Mary Louise "Polly" Lawson died on 19 Aug 1867 at Texas Co, Missouri, at age 70.

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.

Randolph Lawson II1

M, ID# 8638, (1802 - 1870)
Father:PVT Randolph Lawson I (1753 - Mar 1848)
Mother:Susanah Cross (15 Apr 1765 - 1844)
     Randolph Lawson II was born in 1802 at Patrick or Montgomery Co, Virginia. He was the son of PVT Randolph Lawson I and Susanah Cross. Randolph Lawson II was the maid of honor at the wedding of Mary Ann Devers and Randolph Lawson II in 1838. He died in 1870 at Missouri City, Fort Bend, Texas.
      In Feb 1849 the Clearfork Baptist Church charged Randolph Lawson with "...having elisit commerce with an unmarried women not his wife and he fail ing to attend the church...." The following month he was excluded from the church. In Sep 1850 the church dismissed Mary Lawson, likely Randolph's wife, and that same day Randolph acknowledged the charges against him and requested to be restored to the church, which was denied. This Randolph was likely the son of Randolph and Susannah Lawson.

Randolph Lawson and Mary were on the Phelps Spring Creek, MO census in 1850: Missouri Reynolds Dist 76
Dwelling #238 Lossen, Randolph 25 [sic] farmer Tenn
Mary 43 VA
Malinda 12 KY
Matilda 11 KY
Mahulda 9 KY (should read Marilda)
Melissa 7 KY
Mahala 5 Tenn
Minerva 4 Tenn
William 1 Tenn

Data from Western Historical Manuscripts, John J. Watts Collection 1874-1912, University of Missouri at Rolla: Five of the six Lawson sisters, 4 born in Burksville, Clinton Co, KY, last in Tennessee: (vol 18, p. 27)
1. Malinda Lawson, born 19 Jan 1838; died 04 July 1904 on Democrat Ridge. Malinda married 1. William Hampton Prewitt 2. Jesse Lawson 3. Geo. W. Shaw. Marriage Licenses of Phelps County, MO: Jesse Lawson to Malinda (Lawson) Pruett --23 Aug 1869. The second marriage of George Washington Shaw was to Mrs. Melinda (Lawson) Pruett, 01 June 1881 in Flat, Phelps Co, MO. Melinda [sic] was born 19 Jan 1838-died 04 July 1904. (vol 3, p. 10)
2. Matilda Lawson, born 20 Jun 1839; died 10 Jun 1900 on the Six Crossing Hollow. Matilda married 1. James Sutcliff 2. Francis Hiram Woods. Francis Hiram Woods was born in Weakley Co, TN, 12 Jul 1841 married in or near Relfe, in Phelps Co, MO to Mrs. Matilda Law... (Lawson) Sutcliffe, 06 Mar 1873 who was born in Clinton Co, KY 29 Jun 1839. (by A. R. Danham, JP)
3. Marilda Lawson, born 06 Dec 1840; Marilda married 1. Landram Lewis Lawson who was born 13 Apr 1842 (vol. 6, p. 161.) LL Lawson's sister was Julia Lawson who married Robert Brown Bradford.
4. Malissa Lawson, born 21 Mar 1843 died 21 Jul 1902. Malissa (Lawson) Tabor died 21 Jul 1902.
5. Mahala Lawson, born 03 Feb 1845; died 10 Aug 1867. Marriage Licenses of Phelps County, MO: Jesse Lawson to Mahala Lawson--01 Feb 1866. Jesse later married her sister Malinda.


Detailed source:

--Rev Morris M. Gaskins, Lighthouse in the Wilderness: History of Clearfork Baptist Church, Clear Fork Baptist Church, Albany, KY, 1972.
--Leslie McConachie's research, Deep Down Genealogy, http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=lesliesc&id=I97348, accessed 2015.

Citations

  1. [S508] Leslie McConachie Research.

Susannah Lawson1

F, ID# 8639, (1810 - 1870)
Father:PVT Randolph Lawson I (1753 - Mar 1848)
Mother:Susanah Cross (15 Apr 1765 - 1844)
     Susannah Lawson was born in 1810 at Tennessee. She was the daughter of PVT Randolph Lawson I and Susanah Cross. Susannah Lawson married Daniel Hewitt a 1830. Susannah Lawson died in 1870.

Citations

  1. [S508] Leslie McConachie Research.

William Lawson1

M, ID# 8640, (a 1690 - c 4 Feb 1754)
Father:John Lawson (1669 - 1717)
Mother:Judith (Unknown) (1670 - 16 Jul 1740)
Charts:Juanita Bessie Counts * lineage
     William Lawson was born a 1690 at Falling River, Brunswick Co, Virginia. He was the son of John Lawson and Judith (Unknown). William Lawson married Elizabeth (Unknown) in 1709 at Bedford, Bedford Co, Virginia. William Lawson died c 4 Feb 1754 at Bedford Co, Virginia.
      A William Lawson was mentioned as a headright 2 May 1713: William Sheapard and Richard Baker, 400 acres (New Land) Henrico Co on the south side of main branch of Chickahominy Swamp for import of 8 persons: William Lawson, John Robinson, Thomas Harton, William Lattimore, Rovert Avery, John Whatley, John May and John Rogers. (Patent Book 10, page 82)

Next there was a Lease to Gabriol Picket from a William Lawson: "This Indenture made this second day of July 2 1719 between William Lawson of King and Queen County on the one part and Gabriel Pucket of Richmand County on the other part. Witnessesth that the said William Lawson for the rent and Convenent hereafter mentioned shall and hereby doth let and to formally set unto the said Gabriel his plantation said William Lawson by his farther Joshua Lawson to have and to hold. To the said Gabriel for and ordering the term of his and his wife Elizebath now living their lives. Pay one year corn as rent if Demanded. He the said Gabriel keeping the house and lands hereon with the orchards in good repair and paying anually on the fifth of november the rent of november of the same Co lawfully demands and the said Gabriel doth for himself and his heirs convenent to pay the said rent and keep all in repair as above and at the 1st end of 4th term surrender the same to the said William or his order. Witness where of the parties above have inter into agreably put their hands and seal this day and year above written. William Lawson His "SEAL." (Deed Book 7, p. 469-470.)

