77. Gentleman William Robinson
Biography of Gentleman William (6) Robinson
§ Son to Capitalist William (5) Robinson
§ Brother to Ann (6) Robinson Cramond, and Mary (6) Robinson
§ First Cousin to Major William (6) Robinson, Lt. Tully (6) Robinson, James (6) Robinson, and others.
§ Father to Charles (7) Robinson, Jonathan (7) Robinson, Tully (7) Robinson, Manliff (7) Robinson, and Vashte (6) James, daughter of Lucia JamesWorld View of the Period
When the sixth generation of Robinsons in Virginia move on the stage during the second half of the 18th Century, as we have already seen, a revolution had begun in America. Europe was still ruled mostly by kings, most of whom believed their authority came from God. A king or queen might take advice from nobles, special ministers, or other favorites. But what common ordinary people thought or wanted was not relevant. God did not intend those folks to rule or oppose the authority of a king.
So when the kings and the aristocracy in Europe heard that the King of Britain’s subjects in Virginia and in Massachusetts and other colonies were causing him trouble, they yawned. Most Europeans didn’t give a hoot about the idea of “no taxation without representation” which the Americans kept shouting. Few kings or aristocrats believed in representative government, certainly not government that shared power with ordinary people. On the other hand, they felt, if the Americans were giving the King in London headaches, so much the better. Britain had been winning too many battles lately.
So it was that while King George in England raised armies to enforce his will on subjects in Virginia and America, a new king came to the throne in France. Louis XVI, was a grandson of Louis XV. He didn’t care much about being king. He liked to spend his days hunting or working in his shop. His specialty was building door locks. People said he was a good locksmith. Louis had a beautiful wife, Marie Antoinette, daughter of the Empress of Austria. She had given France several heirs to the throne. That was what a queen was for, people said. But Marie Antoinette found it tedious living in the Palace of Versailles with all its mirrors. She was always on display before crowds of lords and ladies, all seeking favors. Giving her no privacy. Queen Marie had her architects build villages of play houses where she and her special friends could play bridge or gamble or enjoy simple pleasures like milking cows or baking bread.
The American colonies realized that if they were to defend themselves from the hired soldiers King George was sending to punish them, they needed help from other countries. So they sent men like Benjamin Franklin from Pennsylvania and John Adams from Massachusetts to Europe to raise money and seek help. In the Netherlands, where the power of the king was not so great, Adams worked to get loans from Dutch bankers. He had some success, but the Dutch bankers charged very high interest. Adams went on to France where Dr. Benjamin
Franklin, a scientist who had discovered there was electricity in lightning and was a successful printer and politician, was already working for the American cause. It was the job of Adams and Franklin to persuade the French government - which was firmly against the American idea of no taxation without representation, to say nothing of “all men being created equal” which the Americans had said in their Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. These were the unpopular ideas Franklin and Adams had to sell to the French. They had to persuade the French that it was in their interest to help the Americans against Britain, a traditional enemy of France.
By their efforts, France decided to send a naval force. By 1783 when :Lord Cornwallis, the commander of the British armies at Yorktown, was waiting for
reinforcements by the British Navy, the French Navy was present near Norfolk. It prevented British reinforcements from landing. So, Lord Cornwallis sent his sword, by messenger, to George Washington. The British forces couldn’t believe it, but they had surrendered to the upstart Americans.The remaining years for Generation Six were filled with big events. The Americans devised a new national constitution for themselves. George Washington was elected the first President. By 1793 King Louis XVI of France who had allowed his navy to help the Americans was executed on the guillotine. Three years later, George Washington declined a third term as President. He and Martha went home to Mount Vernon. Cousin George would die there three years later.
Robinson View of the Period
Guardian AccountsSeveral guardian accounts were published for William (6) and indicated that he received a proper education, like those before him, and had several tutors. However, it’s unclear where he lived or if he had any formal school education.
Expanding FamilyWhile a significant amount of information is available about the sixth generation of Robinsons in Princess Anne County, this is perhaps the most confusing generation with respect to keeping the facts and information organized to the appropriate individual and/or family. For example two William Robinsons, who are also first cousins, are alive and are close in age during this time. It is difficult to determine which William Robinson served as: (1) a Burgess in 1774-1775; and (2) served as a member of the Commonwealth’s House of Delegates in 1776-1779, and 1782. Since no known family Bibles or other materials go this far back, the analysis in this report started by looking at the Robinson deed and will records of the period. In these we can trace the references used by the clerk of the court to describe each cousin. The clerk’s references may shed some clues to understand which William Robinson, if not both, served in a number of leadership roles at different times.
