Thomas Williamson (abt. 1668 - 1742)

Born about 1668 in Charles City County, Virginia

Ancestors

Husband of Susannah (Carter) Williamson — married before 1696 in Henrico, Virginia

Descendants

Died 10 Mar 1742 at about age 74 in Amelia, Virginia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Robert Weaver [send private message]

Biography

From Find a Grave : Thomas Williamson was born abt 1675 in Isle, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States. He was the son of George Williamson (1655-1723) and Hester (Bridger) Williamson (1653-1683).

Thomas married Susannah Carter (1671-1699) in Varina, Henrico, Virginia, USA. Susannah was the daughter of Giles Carter (1634-1701) and Hannah (Crews) Carter (1638-1702).

Thomas and Susannah Williamson were the parents of the following known children: Hannah Williamson, John Williamson and Mary Williamson.

Thomas died on 10 Mar 1742 in Goochland, Amelia, Virginia, United States. He was 67 years old.

Note

Thomas & Susannah appear to be the most likely parents of Hannah & Cuthbert. Other parents are seen in various places. Other children may have been John, Mary, George, Susannah & Thomas - although I've not found proof for all. The elder Thomas may be a relative of the Cuthbert Williamson who lived in Charles City County as early as 1661. This early Cuthbert and his wife were murdered on 24 May 1678 and there is apparently no evidence in the Charles City County repositories that they had children.

Thomas is also seen in databases online as the son of a George Williamson and Esther Bridger of Isle of Wight - they apparently did have a son named Thomas but some say they cannot be the same without explanation. George in turn was son of a Robert Williamson who is said to have died in 1670, Isle of Wight. Just the given names of George & Robert would make me think this is indeed not Thomas's family, and the location is wrong.

On 1 Jun 1696 Thomas Williamson brought into Court in Henrico Co, William Sewell & Theodorick Carter [Susannah's brother] who voluntarily offered themselves as security for the estate belonging to Daniel Price's orpts. in the hand of Thos. Williamson [There were obviously children other than Daniel but they are not known]

HENRICO CO VIRGINIA DEEDS 1706-1737, Benjamin B. Weisiger III, 1985

p.8/62

31 Oct 1707 John Pleasants of Henrico to Richard Cock [Cocke] of Waynoak Parish, Charles City Co ...126 acres N side James R. in possession of Thomas Williamson, one other tract of 500 acres on north wide of James River on both sides of White Oak Swamp, now in possession of Elizabeth Warriner, widow & Amy Gartright, widow, and Richard Trueman, tenants to said Richard Cock. Both being part of a greater tract taken up by Richard Cock, father of said Richard Cocke. Wit: Dan'l Clarke, Henry (H) Watkins Sr, Henry (H) Watkins Jr. Signed: John Pleasants, Dorothy Pleasant. [Richard Trueman was married to Mary Woodson, sister of Obadiah Woodson.]

3 Dec 1707 Benjamin Woodson of Henrico, planter, to James Batty of Charles City Co, planter, a tract in Henrico Parish on N side James R which was formerly sold to Thomas Williamson by Richard Cocke of Charles City Co and by Williamson to said Woodson on 1 Jun 1706. Land is bounded by Turkey Island Creek where the western branch runneth in, formerly belonging to William Lewis, Henry Watkins and Thomas Watkins. 125 acres.

VA Patent Bk 12, p.136 22 Feb 1724 Thomas Williamson of Henrico. 200A N side James R. Begin on Jordan's branch of Ufnam Brook. Imp 3 persons.

VA Patent Bk 14, p.436 11 Apr 1732 Thomas Williamson. 400A Goochland near Appomattox R adj Henry Breazeal, Richard Williamson, William Randolph Esqr & Ralph Hudspeath.

Found online, WorldConnect file. Entries marked as Henrico Co VA Records [probably a book, as pages are given for some of them]

August 1, 1694. Giles and Theodorick Carter witnessed a deed of Richard Cocke, Jr., of Carles City Co., to Thomas Williamson, of Henrico County.

August 1, 1696. I, John Burgany, as marrying Michelle Harris, acknowledge to have received of Thomas Williamson and Susan, his wife, administratrix of the estate of Daniel Price, deceased, 600 pounds of tobacco, being wages in full. Dated 1 June 1696.

December 10, 1701. A deed was recorded at the court held at Varina Parish for 550 acres sold by John Cocke to Thomas Williamson. The land was described as a parcel sold to Cocke by Giles Carter, Sr.