In 1732 there were a William, Jonas and John Lawson in Goochland Co, VA; although the prior two records are uncertain this record was most likely for our ancestor William. William was also noted in Essex Co, VA at Todd Alyet Warehouse in 1732.

In Aug 1736 William Lawson was a defendant in a debt suit. Dismissed. In May 1737 William Lawson was in court in Lawson vs Creasy, Suit in Chancery Court. In Jun, Aug and Sep 1737 the Suit was continued. In Sep 1737 a deed from Thomas Owen to the father-in-law of William's son Bartholomew -- John Simkins was to be recorded. In Jun 1738 William Lawson's Suit was dismissed; whether there was a relationship between the deed and the suit in unknown.

A William Lawson, Plaintiff was in court against Wm. Richardson and Wm. Richardson Jr., Defendants in a trespass, assault and battery case. The defendants not appearing on the motion of the Plaintiff’s by Clement Read, his attorney an Alias Capias is awarded him against the Defendants returnable the next Court. (Brunswick Co, VA Court Order Book 2, p. 66, 3 Dec 1741 - 4 Feb 1742) William Lawson, Plaintiff returned to court in his suit against William Richardson and William Richardson Jr., Defendants in a trespass, assault and battery case. Discontinued being agreed by the parties. (Brunswick Co, VA Court Order Book 2, p. 90, 3 Dec 1741 - 4 Feb 1742) Then William Richardson, Plaintiff brought suit against William Lawson, Defendant in a trespass, assault and battery case. Discontinued being agreed by the parties. (Brunswick Co, VA Court Order Book 2, p. 99, Feb 1742 - Mar 1742)

On 20 Aug 1745 our ancestor William Lawson received a patent for 143 acres in Brunswick Co, VA on the north side of Falling River where he apparently established a mill. (Virginia Patents Book 23, p. 1120 – 1122; GL, Salt Lake City, UT; Film 029, 339; transcribed by Blodwen W. Boyle, 2 Aug 1984.) Lunenburg Co in 1746 and then in Bedford Co in 1754. The land William owned was originally in Brunswick Co, then as the population grew and new counties were formed his land was in Lunenburg Co, then Bedford Co and today is located in Campbell Co, VA.

John and William Lawson were listed together on the 1748 Lunenburg Co, VA in John Phelps’ District with a total of 2 tithes; in 1749 with three tithes listed as John, William and John junior.

On 3 Oct 1751 in Lunenburg Co, VA, William was "ordered (together with the following Assistance Convenient thereto) do lay open and Clear a Road the Best and Convenient was from Lawson's Mill to Boyds Ferry and that he keep the same in Repair According to Law."

William Lawson of Falling River died before April 1754 when John, Jonas and Bartholomew Lawson of Lunenburg Co, VA sold to Thomas Watkins of same for 30 pounds, land on the north side of Falling River, being that wherein their father William Lawson did live, containing 143 acres. John Lawson executed the land sale. (Lunenburg Co, VA Deed Book 4, p. 320, Apr 1754.)

Most descendants of this family went to Cumberland Co, NC; then to Lee Co, Stokes Co, Patrick Co, VA; and then to Scott Co and Hawkins Co, TN.

Our William Lawson did NOT marry Isabella Kennedy, daughter of John Kennedy (Kenny), in Richmond Co, VA on 22 Aug 1699. (D.R. #1 p. 53. “Swinney”- p. 51 Wills of Rappahannock Co, VA. 1646-1692, p. 51- Will of Kenny 17 Jan 1676), so researchers must be careful not add Isabella's children to this Lawson family. The William Lawson who married Isabella died in Richmond Co, VA before 7 May 1701, about 53 years before our William Lawson died.

Infinite, conflicting, unsourced options are online for William's ancestry. John and Judith Lawson of New Kent Co, VA -- a burned record county -- may be his parents. After their generation the options are too conflicting to captureor consider. Should William's lineage be futher proven, some Lawsons were in the English peerage books so more material is availabe if William is related to those particular English lines.


Detailed sources:

--William Lawson and Susannah Simkins research, well-sourced research, author unknown, http://lawsondna.org/home/genealogy/william-lawsons-family/ and http://lawsondna.org/home/susannah-simkins-lawson-and-her-relatives/
--Carl L. Lawson well-sourced research online, http://lawsondna.org/Pages/William1timeline.html
--Nathaniel Mason Pawlett, Lunenburg Co, VA Road Orders 1746-1764, Virginia Transportation Research Council, Charlottesville, VA, Apr 2004, http://www.virginiadot.org/vtrc/main/online_reports/pdf/93-r17.pdf.

Children of William Lawson and Elizabeth (Unknown)

Citations

  1. [S10] Unsourced Data.