0 HEAD 1 SOUR PAF 2 NAME Personal Ancestral File 2 VERS 5.2.18.0 2 CORP The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3 ADDR 50 East North Temple Street 4 CONT Salt Lake City, UT 84150 4 CONT USA 1 DEST PAF 1 DATE 29 Aug 2003 2 TIME 10:39:04 1 FILE robinson.ged 1 GEDC 2 VERS 5.5 2 FORM LINEAGE-LINKED 1 CHAR UTF-8 1 LANG English 1 SUBM @SUB1@ 0 @SUB1@ SUBM 1 NAME Phillip Robinson 1 ADDR 8409 Galveston Rd. 2 CONT Silver Spring, MD 20910 1 EMAIL prease@starpower.net 0 @I1@ INDI 1 NAME William /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN William 1 SEX M 1 CHR 2 DATE 19 Dec 1611 2 PLAC St. Helens Ch., Bishopgate, London 1 DEAT 2 DATE ABT 1655/1656 2 PLAC Lower Norfolk Co, Virginia 1 REFN I 1 _UID 44F85CD8E77A2E449FE03ED8D9D05512E85E 1 FAMS @F1@ 1 NOTE Biography of William (1) Robinson 2 CONT § Father of Capt. William (2) Robinson 2 CONT § Husband to Elizabeth of Shadwell (2) Robinson 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT World View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT In the opening years of the 17th Century the Robinsons began hearing about a place called Ame 2 CONC rica, a place where the King said England should be planting colonies. 2 CONT 2 CONT Why do you suppose the King said that? What was going on in the world that made Englishmen t 2 CONC hink about leaving home and crossing thousands of miles of ocean to go live in a wilderness c 2 CONC alled America? 2 CONT 2 CONT First of all, Englishmen at that time felt their country needed to catch up. Compared to Spa 2 CONC in and France, England was small and poor. For a hundred years Spanish priests and general 2 CONC s had been discovering great quantities of gold and silver in Mexico and South America, and s 2 CONC hipping it home to the treasury in Madrid. Long before Jamestown was settled, French explore 2 CONC rs colonized the St. Lawrence River valley in Canada. They established a rich trade with th 2 CONC e native Americans in beaver skins. The French shipped the skins home and made into hats whic 2 CONC h every body in Europe wanted to buy. English sea captains helped their country by catching S 2 CONC panish ships at sea and stealing their loads of gold and silver. The King of Spain got so ma 2 CONC d he build a great navy and sent an army to invade England. But the English navy defeated a 2 CONC nd sank many of the bigger, slower Spanish ships and a mighty storm sank many more. This Eng 2 CONC lish victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588 made Englishmen feel safer about venturing to fa 2 CONC r away America. 2 CONT 2 CONT About the time these first Englishmen were coming to Jamestown, history-making events were oc 2 CONC curring back home A bible in English - The King James Bible- was published in 1611. These w 2 CONC ere the years when a man named William Shakespeare was writing plays for London’s Globe Theat 2 CONC er. One of the last plays Shakespeare wrote was in 1612, “The Tempest.” With Englishmen talk 2 CONC ing about the New World, Shakespeare set this play in the West Indies Islands where many Euro 2 CONC pean countries were racing to plant colonies. 2 CONT 2 CONT Major military events during the first generation of Robinsons in Virginia included the Thirt 2 CONC y Years War between Catholics and Prostestants, fought mostly in Germany. England had its ow 2 CONC n bloody Civil War. After Queen Elizabeth 1st died in 1603, the Stuarts came to the throne 2 CONC . While most Englishmen were Prostestants, but the Stuarts preferred the church of Rome. B 2 CONC y 1642 the many conflicts between King Charles I and the English Parliament broke out into op 2 CONC en war that would go on for 10 years. Parliament prevailed and cut off King Charles’ head 2 CONC . England would be ruled by its most successful general, Oliver Cromwell for a while. We thi 2 CONC nk some members of our family went to live in Holland at this time. They rented rooms at an I 2 CONC nn in Rotterdam that catered to English refugees. The Innkeeper was named John Custis. 2 CONT 2 CONT Other history-making events occurred during the last years of the first generation of Robinso 2 CONC ns in Virginia including: 2 CONT 2 CONT § In 1650 tea was drunk in England for the first time. 2 CONT § In 1654 Louis XIV was crowned King of France. Under him France would become the world’s su 2 CONC per power. 2 CONT § Four years after King Louis died, Oliver Cromwell died in London. King Charles II returne 2 CONC d to England and took the throne, much to the joy of Elizabeth (of Shadwell) Robinson. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Robinson View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT According to the records of St. Helens Church, Bishopgate, London William Robinson was presen 2 CONC ted by his parents, William R. Robinson and Katherine Watkin Robinson, for baptism 19 Decembe 2 CONC r 1611 at St. Helens Church. He was the fifth child of his parents in a family that by 162 2 CONC 2 numbered 10 children. William had two older brothers: Henry, christened in 1605; and John 2 CONC , christened in 1610. There were also two older sisters: Anne in 1606 and Katherine in 1609. 2 CONT 2 CONT William married a suburban London girl, Elizabeth (of Shadwell) about 1632. His father wa 2 CONC s a well to do London merchant who had his own crest registered in the College of Heralds an 2 CONC d possessed a family burial vault in St. Helens Church where he, his wife, and several childr 2 CONC en were buried. William R. Robinson is believed to have died about 1634. Under the custom o 2 CONC f the time, Henry, the oldest son, would have inherited the family merchant business. The In 2 CONC ternational Genealogical Index (IGI) says that Henry lived for 77 years and was buried Novemb 2 CONC er 18, 1682 in William R.'s vault at St Helens Church. William (1) Robinson is believed to h 2 CONC ave immigrated at about age 24 to Virginia in 1635 as a headwright for London merchant Johnso 2 CONC n, who patented land in Elizabeth City County under William (1)’s name. William’s older brot 2 CONC her, John, may have acquired land as early as 1624 in the same county. Upon the outbreak o 2 CONC f Civil War In England in 1642, William (1) probably returned to England where his wife and c 2 CONC hildren may have been living with his mother under the protection of his older brother Henr 2 CONC y and his cousin Thomas who had continued the family merchant business following the death o 2 CONC f his father William R. Robinson. It is believed the Robinsons sided with King Charles in th 2 CONC e war between Crown and Parliament. When Charles the First's army was defeated at Mortson Moo 2 CONC r (1644) and at Nasby (1645), many supporters of the Crown fled to Holland including Willia 2 CONC m (1), his wife, and two children. 2 CONT 2 CONT From early research on this line, it was thought that the Robinsons became friends of John (1 2 CONC ) Custis and his wife Joanne while in Holland and became related by marriage with the weddin 2 CONC g of Elizabeth Robinson and John (2) Custis. However, contrary records and research now cas 2 CONC t doubt as to where the families may have met. Josephine Chamberlain, formally of Escondido 2 CONC , CA as of April 1982, ventured that Elizabeth Robinson “who was first married to Robert Eyre 2 CONC , and a widow, married John Custis II.” Additional material supports this new conclusion tha 2 CONC t Elizabeth (1) Robinson Eyre married John Custis in Lower Norfolk County. However, Easter 2 CONC n Shore biographers have documented that both the Cutis and Robinson families were “Royalis 2 CONC t leaders of Accomack and Northampton…[and] were Cavaliers, not only by sympathy, but by bloo 2 CONC d.” So, the possibility may remain that the families knew each other in Holland before arriv 2 CONC ing in Virginia. 2 CONT 2 CONT When King Charles was executed in January 1649, William (1) probably abandoned all thought o 2 CONC f returning to London and the merchant business and began making plans to take his growing fa 2 CONC mily to Virginia. It is believed he was encouraged in this when Capt. Argoll Yardley brough 2 CONC t a load of tobacco to sell at Rotterdam in 1649 and before returning to Virginia courted an 2 CONC d married Ann Custis, daughter of John (1) Custis, and sold 600 acres of land in Northampto 2 CONC n County, Virginia to William (1)'s son-in-law, John (2) Custis. 2 CONT 2 CONT William (1) and his family were in Lower Norfolk County where he was granted 500 acres on th 2 CONC e Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in March 1652. William (1) and Capt. William (2) wer 2 CONC e also named in a grant of 400 acres on the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River to one Geor 2 CONC ge Kemp. Again in 1652 William (1) was chosen Constable for the Eastern Branch of the Elizabe 2 CONC th River. Additional land was acquired in 1653. His brand for cattle and hogs was registere 2 CONC d at this time. He was awarded 100 pounds of tobacco in a legal action against Samuel Rutland 2 CONC . In 1654 William (1) signed a petition requesting a minister for the church in Lower Norfol 2 CONC k County. William (1) is believed to have died about 1655/56 since no further records about h 2 CONC im have been found after that time. 2 CONT 2 CONT The land records for William (1) Robinson are as follows: 2 CONT § 500 acres on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River near Pussell Point. 2 CONT § 200 acres assigned to George Kemp in Lynnhaven Parish presumably for transporting several R 2 CONC obinsons including William Robinson, Sr., William Robinson, Jr., and Susanna or Sarah Robinso 2 CONC n to the Americas. 2 CONT 2 CONT During his lifetime in Lower Norfolk County, one of William (1) Robinson’s contemporaries an 2 CONC d neighbors was William Moseley. Not much is known about their relationship but it is well d 2 CONC ocumented that the Robinsons and Moseleys conducted significant business together for 150 yea 2 CONC rs. In 1650 William Moseley built his family home on a 500-acre plantation on the Eastern Br 2 CONC anch of the Elizabeth River of Lower Norfolk County named Rolleston, which served as the hom 2 CONC e for the Moseleys for 200 years. 2 CONT 2 CONT William (1) Robinson was also significantly involved in judicial affairs including the follow 2 CONC ing: 2 CONT § John Laine arrested at suit of William Robinson for failure to appear. 2 CONT § William Robinson, cooper, was ordered to pay sum of tobacco owed to Simon Overzee. 2 CONT § Matter between John Custis and William Robinson. 