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Richard was born about 1593 in London, Middlesex, England. He might be the son of Robert Williamson and Ann Allen observed in unsourced genealogies[citation needed]. He might be the "Sir Richard Williamson, Knt" (Kent Co.) mentioned in the 1609 in the second charter to the treasurer and company of Virginia[1]. He further might be the Richard Williamson of London who left a Will on 30 Jun 1643 (WP 5 Dec 1646) "To my loving brother Roger Williamson residing in Virginia, twenty shillings of lawful English money and I doe forgive him all the money which he owes me"[2]. Roger is further mentioned in the Will of Maj. Thomas Walke of Lynnhaven, Princess Anne Virginia[3].
It is absurd to think he is the ancestor of all the Virginia Williamsons as alluded by one Landon Bell[4] as there are many more Williamsons immigrating to southern Virginia at the same time.[5]. Worth S Ray is suggesting in his 1930's publication, "the Williamsons of Virginia, instead of being descendants, were "of the same family"[4] or "kinsmen".
He was transported to Virginia before June 23, 1641 when Ambrose Bennett claimed/patented 1,150 acres in Isle of Wight Co.[5] but returned[citation needed] to England shortly thereafter:
His period of servitude may have been brief when in 1640 Isle of Wight County, Virginia he witnessed a deed to Capt. John Upton. In 1646 as Richard Williamson, Sr., he witnessed another deed by William Yarrett in Isle of Wight County.[4][7]
Settling in Isle of Wight County, Richard soon began acquiring property[citation needed]. He named the family home "Cobham Hall."[citation needed] thought to have been purchased in 1641. A general notation for the Williamsons settling in Surrey and the naming of an estate, "Cobhan Hall" has been alluded for the lineal family line of John Williamson (abt.1680-aft.1757) but with no specific time or acquisition[8].
His wife is only known as Margaret ---- although several unsourced genealogies[9] show her as Brown and Sherwood. More research is needed. (Strutton-11).
Richard married Margaret ---- about 1620 in England. known children include:[10]
Margaret is named as widow and administrator of the estate Richard Williamson, deceased, in a land transaction dated 21 September 1655.[10]
He died before 21 September 1655 when his widow Margaret wife of John Druett acted as administrix of his estate and the sale of land from "John Druett and wife Margaret, formerly widow of Richard Williamson dec. and admr. of his estate..." confirmed "By order of Council 24 Mrch 1654/5," finalized on 21 September 1655, recorded 2 August 1659.[10].
There is disagreement as to the surname of Richard's wife.
Margaret Brown
Some sources say she was Margaret Brown. This is based solely on one land transaction -- land conveyed to her by George Brown and Elizabeth his wife. The assumption is that she must have been their daughter or they would not have conveyed land to her. This assumption is not really supported. She could be a relative or friend, although not daughter. This transaction does not confirm Richard's wife was Margaret Brown.
Margaret Sherwood
The only sources cited to support Richard's wife as Margaret Sherwood are based on circumstantial information. Since Richard named his home Cobham Hall, a relationship to the Williamsons of Cobham Hall, Kent, England, including Sir Joseph Williamson (born 1630-1633), is assumed. It is surmised that Richard was Sir Joseph's uncle.[4] However, Sir Joseph's father, Rev. Joseph Williamson, Vicar of Bridekirk from 1625 to 1634, is known to have had only one other son, George Williamson. And to complicate the question, this profile maintains Richard is the son of Robert Williamson, not the Rev. Joseph Williamson. If his father is Robert Williamson, Richard could not be the uncle of Sir Joseph Williamson of Cobham Hall. It is entirely possible there was a familial connection, but that connection is unknown and unsupported. Another kinsman, John Williamson (b 1687), settled in Surry County Virginia, and built another "Cobham Hall."[13]
The next chain in the relationship is the supposition that Margaret Sherwood was the sister of Judge William Sherwood who served, as a young man, in the London office of Sir Joseph Williamson. There is no evidence that Judge William Sherwood had a sister Margaret. The author of this text states: "(Unfortunately, the author has no proof of the information in this paragraph.)[13]
Margaret Brown
I do not feel either of the above assumptions is proven. There is no confirmed documentation for the last name at birth of Richard's wife Margaret. It is my suggestion that the two profiles -- Margaret (Brown) Druett and Margaret (Sherwood) Williamson -- should be merged and Margaret's LNAB be changed to Unknown. Unless someone comes up with confirmed documentation to support one specific LNAB. (Shirley Dalton 18:55, 7 June 2021 (UTC))
See also:
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W > Williamson > Richard Williamson
Categories: Isle of Wight County, Virginia Colony | Virginia Colonists
There is no evidence indicating that either Margaret (Brown) Druett or Margaret (Sherwood) Williamson was the wife of Richard Williamson. No evidence is presented for the birth date/place or parents of either woman. No marriage record has been found for the marriage of either Margaret to Richard Williamson or his widow's subsequent marriage to John Druett. It is suggested that the two profiles of Margaret be merged and her last name at birth be changed to "Unknown" to reflect the actual state of documentation.
If anyone has sources to prove a LNAB for the wife of Richard Williamson, please enter it here.
Per records attached to the Family Search profile for Robert Williamson (1635-1689) (Williamson-3621) I believe his correct parents are Thomas Williamson and his wife.
"Sir Richard Williamson Knight." Family Search. Accessed Feb. 16th, 2108. https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/L87T-V23.