Examination of the Deed RecordsFor Gentleman William (6) Robinson we know he should have had title to the following due to his inheritance or by purchase:
§ Gentleman William (6) inherited his father’s remaining land in Norfolk Borough estimated to equal about 100 acres. More research of Norfolk County deeds should to be conducted to determine what happened to this parcel. However, it is believed that this land may have transferred to Capt. Tully (5)’s descendants even though they did not have clear title.
§ Gentleman William (6) inherited all of the Long Island plantation containing an estimated 376 acres. He sold 100 acres of this land indicating he owned half interest in the island on July 22, 1783. Here again, more research needs to examine this parcel and determine if Gentlemen William (6)’s cousins, who claimed ownership of the other half of the island for the next several decades, had clear title or not.
§ Gentleman William (6) inherited 750 acres of plantation land in Lynnhaven located on the western shore of the Lynnhaven River where John Thorowgood had lived and died. He may have sold a 355 acre track of this purchase on July 10, 1783. What happened to the remainder of the parcel is unclear.
§ Gentleman William (6) inherited 95 acres of land lying on the western shore of the Lynnhaven River. We assume it was adjacent to other property owned by the family. He sold a 9 ¾ acre track of land in Lynnhaven Parish, perhaps a portion of this holding, on May 16, 1776.
§ Gentleman William (6) inherited 100 acres of land near Porter’s Ridge that once belonged to Capt. William (2) Robinson. He sold the parcel on October 23, 1777.
§ Gentleman William (6) purchased 121 acres on February 10, 1785, lying near Wilson’s Point and adjoining land he already owned. A 46-acre track of this parcel was sold on February 28, 1794 by Gentleman William (6) and his wife Molly as well as a separate 30 acre track.
§ Gentleman William (6) leased property in Kempsville for a tanning business on July 8, 1785.
§ Gentleman William (6) inherited the nearly 500 acre Weblin Plantation located near the western shore in Lynnhaven Parish of Princess Anne County because his mother renounced all benefits received under the will. On July 28, 1787, Gentleman William (6), who was indebted to Richard Evers Lee of Norfolk for the sum of 243 pounds of gold or silver, appointed three individuals to serve as his trustees and provided as security 500 acres of land on the Lynnhaven River formally owned by Capitalist William (5) and passed to Gentleman William (6).
§ Gentleman William (6) of Princess Anne County, VA purchased 100 acres for $500 on February 18, 1794, in Currituck County, NC. The deed does not record his wife’s name. But this same parcel was later sold by Tully (7) Robinson, one heir of Gentleman William (6), for 450 silver dollars, so the chain of title appears to connect families. This later deed of sale also identifies that the parcel was adjacent for the Great Dismal Swamp.It is clear from an examination of the above deed transactions that Gentleman William (6) did not acquire significantly more property in his lifetime, as had his father. Rather, perhaps because of economic conditions he sold much of his holdings and then moved to Currituck County. We do not know the exact reason he decided to move but further examination of other facts and circumstances of his lifetime might shed some light. The deed records make clear, however, that Gentleman William (6) was younger than his first cousin Major William (6). From the earliest references to him in the Princess Anne County Deed Books he was referred to as “William Robinson, Jr.” His first cousin Major William (6) Robinson was almost always referred to as “William Robinson, Attorney at Law.” When Gentleman William (6) sold off his half of the Porter’s Ridge property, the deed referred to the adjoining property owned by first cousin Major William (6) as “William Robinson, Sr.”
We also know from these deed records that a higher level of respect was paid the Gentleman William (6) Robinson by the clerk of the court. For in several deeds the clerk referred to him as “Gentleman of Princess Anne County.”
The Story of Burgess William Robinson, 1774-1775One of the greatest mysteries related to the Robinson family of Princess Anne County concerns their experiences during the Revolutionary War. Not much is known or clear about the family. However, some interesting information has been uncovered concerning one William Robinson.
Before examining this story further it should be noted that at the time of the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in Virginia, records reveal no less than three William Robinsons living in Princess Anne County including:
§ Gentleman William (6) Robinson, son of William (5) Robinson. Based upon guardian reports recorded in the Princess Anne County Court, he turned 21 about 1772. This William inherited and sold land devised in his father’s 1760 will and relocated to Currituck Co., NC, before his death in 1798.