2 CONT § John Rice Chirurgeon arrested William Robinson but did not appear against him. 2 CONT § Edward Wilder ordered to pay William Robinson, cooper, a debt of corn. 2 CONT § In a business deal gone badly, the court ordered Edward Hall and William Robinson to comple 2 CONC te an inventory of casks as are left and a division of the profits should take place. 2 CONT § William Rutland was ordered to pay William Robinson in a civil suit 100 pounds of tobacco f 2 CONC rom his next crop apparently for living expenses. 2 CONT § William (1) served as a juror. 2 CONT § Finally, on a petition of Mary Burrows, as administrator of her late husband’s estate, sh 2 CONC e asked the court to order, “William Robinson be put in his place.” 2 CONT 2 CONT William (1) was also the beneficiary of several wills including: 2 CONT § Edward Hodge a Virginia Merchant provided a legacy for William Robinson in his will dated J 2 CONC une 10, 1649. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Most of these judicial matters probably took place in the homes of individuals as no courthou 2 CONC se was established for Norfolk until 1661. 2 CONT 2 CONT There is some difference of opinion concerning whether or not William (1) is the patriarch o 2 CONC f this family line. The basis for the three leading theories include: 2 CONT 2 CONT 1. The majority view identifies William (1) Robinson as the most probable husband to Elizab 2 CONC eth of Shadwell based upon research by Alice Lambert and Robert E. Robinson related to St. He 2 CONC lens Church in London, records. These document the birth of a William Robinson to William R 2 CONC . Robinson (a merchant) and his wife Katherine Watkin (christened on Dec 19, 1611), their 5t 2 CONC h child. William R. Robinson was born in Rumbald Kirk Parish, Yorkshire, the third son of Re 2 CONC v. John Robinson and Ann Dent. His uncle, George Robinson of Cleasby, was the grandfather o 2 CONC f Bishop of London John Robinson (1652-1723). This line would have made William (1) Robinso 2 CONC n a cousin of Christopher Robinson, VA (a colony official in Jamestown, owner of Hewick in Mi 2 CONC ddlesex Co, VA, and Bishop Robinson’s heir). 2 CONT 2 CONT Further research is needed from the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, cited by Alic 2 CONC e Lambert as well as other records. These sources, may assert that the Robinsons of Lower No 2 CONC rfolk and Princess Anne Counties were “of the same family” as the Robinsons of Middlesex Coun 2 CONC ty. Based on this claim and above research, William (1) is considered the most probable husb 2 CONC and of Elizabeth (of Shadwell) and father to Capt. William (2) Robinson since his ancestry ca 2 CONC n support the claim that his descendants were related to the other famous Robinson family i 2 CONC n Virginia from Middlesex County. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2. Benjamin Robinson is said to be the husband of Elizabeth of Shadwell and the father of C 2 CONC aptain William (2) Robinson by Jennings Cropper Wise, author of Col. John Wise: His Ancestor 2 CONC s & Descendants. Wise cites no source for naming Benjamin Robinson as father of Capt. Willia 2 CONC m (2) Robinson. However, the Robinson-Wise family connection on Virginia’s Eastern Shore i 2 CONC s significant. We speculate Wise made this assertion on the basis of Northampton County reco 2 CONC rds which show Col. Tully (3) Robinson successfully challenged his aunt for the his right t 2 CONC o the inheritance of Benjamin (1) Robinson’s estate. Later in his book, while writing abou 2 CONC t a Wise descendant of Col. Tully Robinson, he also makes the assertion that “Col. Tully Robi 2 CONC nson’s father was Col. William Robinson, a Welshman, of Lower Norfolk County.” So, the credi 2 CONC bility of this source is difficult to ascertain. 2 CONT 2 CONT 3. Joseph Robinson is named father of Capt. William (2) Robinson in genealogy data compile 2 CONC d by the Mears Collection at the Eastern Shore of Virginia Library. A request for source dat 2 CONC a on this citation has not been received and no records of Joseph Robinsons have been locate 2 CONC d to confirm. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Recently, information collected by Charles W. Robinson (a Christopher Robinson descendant), w 2 CONC as analyzed and reviewed at the Rockefeller Library of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation 2 CONC . These records seem to indicate Charles W. Robinson has conducted much the same research a 2 CONC s current Robinson genealogists have undertaken-although Charles W. Robinson conducted his wo 2 CONC rk about 80 years in advance of our own researchers. He examined records at St. Helen’s Pari 2 CONC sh in London related to William R. Robinson, traveled to Cleasby, looked into a possible conn 2 CONC ection with a William Robinson merchant who owned the Rokeby plantation near Cleasby, and con 2 CONC ducted a detailed analysis of the family crests used by Bishop Robinson and William R. Robins 2 CONC on. While Charles Robinson apparently was not able to make any definitive connection betwee 2 CONC n the different Robinson branches, his research concerning the crests provides the best possi 2 CONC ble link for future genealogists to continue examining. If, for example, the Robinson cres 2 CONC t of William (1), Capt. William (2), Col. Tully (3), or any other Princess Anne County, Virgi 2 CONC nia Robinson matched either the William R. Robinson or the Bishop Robinson crests, then we mi 2 CONC ght be able to definitively prove the linage of our ancestors in England. 1 CHAN 2 DATE 28 Aug 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I2@ INDI 1 NAME Elizabeth /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Elizabeth 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE ABT 1617 2 PLAC Stepney Parish, Middlesex CO., London 1 DEAT 2 DATE BEF 29 Jun 1668 2 PLAC Northampton Co., VA 1 BURI 2 PLAC Lower Norfolk Co, ., VA 1 REFN of Shadwel 1 _UID 1AF5CDC18C04DA40AA1BD89EF159F17F3CE1 1 FAMS @F1@ 1 NOTE 1 NOTE Elizabeth of Shadwell, born in the Parish of Stepney. MiddlesexCounty, 2 CONT England, about 1617. According to a memo to Phillip JeffersonRobinson on 23 2 CONT March 1981 by Ancestry Research Associates the parish church ofStepney "is St. 2 CONT Dunstan in the East," which would be east ofLondon towardCanterbury. 2 CONT Elizabeth died about 1667. Will probated in Northampton CountyVirginia in 2 CONT 1668 and reads as follows: 2 CONT (The text of this will was copied from "Northampton CountyDeeds, Wills & C No 2 CONT 7, 8, 1655 - 1668" page 2 CONT 26 by Alice Kilpatrick Lambert, genealogist of Fairfax, VA. Thecopy was 2 CONT borrowed thru the State Archives of Virginia in Richmond. Somewriting is 2 CONT indecipherable and its interpretation is indicated by ?) 2 CONT "In the name of God this third day of december, Anno Dom ? 1667and in the 2 CONT nyneteenth years of the raigne of our Sovereign Lord Charles theSecond by ye 2 CONT Grace of God of England, Scotland, Ffranse and of Irelanddefender of ye fayth 2 CONT C s I Elizabeth Robinson of Shadwell in the parish ofStuebonhoeth 2 CONT (alias) Stepney in the County of Mid., ---- (this was end ofline in center 2 CONT of book & unreadable, AKL) Widdow Going ? att DE ? Sont inperfect health yet 2 CONT knowing ye f firalty C woakenoggr of all ffolk C ye scertaintyof death, but 2 CONT not by me or how and when, do declare frome I make this my lastwill and 2 CONT testament. In manner I forme following, (that is to say) firstI principally, 2 CONT I comitt my soule heavenly -- in Christian Burial, att yetdirection of my 2 CONT executer herein after named, imprimis, I do hereby give andbequeath unto my 2 CONT loving Sonne William Robinson one stone Ring and unto his wifeone black 2 CONT shi(?)ffr gowne and hayr cullored, (?) wttered (/) majhayard --- 2 CONT Item, I give and bequeath unto my Loving Sonne John Robinson onebroadclo 2 CONT pettescoatr and waytecoate two paire of sheets, a peuter winequart pott, and 2 CONT little peuter tankard, one peuter dish and one porranger and twosausers, an--- 2 CONT Item, I give and bequeath unto my Loveinge Son Benjamin Robinsonone ffeatrh 2 CONT Bed and Boulster, two pillowes, one Blankett, one Red Ringe andone 2 CONT ---tablecloth and six naplins marked ER-- 2 CONT Item, I give and bequeeth unto my Loveinge Grandson John Custisa red stone 2 CONT Ring. All ye residue surplusage and remainder of my goodswhatsoever I do 2 CONT herebygive and bequeath unto my Loveinge daughter Anna Robinsonand I do 2 CONT hereby make and appoint my sayd Loveinge daughter Anna Robinsonye sole 2 CONT executrix of this my last will and testament, hereby utterlyrenouncing ---- 2 CONT ye mark of 2 CONT (signed) Elizabeth ER Robinson 2 CONT her seale 2 CONT Robert Loggins (?) 2 CONT Samuel (?) Bellamy 2 CONT Harrah Greenleefe 2 CONT The last will and testament of Elizabeth Robinson deseased wasproved att a 2 CONT Court held in Northton County in Virginia ye 29th day of June1668 by ye 2 CONT corporall oathe of Jone Custis and Alisia Custis as on yet otherside is 2 CONT inserted and allowed and ordered to be recorded. The Lastwill and 2 CONT testament 2 CONT (signed ? Will Mollangr, Court North ton. 2 CONT We the Subscribers doe upon our Oath, declare that Mrs.Elizabeth Robinson 2 CONT deseased upon her siske bed declared thatthee within specifiedwill, was her 2 CONT one last Acte and Deede and that those goods bequeathed to herson William 2 CONT Robinson's wife who was then dead should belong to her daughterAnna Robinson, 2 CONT her executrix. 2 CONT Witnessed our hand this 29 June 1668 2 CONT JCustis 2 CONT Alisia Custis 2 CONT Sworne in open Court yet 29th of June 1669 tesste Will MollingerCt. Cur., 2 CONT Coun Northton 2 CONT Recorded yet Seconf of July 1668 by me Will, Mellinge C andCurl: Coun North 2 CONT ton." END OF TEXT 2 CONT Note: J Custis, the witness above, was the husband of Elizabethof Shadwell's 2 CONT daughter, Elizabeth, who 2 CONT haddied shortly after giving birth to John Cusstis (3). AlisiaCustis, the 2 CONT second witness, was the second wife of J Custis. 2 CONT Note that between the writing of this will on 3 Dec 1667 and itsproving in 2 CONT court on 29 June 1669, the wife of Elizabeth of Shadwell'soldest son, William 2 CONT (2) Robinson E llizabeth Tully Robinson, died. That which shewas to have 2 CONT received under the will was instead given in a sick bed wish toto ER's 2 CONT daughter Anna. 1 CHAN 2 DATE 20 Jan 2003 3 TIME 00:00:00 0 @I3@ INDI 1 NAME Elizabeth /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Elizabeth 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE ABT 1633 2 PLAC London 1 DEAT 2 DATE ABT 1654 2 PLAC Northampton Co., VA 1 BURI 2 PLAC Custis Plantatio, N 1 _UID 7B0EEF22C7199C4E9E24E422D7B2E2EA8199 1 FAMS @F3@ 1 FAMC @F1@ 1 NOTE 1 NOTE Elizabeth Robinson (Custis), oldest child of William (1) andElizabeth of 2 CONT Shadwell. B. about 1633 in St. Helen’s Parish. London. At about14 fled with 2 CONT family to Rotterdam. Married John Custis (2) in Rotterdam in1649. Emigrated 2 CONT to Northampton County Virginia with husband about 1650. Gavebirth to John 2 CONT Custis (3) in 1653. Died about 1654 and believed to have beenburied at Custis 2 CONT family plantation, Northampton County, Virginia. 