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Lawrence Franklin (abt. 1686 - abt. 1764)

Lawrence "Laurence" Franklin
Born about in Spotsylvania, Spotsylvania County, Virginiamap
Ancestors ancestors
Son of [uncertain] and
Brother of and
Husband of — married [date unknown] [location unknown]
Husband of — married before 26 May 1731 in Blue Run,Orange,Colony of Virginiamap [uncertain]
Descendants descendants
Father of , , , , , , , , and
Died about at about age 78 in Orange Co, VA or Anson Co, NCmap [uncertain]
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Biography

Lawrence Franklin's line and that of his brother Edward has been clearly established as part of the Franklin Y DNA Project. This family is part of the FY06 group in the Franklin project. They are unrelated to the families in the FY02 group on the Franklin line as proven by Y DNA testing. The FY02 group includes the lineages of Owen and Lewis Franklin. The two groups do not share Franklin ancestors as shown by Y DNA.

Lawrence Franklin is thought to be the son of John Franklin and Elizabeth Erwin. His sibling is Edward Franklin, and possibly a sister named Ann Franklin and a brother named George Franklin. Ann Franklin is a known daughter of John and Elizabeth as proven by a court record: "...did in her life time give & bequeath to John Franklin's eldest daughter Ann Franklin a bay mare...[signed] Elizabeth Franklin" [1]

Furthermore Y DNA testing has established that Lawrence is not the biological father of Henry/Harry Long aka Franklin. Rather, evidence shows it is likely that Henry Franklin and his brother Reuben Franklin may have been adopted by Lawrence Franklin after the death of their parents Henry Long Jr. and his wife Ann, of Essex/Spotsylvania County. Ann, the wife of Henry Long is speculated to be Ann Franklin, the sister of Lawrence Franklin. Henry Long Jr. was born about 1685-90, and was the son of Henry Long Sr. and FNU Churchill. Broomfield Long (whose line Henry's descendant's DNA matches) was the brother of Henry Long Jr. Henry Long Jr. and his wife died probably died in the 1720s or early 1730s, and their children were probably adopted out. Lawrence Franklin may have adopted his nephews Henry Long and Reuben Long, and they eventually became known as Henry Franklin and Reuben Franklin.[2] The key reference is on page 19 where the author states:

“Henry's wife’s name, Ann____, turns up in a land transaction in 1738, when the land they had been living on was sold [as well a piece of land given Henry by his father in 1716]. There are no further records pertaining to Henry and Ann. It has been found that a “Franklyn” descendant’s DNA matches the Henry Long line. Court records [Spotsylvania 1737/38] have turned up a case with Henry M. Franklin b. 1715 in Essex county cited as aka “Harry Long”, who would have been 21 at the time. Speculating this to have been Henry’s son, it suggests “Harry’s” parents had died and Harry was adopted by the Franklyns. The land sold in 1738 was most likely his inheritance from his father, Henry, which he sold when he reached majority."[2]

FRANKLINS OF PIEDMONT VA & NC 2005

Lawrence Franklin, born about 1686, and his brother, Edward Franklin, lived on adjacent plantations in Spotsylvania County by 1722. Their land was on Glady Creek, a tributary of the River Po, the middle branch of the Mattapony River. Best evidence at present indicates that Lawrence Franklin’s parents were John and Elizabeth (Erwin) Franklin of Richmond County, Virginia. Before John Franklin’s death, the family moved across the Rappahannock River to the area that became Essex County.

Sometime after the move to Essex County, Lawrence married Miss Mathis (it is uncertain whether her first name was Martha). As she was not mentioned in her father's 1722 will (see below), she may have not been living at this time. It is speculated that Lawrence Franklin and Miss Mathis had several children, but their only child proven by records was Benjamin Franklin, who was mentioned in her father's will.

Essex County records:

  • 10 Sep 1703, "Stated in court that Laurence Franklin had been omitted as a tithable. [3] This record indicates Lawrence was at least 16 years of age & was born in 1686 or earlier. . [4]
  • 1707 "Laurence Franklin's slander action against Robt Coleman dismissed." [5] This record indicates Lawrence was at least 21 years of age.
  • March 20, 1716, Case of Nathaniel Sander vs Lawrence Franklin[6]
  • May 2, 1717, "In an action of Debt between Nathaniel Sanders, Assignee of Samuel Coats, Plt. & Lawrence Franklin, Deft. ye sd. Deft. confessing to debts, Judgmt is granted to Plt. agt. Deft. for two hundred & sixty pounds of tobacco & costs. [7]
  • March 18, 1718, "In an account. on ye case between George Braxton, Plt. & Lawrence Franklyn, Deft. ye sheriff making this return (Vizt.) a Copey left & ye Deft. not appearing, an attachment is granted ye Plt. agt. ye Estate of Deft. for seven hundred pounds of Tobacco & costs returnable to next court for judgement. [8]
  • July 16, 1718, "Upon an attachmt. obtained by Benjamin Mathews Plt. agt. ye Estate of Lawrence Franklyn Deft. ye sd. Plt. made an oath to his accot. and that he had not reed. any part of satisfaction for ye same. Judgmt is granted him agt. ye estate of Deft. for Twenty pounds of Tobo. & Costs & Whereas sd. Attachmtis returned served in the hands of sd. Deft. and one James Turner. It is ordered ye Sheriff cause wt.he has in his hands to be appraised by four sufficient persons being first sworn before a Justice of the peace for this county & after such valuation deliver ye same unto Plt. & that he make a return of his proceedings to the next court. And ordered also ye sd. James Turner be summoned to appear at ye next court to give acct. what & how much of ye Estate od sd. Franklins he has in his hands." [9]
  • July 17, 1718, "In ye suit brought by George braxton agt. Lawrence Franklyn the Plt. having obtained an attachment. at. ye Esta. of Deft. returned served in the hands of Benj. Mathews & James Turner, Garnsihees, be summoned to appear at the next court to give an acct. what & how much of Esta. of sd. Franklyns is in their hands." [10]
  • August 20, 1718, "In ye Attachmt. obtained by Benj. Mathews Plt agt. ye estate of Lawrence Franklyn Deft. James Turner appeared and on oath declared he had some of the Defts. Smiths tools in his hands. It is ordered ye Sheriff get sd. tools in hands of sd. Turner & also ye things belonging to Deft. in ye Plts. hands appraised & return his proceedings to next court." [11]
  • September 17, 1718, "In ye accon. on ye case between George Braxton Plt. & Lawrence Franklyn Deft. Its again ordered that Benjamin Mathews, & James Turner, Garnishes, be summoned to next court." [12]
  • September 18, 1718, "In ye accon. on ye case between Benjamin Mathews Plt. agt. estate of Lawrence Franklyn Deft. There being an order last court to have certain particulars appeared. & the sheriff making his return (Vizt.) 'September ye 1718 pursuant to ye within order William Dunn & Richard Taylor & Richard Brown & Thomas Dunn appraised ye Smiths Tools in ye hands of James Turner and ye things in ye Plts. hands John Bates Ssec.' The said appraisement being as foll. (Vizt.) 'The smiths tools in ye hands of James Turner. To 1 pair of smiths bellws. & 1 cast anvil and iron bench vise and two sledges and two hammers and some other small tools ad a parcel of old iron, In ye Plts. hands there was 6 flag chairs, a parcel of old pewter, 6 wooden plates, 3 wooden bowls & ladle, 2 wooden porridgers , strainer, sifter & mugg. 1 small pot and small old pan. 1 feather bed & bedstead., quilt blankets and pillar, 1 old trunk, 1 cow & calf." It is therefore ordered that James Turner be summoned to next court to show cause if any he hath why ye sd Smiths Tools in his hands belonging to the Deft. should not be delivered to ye Plt.[13]
  • November 19, 1718, "The suit between George Braxton & Lawrence Franklyn is continued" [14]
  • November 19, 1718, "In ye Attachment.. obtained by Benj. Mathews Plt. agt. Esta. of Lawrence Franklyn Deft. Its ordered that sheriff take James Turner, Garnishee, into Custody." [15]
  • November 19, 1718, "The suit brought by Benja. Mathews Plt. agt. Lawrence Franklyn is dismissed for want of a Declaration." [16]
  • February 18, 1719, "The Attachment obtained by George Braxton agt. Estate of Lawrence Franklyn is continued" [17]
  • February 18, 1719, "An Attachment obtained by Benjamin Mathews agt. Lawrence Franklyn judgement is granted to sd. Plt. at. James Turner, Garnishee for six pounds in part of his debt & also sd. Deft. for Two thousand pounds of tobacco, ye whole debt & costs sd. Attachment. is therefore dismissed." [18]
  • March 18, 1719, "The action on ye case of George Braxton agt. Lawrence Franklyn is continued" [19]
  • June 18, 1719, "In suit brought by Nathll. Sanders, Assignee of Saml. Coates agt. Lawrence Franklyn by Scire facias to renew a Judgmt. of this court dated 22 day of May 1717 and ye Deft. being returned not to be found on ye Sci. fac. issued in this suit & sd. Deft. not appearing sd. Judgmt is renewed & it disordered sd. Deft. pay Plt. Two hundred pounds of Tobacco wth. former & present costs." [20]
  • June 18, 1719, "The action on ye case of George Braxton agt. Lawrence Franklyn , ye sheriff making a return of an attachmt. issued in this suit (Vizt.) 'Attached of ye estate of Lawrence Franklyn for Majr. George Braxton an new drawing knife May 1919 p. Jon Bates Ssec.' & sd. Deft. not appearing. Judgement is granted Plt. at. Deft. for sever hundred pound of tobacco and costs & its ordered ye sheriff get sd. drawing knife appraised & delivered to Plt. in part of his Judgement aforesd." [21]

From the above court cases, we see that Lawrence was heavily in debt. Several attachments were issued against his property. Note: An Attachment is a legal process by which a court of law, at the request of a creditor, designates specific property owned by the debtor to be transferred to the creditor, or sold for the benefit of the creditor.

in 1721, Spotsylvania County was established from Essex, King and Queen, and King William counties. Lawrence began to show up on Spotsylvania County Court records.

Spotsylvania County records:

  • October 2, 1722, Lawrence Franklin witnessed a land purchase of 400 acres of land, “…Larkin Chew of the County of Spotsylvania and Colony of Virginia, Gent. of one part and William Richardson of the aforesaid County and Colony, Planter of the other part…adjoining the lands of one Francis Smith and one William Bartlett…” Signed Charles Curtis, George Trible, Lawrence (his mark X) Franklin, Larkin Chew [22]
  • November 2, 1722, Lawrence Franklin witnessed a land purchase of 228 acres of land, “Larkin Chew of Spotsylvania County of one part and George Tribble of King and Queen County of the other part…a parcel of land continuing 228 acres…. being part of a Patent for land granted Capt. Larkin Chew bearing the date 4th June 1722 situate in Spotsylvania County adjoining to the tracts of Lawrence Franklyn and Robert King’s lands…also all houses and edifices therein standing together with orchards profits and advantages…to Paine’s branch…to Paine…”, Signed Thomas Chew, Lawrence (his mark X) Franklin, John Chew, Larkin Chew. [23]
  • November 2, 1722, Lawrence Franklin witnessed a land purchase of 595 acres of land, “…between Larkin Chew and Hannah Chew of the County of Spotsylvania of the one party, and John Landrum of the aforesaid County…in consideration of th sum of 30 pounds sterling money of Great Britain unto Larkin Chew by John Landrum…[adjoining] Francis Smith…corner to Nicholas Hawkins…to Henry Shackleford’s line…to Richard Blanton… being part of a Patent granted to Larkin Chew dated June 4th, 1722…”, Signed George Trible, Lawrence (his mark X) Franklin, John Chew, Larkin Chew [24]
  • November 5, 1722, Lawrence Franklin witnessed a land purchase of 200 acres of land, “…Wm Warren and Elizabeth his wife to Saml. Hamm…800 pounds of lawful tobacco… 1525 acres of land in Spotsylvania County on the south side of the middle River of Mattapony… part of a tract of land granted by John Rogers, Peter Rogers, John York, Edward Pigg and This Gresham, Signed by Edward Franklin, Lawrence (his mark X) Franklin [25]
  • November 5, 1722, Lawrence Franklin purchased 200 acres of land in Spotsylvania County, “This indenture made the 5th day of November in the year of our Lord, 1722, between Larkin Chew of the County of Spotsylvania and Colony of Virginia, Gent, of one part and Lawrence Franklyn of the aforesaid County and Colony, Planter, other the other part…doth bargain and sell unto Lawrence Franklyn all that parcel of land being part of a Patent granted unto Larkin Chew bearing the date June 4th, 1722 and adjoining the lands of Harry Beverley…Barret Paine’s branch… “ Signed John Chew, Samuel [his mark S] Ham, James Newton, Larkin Chew — Note that Lawrence’s brother Edward Franklin purchased 200 acres of land from Larkin Chew the same day. [26]
  • November 5, 1722, Lawrence Franklin witnessed a land purchase of 228 acres of land, "Capt. Larkin Chew to George Treble of King and Queen Co, Va.. 5 shillings sterling for 228 acres adjoining land of Lawrence Franklyn and Robert King, part of said Chews patent granted 4 June 1722.", Witnessed by: Thomas Chew, Lawrence (x) Franklyn, John Chew [27]
  • November 6, 1722, Lawrence Franklin sold 30 acres of land, “…between Lawrence Franklin of the county of Spotsylvania in the parish of St. George of one part, and Samuel Moore of the county and parish aforesaid of the other part…the sum of 3 pounds sterling money of Virginia unto Lawrence Franklin in hand paid by Samuel Moore…on the south side of Barnett Paine’s branch… to a ..part of land belonging to Lawrence Franklin…”, Signed John Foster, Abraham (his mark A) Brown, James Eastham, Lawrence (his mark X) Franklin. [28]
  • November 6, 1722, Lawrence Franklin mentioned in a land purchase of 250 acres of land, "Larkin Chew of St. George Parish, Gent, to Samuel Moore of said parish and county.. 2,500 lbs of good and lawful tobacco for 250 acres of land in said parish and county.. beginning at a red oak corner to Lawrence Franklyn and Harry Beverly, part of land granted said Chew 4 June 1722.", Witnessed by William Warren, George Trible, William Lynsen [29]
  • November 19, 1723, “Will of Benjamin Mathis of the Parish of Southfarnham in the county of Essex, dated 29 November 1722. Unto my beloved son William Mathis my land and plantation where I now live, it being by estimation 100 acres. If in case he die without heirs then fall to my grandson Benjamin Franklin... " [30]
  • 1725, Lawrence Franklin selected for a jury trial, “In the action of the Case brought by Robert Taliaferro the Elder, the elder, Plaintiff, against Thomas Chew, Gent. Sheriff to wit. for what shall appear due to P. a Writ of Enquiry which being put to a jury by name Benjamin Cave, Robert green, Francis Kirkley, Richd. Cheek, Henry Berry, Lawrence Franklyn, James Roy, George Proctor, Robert Bourne, Edwd. Price, Henry Field & William Warren…” [31]
  • February 3, 1725, Lawrence Franklin sold 170 acres of land, “Between Lawrence Franklin of County of Spotsylvania of one part, and Thomas Graves of the aforesaid county, of other part, Witnesseth that Lawrence Franklin in consideration of the sum of 50 pounds of tobacco to him pi by hand by Thomas Graves…adjoining to the lands of Mr. Harry Beverley and Samuel Moore’s land being bounded… to Samuel Moore’s land and thence along said Beverley’s line…crossing Barnett Paine’s branch…170 acres of land…”, P. Rogers, Edward Pigg, John Foster, Lawrence (his mark X) Franklin [32]
  • 18 February 1725, Pigg, Edward, Junr. (Nuncupative will), dated Feb. 18, 1725, p. Apr. 3, 1733. Wit. P. Rogers, Lawrence Franklin. Administrator, Edward Pigg, Senr. Bondsmen John Foster and Charles Pigg, Bond recorded Apr. 3, 1733. Leg. brothers John and Henry; mentions mother and father then living (no names given); "to Charles and Ann" all his tobacco to be equally divided. [33]
  • 5 April, 1725, Lawrence Franklin mentioned in a land sale record, "George Trible of King and Queen Co, Va to William Johnson of Spots Co.. 12 lbs sterling for 228 acres of land in Spots Co - the said land bought by the said Trible from Larkin Chew granted on 4 June 1722, joining the lands of Robert King, Edward Pigg, Barnet Payne and Lawrence Franklyn.", Witnessed by: Thomas Chew, John Foster, Richard Bayley [34]
  • 6 June 1727, Lawrence Franklin purchased 100 acres of land, “Abraham x Brown of St. George parish, Spotsylvania County to Lawrence Franklin of the same parish and county… 250 acres of land… the said Abraham Brown transfers to the said Lawrence Franklin 100 acres of land in St. George parish, Spotsylvania County… to the above named John Forster…” Signed Daniel Browne, Sr., Thomas Benson, John Foster, Abraham Brown [35]
  • 2 September 1729, Lawrence Franklin sold 100 acres of land, “Between Lawrence Franklin of the parish of St. George and county of Spotsylvania within the colony of Virginia, carpenter, of the one part, and Thomas Salmon of the parish of St. Marie’s and county of caroline in the colony aforesaid, planter of the other part…in consideration of the sum of 5 shillings sterling money…adjoining the land of Robert King, Anthony Forster, and John Forster… Robert King sold to Abraham Brown and by the said Abraham Brwon sold unto the above named Larence Franklin”, Signed Thomas Chew, Jas. Taylor, Nick (NH his mark) Hawkins, Lawrence (his mark X) Franklin [36]
  • 2 September 1729, Mary Franklin (wife of Lawrence) appoints John Waller as her attorney, “I, Mary Franklin, wife of the within named Lawrence Franklin do constitute, ordain, and appoint and by thee presents do make and ordain my true and well beloved friend John Waller my lawful attorney to acknowledge at my right hand of dower of or belonging to the within mentioned 100 acres of land unto the within named thomas Salmon, his heirs, etc., and to do as if myself was present in person ratifying and confirming whatsoever he the said John Waller my attorney shall do.”, Signed John Foster, Nickolas (NH his mark) Hawkins, Anthony Foster, Marah (M her mark) Franklin, Cop. Es. John Waller, Ck Curt. [37]
  • 5 June 1733, Lawrence Franklin appeared in court, “Lawrence Franklin appeared and made his excuse on oath to this court as to why he did not appear as evidence for John Pigg agst. Edward Pigg last court which was accepted and order that his fine be remitted.”, [38]
  • 3 July 1733, Lawrence Franklin proved will of Edward Pigg, Jr. “Edward Pigg Jr, deced. nuncupative will was proved P. the oath of Lawrence Franklin and admitted to record.”, [39]
  • 3 July 1733, Lawrence Franklin ordered to pay debt, “In the action of debt between John Redial Plt. and Lawrence Franklin Defendt, for Eight pounds, ten shillings current money due by bill, the said Defendt. came into court and confessed judgement for the same with costs & an attorney fee. It is therefore ordered that the Defendt. pay the said Plt. the same alias Exo.”, [40]
  • February 7, 1734, Due to a debt, an attachment (lien) is placed against the property of Lawrence Franklin, “On the attachment obtained P. William Johnston against the estate of Lawrence Franklin for five & forth seven pounds of tobacco, the same is continued to the next court.”, [41]