May 6, 1717. Benjamin Woodson, of Henrico Co., to Richard Allen, of New Kent Co., for 30 pounds, land with plantation on south side of Chickahominy Swamp, 200 acres bounded by Nowell Burton and Thomas Williamson. Sarah, wife of Woodson, relinquished her dower right. Witnessed by Thomas Clark and William May. Recorded May 6, 1717. (pp. 58, 59)

April 1, 1718. Thomas and Susannah Williamson of Varina Parish, Henrico Co., VA, sold 200 acres on the Chickahominy Swamp to Edmund Allen of Wilmington Parish, James City Co., Virginia, for 30 pounds. The land was bounded by Richard Woodson. Witnessed by Nowell Burton and Thomas Harding. Recorded April 7, 1718. ( p. 67)

August 5, 1728. Thomas Williamson of Henrico County for love and affection to his son Richard Williamson, land on north side of James River on main Chickahominy Swamp, below Indian Cabin branch, near Terapin branch, 425 acres. Witnessed by John Redford and Joel Walker. Signed Thomas (TW) Williamson on August 1, 1728. ( p. 189)

August 5, 1728. Thomas Williamson of Henrico County for love and affection to Henry Hatcher and Susannah, his wife, daughter of said Thomas, 100 acres, where said Thomas lately lived. Witnessed by John Redford and Joel Walker. Signed Thomas (TW) Williamson on August 5, 1728. (p. 189)

September 1, 1729. Thomas Williamson of County and Parish of Henrico for love and affection to my son-in-law William Lewis and my daughter Mary, his wife, land on south side of Chickahominy Swamp, 200 acres. Signed Thomas (TW) Williamson on September 1, 1729. Witnessed by Joel Walker, George Payne, and Tarlton Woodson. (p. 244)

May Court 1742. Will of Thomas Williamson presented by John Williamson, Cuthbert Williamson, and Richard Williamson, his executors. (p. 182)

Possible records of the earlier Cuthbert Williamson:

Earlier beginnings in England?

I also found this interesting transcript on Genuki -

Marriages from the Registers of Tynemouth (1607-1679

18 Aug 1632 Cuthbert WILLIAMSON = Eppey HUDSON

and this one:

Marriages at St John the Baptist, in the Parish of Pilling,Lancashire

Marriage: 23 Nov 1721

Cuthbert Williamson - of Cockham

Sarah Watson - of Pilling

Source: LDS Film 1470931 & 1502429

However, the article that appeared in the William and Mary Quarterly indicates that the wife of Cuthbert Williamson in Charles City was probably the widow of Joseph Bradley as found in Charles City Court Orders, 1661-1664 by Fleet, see later.

William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol. 4, No. 3. (Jan., 1896), pp. 151-155. TITLE OF WESTOVER. by the Editor

Westover was a distinct hundred in 1629, when it was represented in the House of Burgesses by Christopher Woodward.....

Capt. Thomas Pawlett received a patent from the governor, January 15, 1637, for 2,000 acres of the plantation called Westover.,,,,He died in 1644, without issue....

His will gave the residue of his estate to his brother Sir John Pawlett - a residue which included Westover.

Sir John Pawlett, then living in Winchester, in the county of Southampton, England, understood that his brother had bequeathed him this plantation, he desired his friend, Otho Southcot, gent., to enter upon it in his name, which he did, and continued therein as long as it remained the property of Sir John. Sir William Berkeley wrote a letter November 12, 1661, releasing what right he had in the property to Sir John; and October 21, 1665, Johanna Sedgwick, administratrix of Ralph Sedgwick, late of St. Paul's covent garden, haberdasher, deceased, and executrix of John Snooke, of St. Clements Danes, deceased, signed, on receipt of 60L cash, a release, witnessed by Charles Southwell, attorney at law, William Clifton, and Edward Button, of a term of one thousand years in Westover, granted to said John Snooke, as a security for 159L borrowed of him by Sir John Pawlett.

About this time, Sir John, by deeds of lease and release, dated April 7, 1665, and acknowledged January 4, 1665-'66, did demise the same property for 170L to Theodorick Bland,Esq., of Berkeley Hundred, except one parcel called "Given Micars". The witnesses to the deeds were Hum. Higginson, John Whittey, Arthur Bailey, Arthur Hare, Henry Hemlyn, Will Glanville,and Robert Midford. It was acknowledged in Charles City county, before Hoel Pryse, clerk, by Capt. Otho Southcot, attorney for Sir John Pawlett, on June 14, 1666. Livery and seizen were given 28th May, 1666, by Capt. Otho Southcot, by letter of attorney from Sir John, and "the tenants, Cuthbert Williamson, John Holmwood, and John Rider, did fully atturn and assent to the same".