1 CHAN 2 DATE 19 May 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I4@ INDI 1 NAME William /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN William 2 NPFX Captain 1 SEX M 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1634 2 PLAC London 1 DEAT 2 DATE 1695 2 PLAC Lower Norfolk Co, ., VA 1 BURI 2 PLAC Lynn Haven Paris, .VA 1 REFN 2 1 _UID 42FD7AB215DEAD499B254DF3CD33D38CB3E9 1 FAMS @F4@ 1 FAMC @F1@ 1 NOTE Biography of Capt. William (2) Robinson 2 CONT § Father of Col. Tully (3) Robinson, Elizabeth (3) Robinson Smith, and Mary (3) Robinson Thor 2 CONC oughgood 2 CONT § Husband to Elizabeth Tully (2) Robinson 2 CONT § Brother to Benjamin (1), John (1), and Anna (1) Robinson, and Elizabeth (1) Robinson Eyre C 2 CONC ustis 2 CONT 2 CONT World View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT We believe Captain William (2) and his older sister Elizabeth (2) Robinson Custis, lived thei 2 CONC r early years were in England and Rotterdam. Like their parents they were greatly concerne 2 CONC d with the English Civil War, which made them refugees far from home as they grew up. 2 CONT 2 CONT But the world was rapidly changing. Products from the New World became popular in Europe. C 2 CONC hocolate from Mexico, Tobacco from Virginia, and coffee from Brazil and Central America. B 2 CONC y the time Pocahontas the Native American princess died in England in 1620, Virginia tobacc 2 CONC o had become a cash crop. The first coffee shop to open in England came in 1632. The first co 2 CONC llege in an American English colony came in 1639 at Harvard. It would be another 50 years, ab 2 CONC out 1689, before Virginia got its first college at William and Mary. In 1677 something calle 2 CONC d ice cream was served in Paris, even back then Paris was a place where fashions were set. 2 CONT 2 CONT In 1654 a young prince was crowned King Louis XIV in the ancient cathedral of Rheims in Franc 2 CONC e. He would rule France for 72 years, become the envy of every king in Europe, build such mo 2 CONC numents to himself as the Palace of Versailles, which many of you have visited. Under Louis X 2 CONC IV and his successor Louis XV, France launched a series of world wars, sometimes with allies 2 CONC , sometimes without, but always opposed by England and whatever allies the London could enlis 2 CONC t. 2 CONT 2 CONT Meanwhile, in England itself, a dramatic event occurred in 1685. King Charles II, who had bee 2 CONC n ruling for 25 years, died. His brother, King James II, came to the throne. Unlike his bro 2 CONC ther, James held strong Roman Catholic views. Many Englishmen feared him. There was an upr 2 CONC ising called “the Glorious Revolution” by history books. Remembering how his ancestor Charle 2 CONC s I had lost his head, King James II decided it would be healthier to go live in France. The 2 CONC re Louis XIV extended the welcome mat. The English Parliament asked William III of Orange an 2 CONC d his wife, Mary, to come be their King and Queen. As the 17th Century closed, Virginia ha 2 CONC d a new capitol called Williamsburg. Jamestown was kaput. 2 CONT 2 CONT Robinson View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT Capt. William (2) Robinson, is one of the least known, yet prominent members of the Lower Nor 2 CONC folk County society in the last half of the 1600s. He appears to have wielded significant in 2 CONC fluence in political and social circles and was a contemporary of many of the most prominen 2 CONC t families of the area. In addition, by his death in 1695 he amassed more than 1,400 acres o 2 CONC f land in then Princess Anne and Norfolk Counties (the counties were subdivided out of Lowe 2 CONC r Norfolk County about 1691). 2 CONT 2 CONT Captain William (2) Robinson, believed to be the second child and oldest son of William (1) a 2 CONC nd Elizabeth (of Shadwell), was born about 1634 in St. Helen's Parish, London. We assume h 2 CONC e was educated in London schools and possibly immigrated with the family first to Rotterdam 2 CONC , and then about 1651 to Virginia. In April 1652 George Kemp who patented 400 acres in Lynnh 2 CONC aven Parish, Lower Norfolk County, VA, named him as a headwright. William (2)’s father was g 2 CONC ranted 500 acres on the Southern Branch or the Elizabeth River on March 10, 1652 that is beli 2 CONC eved to have served as a legacy to William (2) upon his father’s death. About 1657, Willia 2 CONC m (2) married Elizabeth Tully, a member of an Eastern Shore family located in Summerset Count 2 CONC y, Maryland and was commissioned as a colonial militia Captain in 1672 and recognized as a me 2 CONC mber of the local cavalry. 2 CONT 2 CONT As early as 1660 William (2) served as a court Commissioner and later became a magistrate i 2 CONC n Lower Norfolk County. No doubt he was involved in the development of the first Courthous 2 CONC e in Princess Anne County located on the Eastern Shore of the Lynnhaven River and also the No 2 CONC rfolk Courthouse built at about the same time in 1691 on the Elizabeth River. The Princess A 2 CONC nne County project had in fact been proposed by Argall Thoroughgood, Capt. William (2)’s son- 2 CONC in-law, who wanted to develop a town near the courthouse. Capt. William (2) served as one o 2 CONC f the first members of the new court in Norfolk. Some of the court cases Capt. William (2) a 2 CONC djudicated (usually as a panel judge) included: 2 CONT 2 CONT · June 15, 1675: Captain William (2) Robinson served as the presiding judge with four othe 2 CONC r justices sitting. The court heard a case involving Captain William Carver who had 10 year 2 CONC s previously held such offices as sheriff, surveyor, and member of the House of Burgesses bu 2 CONC t Governor William Berkley had suspended his commissions. In a deposition to the court Carve 2 CONC r pleaded the equivalent of not guilty by reason of insanity. He said that while “laboring un 2 CONC der an aberration of the mind,” he killed Thomas Gilbert, who was sitting next to him at dinn 2 CONC er, by stabbing him with a knife. When examined Carver deposed “that as for his part he knewe 2 CONC th nothing more than the child that is unborn, nor of any other action that day nor several d 2 CONC ays before or after.” Carver had sided with Nathaniel Bacon during Bacon’s Rebellion. The r 2 CONC ebellion was defeated and as Governor Berkley reminded the Court during Carver’s trial, Baco 2 CONC n “My honored friends by this time I presume (you) have heard of the death of that monstrou 2 CONC s rebel Bacon.” The Governor went on to say he hoped Norfolk County would return to its forme 2 CONC r quiet but that it would take six or seven years by god’s blessing that those whose propert 2 CONC y had been destroyed would recover. The Governor recommended to the 2 CONT Court that Carver’s lands (which were considerable) be confiscated to pay for the damages t 2 CONC o those who supported Berkley during the rebellion. The court granted petitions of members o 2 CONC f the militia who had sustained losses. 2 CONT 2 CONT § January 15, 1678: Captain William (2) Robinson served as a chief judge in a matter concer 2 CONC ning the petition and complaint of John Samon against Mrs. Thomas Cartwrite concerning the al 2 CONC leged death of Samon’s child by cause of witchcraft. A jury of women was ordered to conside 2 CONC r the allegations and facts involved. The jurors declared by oath that they had searched th 2 CONC e body of the defendant and found no suspicious marks whereby they could judge her to be a wi 2 CONC tch. Rather, the jurors found, she had on her body that which is usual to other women. Ther 2 CONC efore, Captain William Robinson and the other judges found for the defendant and acquitted he 2 CONC r of all allegations. 2 CONT 2 CONT § September 15, 1675: Captain William (2) Robinson presided at a court hearing in which a ma 2 CONC n named Edmonds “who pretends himself to be a papist priest and goeth by the name of Father E 2 CONC dmonds” was accused of recently marrying a couple in the county. The accused was ordered hel 2 CONC d until the next meeting of the court. Later in the same matter on November 16, 1687, the co 2 CONC urt decided to send the case to an ecclesiastical court. Further evidence of Roman Catholi 2 CONC c activity in the county came when “one Raymond, a papist priest” said in court that he inten 2 CONC ded to celebrate mass and other rites of “their church.” Father Raymond named several home 2 CONC s in which he would celebrate mass. 2 CONT 2 CONT Continuing his family’s interest and role in religious education, Capt. William (2) Robinso 2 CONC n was prominent in church affairs. He served as a vestryman for the Parish of Lynnhaven in 1 2 CONC 691 and was probably a founding member of the Second Lynnhaven Parish Church known as Old Don 2 CONC ation in 1694. “Old Donation began in 1640 as the mother church of Lynnhaven Parish. The ch 2 CONC urch moved to its current site in 1694 when changes in the channel forced the parish to aband 2 CONC on its location on the Lynnhaven River.” Nearly 30 years earlier in 1663, William (2) Robins 2 CONC on’s religious convictions were called into question when he and his wife, and presumed broth 2 CONC er, John Robinson, were fined 200 lbs of tobacco for attending a Quaker meeting at the home o 2 CONC f Mrs. Mary Emperour, wife of Capt. Francis Emperour, a master mariner and merchant and siste 2 CONC r of William (2) Robinson's wife, Elizabeth Tully (2) Robinson. 2 CONT 2 CONT In October 1680, the Norfolk County Court ordered Captain Robinson and Major Anthony Lawson t 2 CONC o be trustees for land on which the new city of Norfolk was to be laid out. Robinson and Law 2 CONC son purchased this 50 acres which is now located on Norfolk’s waterfront area. Their purchas 2 CONC e had in fact been authorized by the House of Burgesses as a means to promote the colony fo 2 CONC r expanded colonization. One historian describes the purpose of the legislation as “intende 2 CONC d to work wonders. Its scheme was to build a town in each of the 20 counties of the colony 2 CONC , and to equip them with storehouses and other facilities of trade, for the principal and spe 2 CONC cial object of increasing the price of tobacco. In a nutshell then, the real object sought i 2 CONC n the founding of Norfolk was to raise the price of tobacco.” By 1691 there were only five l 2 CONC ot owners in Norfolk including Peter Smith, William Porten, Mrs. Jane Sawcer, William Knott 2 CONC , and William Robinson. 