In 1728 when Caroline County was formed, Lawrence and Edward Franklin were already living on their own land in Spotsylvania County, whereas Elizabeth Franklin, presumably their widowed mother, was tithed for several slaves in Caroline County (formerly Essex). Lawrence also appeared in a couple of Caroline county records in 1733.

Caroline County records:

  • Action of debt. John Taliaferro als dict (otherwise called) John Taliaferro Gent., Sheriff, agt Wm Rumsey, Charles Duett, Lawrence Franklin and John Chisum. Jur, Michl. Gining, John Morgin, Rice Williams, James Collins, John Sutton, George Trible, Jno Mauldin, James Powell, Nicho Stone, John Garrott, Honos. Powell and John Lathem, find for the plaintiff £15.0.7 current money. John Sutton, foreman [42]
  • It's ordered William Rumsey, Charles Duett, Lawrence Franklin and John Chisum pay Ann Davis 1215 pounds of tobacco for nine days attendance and for coming and going 25 miles nine times as an evidence for them ads. John Taliaferro Gent.[43]

Probably before 1729 Lawrence married for a second time (Mary Franklin is mentioned in the above 1729 court record). Lawrence Franklin’s second wife, ancestor of the Surry, North Carolina Franklins, was Mary Payne, daughter of Bernard Payne and granddaughter of John Payne of Spotsylvania County.

In August 1734, Orange County, was created when the Virginia House of Burgesses adopted "An Act for Dividing Spotsylvania County." That same year, Lawrence Franklin and Edward Franklin, along with neighbors and relatives - the Clevelands, Madisons, Paynes, and Taylors in addition to others - moved to St. Thomas Parish in Orange County. They settled along Blue Run near Piney Mountain. Lawrence began to show up on Orange County Court records. On 1 August 1734, Lawrence patented 400 acres of land in Orange county, [44][45]

Orange County records:

  • 1 August 1734, Lawrence Franklin patented one tract of 400 acres on the N.E. side of Blue Water Run. His brother Edward also patented 400 acres of land on the same day adjacent to Lawrence's land. [46][47]
  • 17 June 1735, Petition of Henry Downs; he was appointed Sheriff and also holds office of Surveyor of the road which leads to the bridge to Joseph Phillip's road. Requests that Lawrence Franklin, John Douglas, or Phillip Bush be appointed surveyor in his place. [48]
  • 22 Jan 1736, Petition of Thomas Calloway, requests that FRANKLIN road be re-routed; "...that the road which goeth to the county line of Hanover is become altogether useless in the upper part by reason that another road which leads to George Holmes' quarterlies upon the county line. He asks that the upper part of said road, known by the name of Franklyn's Road may be abolished and that Franklyn's road may be cleared by a continual course up to James River Mountins. Asks that Edward Franklyn, William Bryan, Phillip Bush, Lawrence Franklyn and his son Benjamin, William Land, John and Alexander Cleveland, John Brtson and the male tithables on Coll. Todd's quarter on the Blue Run, together with all that shall hereafter settle..." [49]
  • 16 March 1736, Petition of John Cleveland, surveyor, regarding road. "...that your worships were last court pleased to make an order for clearing a road towards James River mountains wherein your petitioner is appointed surveyed of the same in order to clear from the Piney Mountain Run upwards to about six miles and but a very weak gang to go through with it, one of which being a schoolmaster and not a laboring tithable is not obliged to the duty of clearing roads, and Edward Franklyn being also a surveyor of the lower part of the said road from Octonia Mill to the said Piney Mountain Run has about fifteen hands under him to clear but about three miles at most in a road already cleared, whereas the road your petitioner has to clear is mostly through the woods and a very bad way and so many marked that your petitioner knows not which is the right way. . Therefore he prays an order for another view on the said road, for Edward Franklyn in favor to Head Lynch and to avoid going through his land has marked a very bad way where must be made three bridges, whereas if a way were marked through Lynch's land it would be a very good way and no need for making any bridge. Petitioner also begs your worships may be pleased to appoint your petitioner his bounds and grant that Edward Franklyn, Lawrence Franklyn and his son Benjamin, with William Land may be taken from the lower part of the said road to join your petitioner's gang for though Edward Franklyn be appointed a surveyed of the road yet he lives higher up the road than William Bryan or Phillip Bush. Your petitioner lives four miles up the Piney Mountain Run and Lawrence Franklyn and William Land live higher. Therefore your petitioner thinks it a very great hardship that they should clear the lower part when your petitioner and others that live lower down must be obliged to clear the upper part. And there are Michael Pearson, George Head and Robert Deering as proper persons for a surveyed of the lower part. The bounds your petitioner prays for are rom the Blue Run up to Octonia line to the Beaverdam Run, thence up to said run to the county line, thence down the county line to the Blue Run, from thence to the Octonia line again." [50]
  • 19 October 1736 List of Tithables, Lawrence is listed with 2 tithables, probably himself and his son Benjamin [51]
  • 22-23 September 1738, "Lawrence Franklyn of Orange County to Alexander Cleveland of Spotsylvania County. Sale of 100 acres for 1600 pounds of tobacco, part of a Patent to Lawrence Franklyn for 400 acres 10 Sept. 1735... to Wm. Bartlett's patients..."Signed Lawrence (x) Franklyn, Witnesses, Geo. Taylor, Eras. Taylor, Ambrose Powell [52]
  • 26 January 1743, "On the Petition of John Foster in behalf of Alexander Cleveland for a road to be kept in repair and cleared as laid off by a former order, it's ordered that John Haskey, John Foster, John Snell, Alexander Cleveland Sen. Lawrence Franklyn, Benj. Franklin, Henry Franklyn, Francis Wisdom, John Douglas, John Cleveland, Alex. Cleveland Jr. Tom. Ballard, Alex. Trucker, Henry Haws, W. Taylor & Thomas Warren with their tithables do clear the aid road & keep in good repair under the direction of Benj. Franklin, Overseer." [53]
  • 27 May 1743 "John Askew, Lawrence Franklyn & John Foster having on the order for viewing and laying off the road petitioned by Alex. Cleveland & others to go out of the James River Mountain road near to or about Head Lynches house by the harbour the nearest way into Anthony Heads road about a half a mile" below the Church made their return that they had laid the road of and marked the said road, it's ordered that Francis Wisdom, John Douglas, Alex. Cleveland Jun., John Cleveland, Thoms Ballard, Henry Hanes, Benjamin Franklyn, Edward Coffee, Alex Cleveland, Sen, John Snell, John Foster, John Haskew, and all the male laboring tithables in the sd. precinct help to clear the same under Lawrence Franklyn who is hereby their Overseer & it's also ordered that he with said tithables cause the same to be cleared according to the law."[54]
  • 22 August 1745 , road report, "Alexander Cleveland, John Haskey, and John Snell having viewed the way from the New Church road into the Blue Run Road a little above the Three Springs according to the order made in January court last made their report in these words, ‘In obedience to the within order, we the subscribers have met, viewed, and laid off and marked out the road mentioned in the within order according as within to us is command: Alexander Cleveland, John Haskey, John Snell, whereupon it is ordered that the said way be from henceforth be established and that John Foster be hereby appointed Surveyer of the said road and it is ordered that he cause the said road to be cleared that John Haskey, John Snell, William Lucas Jun., John Foster, Benjamin Franklin, John Foster Jun. Lawrence Franklin, William Lucas Sen. and Alexander Cleveland and their respective male tithable do attend and obey the Overseer in clearing the same, and when the aid road is cleared to keep the same in repair and it is further ordered that the sd. Overseer set up posts of direction if necessary according to the law." [55]
  • 23 September Nov 1746, “Lawrence Franklyn agst. Ambrose Joshua Smith, In case the defendant not being served with the summons, ordered that a new one issue returnable to the next court.” [56]