§ Major William (6) Robinson was the son of Capt. Tully (5) Robinson and became a prominent attorney and major in the local militia. This William also inherited and devised land received from his father Tully (5) Robinson’s 1773 will. He passed away in 1787.
§ William Robinson, son of Adam Robinson. He was probably age 21 in 1769 when his father provided him his first deed. It has not been proven how this family was connected to other Robinson family noted above. However, this family’s land holdings were substantially less than the other Robinsons, leading to the conclusion that is not likely the party described in this story.
It is important that we provide some context for the series of events to traumatize the Robinson family at the outset of the Revolutionary War. First, William Robinson was elected in early July 1774 to serve as one of two burgesses representing Princess Anne County. He joined a long history of Robinsons from Princess Anne County serving in government positions including his great, great grandfather Col. Tully (3) Robinson who represented Accomack County in the House of Burgesses for many years from the early 1700s. In addition, another grandfather, Capt. William (2) Robinson, represented Princess Anne County in the House of Burgesses in the late 1600s.
At a meeting of Princess Anne County voters on July 27, 1774, (within a month of William Robinson’s election to the House of Burgesses), citizens passed the following Resolution that best describes the mood and feelings on the eve of the Revolution as well as their express wishes and directions for the Princess Anne County Burgesses:
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that it is an absolute right inherent in every British American subject, to have and enjoy such freedoms and privileges as belong to the free people of England; and that he cannot be taxed but by his own consent, or Representative.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that every attempt to impose taxes by any other authority, is a tyrannical exertion of power, and a violation of the constitutional and just rights and liberties of the subject; and that the Acts for blocking up the harbor of Boston; for altering the chartered Constitution of the Massachusetts Bay; and for the suppression of riots and tumults, are cruel and oppressive invasions of the natural rights of the people of the said Province, as men, and of their constitutional rights as English subjects.
Resolved that the town of Boston and Province of Massachusetts Bay, are now suffering in the common cause of America, as the said Acts would lay a foundation for the utter destruction of the rights and liberties of the subjects of British America.
Resolved that our Burgesses (Christopher Wright and William Robinson) be hereby instructed to use their utmost endeavors at the ensuing Congress at Williamsburg, to procure a general Association for stopping all importations from, and exportation to Great Britain, except such articles as shall be there agreed upon, as the most effectual means to obtain redress; the non-importation and non-exportation to take place on such future day as may be agreed on by the general Congress of Deputies from several Colonies.
Resolved that our Burgesses be instructed to oppose the importation of slaves and convicts, as injurious to this Colony, by preventing the population of Freemen and useful manufacturers.
Resolved That it be recommended to our Burgesses to vote for the encouragement of raising sheep, hemp, flax, and cotton.
Resolved, That our Burgess be hereby instructed to endeavor to procure a general Association against trading and dealing with every Colony, Province, County, or Town that shall refuse to come into the general plan which may be adopted by the several Colonies and Provinces on the Continent.
Resolved, The our Burgesses be hereby instructed to use their utmost endeavors that subscriptions be opened in the several counties of this Colony, for the relief of the cruelly oppressed and distressed inhabitants of the town of Boston.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting that the general plan adopted at the ensuing Congress, ought to be strictly adhered to by the whole Colony; and that this meeting will faithfully adopt such measures as may be then agreed upon.
In March 1775, Burgess William Robinson was “in attendance when Patrick Henry delivered his celebrated ‘give me liberty or give me death’ speech at St. John’s Church. Seven months later in October 1775 William Robinson became a prominent participant in an early skirmish of the Revolutionary War as reported in the Virginia Gazette:
Williamsburg, October 21, 1775Some time last week Lord Dunmore was alarmed with information that 19 pieces of cannon were fitted up, and would soon be placed on the wharves near Norfolk, to annoy the ships of war, and that a number of men were daily expected from Williamsburg, who were to fire them from behind bulkheads filled with sand. Yesterday forenight, in consequence of the above intelligence, his Lordship sent a party of soldiers…who marched through Norfolk to the place where the cannon were, destroyed 17 of them, and carried two for their own use, without molestation. The above cannon were never intended for such a purpose; on the contrary, they belong to two private Gentleman, who had them removed to there for safety…We [also] hear from Norfolk, that Capt. Matthews, of the Norfolk minutemen, Mr. William Robinson, and Mr. John Hancock, have been taken prisoner by Lord Dunmore, but for what we cannot learn.