2 CONT 2 CONT Captain William (2) Robinson amassed over 1,400 acres by his death in 1695 including: 2 CONT § 500 acres on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River near Pussell Point that he probabl 2 CONC y inherited from his father. 2 CONT § A 1682 patent on the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River (Fausett's Lone). 2 CONT § 350 acres going by the name Porters Ridge lying near the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth Ri 2 CONC ver. 2 CONT § 70 acres lying in Lynnhaven Parish that adjoins his old patented land (probably Porter’s Ri 2 CONC dge). 2 CONT § 350 acres of woodland lying near the head of the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River. 2 CONT § 200 acres purchased from John Tucker bounding on the land of Richard Church. 2 CONT § A waterfront lot in Norfolk. 2 CONT 2 CONT From 1685 to 1686, Captain William (2) Robinson served as a member of the House of Burgesses 2 CONC , the first popularly elected legislature in the New World, representing Lower Norfolk County 2 CONC . Later in 1695 he was elected again to serve in the House of Burgesses but he died before t 2 CONC aking office and a replacement was named. 2 CONT 2 CONT No known ancestral home or building exists today of the Robinson estate. By the time of hi 2 CONC s death the Princess Anne County population had begun to move “southward as the Eastern Branc 2 CONC h of the Elizabeth River was attracting influential and wealthy families such as the Walkes 2 CONC , the Kemps, the Moseleys, the Whitehursts and the Lawsons” as well as the Robinsons. Howeve 2 CONC r, we do learn much about the status of Captain William (2) Robinson in local society throug 2 CONC h the marriage of his two daughters. 2 CONT 2 CONT Mary (3) Robinson married into one of the most prominent families in Princess Anne County; he 2 CONC r husband, Argall Thoroughgood inherited his father’s plantation and by 1704 owned 1,000 acre 2 CONC s. Argall’s grandfather Adam Thoroughgood was one of the original patent holders for Lower N 2 CONC orfolk County. 2 CONT 2 CONT Elizabeth (3) Robinson married Dr. George Smyth/Smith a prominent member of Accomack County s 2 CONC ociety on the Virginia Eastern Shore. 2 CONT 2 CONT Captain William (2) Robinson’s will was dated April 16, 1695 and proven March 4, 1696. In hi 2 CONC s will he provided the following legacies: 2 CONT 2 CONT § A life estate of his plantation where he lived to his son Tully (3) Robinson with the remai 2 CONC nder going to his grandson William (4) Robinson (son of Tully (3) Robinson). It is presume 2 CONC d that this plantation was located on the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River in the Paris 2 CONC h of Lynnhaven (this is believed to have been a 500 acre plantation). 2 CONT § William (4) Robinson also inherited 200 acres of the Porters Ridge purchase. 2 CONT § William (4) Smith inherited 150 acres of the remaining Porters Ridge purchase. 2 CONT § Tully (3) Robinson inherited the lot in Norfolk along with the house. 2 CONT § William (4) Thoroughgood inherited 200 acres that had been purchased from John Tucker. 2 CONT § Elizabeth (3) and George Smith received a certain bequest including his gun. 2 CONT § Benjamin (2) Robinson received six large plate buttons for a coat. 2 CONT 2 CONT Additional research related to Captain William (2) Robinson needs to be done to determine hi 2 CONC s relationship with the Christopher Robinson family from Middlesex County. It is known tha 2 CONC t the two served in the House of Burgesses together but not much more is known about the rela 2 CONC tionship of the families. Also, not much is known about Capt William (2) Robinson’s educatio 2 CONC n or that of his children. Further research should be undertaken to determine what happene 2 CONC d to the land on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. 1 CHAN 2 DATE 28 Aug 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I5@ INDI 1 NAME John /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN John 1 SEX M 1 BIRT 2 DATE ABT 1644 2 PLAC Rotterdam, Netherlands ? 1 DEAT 2 DATE AFT 1667 2 PLAC Lower Norfolk Co, ., VA 1 _UID 599A234374619B46B188E3E4E266EA3172CB 1 FAMS @F5@ 1 FAMS @F6@ 1 FAMC @F1@ 1 NOTE 1 NOTE John Robinson, third child end 2nd son of William (1) andElizabeth of 2 CONT Shadwell. B. about 1644, possible in Rotterdam. Known to beliving in 1667/66. 2 CONT when mother's will was proved. Not otherwise identified inrecords. 1 CHAN 2 DATE 24 Jun 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I6@ INDI 1 NAME Benjamin /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Benjamin 1 SEX M 1 BIRT 2 DATE ABT 1645 2 PLAC Rotterdam, Netherlands 1 DEAT 2 DATE Dec 1712 2 PLAC Lower Norfolk Co, ., VA 1 _UID 76EA8A3A94B3DD4A98CC724172FAD5917BA7 1 FAMS @F7@ 1 FAMC @F1@ 1 NOTE 1 NOTE Benjamin Robi fourth child and 3rd son of William (1) and Eliz.of Shadwell. B 2 CONT about 1646, possibly in Rotterdam. D. Dec. 1712, NorthamptonCounty Virginia. 1 CHAN 2 DATE 19 May 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I7@ INDI 1 NAME Anne /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Anne 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE ABT 1646 2 PLAC Rotterdam, Netherlands 1 DEAT 2 DATE AFT 1667 2 PLAC Lower Norfolk Co, ., VA 1 _UID AE869D114DE151459644BCADC5B70833A0DC 1 FAMC @F1@ 1 NOTE 1 NOTE Ann (Anna) Robinson fifth child and 2nd daug- hter of Williamand lizaboth of 2 CONT Shadwell. Believed to have been born after 1647. Named executorof mother's 2 CONT will. 1 CHAN 2 DATE 22 Jun 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I8@ INDI 1 NAME Elizabeth /Tully/ 2 SURN Tully 2 GIVN Elizabeth 1 SEX F 1 _UID ED731E9F8A594844A7F30F511FD0F6A91410 1 FAMS @F4@ 1 NOTE Biography of Elizabeth Tully (2) Robinson 2 CONT § Mother of Col. Tully (3) Robinson, Elizabeth (3) Robinson Smith & Mary (3) Robinson Thorowg 2 CONC ood 2 CONT § Wife to Captain William (2) Robinson 2 CONT § Sister to Mary Tully Emperour 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Elizabeth Tully was born about 1638 and died about 1668. She was the sister of Mary (Tully 2 CONC ) Emperour. Mary Emperour was wife of Captain Francis Emperour, prominent mariner and well-k 2 CONC nown Quaker evangelist. Both Mary and Elizabeth named their oldest sons Tully. We believe t 2 CONC he Tully family lived on Eastern Shore and had previously lived in British West Indies or Bar 2 CONC bados before coming to Virginia. Sarah Emperour (believed to be the daughter of Mary Emperor 2 CONC ) witnessed the will of Captain William (2) Robinson dated 1695. 2 CONT 2 CONT Elizabeth Tully Robinson is said to have been alive on December 3, 1667 (Elizabeth was not na 2 CONC med in her mother-in-law’s will by name, but did receive a legacy of one black gown and othe 2 CONC r items. In presenting the will to the Northampton County Court on June 29, 2668 Mary Robins 2 CONC on’s son-in-law John Custis and Alisia Custis attested that Elizabeth Tully (2) Robinson ha 2 CONC d in fact predeceased her mother-in-law and it was the wish of Elizabeth Robinson that the sa 2 CONC id legacy directed to Elizabeth Tully (2) Robinson should belong to her daughter Anne (1) Rob 2 CONC inson instead. Will of Elizabeth (of Shadwell) Robinson dated December 3, 1667 published i 2 CONC n Northampton County, VA Deeds, Wills & C No. 7, 8 1655-1668 at page 26.)--and known to be de 2 CONC ceased by June 29, 1668--27 years before the death of her husband Capt. William Robinson (Abs 2 CONC tract of Will of Mary Emperour dated July 3, 1676 and recorded in A Brief Abstract of Lower N 2 CONC orfolk County and Norfolk County Wills, 1637-1710 by Charles Fleming (1914: MacIntosh) at pag 2 CONC e 48. Mary Emperour made no mention of her sister in her will but did provide a legacy to he 2 CONC r cousins (the three children of Elizabeth Tully (3) Robinson) Tully, Elizabeth & Mary Robins 2 CONC on). Whether she and any other Robinson children of this generation were victims of the “Th 2 CONC e Great Hurricane of 1667” is an unknown fact worthy of more research. 1 CHAN 2 DATE 28 Aug 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I9@ INDI 1 NAME Tully /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Tully 2 NPFX Col. 1 SEX M 1 BIRT 2 DATE 31 Aug 1658 2 PLAC Lower Norfolk Co, VA 1 DEAT 2 DATE 1724 1 _UID 8EB407BE4C9FE048B78D0F2689499C737476 1 FAMS @F9@ 1 FAMC @F4@ 1 NOTE Biography of Col. Tully (3) Robinson 2 CONT § Brother to Elizabeth (3) Robinson Smith & Mary (3) Robinson Thorowgood 2 CONT § Husband to Sarah West 2 CONT § Son to Capt. William (2) Robinson and Elizabeth (2) Tully 2 CONT § Nephew to General John Custis 2 CONT § Father to daughters Ann (4) Robinson Hancock, Mary (4) Robinson, West (4) Robinson Smith, S 2 CONC carbourgh (4) Robinson Wise, Sarah (4) Robinson Wise, Susanna (4) Robinson McClenahan, and El 2 CONC izabeth (4) Robinson Smith. 2 CONT § Father to son William (4) Robinson. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT World View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT The Principle Robinsons of Generation Three lived their lives during the last half of the 17t 2 CONC h Century and their mature years in the first quarter of the 18th Century. This was a happ 2 CONC y time to be an Englishman and living in Virginia. 2 CONT 2 CONT For one thing the security of the little string of English colonies clinging to the Atlanti 2 CONC c seaboard in America improved. With King Charles II on the throne the rivalry with the Dutc 2 CONC h in New York and the Swedes in Delaware ended. England took over these territories. Other E 2 CONC nglish colonies were created south of Virginia in the Carolinas and Georgia. 2 CONT 2 CONT Europe would find itself beset with enormous problems. Many cities were scourged by the plag 2 CONC ue. In 1669 in London alone 69,000 people died of the disease spread by fleas which bite rat 2 CONC s and humans alike. And wars between European nations broke out constantly, killing many mor 2 CONC e people. The so-called First Great Northern War came when Sweden and Russia went to war ove 2 CONC r Polish territory. As we’ve noted earlier England had its “Glorious Revolution” in 1688. T 2 CONC hat was all the excuse King Louis XIV in France needed. He declared war against England, th 2 CONC e first of a series pitting England and allies against the growing French power. At the daw 2 CONC n of the 18th Century, the Second Great Northern War began between Sweden and other Baltic na 2 CONC tions including Denmark and Russia. That one would last for more than 20 years.. 