  • 27 January 1747, “Lawrence Franklyn agst. Ambrose Joshua Smith, Case dismissed being agreed.” [57]
  • 16 September 1749, List of Tithables, Precinct of Phillp Bush, constable, List of Tithables (Name, # of Tithables): Edward — 1, Lau. [Lawrence] Franklin — 2, Reuben Franklin — 1 [58]
  • November 1749, List of Tithables, Precinct of Phillp Bush, constable, List of Tithables (Name, # of Tithables): Edward — 1, Lau. [Lawrence] Franklin — 2 , Reuben Franklin — 1 [59]
  • 1 March 1750, Will of John Lucas of Lunenburg county. Bentley Franklin & Lawrence Franklin are witnesses to it. “Will of John Lucas, late of Lunenburg Couty, being very sick an weak of body, dated 1 March, 1750. To my son John Lucas, my manner plantation where I now dwell together with 200 acres, that is to say the tract of land where I now dwell to be divided according to the division and lines formerly made between my father and I, the upper part to John. To my son Thomas Lucas my lower plantation taught with 200 acres, part of 400 acres where I now dwell. To my daughter Betty Lucas all the tract I bought of Samuel Harris lying on the south side of Stanton River joining of the lower end of the tract I live on. To my son John Lucas, one negro man Lunn. To my son Thomas Lucas, one negro man Furrey. To my daughter Betty, one negro woman Lett. If either of my children should die before they come to the age of twenty one years or without lawful heirs, the estate shall decent to the survivors equally. If either of my children’s negros should die, the other should bear an equal part of the loss. All my estate not mentioned be sold for the use of my children. My loving brother William Lucas and my loving father William Lucas, Senr. executors. Signed John Lucas, Witnesses: Saml. Harris, Thos. Wendy, Frans. Bolding, Thomas Warren, Bentley Franklyn, Lawrence (x) Franklyn. Executors with Zachary Taylor, John Haskew and John Foster, their securities entered into bond.” [60]
  • 23 May 1751, Will of John Lucas proved in court, Lawrence Franklin & Bentley Franklin are witnesses “Presented in court by Wm. Lucas and William Lucas Junr. Proved in court by Bentley Franklyn and Lawrence Franklyn." [61]
  • 30 May 1752, Lawrence Franklin is the defendant in a lawsuit against him by the Executors of the estate of John Allen. “Archibald McPherson, William Hunter and Others, Exrs. of John Allen, decd., Plts. agt. Lawrence Franklin, Deft. In debt. This day came Plts. by their attorney and Deft. being returned arrested was solemnly called but came not. Therefore on motion of Plt. ordered unless Deft. appears here at next court and answers Plt.’s action, judgement shall then be entered for Plt against him the Deft. and John Foster, his security, for the debt in the declaration mentioned and costs.” [62]
  • 3 January 1753, Lawrence Franklin sold 100 acres of land to George Head. "Indenture between Lawrence Franklin of St. Thomas Parish, Orange County of one part, and George Head of same …for £15… grants 100 acres… near Piney Mountain…”, Signed Lawrence (x) Franklyn, Witnesses: John Haskins, John Coffey, T. Foster [63]
  • 1 March 1753, Lawrence Franklin and others requests exemption from Road Order. “On the petition of John Haskew, John Foster, Lawrence Franklin, George Head, Moses Behoe, John Snell, Reuben Franklin, Barnet Franklin, and William Hamm setting forth the hardship they labour under in being obliged by the order of this court to work on there different roads. It is therefore considered and ordered that they be exempted from working no the Corss road that leads to John Douglass’s. [64]
  • 28 April 1753, Lawrence Franklin is the defendant in a lawsuit against him by the Executors of the estate of John Allen. “Archibald McPherson, William Hunter, William Waller, James Allen and Archibald Ingrim, Errs. of John Allen decd., Plts. agt. Lawrence Franklin, Deft. In debt. This day came Plts. by their attorney and Deft. being again solemnly called came not but made default; therefore it is considered by the court Plt. recover to Deft. and John Foster, his security, eight pounds, eight shillings currt. money, the Deft. in the declaration mentioned, and their costs by them about their suit in this behalf expended, and Deft. in mercy etc. But this judgement, except as to costs, is to be discharged by payment of four pounds, four shillings currt. money together with interest thereon to be computer after the rate of five percent per annum from the twenty seventh day of June 1751 to the time of payment and costs.”, [65]
  • 1754, List of Tithables, Precinct of Robert Dealing, List of Tithables (Name, # of Tithables): Edward Franklin — 4, Lawrence Franklin — 1 [66]
  • November 1754, List of County Court Judgements, Reuben Franklin-11, Lawrence Franklin-1 [1 delinquent judgement], Bentley Franklin-13 [67]
  • July 1756, List of Tithables, Precinct of John Bryant, List of Tithables (Name, # of Tithables): Edward — 1, Lau. [Lawrence] Franklin — 2, Barnett Franklin — 1 [68]
  • 1 March 1762, Lawrence Franklin is the defendant in a debt lawsuit. "Upon the petition of William Walker Plt. against Lawrence Franklin, Deft. it is considered by the court that the Plt. recover against, Deft. two pounds, six shillings and ten pence current money, the debt in the petition mentioned and his costs with seven shillings and six pence for a Lawyer’s fee. But if this Judgement (except the cost) is to be discharged by the payment of one pound, three shillings, and five pence with interest thereon from the 7th day of November 1761 to the time of payment.”, [69]
  • 6 February 1764 , Lawrence Franklin & his wife Mary sell remaining 200 acres of land from his 1734 patent to his son Bernard Franklin, “Indenture 6 February 1764, Lawrence Franklin Sernr. and Mary his wife, of Orange County, and Bernard Franklin, Leather breeches maker of county of ALbemarle… for £25… sell tract in Orange county patented by Lawrence Franklin and contained 400 acres , 100 thereof sold to Alexander Cleveland Senr. and 100 to Benj. Franklin, and the other 200 now to Bernard Franklin…”, Signed Lawrence (x) Franklin, Mary (x) Franklin, Witnesses: Elizabeth Cleveland, Betty Cleveland, Anne Franklin, George Franklin, John Cleveland, W. Coursey”, Background: One of the witnesses, either Betty or Elizabeth Cleveland is probably Lawrence’s daughter who was married to Reuben Cleveland. The other was probably the wife of John Cleveland. Elizabeth and John Cleveland were the parents of Bernard’s wife Mary and Reuben Cleveland. Anne Franklin is probably George Franklin's wife. Bernard and George Franklin are Lawrence and Mary Payne Franklin’s sons. [70]