William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol. 13, No. 2. (Oct., 1904), pp. 116-121. PATENTS ISSUED DURING THE REGAL GOVERNMENT. CHARLES CITY COUNTY (Continued from Vol. X., No 1, p. 227.)

BOOK NO. 6.

p.562. Cuthbert Williamson. June 16, 1675. 144 a. 32 po. On the north side of James river. Beg.g, &c., nigh the head of the Ashen swamp.

The Order Books from Charles City County suggests that other Williamsons were living there at the same time as this early Cuthbert:

Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Vol. XII, Charles City County Court Orders, 1661-1664, by Beverley Fleet, Ancestry.com

At a court at Westover, 12 Apr 1664

p.455 & 459. Juries impannelled included Mr. Cutbert Williamson

Court at Westover, 4 Aug 1662

p.335. Probate of will of Joseph Bradly, dec'd to Cuthbert Winston (sic) who married the relict and executrix of the sd decedent. [My note: this entry is indexed as Williamson - there is no evidence anyone name Winston was living in Charles City Co at this time.]

Charles City County, Virginia Order Book, 1676-1679, by Margaret McNeill Ayres

online at Archive.org

At a Court at Westover, 13 Sep 1677

p.187 Upon petition of Thos. Cocke concerning the estate of Thos. Hill, Jno Smith of Turkey Island and Cuthbert Williamson are appointed to appraise same.

Nov 22, 1677

p.249 Cuthbert Williamson, pd 200 #'s tobacco for 1 Wolf's head

3 Oct 1678

p.332 Mr. Minge, plt, & Wm. Williamson, deft. Mr. Minge was employed to lay out the lands of Wm Harrison according to the old bounds, requiring the exhibtion of the old patents to sd. Minge and Harrison to settle a suit between Wilkins & Harrison. Harrison exhibits his patent but Wilkins refuses his. Minge works unsuccessfuly 3 days to discover the lines so prays an order Wilkins. Granted. Court orders Wilkins pay Mr. Minge 400 #'s tob.

p.335 Ordered Christopher Hudson Adm of Cuthbert Williams' estate to pay Joseph Bradley his due from the estate he being of age. [I am sure this must be Williamson. Ed.]

4 Aug 1679

p.392 The bill of Dr. Irby for 400 3's tob. for administering physic to the orphan Martha Clark wounded by a murder, the court considering allows him 200#'s tob. to be paid from the estate of Cuthbert Williams [sic] by the Admin. [The following article indicates that Martha Clark also died, although it may not have been immediately.]

p.396 Wm Irby, plt. vs. Jno. Williamson, deft. Plt. shows a bill for 765 #'s tob. but deft. shows one for 333 #'s. Plt having no itemized account, the court calls the account balanced.

There is an article in The William & Mary Quarterly, available from JSTOR called "Motive for Murder: A Servant's Life in Virginia, 1678". The first page of the article as shown is about the 28-year-old servant, Thomas Hellier, who murdered his master Cuthbert Williamson and wife, with an axe. He also badly wounded their servant Martha Clark. There was a coroner's inquest and probate proceedings in the Charles City County Record Book, 1677-1679, fols. 335,349 and 392, Virginia State Library. The servant girl received medical fees paid out the estate.

I ordered the article and here are some notable facts, most of which appear in the footnotes.

Thomas Hellier committed the murders 24 May 1678. Martha Clark was a young servant of the Williamsons, and she was struck when she rushed to their aid. A minister had written a 40-page pamphlet, published in London after Hellier poured out his life story just prior to his hanging. Hellier ran away after the murders but became lost in the swamps and was apprehended the next day. He was tried at Jamestown and condemned to hang at Windmill Point on the James River, 5 Aug 1678.

A footnote describes Williamson as a small-to-middling planter who came to Virginia by 1657. He lived as a tenant farmer during the 1660's. In 1673 he received a 144-acre patent by the transport of three or four servants. He may have owned as many as seven servants. He served on juries but held no political offices.

The minister who published the sociological pamphlet, which in part explores the elements in colonial society that would drive a man to kill, was not identified. He was probably Paul Williams who ministered to the parishes of Weyanoke & Martin's Brandon, southeast of Westover.