2 CONT 2 CONT A reason so many wars disrupted Europe’s 18th Century life `was because most Europeans were r 2 CONC uled by kings. What happens when a king dies and leaves no prince or princess to take his pl 2 CONC ace? Trouble! In those days the most important job a queen could perform was give birth t 2 CONC o a healthy baby to take the king’s place should he die. It was best in most countries if th 2 CONC e Queen’s baby were a boy, since it was usually easier to make a prince into a king than it w 2 CONC as to make a princess the supreme ruler. Despite this many successful Queens ruled great cou 2 CONC ntries in Europe, women like Elizabeth I and Queen Anne in England, Catherine the Great in R 2 CONC ussia, and Maria Theresia in Austria. But as Third Generation Robinsons looked about their wo 2 CONC rld they saw important thrones become vacant with no heir with a clear right. One of these v 2 CONC acancies occurred in Spain in 1701. The War of the Spanish Succession lasted for 13 years, wi 2 CONC th England, Austria, Prussia, and the Netherlands on one side and France and Spain on the oth 2 CONC er. 2 CONT 2 CONT When Europe finally gathered for a peace conference it was at a German city called Utrecht. T 2 CONC he leading diplomat at that conference for England was a John Robinson, believed to be a cous 2 CONC in of our Robinsons in Virginia. As a young man John Robinson learned to speak many language 2 CONC s and he must have been a skillful negotiator because England came away from the peace confer 2 CONC ence with many new possessions, including the great fortress at Gibraltar. The English crow 2 CONC n rewarded John Robinson by appointing him first Bishop of Bristol and later Bishop of Londo 2 CONC n. 2 CONT 2 CONT It was during these years that Scotland and England, long time rivals, were united as a singl 2 CONC e country calling itself Great Britain. It was also at this time, in 1709, that Russia, fo 2 CONC r the first time defeated a western power, turning back the invading Swedish army at Poltava 2 CONC . The victory seemed to foreshadow what would happen in later centuries when invading armie 2 CONC s led by Napoleon of France and Hitler of Germany would be turned back deep inside Russia. 2 CONT 2 CONT At the end of the Generation Three years two events should be mentioned, England’s long-tim 2 CONC e menace, Louis XIV, died in 1714. And in London a new drink became popular in British bars 2 CONC . It was called gin. 2 CONT 2 CONT Robinson View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT Colonel Tully (3) Robinson was born on August 31, 1658, the first child and oldest son of Cap 2 CONC tain William (2) and Elizabeth Tully Robinson, probably at the family plantation in Lower Nor 2 CONC folk County. However other sources have indicated that Tully (3) “Robinson is said to been b 2 CONC orn in Northampton County.” 2 CONT 2 CONT We speculate that Tully (3) lived in Princess Anne County until close to his father’s death i 2 CONC n 1695 as there are few records of his connections in Accomack County until after that event 2 CONC . While he received a life estate of his father’s land holdings in Princess Anne County, oth 2 CONC er records indicate little or no presence in Princess Anne County affairs after his father’ 2 CONC s death. So, the family property must have been managed from a distance. At one point he ev 2 CONC en granted a Power of Attorney to represent his interests in Norfolk and Princess Anne County 2 CONC . 2 CONT 2 CONT The earliest government record concerning Tully was when at age 18, in 1676, he witnessed a w 2 CONC ill in Lynnhaven Parish, Lower Norfolk County. Several years following this, about 1679, h 2 CONC e married Sarah West of a prominent Eastern Shore family. Tully (3)’s father-in-law had amas 2 CONC sed over 4000 acres by the time of his death in Accomack County alone making him probably o 2 CONC f the largest land owners on the Eastern Shore and in Virginia. Together Tully (3) and Sara 2 CONC h Robinson had seven daughters and one son. Three of the daughters married into the Smith fa 2 CONC mily including one marrying a first cousin. The Smiths became close allies of the Robinson f 2 CONC amily in Princess Anne County and then on the Eastern Shore. Another daughter married into t 2 CONC he Wise family of the Eastern Shore. 2 CONT 2 CONT “The intermarriages among the Wise, Custis, Littleton, Scarburgh, West, Robinson, and Dougla 2 CONC s families are so numerous that they are bewildering,” writes an Eastern Shore biographer. “ 2 CONC Indeed so closely related are many of these families through frequent intermarriages that i 2 CONC t is almost impossible to determine their exact relationships. In no section of the countr 2 CONC y is early kinship so involved as in Accomack and Northampton counties.” 2 CONT 2 CONT A Wise family biographer alleged that the name “Tully Robinson Wise” soon became one of the m 2 CONC ost prominent names of that family for many generations. One or two daughters also married i 2 CONC nto the McClenahan family of Princess Anne County, Virginia. So, while Tully (3) remained i 2 CONC n Accomack County on the Easterns Shore, it appears his children returned to his roots in Pri 2 CONC ncess Anne County and started their own families. Records show that all the branches of fami 2 CONC ly remained close for many generations and worked together. No doubt these connections helpe 2 CONC d to sustain the Robinsons influence in church and political affairs. 2 CONT Throughout much of 1676, when Tully was just 18 years old, Bacon's Rebellion probably consume 2 CONC d much of the Robinson family’s attention. As one review of the events declares: 2 CONT Bacon's Rebellion was probably one of the most confusing yet intriguing chapters in Jamestown 2 CONC 's history. For many years, historians considered the Virginia Rebellion of 1676 to be the fi 2 CONC rst stirring of revolutionary sentiment in America, which culminated in the American Revoluti 2 CONC on almost exactly one hundred years later. However, in the past few decades, based on finding 2 CONC s from a more distant viewpoint, historians have come to understand Bacon's Rebellion as a po 2 CONC wer struggle between two stubborn, selfish leaders rather than a glorious fight against tyran 2 CONC ny. The central figures in Bacon's Rebellion were opposites. Governor Sir William Berkeley 2 CONC , seventy when the crisis began, was a veteran of the English Civil Wars, a frontier Indian f 2 CONC ighter, a King's favorite in his first term as Governor in the 1640's, and a playwright and s 2 CONC cholar. His name and reputation as Governor of Virginia were well respected. Berkeley's antag 2 CONC onist, young Nathaniel Bacon, Jr., was actually Berkeley's cousin by marriage…Bacon's Rebelli 2 CONC on can be attributed to a myriad of causes, all of which led to dissent in the Virginia colon 2 CONC y. Economic problems, such as declining tobacco prices, growing commercial competition from M 2 CONC aryland and the Carolinas, an increasingly restricted English market, and the rising prices f 2 CONC rom English manufactured goods (mercantilism) caused problems for the Virginians. There wer 2 CONC e heavy English losses in the latest series of naval wars with the Dutch and, closer to home 2 CONC , there were many problems caused by weather. Hailstorms, floods, dry spells, and hurricane 2 CONC s rocked the colony all in the course of a year and had a damaging effect on the colonists. T 2 CONC hese difficulties encouraged the colonists to find a scapegoat against whom they could vent t 2 CONC heir frustrations and place the blame for their misfortunes. 2 CONT Escaping the Bacon rebels in Jamestown where the rebels had burned the town, Governor Berkele 2 CONC y sought refuge from the rebels at the Custis Plantation Arlington in Accomack County acros 2 CONC s the Chesapeake Bay and home to many loyal families. Because of past Custis-Robinson ties w 2 CONC e assume Captain William (2) Robinson and Tully (3) would have stood by Governor Berkeley i 2 CONC n this contest. It has been noted that the Robinsons were “Royalist leaders of Accomack an 2 CONC d Northampton…[and] were Cavaliers, not only by sympathy, but by blood.” 2 CONT 2 CONT Tully was probably educated in Lower Norfolk County and studied law under his father or his f 2 CONC ather’s colleagues on the Lower Norfolk County Court. In 1697 records show Tully (3) becam 2 CONC e a member of the Accomack County court and began the practice of law. In 1699 and in 1702 2 CONC , like his father before him, he served as a member of the House of Burgesses. Representin 2 CONC g Accomack County in both instances, Tully (3) was present when “the General Assembly of Virg 2 CONC inia established the City of Williamsburg as the colony's capital. The new city, formerly kno 2 CONC wn as Middle Plantation, was named in honor of King William III, and home to the College of W 2 CONC illiam and Mary. In 1722, George I granted a royal charter incorporating the City of William 2 CONC sburg after the fashion of the English municipal borough.” 2 CONT 2 CONT Tully (3)’s political career and influence continued until his death. He served in 1710 an 2 CONC d 1711 as the Accomack County Sheriff and County Coroner in 1714. Later he represented Accom 2 CONC ack County again in the House of Burgesses in 1718, 1722, and 1723. In addition, he served a 2 CONC s “a vestryman of St. George’s Church, Pungoteague; and [was] prominent for many years in th 2 CONC e social and official life of Accomack.” 2 CONT 2 CONT Further research is needed to determine if Tully (3) accompanied Governor Spotswood and the “ 2 CONC Knights of the Golden Horse-shoe” on the famous 1716 expedition to cross the BlueRidge and ex 2 CONC plore Shenandoah Valley. Other research should be undertaken to understand his militia caree 2 CONC r and how he earned his commissions. 