“Lord Dunmore was sweeping the counties of Norfolk and Princess Anne of hidden cannon and other arms. One of these raids surprised a small company of minutemen from Kemp’s Landing.” In what is believed to have been the first battle in Virginia during the Revolution, “John Ackiss was killed by Royal Governor Lord Dunmore’s militia and became the first Virginian casualty of the American Revolution.” At the conclusion of the battle it is also believed that Burgess William Robinson challenged Lord Dunmore to a duel. Today a plaque dedicated by the Daughters of the American Revolution marks the site of this battle.It is not clear if the duel took place, but we do know William Robinson was captured by Lord Dunmore. It turns out he was at Kemps Landing (now known as Kempsville) while returning to Princess Anne County from the Virginia Convention in Richmond where delegates discussed the King’s proposed constitution for the colonies. As a result of a subsequent interrogation of his prisoner William Robinson, Lord Dunmore opinioned to the King’s Secretary of State that “the southern colonies were not yet prepared for a total rejection of the King’s proposed constitution.”
The capture of William Robinson by Lord Dunmore resulted in nearly forty days in captivity in Norfolk before being shipped off to Boston in December. An account of what happened next states, “On 30 Nov. 1775 Lord Dunmore placed aboard H.M. Sloop Betsey four prisoners, among whom were William Robinson, convention delegate for Prince Anne County and Thomas Mathews, captain of the minute company for the District of Princess Anne County. They were being sent to Boston and, for all they knew, the termination of their earthly careers. But in fact His Lordship (Dunmore) suggested their more profitable disposition might lie in ‘exchanging them for good men’ in rebel hands. By Dec. 3, when the Betsey weighed anchor, His Excellency had also put aboard a number of his own dispatches, along with packets of letters personal and official, many from Florida, the composition of royal officials, army and navy personnel, and loyalist civilians.”Apparently at the same time Lord Dunmore was shipping William Robinson and the other prisoners to Boston on the Betsey, he was attempting to negotiate a prisoner exchange with the rebel colonists. He must have assumed William Robinson would have provided more value to the King than a possible prisoner exchange along with other prominent representatives of Princess Anne County families including “Colonel Lawson and Captain Hunter, and Mr. Thoroughgood.” General George Washington later concurred with this analysis and concluded “there is little doubt, but [Captain Mathews and William Robinson] would be forwarded to England.”
However, as explained, the “prisoners and letters were never to reach their intended destinations. On 17 Dec. while tacking for Boston harbor, the Betsey was cut off and her decks swarmed over by tough crewman of the Continental armed schooner Lee (captioned by John Manley); and both liberated captives and intercepted papers were turned over to the custody of General Washington.”
Meanwhile William Robinson’s colleagues in Virginia petitioned the Continental Congress to assist in obtaining the delegate’s release. The representatives of the Continental Congress on December 29, 1775, did consider an “[a]pplication from the Virginia Convention praying Means may be used for the Release of 3 Gentlemen, one of them a Delegate in that Convention named Robinson, lately seized by Lord Dunmore, left for Consideration.” However, it was soon thereafter reported that the “brave Capt. Manly retook & released these Gentn. on their Voyage to Gen. Howe at Boston.”
William Robinson was fortunate to have been spared the penalty of treason in England and rescued by John Manley’s crew. John Manley was the most successful of the captains and was regarded by Washington with special favor. We know Manley’s “vessel, the Lee, was a seventy-two ton schooner carrying a large square-sail on the fore topmast; she mounted four four-pounders and ten swivels, and was manned by fifty soldiers from Glover's regiment. In the period leading up to the end of 1775, Manley had a series of successes for the continental navy. Early in November Manley captured two or three small vessels. About the middle of the month a British frigate arrived at Boston with another immediately went to sea in search of the belated vessel. On the 29th he sighted a sail which proved to be the object of his search, the brigantine Nancy, which when overhauled surrendered without resistance and was taken into Gloucester. The Nancy carried a large cargo of ordnance and military stores which were of the utmost value to the American army. Besides other things there were two thousand muskets, thirty-one tons of musket shot, three thousand round shot, several barrels of powder, and a thirteen-inch brass mortar, which promised to be most useful in the siege of Boston. Manley continued his cruise, and within a few days captured a three hundred ton ship called the Concord. A little later he took two other vessels and still another before the end of the year. On board one of these prizes were important letters of Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia.”
Following the rescue of William Robinson and these successes, General Washington appointed Manley commodore of the continental navy.