Hellier was born in 1650, Whitechurch Parish, Dorsetshire, England and claimed to have acquired a solid education. He had 50 acres of land, was a stationer [bookseller] by trade, and had married well to Hester Denslow, 15 Apr 1763. However he had squandered his patrimony in the London taverns. Hounded by creditors he agreed to sail to Virginia in 1677 as an indentured servant. Hellier intended to labor diligently in Virginia, although he was "over-persuaded". He sailed on the Young Prince, September, 1677. When he arrived in October he was sold to Cutbeard Williamson living at a plantation called 'Hard Labour" in Westover Parish, Charles City County. He claimed that Williamson had promised he would be a tutor to his children, but he was instead sent to the tobacco fields. [The Charles City records indicate Cuthbert had no children, so if he made such a promise, he did indeed mislead Hellier.]

The Rev. Paul Williams was one of the clergy outspoken in his criticism of colonial society, claiming that the planters were boors intent only producing corn and tobacco and not concerned with the life of the mind. They could not appreciate nicely educated men who were trained to the sedentary life [clergy, among others, I'm sure!]

Hellier had run away at least once prior to the murders. He claimed he was forced at hard labor in the fields constantly berated by Williamson's wife, who he did not name. [A footnote says that it's likely Mrs. Williamson was the widow of Joseph Bradley] He was adequately provided with food and clothing. At one point he ran away and got on a ship where he stayed some 11 days - being absent almost three weeks before he was found. Under Virginia law, three weeks absence would have added six weeks to his indenture. Runaways were also to be made distinguishable by cutting their hair close and the master was allowed to administer corporal punishment [Hellier did not indicate that Williamson did administer any such punishment - his complaints seemed more about the criticisms and "hounding" of Williamson's wife.] Hellier related that he picked up a stone with which to hit Williamson when he was recovered from the ship, but never used it.

Hellier claimed Satan had taken over his mind and he came to believe he could have his freedom by getting rid of his Master and Mistress. Which, wielding his axe, he did - killing Cuthbert in his bed, striking several blows, then killing the cowering wife. When the servant girl came in the room, he struck and killed her, too. He then stole his Master's gun and horse. He claimed a child "belonging to the family", implying another servant, almost betrayed his escape. [this is perhaps the loophole some use to claim Williamson had children, but the word "belonging" indicates she was also indentured and not a young master or mistress]

He wandered through unknown woods finally coming to the plantation, owned by one Gilley, where he asked for help. Edward Gilley, son of the owner, and his brother-in-law Ara Hill, suspected Hellier was a runaway and seized him. They each received 200#'s of tobacco for apprehending a runaway, the usual payment.

Hellier was brought before John Stith and confessed and was sentenced to hang.

After the recording of the narration related by Hellier to the author of the pamphlet on the eve of his hanging, he discusses at great lengths the disillusionment he has of colonial society in general, which he obviously felt somewhat justified Hellier's crime.

One can only assume the following land description simply refers to Cuthbert as having had the patent at one time, as he had been dead about 4 years.

VA Patent Bk 7, p. 187 22 Sep 1682 John Royster, 97A Chas. City Co, Westover Parish East side Chimidges Creek, N side James R.; Cuthbert Williamson, Mrs. Bland's, crossing Turkey Branch

Marriage

Husband: Thomas Williamson

Wife: Susannah Carter

Child: John Williamson

Child: Hannah Williamson

Child: Cuthbert Williamson

Child: Richard Williamson

Child: Susannah Williamson

Child: Mary Williamson

Marriage:

Date: BEF 1696

SDATE 31 DEC 1695

Place: Henrico County, Virginia^[1]

Thomas Williamson. ^{[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]}

Born 1671 Isle of Wight, Virginia. ^{[11][12][13][14][15][16]}

Died 1742 Varina, Henrico, Virginia, United States. ^[17][18]

Marriage Henrico, VA. ^[19]

File Format: jpg. Findagrave Thomas Williamson. Format: jpg. WILLIAMSON COAT OF ARMS. Format: jpg. image

Marriage Husband @P674@. Wife @P675@. Child: @P665@. Marriage 1692^[20] Marriage VA^[21] Marriage 1696 VA^[22]

Husband @P1037@. Wife @P1036@. Child: @P674@. Marriage 1678 Isle, Virginia, United States. ^[23][24][25] Marriage bef 1670. Isle of Wight, Isle of Wight, VA, US (1678). Marriage 1675 Isle Wight, VA.

Husband of Susannah (Carter) Williamson — married 1696 in Henrico County, Virginia

This person was created through the import of Weaver.ged on 03 January 2011. The following data was included in the gedcom. You may wish to edit it for readability.

Name

Name: Thomas /Williamson/

Source: #S404

Page: Database online.

Data:

Text: Record for Richard Williamson

Birth

Birth:

Date: 1671

Place: Henrico, Virginia, United States

Source: #S404

Page: Database online.