2 CONT 2 CONT As an attorney and magistrate, Tully (3) was involved in many cases over the course of his ca 2 CONC reer including the following sample: 2 CONT 2 CONT § December 6, 1705: “At a Court held & continued by her Majesties Justices of Peace for ye C 2 CONC ounty of Accomack December ye 6th 1705. Present Coll Edm'd. Scarbugh, Lt. Coll. Tully Robins 2 CONC on, Capt. Geo. Parker, Capt. Jno. Bradhurst, Mr. Robt. Hutchinson. Whereas John Warrington br 2 CONC ought accon of ye case to this Court agst. John Leatherbury and declares for three thousand p 2 CONC ounds of tobacco damage and he failing to appear after proclamacon made according to law & y 2 CONC e Sheriff returned George Parker of Matoonkin security. it is therefore ordered that in cas 2 CONC e of a nidicter ..hil next Cort of ye sd John Leatherbury that then ye sd Geo. Parker as bail 2 CONC e stand & abide ye award ye Cort.” 2 CONT § February 7, 1705: “At a Court held & continued for Accomack County by her Maj'ties Justice 2 CONC s of ye Peace for ye sd. County February ye 7th 1705. Present Coll. Wm. Custis, Coll. Tull 2 CONC y Robinson, Capt. Geo. Parker, Capt. Jno. Bradhurst, Mr. Robt. Hutchinson. Whereas John Warri 2 CONC ngton brought accon of ye case to ye last Crt. agst. John Leatherbury ye accon being called y 2 CONC e Plaintiff & Defendant appearing ye defend't. caused a reference to this Court & this Cour 2 CONC t ye accon being called ye plaintiff & defendant appearing ye declaracon being read ye defend 2 CONC ant by his attorney put in a plea in wrighting (sic) for plea saith he is misnamed both in y 2 CONC e writt and declaration & therefore prayes that ye accon may abate & that he may suffer nonsu 2 CONC it ye plaintiff demurred to his plea & sd. it was not suffecient to a case ye accon. Ye Cour 2 CONC t thought ye plea not suffecient to a case ye accon and so overruled the same which being ove 2 CONC rruled & it is ordered that they plead over ye defendant put in his plea in wrighting and fo 2 CONC r plea say not guilty and put himself upon ye Cuntry & ye plaintiff in like manner and jury b 2 CONC eing called and sworn to try ye matter of fact whose names are as followeth; John West forema 2 CONC n, Anthony West, John West Junr., Sabastian Cropper, Henry Bagwell, John Stanton, William Wil 2 CONC let, Simon Michael, Thomas Bonwell, John Abbott, Mark Ewell, Henry Read. & ye evidences & all 2 CONC egations on both sides being heard as well on ye plaintiffs behalfe as ye defendants in ye pr 2 CONC esents of the Cort and Jury & ye Cort charged ye Jury therewith and they returned there verdi 2 CONC ct in these words. We of the Jury do find for ye plaintiff five pcts. of tobacco damage & y 2 CONC e plaintiff prayed that ye Jury's verdict be confirmed. Ye Cort do confirm ye Jury's verdic 2 CONC t and order ye defendant; farther with pay to ye plaintiff one thousand foot of half inch, fi 2 CONC ve hundred foot of inch pine plank as is set forth in ye declaration and five pounds of tobac 2 CONC co damage with cost of suit alias Execucion.” 2 CONT § February 1, 1706: “At a court held for Accomack County Febr. ye first 1706. Present his M 2 CONC ajesty's Justices of the Peace Lt. Coll. Tully Robinson, Maj. Bennett Scarbough. Mr. Tobert H 2 CONC utchinson, Mr. John Wise. This day William Warrington and Thomas Warrington presented to th 2 CONC e court the Last Will and Testament of Stephen Warrington, deceased, for probation, they bein 2 CONC g executors, which was proven in open court by the oaths of John Stanton and Thomas Dolby (Au 2 CONC thor's note; the Will reflected witness Thomas Roby,) which was by the court allowed for suff 2 CONC ecient profe and ordered to be put upon record.” 2 CONT § April 1, 1718: “At a Court held for Accomack County by his Maj'ties Justices of ye Peace f 2 CONC or ye sd. County April ye 1st 1718. Present Coll. Tully Robinson, Maj'r Geo. Parker, Mr. Wil 2 CONC liam Burton, Mr. Edm'd. Scarbugh, Mr. Jno. Teackle. 2 CONT § October 8, 1718: “At a Cort held and continued for Accomack County by his Maj'ties Justice 2 CONC s of ye Peace for ye sd County October ye 8th 1718. Present Coll. Tully Robinson, Maj'r Geo 2 CONC . Parker, Mr. Hancock Custis, Mr. Wm. Burton, Mr. Edm'd. Scarbugh, Mr. Jno. Teackle. This da 2 CONC y Walter Warrington petitioned the Cort for his attendance as an evidence for Thomas Onions i 2 CONC n an accon defending this Cort whereas ye sd. Onions is pltt. & Ralph Justice, John Justic 2 CONC e & Abbott Justice is defd'ts. he having made oath yt. he attended six days thereon ye Cort d 2 CONC oe thereupon order ye Thomas Onions deft. forthwith pay to ye sd. Walter Warrington ye sum o 2 CONC f two hundred & twenty four pds. of Tobo. with cost alias Execucon.” 2 CONT § July 4, 1721: “At a court held for Accomack County by his Majesties Justices of the Peac 2 CONC e for the said County, July ye 4th 1721. Present Coll, Tully Robinson, Coll. Henry Scarbugh 2 CONC , Mr. William Burton, Capt. Richard Drummond.” 2 CONT 2 CONT Like his father, Tully Robinson amassed significant land holdings in his lifetime (although h 2 CONC is interests in many of them were limited in several instances to mere life estates) includin 2 CONC g: 2 CONT 2 CONT § Tully (3) inherited his father’s lot in Norfolk. 2 CONT § Tully (3) inherited a life estate of his father’s plantation with the remainder going to Wi 2 CONC lliam (4)--Tully (3)’s only son. It is presumed that this plantation was located on the East 2 CONC ern Branch of the Elizabeth River in the Parish of Lynnhaven and equaled about 500 acres. 2 CONT § On November 4, 1685 Frances Lord Howard patented Tully (3) 100 acres lying on the south sid 2 CONC e of the eastern branch of the Elizabeth River, Lynhaven Parish in County of Lower Norfolk ne 2 CONC ar Nichols Land, bounding on the Emperers, Sovels Creek, and Sousies patent (the patent was f 2 CONC or transporting two persons to colony). This land was later part of the County of Norfolk wh 2 CONC en Princess Anne and Norfolk Counties were created out of the former Lower Norfolk County. T 2 CONC ully sold this land for 25 pounds to John Hopkins on December 24, 1702. 2 CONT § By 1704 Tully (3) had amassed 600 acres in Accomack County, VA. It is believed that this p 2 CONC lantation is probably the same 600 acre life estate Tully’s wife Sarah inherited from her fat 2 CONC her the previous year. In John West’s will he provided a legacy of the “planta. at Onancoc 2 CONC k called ye Folly.” 2 CONT § On May 1, 1706, along with his brother-in-law Jonathan West, Tully (3) Robinson was patente 2 CONC d 500 acres on Pumeno Island. 2 CONT § In 1715 Tully (3)’s uncle, Benjamin Robinson, died and left a legacy of 250 acres in Northa 2 CONC mpton County to his wife Elizabeth. Tully (3) contested the will and was apprantly awarded 1 2 CONC 00 acres of the legacy by the court. 2 CONT § On June 16, 1714 a “William Tully Robinson” was patented 350 acres from the head of the Eas 2 CONC tern Branch of the Elizabeth River towards the North River in Lynnhaven Parish. It is believ 2 CONC ed that this patent was actually intended for William (4) Robinson who would have then been a 2 CONC bout 25 years old. However, this is the only known record indicating his middle name might h 2 CONC ave been “Tully.” In any event the land conveyed in the patent was apparently never accepte 2 CONC d and more than a decade later was reissued to Richard Corbett on August 17, 1727. 2 CONT 2 CONT Tully (3) died November 12, 1723, and was buried in a family plot near Onancock on a plantati 2 CONC on known today as Poulson Place (believed to have been the former Ye Folly plantation. His w 2 CONC ill, written 11 days before his death, was proved August 5, 1724. 2 CONT The beneficiaries of his will included:Jacob Spires, John Williams, youngest daughter Ann Rob 2 CONC inson, daughter Mary Robinson, son William Robinson, daughter West Smith, daughter Scarbourg 2 CONC h Wise, daughter Sarah Wise, daughter Sarah Smith, daughter Susanna McClenahan, daughter Eliz 2 CONC abeth Smith and her husband John Smith, and William Robinson Smith (son of Elizabeth and Joh 2 CONC n Smith). Tully (3)’s tombstone at Poulson Place in Onancock reads: 2 CONT 2 CONT Coll Tully Robinsonm 2 CONT Late of Accomack County, VA, who was 2 CONT Born August 31st 1658, and departed November 12, 1723, 2 CONT Age 65 years and twenty 2 CONT --- days, A gentleman honourable, an 2 CONT Ornament to all plancs. He 2 CONT Was loyall to his prince, 2 CONT Unshaken to his friend, and 2 CONT A true believer in the Church 2 CONT of England. 2 CONT 2 CONT Additional research needs to be undertaken to: 2 CONT 2 CONT 1. Understand the issues Tully confronted as a member of the House of Burgesses. 2 CONT 2. Determine if Tully had any other sons that were not named in his will. There are severa 2 CONC l branches of other Robinson families that appear to live close to Tully’s decedents but no l 2 CONC ink has been found to prove a connection. Old parish records on the Eastern Shore might prov 2 CONC ide some clues in this regard. 2 CONT 3. To the extent possible, what education services were provided to Tully’s children? His on 2 CONC ly son William Robinson does not appear to have become active in the political and communit 2 CONC y affairs for another decade after his father’s death. Why is this so? 1 CHAN 2 DATE 28 Aug 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I10@ INDI 1 NAME Elizabeth /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Elizabeth 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE bef. 1668 1 _UID 55A07C41049D394AB65D1101EF748441238F 1 FAMS @F10@ 1 FAMC @F4@ 1 CHAN 2 DATE 18 Jun 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I11@ INDI 1 NAME Mary /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Mary 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1662 2 PLAC Lower Norfolk Co, VA 1 _UID D019592009A8344DAC0A801A50D500ABB4E8 1 FAMS @F11@ 1 FAMC @F4@ 1 CHAN 2 DATE 9 Sep 2002 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I12@ INDI 1 NAME Sarah /West/ 2 SURN West 2 GIVN Sarah 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1665 2 PLAC Accomack CO VA 1 DEAT 2 DATE AFT 1724 2 PLAC Accomack CO VA 1 _UID A4CC5C8A4F192641BC30F76493EE021807EA 1 FAMS @F9@ 1 CHAN 2 DATE 19 May 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I13@ INDI 1 NAME West /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN West 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1681 2 PLAC Accomack Co., VA 1 DEAT 2 DATE AFT 1739 1 _UID 4B60B5F7CF2EFC429893F4CA58E47D76AA84 1 FAMS @F13@ 1 FAMC @F9@ 1 CHAN 2 DATE 5 Jan 2003 3 TIME 00:00:00 0 @I14@ INDI 1 NAME Elizabeth /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Elizabeth 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE 25 Aug 1689 2 PLAC Accomack Co., VA 1 DEAT 2 DATE 15 Dec 1759 2 PLAC Accomack Co., VA 1 _UID 6848FCDA5CD6CC4A8DEB4C864625913C50C6 1 FAMS @F14@ 1 FAMC @F9@ 1 CHAN 2 DATE 29 Dec 2002 3 TIME 00:00:00 0 @I15@ INDI 1 NAME Scarbourgh /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Scarbourgh 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE 23 Apr 1691 1 DEAT 2 DATE 29 Jan 1770 2 PLAC Accomack County, VA 1 BURI 2 PLAC Wise Cem, Accomack County 1 _UID 56E1D5C820AF0E4CAC52DF779E9FA692C6F8 1 FAMS @F15@ 1 FAMC @F9@ 1 CHAN 2 DATE 19 May 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I16@ INDI 1 NAME Sarah /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Sarah 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE aft. 1703 2 PLAC Accomack County, VA 1 DEAT 2 DATE abt. 1746 2 PLAC Princess Anne County 1 _UID C940E74CD270DD4684DFF9C07DFCDD5B6E5A 1 FAMS @F16@ 1 FAMS @F17@ 1 FAMC @F9@ 1 CHAN 2 DATE 19 May 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I17@ INDI 1 NAME Susanna /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Susanna 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1687 1 DEAT 2 DATE aft. 1746 1 _UID 7EEE84A3174F6140A6D9B846951D299F913D 1 FAMS @F18@ 1 FAMC @F9@ 1 NOTE 1 NOTE She was the god daughter was John West, the elder son of Col.John West.http://www.gs 2 CONC bgrafx.com/westfamilyweb/west/will15.html 1 CHAN 2 DATE 19 May 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I18@ INDI 1 NAME William /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN William 2 NPFX Sheriff 1 SEX M 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1688 2 PLAC Lower Norfolk Co, VA 1 DEAT 2 DATE 1740 2 PLAC Pincess Anne Co., VA 1 REFN 4 1 _UID 1A8E5CA28162FE4898E9A9E0DC95CB869BAA 1 FAMS @F19@ 1 FAMC @F9@ 1 NOTE Biography of Sheriff William (4) Robinson 2 CONT § Son to Col. Tully (3) and Sarah West Robinson 2 CONT § Brother to seven sisters: Ann (4) Robinson Hancock, Mary (4) Robinson, West (4) Robinson Sm 2 CONC ith, Scarbourgh (4) Robinson Wise, Sarah (4) Robinson Wise, Susanna (4) Robinson McClenahan 2 CONC , and Elizabeth (4) Robinson Smith. 