After debriefing with the former prisoners, General Washington also authorized 100 pounds of current money be given to Capt. Matthews and William Robinson because they were left “destitute of money and necessarys” after nearly a month and half in captivity.
It took almost another month before news got back to the Robinson family in Princess Anne County that William Robinson had in fact been rescued and was safe. The Virginia Gazette reported on January 13, 1776, that “William Robinson, a prisoner of Lord Dunmore, had been rescued by the famous Captain Manley of the Continental Navy.” However, it took the former prisoners almost another month until they rejoined their families.In an extensive interview, William Robinson sought to update his fellow citizens of Virginia’s Tidewater region of the current events related to the Revolution. First, he reported leaving Philadelphia on January 20th of the proceeding month and sought to assure the readers of the Virginia Gazette that the loss of troops at Quebec was not as great as had been first reported from Philadelphia and large numbers of reinforcements marched from Pennsylvania and Cambridge. William Robinson also reported that the Continental Army had begun a march on Albany with two Pennsylvania regiments on January 21, 1776.
Just which William Robinson experienced this harrowing adventure is not known. The records do seem to mix genealogical facts attributable to both Gentleman William (6) Robinson and Major William (6) Robinson. But perhaps the best information, coming from a footnote in the published records of General George Washington indicated the probable burgess was Gentleman William (6) because this footnote lists his year of birth as 1751 and this would be consistent with the guardian account records showing this as his approximate birth year.
Service During the Revolutionary WarNot much is known about the service of Gentleman William (6) during the Revolution. His first cousin, Major William (6) Robinson, was apparently part of the local militia due to the title he was given by the clerk’s notes associated with his will. Another first cousin, Lt. Tully (6) Robinson, served in the 4th Virginia Regiment. However, he was court martialed on June 9, 1777 because he went AWOL. His sentence was that he was cashiered and had to forfeit his pay. It’s not known why Lt. Tully (6) Robinson deserted his unit but it’s probable that he returned to help a family matter in Princess Anne County. The fact that he was just discharged and did not face a more severe penalty may be attributable to the family’s position in Virginia. Some records even indicated that he may have even reenlisted and earned the rank of Captain. A descendant of Lt. Tully (6) Robinson received a 4,000 acre bounty for three years of service he provided to the continental army. Other records indicate Major William (6) and Lt. Tully (6) supported the local militia and continental army troops with horses, wood, and corn.
It is assumed that the family retreated to southern Princess Anne County to avoid the British troops stationed in Norfolk because the Robinsons are not listed on a map drawn by General Benedict Arnold for the British showing where the prominent families lived in northern Princess Anne County.
Move to Currituck County, NCIt is not known exactly when Gentleman William (6) moved to Currituck County, North Carolina, which bordered on Princess Anne County’s southern area of Back Bay where we believe he moved after selling most of the land in the northern part of the county. Other Robinsons were living in Currituck County at the time he made a purchase in 1794 including Dr. John Robinson, Thomas Robinson, Adam Robinson, and Nathan Robinson. However, it is not known if any of these individuals were perhaps a younger brother or uncle to Gentleman William (6)-perhaps not named in William (5)’s 1760 will. However, it has been learned that Thomas Robinson of Currituck County had a son Tully Robinson, so there is a strong possible that these other Robinsons were related in some way to Gentleman William (6). More research needs to be done to evaluate the possible connections.
Census records of Princess Anne County in 1785 list two William Robinsons: (1) William Robinson is listed as a head of household in the eastern precinct of eastern Shore with 15 individuals living with him; and (2) William Robinson is listed as living in the Blackwater precinct with 15 blacks.
Census records starting in 1790 indicate that a William Robinson is living in a household in Currituck County with two free males under age 16 and four free females; no slaves or other individuals are listed in the household. Adjacent to William Robinson’s name on the Currituck County 1790 census is one Elizabeth Robinson with one male child under age 16. Census records from Currituck County also indicate that a large Scarbourgh family was residing in Currituck County at this time that might have been cousins descended from one of Col. Tully (3)’s daughters who married a Scarbourgh in Accomack County. Still another William Robinson is listed in Princess Anne County’s census of 1790 but no family members are reported and it is believed the listing may be for the son of Adam Robinson also listed on the Princess Anne County 1791 census list.