Data:

Text: Record for Richard Williamson

Death

Death:

Date: 1742

Place: Henrico, Virginia, United States

Source: #S404

Page: Database online.

Data:

Text: Record for Richard Williamson

Sources

1. ↑ Source: #S733 Page: Chapter 13
2. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 15715.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: WAY
3. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 307.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: KMM
4. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 370.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: JHR
5. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 370.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: JHR
6. ↑ Source: #S-904277159 Birth year: 1671; Birth city: Henrico; Birth state: VA
7. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 307.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: KMM
8. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 15715.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: WAY
9. ↑ Source: #S-905815574
10. ↑ Source: #S-904631834
11. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 15715.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: WAY
12. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 307.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: KMM
13. ↑ Source: #S-904277159 Birth year: 1671; Birth city: Henrico; Birth state: VA
14. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 307.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: KMM
15. ↑ Source: #S-905815574
16. ↑ Source: #S-904631834
17. ↑ Source: #S-905815574
18. ↑ Source: #S-904631834
19. ↑ Source: #S-904277159 Birth year: 1671; Birth city: Henrico; Birth state: VA
20. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 370.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: JHR
21. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 15715.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: WAY
22. ↑ Source: #S-904391116 Source number: 307.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: KMM
23. ↑ Source: #S-904277159 Birth year: 1655; Birth city: Wight; Birth state: VA
24. ↑ Source: #S-904277159 Birth year: 1655; Birth state: VA
25. ↑ Source: #S-904277159 Birth year: 1654; Birth city: Isle Wight; Birth state: VA

• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133195170/thomas-williamson

• WikiTree profile Williamson-1090 created through the import of Haden for WikiTree.ged on Oct 10, 2011 by Kay Haden. See the Changes page for the details of edits by Kay and others.

• Source: S729 Abbreviation: Internet Home Page: Thomas Williamson Family Title: Internet Home Page: Thomas Williamson Family <http://www.cei.net/~halvis/wmson_fam.html> Harry O. Alvis Repository: #R6
• Repository: R6 Name: Online Address: Web Address: http://www.gentryjournal.org/index.htm
• Source: S730 Abbreviation: Early VA Families Along the James Title: Louise Pledge Heath Foley, Compiler, Early Virginia Families Along the James River: Their Deep Roots & Tangled Branches. 3 Volumes. Patents taken from CAVALIERS & PIONEERS. (Richmond: Foley, 1974. np: Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co Inc, 1980) Repository: #R12 Call Number: F225 .F596 1979 Page: Vol 1 Henrico County - Goochland County
• Repository: R12 Name: Birmingham Public Library-Tutwiler Collection Address: 2100 Park Place CONT Birmingham, AL 35203 Address 1: 2100 Park Place City: Birmingham State: AL Postal Code: 35203 Note: M-T 9AM-8PM CONT W-Sa 9AM-6PM CONT Su 2PM-6PM Phone Number: 205-226-3665
• Source: S733 Abbreviation: Ancestors & Descendants of John Price Title: Vina Chandler Price, C. G., Compiler, Ancestors and Descendants of John Price: Immigrant to Virginia 1610-11 (Baltimore: Gateway Press, Inc., 1988) Repository: #R12 Call Number: CS 71 .P946 1988
• Source: S745 Abbreviation: Adventurers of Purse & Person VA Title: Virginia M. Meyer & John Frederick Dorman, "Adventurers of Purse and Person: Virginia 1706-1624/5," (Order of First Families of Virginia, 1607-1624/5; 3rd edition 1987) Repository: #R12 Page: p.492 "Price"
• Source: S-904277159 Repository: #R-1274706077 Family Data Collection - Individual Records Edmund West, comp. Publication: Ancestry.com Operations Inc
• Repository: R-1274706077 Ancestry.com
• Source: S-904391116 Repository: #R-1274706077 U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Yates Publishing Publication: Ancestry.com Operations Inc
• Source: S-904631834 Repository: #R-1274706077 Global, Find A Grave Index for Burials at Sea and other Select Burial Locations, 1300s-Current Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
• Source: S-904681126 Repository: #R-1274706077 Ancestry Family Trees Publication: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com. Original data: Family Tree files submitted by Ancestry members. Note: Ancestry Family Tree http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=42463438&pid=674
• Source: S-905815574 Repository: #R-1274706077 U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.

Source S404

Author: Ancestry.com

Title: Public Member Trees

Publication: Name: The Generations Network, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2006;

Repository: #R1

Repository R1

Name: www.ancestry.com

Address:

E-Mail Address:

Phone Number:

This person was created on 19 March 2011 through the import of KRH Family Tree_2010-12-30.ged.