2 CONT § Father to son William (5), Tully (5) Sarah (5), Mary (5) & Ann (5) Robinson. 2 CONT 2 CONT World View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT If he read newspapers from London, Sheriff William (4) Robinson might have learned in 1712 th 2 CONC at a woman was tried for witchcraft in England that year. She was found guilty and executed 2 CONC . Sheriff William could not have known it at the time but this would be the last woman to b 2 CONC e executed as a witch in England. 2 CONT 2 CONT There were fewer wars in Europe during generation four, but that does not mean there was no w 2 CONC ar. Remember at the Peace of Utrecht in 1713 that England got Gibraltar. But the Spanish ke 2 CONC pt trying to get it back. The Spanish army laid siege to the rock, hoping to starve he Briti 2 CONC sh out. It went on for 14 months. Finally in 1727 the Spanish gave up and lifted the siege 2 CONC . As you know, Britain still holds Gibraltar today, 276 years later. But according to a rece 2 CONC nt newspaper story London and Madrid are negotiating the possible return of Gibraltar to Spai 2 CONC n. 2 CONT 2 CONT In these early decades of the 18th Century some important historical names were being born 2 CONC . In Northumberland County Virginia, George Washington arrived in 1732. That would make ou 2 CONC r cousin George about 12 years younger than William (4) Robinson. Three years after George W 2 CONC ashington was born, John Adams arrived in Massachusetts. And three years after Adams, a prin 2 CONC ce was born in England who would grow up to be King George III. Last weekend a young man fro 2 CONC m Ohio won the British Open Golf championship. You might like to know that the Royal Golfin 2 CONC g Society was founded in Scotland in 1735. Of course golf had been around in Scotland for mo 2 CONC re than a hundred years by the time the Society was organized. 2 CONT 2 CONT 1740 another of those nasty Wars if Succession broke out in Europe. This was the so-called W 2 CONC ar of the Austrian Succession. France, Prussia, Sardinia, and Spain were on one side. Austr 2 CONC ia and England were on the other. The struggle would last for eight years. 2 CONT 2 CONT Robinson View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT Of all the early Robinson generations the least amount of information is known about Willia 2 CONC m (4) Robinson. Like his father and grandfather before him, little or no records exist indic 2 CONC ating what he did prior to his father’s death. The researcher is left to conclude that Willi 2 CONC am (4) probably managed the family business while his father served as the ceremonial head o 2 CONC f the family in political and community affairs. In the alternative it is possible that Will 2 CONC iam (4) returned to England and completed his studies and therefore was not available to part 2 CONC icipate in Virginia events and activities. 2 CONT 2 CONT Nothing is known about William (4)’s wife. The records seem to indicate that she probably di 2 CONC ed very young and William (4)’s sister, Mary (4), played a significant role in raising the ch 2 CONC ildren. In his will, William (4) made detailed provisions to ensure for the care of his sist 2 CONC er that he appears to sincerely want to repay her for years of service for him and his childr 2 CONC en. Mary (4)’s will seems to support this conclusion as in it she leaves a legacy to her “da 2 CONC ughter” Elizabeth McClenhan. 2 CONT 2 CONT We know William (4) was alive at the death of his grandfather, Capt. William (2) Robinson i 2 CONC n 1695 because he was a named beneficiary in the will. But we speculate he was only about se 2 CONC ven years of age at the time, as his sisters all seemed to marry well before he did. The fir 2 CONC st record known to reference William (4) occurred on June 16, 1714 when a William Tully Robin 2 CONC son was patented 350 acresfrom the head of the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River toward 2 CONC s the North River in Lynnhaven Parish. It is believed that this patent was actually intende 2 CONC d for William (4) Robinson who would have then been about 25 years old. However, this is th 2 CONC e only known record indicating his middle name might have been ‘Tully.’ In any event the lan 2 CONC d conveyed in the patent was apparently never accepted and more than a decade later was reiss 2 CONC ued to Richard Corbett on August 17, 1727. 2 CONT 2 CONT The year after the death of his father, in 1724, William (4) began a series of land purchase 2 CONC s that collectively totaled over 1,000 acres by his death. In addition to what he inherited 2 CONC , William (4) owned more than 1,300 acres spread throughout Princess Anne and Norfolk Countie 2 CONC s at his death. We can assume from this quantity that William (4) was a successful farmer an 2 CONC d businessperson. Many of the properties he maintained and purchased, continued in the famil 2 CONC y’s hands for over a 100 years after his life. By the time of his death he had participate 2 CONC d in the following land transactions: 2 CONT 2 CONT · November 12, 1723: William (4) inherited the tail of his father’s life estate in the 200 a 2 CONC cres known as Porter’s Ridge as described in Captain William (2)’s will. He also inherited t 2 CONC he family lot in Norfolk from his father Col. Tully (3). 2 CONT 2 CONT · May 19, 1724: William (4) purchased 200 acres of land in southern Princess Anne County com 2 CONC monly known as Little Island. This area is known as Sandbridge today and until the 1960s rem 2 CONC ained largely undeveloped. The Sandribdge name was derived from the narrow sliver of land i 2 CONC t is situated on that protects the Back Bay area from the encroachment of the sea. 2 CONT 2 CONT · 1729: William (4) sold 150 acres to Stratton Burton in Accomack County. 2 CONT 2 CONT · 1730s: William (4) purchased 200 acres on the Eastern Shore (of probably the Eastern Branc 2 CONC h of the Lynnhaven River). This purchase could have been from his brother-in-law who marrie 2 CONC d his sister Anna. 2 CONT 2 CONT · 1730s: William (4) also purchased a track of land from an Unknown Williams in the 1730s. 2 CONT 2 CONT · April 4, 1727: William (4) purchased 30 acres of Marsh land near Long Island bounded by Ba 2 CONC ck Bay and adjoining property of David McClenhan line, Henry Moorsi, William Cox, and John Bo 2 CONC nney. 2 CONT 2 CONT · April 16, 1737: William (4) purchased 346 acres of marsh land on Long Island in the middl 2 CONC e of Back Bay. At the time the property began at Malbone’s Creek and adjoined the property o 2 CONC f John Bonney. 2 CONT 2 CONT · October 1, 1740: Recorded as a codicle to his will, William (4) had purchased shortly befo 2 CONC re his death 250 acres of plantation land near London Bridge. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Beginning in the 1730s we begin to see William (4) very active in local Princess Anne Count 2 CONC y records. There is no known mention of him in Accomack so we assume he returned to Princes 2 CONC s Anne County following the death of his father. It is known that he had several sisters liv 2 CONC ing in Princess Anne County at the time as well. 2 CONT 2 CONT William (4) continued to build the family’s legal library and was involved in judicial matter 2 CONC s. Although not many records are known, we based this conclusion on the fact that he: 2 CONT 2 CONT § Served on a Grand Jury on December 3, 1725. 2 CONT § In 1735 William (4) served as a Justice of Peace in Princess Anne County. 2 CONT § Again in 1735, William (4) made a presentment against Andrew Lee for not coming to church 2 CONC . Lee had testified that he was a Roman Catholic. The case ultimately was dismissed. 2 CONT § He also was referred to as Sheriff in 1737 and 1739. 2 CONT § He served as a “gentleman justice” on October 1, 1740 (11 days before he wrote his own will 2 CONC ) when the last will and testament of Princess Anne County’s most famous witch, Grace Sherwoo 2 CONC d, was presented to the Princess Anne County Court by the executor of her estate. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT As Sheriff of Princess Anne County, William (4) probably was involved in the one of the firs 2 CONC t attempts by the county slaves to seek their freedom. The record of this event from Spetemb 2 CONC er 14, 1736 in Governor Gooch’s report to the British Public Records Office states: 2 CONT 2 CONT The Negroes in the countys of Norfolk and Princess Anne had the boldness to assemble on a Sun 2 CONC day while the people were at church, and to choose among themselves officers to command the 2 CONC m in their intended insurrection, which was to have been put in execution vary soon after; Bu 2 CONC t this meeting being happily discovered…the whole plot was detected, for which the major par 2 CONC t of them were severely punished…I have ordered the Militia to provide twice or thrice in a w 2 CONC eek, to prevent all night meetings, and every man to bring his arms to church on Sundays an 2 CONC d Holidays, lest they be seized by others. 