A probable indicator of Gentleman William (6)’s move to Currituck is the death of his cousin Major William (6) in 1787. One historian believed that Major William (6) owned little or nothing at his death and was representative of a class of former well-to-do families that suffered in the post Revolution depression. A serious issue of the time involved currency. Historian Florence Turner explains:
The most crucial problem for all the states at this time was money. The currency situation was chaotic, with each state issuing paper money of their own and refusing to honor that of another state. Virginia had authorized huge issues of treasury notes without adequate taxation as security, and tens of millions of these notes became worthless. Returning one dollar for every thousand caused ruin for many who in good faith had exchanged valuable property for these notes. Princess Anne County wills at this time show a marked decrease in [the] value of estates, and most people were very poor. Having no money, they reverted to the barter system, while the state fell back on tobacco as currency.
Lt. Tully (6) Robinson appears to have also been hit hard by the economy as demonstrated by a deposition of Isabella Russel on June 26, 1782 in the case of Tully Robinson v. Harry Kelly for the claim of ‘Tresspass on the Case’ where Tully went out of his way to claim what he thought he was owed was his from Kelly who was on his death bed. When he died about 1796, the executors of Lt. Tully (6) placed an advertisement in the Norfolk Herald warning all creditors to make a claim by the deadline or else lose their claim. Such a posting may indicate a general fear of executors of estate creditors who might seek repayment from the executor after the fact.
Major William (6) had named his wife Elizabeth (6) as the executor of his will in 1787 but she refused according to court records to serve in that position-perhaps because of the state of money he owed. The others appointed to act as his general executors also refused to serve. Later that year, Gentleman William (6), acting on behalf of his cousin’s estate, as the administrator, paid off a debt of 160 pounds plus interest.
Still another possible reason for the Honorable William (6)’s move to Currituck was to work on the great Dismal Swamp project that was adjacent to his property in Currituck County, NC. A major development project if its time, begun in May 1763, George Washington “suggested draining it and digging a north-south canal through it to connect the waters of Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and the Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. Joining with several other prominent Virginians and North Carolinians, he formed two syndicates known as the Dismal Swamp Land Company and the Adventurers for Draining the Great Dismal Swamp. This group hoped to drain the Swamp, harvest the trees, and use the land for farming. The company purchased 40,000 acres of Swamp land for $20,000 in 1763. Washington directed the surveying and digging of the 5-mile long ditch from the western edge of the Swamp to Lake Drummond, known today as Washington Ditch. In the late 1700's, Riddick Ditch was completed. Together these ditches provided a way to transport logs out of the Swamp and drain it as well. The Adventurers soon realized, however, that the task of draining the Swamp was enormous and gave up that part of their plan to concentrate on lumbering.”
If in fact the family assets had become worthless and amounts owed to creditors only increasing as various deeds appear to indicate, Gentleman William (6) may have left Princess Anne County out of shame since he probably had been an individual of prominence in the county and sought a simpler life in Currituck. Records seem to indicate he continued to own small parcels of land in Princess Anne that descended to his sons Manliff and Charles according to estate records. But these parcels were a small amount compared to what his father had accumulated.
It’s interesting to note that Lt. Tully (6) also moved from Princess Anne County to Norfolk until his death about ten years after his older brother Major William (6). Lt. Tully (6) may have moved for similar reasons as Gentleman William (6).
The Will & Estate
Gentleman William (6) wrote his will on October 14, 1798 and it was recorded on February 22, 1799. In it he wrote:
In the name of God Amen, I WILLIAM ROBINSON, of the County of Currituck and State of North Carolina, being very sick and in a low state of health being of perfect mind and memory, Thanks be to God for the same, do make and ordain this instrument of writing to be my Last Will and Testament Viz. Item I give and bequeath unto VASHTE JAMES Daughter of LUCIA JAMES a child being sworn to me, two shillings to be paid out of my estate to her and her heirs for ever. Item I lend unto my beloved Wife MARY ROBINSON all my lands and estate that I now possess during her natural life and after her decease my will and desire is that the estate at her decease be equally divided between my Sons and I do constitute and appoint my Son CHARLES ROBINSON, JONATHAN and TULLY ROBINSON and MANLOFF ROBINSON my sole executor to this my Last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal this 14th day of October 1798. WILLIAM ROBINSON seal
It is interesting to note that Gentleman William (6) acknowledged in his will that he had fathered a child out of wedlock. What the family felt about this is not known or if Mary Manliff (6) Robinson had wanted a divorce because of the infidelity.
In colonial times, prior to 1786, it was impossible to obtain a full legal divorce in the colony. Petitions for such had to go to London for approval. As a result, divorces were extremely uncommon.