In 1764 (see last record above) Lawrence Franklin sold his remaining land holdings. Some believe he may have moved to Anson County, North Carolina shortly thereafter with his son named Lawrence. It is unknown whether he was living in in Orange County, Virginia or Anson County, North Carolina at the time of his death.

Sources

  1. ↑ Richmond County Court Record, Deeds, page 2-3, Date: April 6, 1697, "This sheweth that Sarah Erwin deced. did in her life time give & bequeath to John Franklin's eldest daughter Ann Franklin a bay mare with a small star in her forehead branded with [symbol] on the near buttock with all her increase and a red cow marked with a hole in one ear and a crop & a slit on the other with. All the female increase to be received. [signed] Elizabeth Franklin",
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Article from The Virginia Genealogist, pages 118-120, “Henry Long and some descendants of Colonial Virginia" by Paul Buchanan published in the book, LONG Journey West By JL Brannon.
  3. ↑ Essex Order book 3, page 6. [Essex Co Court Orders, Executions, Etc 1703-1708, LDS Microfilm No. 0031168.]
  4. ↑ “By 1658, when the assembly passed a law defining "What Persons are Tithable," a "tithable" was a member of the potentially productive labor force: free caucasian males age sixteen or older...", http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/tithables_vanote.htm
  5. ↑ Essex County Order Book #3, page385 [Essex Co Court Orders, Executions, Etc 1703-1708, LDS Microfilm No. 0031168.]
  6. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part I, page 7. Note that pages 7 - 10 are now missing, but the case name appear in the index of the Essex County Order Book
  7. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part I, page 33
  8. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part I, page 123
  9. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part I, page 146-147
  10. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part I, page 157
  11. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part I, page 185
  12. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part II, page 203
  13. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part II, page 213
  14. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part II, page 230
  15. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part II, page 236
  16. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part II, page 239
  17. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part II, page 256
  18. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part II, page 260
  19. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part II, page 297
  20. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part II, page 326
  21. ↑ Essex County Order Book Part II, page 327
  22. ↑ Spotsylvania County Deed Book A, pages 12-14
  23. ↑ Spotsylvania County Deed Book A, pages 46-38
  24. ↑ Spotsylvania County Deed Book A, pages 47-48]
  25. ↑ Spotsylvania County Deed Book Abstracts Deed Book A pages 17-18
  26. ↑ Spotsylvania County Deed Book A, pages 25-26
  27. ↑ Spotsylvania County, Virginia - Deed Book A, pg. 35 Recorded: 2 Apr 1723
  28. ↑ Spotsylvania County Deed Book A, page 86
  29. ↑ Spotsylvania County Deed Book A, page 21, Recorded: 5 Feb 1722/3
  30. ↑ Essex County, Virginia Wills, Bonds,, Inventories, Etc. 1722 - 1730 by John Fredereick Dorman, 1961, page 40-41
  31. ↑ Spotsylvania County Reference needed
  32. ↑ Spotsylvania County Deed Book A, page 177-178
  33. ↑ Spotsylvania County Will Book, Page 178
  34. ↑ Spotsylvania County, Virginia - Deed Book A, pg 21 Recorded: 5 Apr 1726
  35. ↑ Spotsylvania County Deed Book A, apges 227-228
  36. ↑ Spotsylvania County Deed Book A, page 417
  37. ↑ Spotsylvania County Deed Book A, page 419
  38. ↑ Spotsylvania County Orders 1732-1734, page 217
  39. ↑ Spotsylvania County Orders 1732-1734, page 225
  40. ↑ Spotsylvania County Orders 1732-1734 page 232
  41. ↑ Spotsylvania County Orders 1732-1734 page 281
  42. ↑ Caroline Co., VA Order Book 1732-1740 by J. F. Dorman, Page 115, 10 January 1733/34
  43. ↑ Caroline Co., VA Order Book 1732-1740 by J. F. Dorman, Page 116 10 Jan 1733/34
  44. ↑ See attached map of Edward & Lawrence Franklin Land Patents
  45. ↑ See attached Patented Land Map 1735
  46. ↑ 1713-1815 Orange & Greene patents (http://www.directlinesoftware.com/pool.htm)
  47. ↑ Land grant from 10 September 1735 for Lawrence Franklin, 400 acres adjoining William Bartletts land in Orange County, Virginia. See attached Lawrence Franklin, Land grant deed - page 195 Lawrence Franklin Land grant deed - page 196 Lawrence Franklin Land grant deed - page 197
  48. ↑ Orange County Virginia Deed Books 3 & 4, 1738-1741
  49. ↑ Orange County, Virginia Deed Books 1 & 2, 1735-1738, Judgements 1735
  50. ↑ Orange County Reference needed
  51. ↑ Orange County Reference needed
  52. ↑ Orange County, Virginia Deed Books 3 & 4, 1738-1741, pgs. 115-117
  53. ↑ Orange County Road Orders 1734-1749
  54. ↑ Orange County Road Orders 1734-1749
  55. ↑ Orange County Road Orders 1734-1749
  56. ↑ Louisa County Order Book 1744-1748, page 207
  57. ↑ Louisa County Order Book 1744-1748, page 215
  58. ↑ Orange County Virginia Families Volume II and Supplement by William Everett Brockman 1957
  59. ↑ Orange County Reference Needed
  60. ↑ Orange County Will Book 1744-1778, page 156-158
  61. ↑ Orange County Will Abstracts 1774-1788, page 156-157
  62. ↑ Orange County Order Book 1747-1754, page 385
  63. ↑ Orange County Deed Book 12, page 122-123
  64. ↑ Orange County Order Book 1747-1754, page 515
  65. ↑ Orange County Order Book 1747-1754, page 431
  66. ↑ Orange County Virginia Families Volume II and Supplement by William Everett Brockman 1957
  67. ↑ Orange County Reference Needed
  68. ↑ Orange County Reference Needed
  69. ↑ Orange County Order Book 1754-1763, page 651
  70. ↑ Orange County Deed Book 13, page 455-456. This land was later sold by Bernard Franklin in 1779: 24 Jan 1779, Bernard Franklin sells 100 acres that his father Lawrence Franklin had patented, "Indenture...between James Taylor of Orange County and Bernard Franklin... for £50... sells 100 acres... bring part of a patent granted to Lawrence Franklin by William Gooch in 1735 he then being Governor of Virginia...bounded William Bartlett's ...[signed] James (x) Taylor)" (Orange County Deed Book 17, page 93-95), 24 Jan 1779, Bernard Franklin, his mother Mary Payne Franklin, and his wife Mary Cleveland Franklin sell their relative Richard Payne 300 acres of land, part of which was patented Lawrence Franklin in 1735, "Indenture...between Bernard Franklin and Mary Franklin, his mother, and Mary, his wife, of one part and Richard Payne of the other part... for £800... sell 3000 acres...part of a patent of 400 acres granted unto Lawrence Franklin in 1735 by William Gooch then being Governor of Virginia, land being bounded Wm. Bartlett's line, corner to Enoch Hillman possessing land formerly belonging to Michael Pearson..." (Orange County Deed Book 17, page 198-199)
  • North Carolina, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1790-1890 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 1999. Original data: Jackson, Ron V., Accelerated Indexing Systems, comp.. North Carolina Census, 1790-1890. Compiled and digitized by Mr. Jackson and AIS from microfilmed schedules of the U.S. Federal Decennial Census, territorial/state censuses, and/or census substitutes.
  • Research on Henry Franklin aka Long
  • Virginia Land, Marriage, and Probate Records, 1639-1850 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.
  • Chalkley, Lyman. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, 1745-1800. Extracted from the Original Court Records of Augusta County. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1965. Originally published in 1912.
  • Crozier, William Armstrong, ed. Virginia County Records - Spotsylvania County Records, 1721-1800. Being transcriptions from the original files at the County Court House of wills, deeds, administrators' and guardians' bonds, marriage licenses, and lists of revolutionary pensioners. New York, NY: Fox, Duffield & Co., 1905.
  • The will abstracts for Isle of Wight and Norfolk counties were taken from microfilmed copies of the original Will Books. Some of these records may be found at the Family History Library as well as other libraries and archives. The originals may be found at the appropriate county courthouses.
  • "Virginia County Records - Spotsylvania County, 1721-1800, Volume I",
Name: Lawrence Franklin
Date: 6 Nov 1722
Location: Spotsylvania Co., VA
Property: 250 a. of land in sd. Par. and Co. joining Lawrence Franklin and Harry Beverley
Remarks: Larkin Chew of St. Geo. Par., Spts. Co., Gent., to Saml. Moore of the sd. Par. and Co. 2500 lbs. 2500 lbs. tobacco, 250 a. of land in sd. Par. and Co. joining the Lawrence Franklin and Harry Beverley-part of land granted sd. Chew, June 4, 1722. Rec. Feb
Description: Neighbor
Book: A
"Seek immigrant ancestors of Lawrence Franklin (b ca 1680, probably Essex County, Virginia)... " married 1) Miss Mathis / Matthews 2) Mary Paine, daughter of Bernard & Elizabeth Paine.