After 1786 spouses could petition state legislature for a divorce. But this was a very public and “rather desperate alternative” for irreconcilable couples. In general Virginia lawmakers were disinclined to grant divorce petitions. Like most clergymen the legislatures considered the marriage bond to be indissoluble. Petitions for divorce in Virginia were most likely to get action by the legislature if they could prove the marriage was invalid from the first - bigamy, impotence, or fraud. In some circumstances lawmakers were influenced by “harrowing accounts of post-nuptial disaster exposing an interesting pattern of priorities.” Men stood a chance of getting a legislative divorce if they could prove their wives commited adultery across the color line. Women with similar complaints, however, were rarely successful in their petitions, suggesting a double standard was at work.Questions for Further Research
1. Did Gentleman William (6) have any additional children since his will names no daughters? Did he have any additional brothers like Thomas Robinson who was living in Currituck at the same time and had a son named Tully?
2. What can we learn about the Manliff family to confirm the wife of Gentleman William (6)?
3. What became of James (6) Robinson, third son of Capt. Tully (5)? There are records that a James Robinson was Appointed Coroner in 1791 and served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1798 to 1800 for Princess Anne County. If he was in fact the first cousin of Gentleman William (6), James might have been the last in the line of Robinson leaders in Princess Anne County.
4. What other biographical information can be learned about the Burgess William Robinson captured by Lord Dunmore and the Delegate William Robinson who served in several of the first House of Delegates representing Princess Anne County?
1 NOTE A Mary Robinson is listed as a head of household in the 1785Census for PAC with no family or property.
A Mrs. Mary Robinson married John Preter 11/10/1792 in Norfolk.
1 NOTE Listed as son or William Sr.. Robinson in 1782 PAC PropertyOwners List.
Listed as son of William Sr. Robinson in 1789 PAC tax list.
AWilliam Robinson executed will 12/13/1801 leaving everything heowned to his friend Thomas Jones. PAC Deed Book ___, page 169.
A William Robinson is listed in the PAC Census of 1830 on page308.
A William Robinson was listed as an orphan of William Robinsonin the PAC Guardian accounts in 1770 & 1771 with DavidMcClanahan as the guardian.
Possible marriage of William:
Mar 17 1790 William Robinson Smith MarthaTaylor Norfolk County James Taylor
http://www.nyvagenealogy.homestead.com/mva1790.html
1 NOTE Listed as owning 2 horses in the 1789 PAC tax list.
Currituck County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions Minutes, 1802 (Part Two--May Term) N.C. State Archives Microfilm Reel #C.030.30001: Deeds Exhibited Proved & Achnowledged May Term 1802: Jonathan Robertson to Samuel Holt, Acknowledged.
1 NOTE Possible wife to Jonathan (VA Marriages to 1800) on 2/1/1796
84. Manliff Robinson
1 NOTE His estate listed as a PAC Property owner in 1815. Back Bay.
2. LIsted in the will of John Holmes, March 25, 1805; June 12, 1805, Currituck Co. Will Book 2, p. 269 as a witness/jurat.
78. Ann Robinson
1 NOTE A Ann Robinson had a PAC guardian account with Jonathan Saundersas the guardian.
79. Mary Robinson
1 NOTE Estate owned David McClennan: one year's board,
1 NOTE ! (1) "Kentucky Genealogies," p.84, "The Payne Genealogy," pub.by permission of Mrs. Judit h L. Marhsall.
(2) "The Paynes of Virginia," by Brooke Payne (William ByrdPress, Richmond, VA, 1937) p.23 5.
(3) "Abstracts of Wills and Inventories, Fairfax County,Virginia, Will Book D," p.41.
(4) Carolyn Tayloe Davidson Carey, Greenwood Village, CO. Cites:(a) "The Paynes of Viginia ," by Brooke Payne. (b) "BibleRecords," Vol. 2 by D.A.R. (c) Minister's Returns - Robert Grundy. (d) Marriage Records, Mason Co., KY. (e) "KY BibleRecords," Vol. II, by D.A.R.
(5) "History of Fayette County, KY," by Robert Peters (1882)p.672-673. FHL #976.947 H2p.
(6) "Payne Family" (Knickerbocker Press, New York, 1900) p.10.Retyped transcript by Kathri ne Cox Gottschalk. FHL #929.273 A1#1657.
(7) "The Tipton-Hazelton-Payne-Barr Families," by Ellen Mae Rose& George H. Rose (1976) p. 75-76. FHL #929.273 T499r.Birth: (1,4) 14 Feb 1751. (1,2,5,6,7) s/o William Payne/SusanClarke. (5,6,7) 19 Feb 1751.
Marriage to Mary "Polly" Robinson: (1,4) 20 Jul 1777. (5,6,7) 25Jul 1777.
Marriage to Elizabeth __: (1) Mrs. Elizabeth Brooks.
Death: (1,4,5) 23 Sep 1813. (6,7) 23 Dec 1813.(3) 1782, 27 May: William Payne of Fairfax Co., VA named sonsWilliam Payne, Devaul Payne , and Benjamin Clarke Payne in hiswill, and named them executors.
(4) Had no children by his 2nd wife.
87. William R. Payne
1 NOTE ! (1) Carolyn Tayloe Davidson Carey, Greenwood Village, CO.Cites: (a) "The Paynes of Virgin ia," by Brooke Payne. (b)"Bible Records," Vol. 2 by D.A.R. (c) Minister's Returns -Robert G rundy. (d) Marriage Records, Mason Co., KY. (e) "KYBible Records," Vil. II, by D.A.R.
Birth: (1) s/o William Payne/Mary Robinson.
88. Mary Ivy Payne
1 NOTE ! (1) Carolyn Tayloe Davidson Carey, Greenwood Village, CO.Cites: (a) "The Paynes of Vigini a," by Brooke Payne. (b) "BibleRecords," Vol. 2 by D.A.R. (c) Minister's Returns - Robert Grundy. (d) Marriage Records, Mason Co., KY. (e) "KY BibleRecords," Vil. II, by D.A.R.
Birth: (1) d/o William Payne/Mary Robinson.
89. Tully R. Payne
1 NOTE ! (1) Carolyn Tayloe Davidson Carey, Greenwood Village, CO.Cites: (a) "The Paynes of Vigini a," by Brooke Payne. (b) "BibleRecords," Vol. 2 by D.A.R. (c) Minister's Returns - Robert Grundy. (d) Marriage Records, Mason Co., KY. (e) "KY BibleRecords," Vil. II, by D.A.R.
Birth: (1) s/o William Payne/Mary Robinson.
90. Alfred Payne
1 NOTE ! (1) Carolyn Tayloe Davidson Carey, Greenwood Village, CO.Cites: (a) "The Paynes of Vigini a," by Brooke Payne. (b) "BibleRecords," Vol. 2 by D.A.R. (c) Minister's Returns - Robert Grundy. (d) Marriage Records, Mason Co., KY. (e) "KY BibleRecords," Vil. II, by D.A.R.
Birth: (1) s/o William Payne/Mary Robinson.
91. Edmund Payne
1 NOTE ! (1) Carolyn Tayloe Davidson Carey, Greenwood Village, CO.Cites: (a) "The Paynes of Vigini a," by Brooke Payne. (b) "BibleRecords," Vol. 2 by D.A.R. (c) Minister's Returns - Robert Grundy. (d) Marriage Records, Mason Co., KY. (e) "KY BibleRecords," Vil. II, by D.A.R.
Birth: (1) s/o William Payne/Mary Robinson.
92. Elizabeth Payne
1 NOTE ! (1) Carolyn Tayloe Davidson Carey, Greenwood Village, CO.Cites: (a) "The Paynes of Vigini a," by Brooke Payne. (b) "BibleRecords," Vol. 2 by D.A.R. (c) Minister's Returns - Robert Grundy. (d) Marriage Records, Mason Co., KY. (e) "KY BibleRecords," Vil. II, by D.A.R.
Birth: (1) d/o William Payne/Mary Robinson.
93. Thomas Payne
1 NOTE ! (1) Carolyn Tayloe Davidson Carey, Greenwood Village, CO.Cites: (a) "The Paynes of Vigini a," by Brooke Payne. (b) "BibleRecords," Vol. 2 by D.A.R. (c) Minister's Returns - Robert Grundy. (d) Marriage Records, Mason Co., KY. (e) "KY BibleRecords," Vil. II, by D.A.R.
Birth: (1) d/o William Payne/Mary Robinson.
1880 Census for Kentucky
Thomas PAYNE Self M Male W 71 VA Laborer VA VA
Mary PAYNE Wife M Female W 64 KY Keeping HouseKY KY
Mattie PAYNE Dau S Female W 35 KY At Home VAKY
Emma PAYNE Dau S Female W 26 KY At Home VA KY