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It may be possible to confirm family relationships with Lawrence by comparing test results with other carriers of his Y-chromosome or his mother's mitochondrial DNA. Y-chromosome DNA test-takers in his direct paternal line on WikiTree: It is likely that these autosomal DNA test-takers will share some percentage of DNA with Lawrence:

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Images: 7
Patented Land Map 1735
Patented Land Map 1735
Lawrence Franklin 1703 Court Record
Lawrence Franklin 1703 Court Record
Lawrence Franklin 1707 Court Record
Lawrence Franklin 1707 Court Record
Edward & Lawrence Franklin Land Patents
Edward & Lawrence Franklin Land Patents
Lawrence Franklin Land grant deed - page 195
Lawrence Franklin Land grant deed - page 195
view all


Comments: 20

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Enniss-3 Clairessa (Enniss) Mack
He has 3 children named Henry. Perhaps a merge is in order.
posted by Clairessa (Enniss) Mack
Enniss-3 Clairessa (Enniss) Mack
Removed Elizabeth Erwin as his wife, because he cannot have been married to his mother. Furthermore, she was born in 1655, he was born in 1680. It is highly unlikely he would have married a woman 25 years his senior.
posted by Clairessa (Enniss) Mack
Patrick-1511 Dave Patrick
Lisa,

I agree that they are the same person. This profile has no source information, and the resistance to merge with the one that does have sources seems to be based on birth dates that have no documentation to back them. Local records show that Edward and Lawrence were neighbors, at the same time that Elizabeth (Erwin) Franklin was shown as a widow living on a lot nearby.

posted by Dave Patrick
Franklin-1969 Lisa Franklin RN, BSN
Franklin-4196 and Franklin-1805 appear to represent the same person because: Clearly same person if married to same wife with same children. If there ARE two children with same name, please source the unsourced profile to show this, otherwise, please merge the two and source the dates and places stated. We are trying to clean up and source this line as there is enough DNA evidence now for the lineage in the Franklin project that it should be straightforward and documented as such. Thanks!
posted by Lisa Franklin RN, BSN
Steven Franklin
In 1755, Edward Franklin Sr. applied for a waiver of taxes due to old age in Orange Co. VA. He was approved by the court. To get an old age waiver, you had to be 60 years old. That places Edward birth as 1695 as a result. Lawrence is probably a few years either side of him in my opinion.
posted by Steven Franklin
Patrick-1511 Dave Patrick
Based on your estimated birth date, Laurence was 10 when he got married. Why are you so resistant to merge the profiles based on your estimated birth date? Where did your estimate even come from? Let's get these profiles merged, then figure out what the date should be.
posted by Dave Patrick
Patrick-1511 Dave Patrick
The resistance to merge Lawrence/Laurence Franklin into a single individual seems to be based solely on different ESTIMATED birthdates. Let's just get these all merged together and figure out what the actual birthdate should be please.
posted by Dave Patrick
Patrick-1511 Dave Patrick
Everybody keeps suggesting that the birth dates being different means they aren't the same person, but then they assign the same children, or spouses, to them. Does anybody have a primary source giving the actual birth date of Lawrence/Laurence Franklin? Or are people estimating the birth year based on the birth date of the children? All three of these Lawrences are the same person, we just need to nail down the actual birth year. All the other evidence points to them referring to the same person.
posted by Dave Patrick
Bredehoft-6 Tom Bredehoft
Franklin-2705 and Franklin-4196, while they appear to have the same spouse, do not share birth dates or places, have different children. Their birth dates are 25 years apart, probably different generations. The should be regarded as different individuals
posted by Tom Bredehoft
Bredehoft-6 Tom Bredehoft
Franklin-2705 and Franklin-4196, while they appear to have the same spouse, do not share birth dates or places, have different children. Their birth dates are 25 years apart, probably different generations. The should be regarded as different individuals
posted by Tom Bredehoft

Rejected matches › Lawrence Franklin › Lawrence Franklin

Featured National Park champion connections: Lawrence is 13 degrees from Theodore Roosevelt, 21 degrees from Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger, 15 degrees from George Catlin, 13 degrees from Marjory Douglas, 21 degrees from Sueko Embrey, 16 degrees from George Grinnell, 24 degrees from Anton Kröller, 16 degrees from Stephen Mather, 22 degrees from Kara McKean, 15 degrees from John Muir, 17 degrees from Victoria Hanover and 22 degrees from Charles Young on our single family tree. Login to find your connection.

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