2 CONT 2 CONT All citizens were required to attend church every Sunday. For William (4) and his family, w 2 CONC e suspect they had moved to the very southern part of Princess Anne County by this time, so t 2 CONC he trip to church must have been difficult. To help matters the vestry established a seatin 2 CONC g chart so families, like the Robinsons, would have a place to sit after the long journey. O 2 CONC n July 10, 1736 at a vestry meeting, the following record describes this predicament: 2 CONT 2 CONT On the motion of mr: William Robinson Liberty is given him to build a hanging Pew on the Nort 2 CONC h Side of the new Church and in case the family of Moseleys who have had the first liberty re 2 CONC fuse to accept thereof, then the said Robinson to have liberty of building the first Pew as a 2 CONC foresaid not obstructing the light of the windows. 2 CONT 2 CONT No known building or home of William (4) Robinson exists today. Although we may get an ide 2 CONC a of the type of home he owned by those owned by his contemporaries in Princess Anne County 2 CONC . For example, “Francis Thelaball II built his house with its massive chimneys in 1725. Typi 2 CONC cal of early colonial planters' homes, the [Thelaball] House features a hall-parlor plan wit 2 CONC h molded ceiling joists and a closed string Jacobean-type stair. Furnishings reflect the earl 2 CONC y eighteenth century.” Another historic property representative of William (4)’s period in P 2 CONC rincess Anne County is the Francis Land House that was built by the third Francis Land in 173 2 CONC 2. Exhibits, period furnishings, and gardens are all a part of this 18th-century plantatio 2 CONC n home. 2 CONT 2 CONT William (4) provided the following legacies in his will, dated October 11, 1740 and recorde 2 CONC d in March 1741: 2 CONT 2 CONT · Tully (5) received the plantation where William (4) lived at the time of the writing of hi 2 CONC s will. 2 CONT · Tully (5) received the 200 acres commonly known as Little Island. 2 CONT · Tully (5) and William (5) each received half of the 200 acres commonly called Porter’s Ridg 2 CONC e which descended from Capt. William (2) Robinson. If either of them sold their half of th 2 CONC e property, the other brother would have a right of first refusal for the sale. 2 CONT · Tully (5) received 50 pounds. 2 CONT · William (5) received 200 acres of plantation land William (4) had purchased from John Hanco 2 CONC ck on the Eastern Shore of the Lynnhaven River. This clause in the will indicated William (5 2 CONC ) was not yet 21 at the time the will was written. 2 CONT · William (5) received all of William (4)’s land left remaining in Norfolk Borough adjoinin 2 CONC g Col Samuel Boushe’s land. 2 CONT · William (5) received all of the Long Island parcel containing an estimated 376 acres. 2 CONT · William (5) received four hundred pounds current money. 2 CONT · The residual of William (4)’s estate was to be divided equally between Tully (5) and Willia 2 CONC m (5) as soon as William (5) turned 21. 2 CONT · William (4) expressed his desire that all the stock, slaves, cattle, sheep, etc. remain a 2 CONC t their present locations. 2 CONT · In the event that his sons died unmarried and without heirs, William (4) stipulated that hi 2 CONC s estate should be divided among his sisters Mary Robinson, Sarah Smith, and Annie Hancock. 2 CONT · Mary (4) Robinson was to be paid 12 pounds yearly by the estate or Tully (5)’s portion of t 2 CONC he estate provided she remained unmarried and lived with Tully (5). But if she chose not t 2 CONC o live with Tully (5), William (4)’s will directed Tully (5) to build his aunt a, 18’ squar 2 CONC e house with one outside chimney on the land of Thomas Whitehurst. In the former situation M 2 CONC ary (4) was supposed to receive an annual annuity of 5 pounds. 2 CONT 2 CONT William (5), Tully (5) & Mary (4) were to serve as co-executors of the estate. William (4)’ 2 CONC s good friends, Alexander Campbell, Edward Hack Mosley, John Nicholas & William Nimmo were t 2 CONC o act as trustees. 2 CONT 2 CONT In a codicil to his will dated January 4, 1740 (sic) William (4) provided these additional le 2 CONC gacies: 2 CONT 2 CONT § William (5) was to receive 250 acres lying near the London Bridge River. 2 CONT § William (5)’s inheritance of 400 pounds was also reduced to 330 pounds. Presumably this am 2 CONC ount was reduced to equal the value of the London Bridge purchase. 2 CONT 2 CONT The witnesses to William (4)’s will included his probable brother-in-law, William Hancock (ma 2 CONC rried to his sister Ann (4)) and probable distant cousin Emperor Mosley (believed to descen 2 CONC d from Mary Tully Emperor). 2 CONT 2 CONT More research needs to be undertaken for William (4) to learn: 2 CONT 2 CONT 1. Where did her receive his schooling? 2 CONT 2. Who was his wife? What happened to her? 2 CONT 3. What did William (4) do between the period of his grandfather’s death and his father’s dea 2 CONC th (1695 to 1725)? 1 CHAN 2 DATE 28 Aug 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I19@ INDI 1 NAME Mary /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Mary 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1690 1 DEAT 2 DATE 9 Jan 1741 1 _UID E04EE73018BB564985A9438D2F497157F5A4 1 FAMS @F20@ 1 FAMC @F9@ 1 CHAN 2 DATE 9 Sep 2002 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I20@ INDI 1 NAME Ann (Anna) /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Ann (Anna) 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1705 1 _UID 31E1407BFB036D48BA2633279E9CCD8849EA 1 FAMS @F21@ 1 FAMC @F9@ 1 NOTE 1 NOTE Benificiary in brother Wiliam's 1740 Will listed as AnnaHancock. 2 CONT 2 CONT Witness to Brother-in Law's Will, George Smyth ( 5 PACDB 433). 1 CHAN 2 DATE 9 May 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I21@ INDI 1 NAME Elizabeth 2 GIVN Elizabeth 1 SEX F 1 DEAT 2 DATE BEF 1740 1 _UID A4FBEB81F5F8EA4D85E0E515FF0EEBEC7250 1 FAMS @F19@ 1 NOTE 1 NOTE The name of William (4)’s wife in unknown. Apparently she diedbefore his 2 CONT will was written in 1740. 1 CHAN 2 DATE 5 Jan 2003 3 TIME 00:00:00 0 @I22@ INDI 1 NAME Tully /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Tully 2 NPFX Captain 1 SEX M 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1715 2 PLAC Lynnhaven Parish 1 DEAT 2 DATE 1773 1 REFN 5 1 _UID 0157C4E9AF36F147A1BBC6592BF4F9F8AD1D 1 FAMS @F22@ 1 FAMC @F19@ 1 RELI Served as Vestry Man in Lynnhave Parish 1 NOTE 1 NOTE Records from the Vestry Book of Lynnhaven Parish show: 2 CONT 2 CONT 1) 3/9/1743 Appointed as Parish representative on the NorthSide of the Eastern Branch of th 2 CONC e Lynnhaven River 2 CONT 2) 2/17/1756 was the Sheriff responsible for collecting churchtaxes 2 CONT 3) 11/14/1769, 10/10/1770, 10/22/1771, 6/7/1772, 10/22/1772served as Vestry Man 2 CONT 4) Replaced becasue of death before 10/18/1773 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT From website:http://www.freeafricanamericans.com/Slaxton-Stephens.htm 2 CONT "Mary2 Sparrow, born say 1730, was a "Negro Woman" whocomplained to the Princess Anne Count 2 CONC y court on 15 June 1762that she was entitled to her freedom but kept in slavery byTully Robin 2 CONC son, Gentleman. The court appointed James Holt,Gentleman, as her attorney, and he called Joh 2 CONC n Williams, AliceIvy, Mary Hurt, and Margaret Langley as her witnesses. On 17July 1764 the co 2 CONC urt found Robinson guilty and ordered him to payher forty shillings and the costs of the sui 2 CONC t [Minutes 1753-62,501, 505, 519; 1762-9, 21, 78, 109]. by was a taxable head of ahousehold i 2 CONC n Norfolk County in the district from Tanners Creekto Great Bridge in 1759 [Wingo, Norfolk Co 2 CONC unty Tithables,1751-65, 147]." 2 CONT 2 CONT According to Norfolk County Titable List: Owned 104 acres in adistrict on the south side of T 2 CONC anners Creek in Norfolk But notliving there becasue no tax paid for person...1766-1770 2 CONT 2 CONT A Tully Robinson served as Sheriff of PAC 1757. 1 CHAN 2 DATE 28 Aug 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I23@ INDI 1 NAME Sarah /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Sarah 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1716 1 _UID 60FEF9C2426E2F48A9B1147B9218F897629F 1 FAMS @F23@ 1 FAMC @F19@ 1 CHAN 2 DATE 9 Sep 2002 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I24@ INDI 1 NAME Mary /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Mary 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1717 1 _UID 414B9DD0DADFDC4891651F8DE4C33A84DD1F 1 FAMC @F19@ 1 NOTE 1 NOTE not married at death of her brother in 1740 1 CHAN 2 DATE 30 Apr 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I25@ INDI 1 NAME Ann /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN Ann 1 SEX F 1 BIRT 2 DATE 1718 1 _UID FC238E822266F54193B0C64009D7BC6A3CD7 1 FAMS @F24@ 1 FAMC @F19@ 1 CHAN 2 DATE 9 Sep 2002 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I26@ INDI 1 NAME William /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN William 2 NPFX Capitalist 1 SEX M 1 BIRT 2 DATE BEF 1720 2 PLAC Pincess Anne Co, VA 1 DEAT 2 DATE 1760 2 PLAC Princess Anne County 1 REFN 5 1 _UID 15635B4C083C6F4D9BCB234AE6EA04C288BB 1 FAMS @F25@ 1 FAMC @F19@ 1 NOTE Biography of Capitalist William (5) Robinson 2 CONT § Son to Sheriff William (4) Robinson 2 CONT § Brother to Captain Tully (5) Sarah (5), Mary (5) & Ann (5) Robinson 2 CONT § Father to The Honorable William (6) Robinson, Ann (6) Robinson Cramond, and Mary (6) Robins 2 CONC on 2 CONT 2 CONT World View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT This review begins in 1742 with a revival in England called “the Great Awakening.” Suddenly P 2 CONC rotestants in Scotland and England are taking their religion much more seriously. Presbyteri 2 CONC ans and Quakers and Baptists start evangelizing harder. The Wesley’s start a reform movemen 2 CONC t in the Church of England that will lead to the creation of Methodism. The fervor spreads t 2 CONC o the colonies in America. 2 CONT 2 CONT In 1748 Bonnie Prince Charlie, a Stuart prince living in France, landed in Scotland claimin 2 CONC g to be King of England and leads an army south toward London. Charlie won a few battles, th 2 CONC en is beaten back and flees again in exile. His defeated followers console themselves by inv 2 CONC enting a liquor called Drambuie.” 2 CONT 2 CONT In 1753 Virginians in Princess Anne County are shocked to learn that French troops have com 2 CONC e south out of Canada and seized territory south of the Ohio River, territory supposed to b 2 CONC e part of the Virginia colony’s wild west. Thus begins what the world calls “The Seven Year 2 CONC s War” and what Americans would call “The French and Indian War.” Many Virginians, under Col 2 CONC . George Washington, 2 CONT fought beside the King’s army. In 1758 they capture Fort Duquesene, the place we call Pittsb 2 CONC urgh. In the following year came a more stunning victory. The British captured the great Fr 2 CONC ench fortress of Quebec. The French no longer have Canada. 2 CONT 2 CONT In 1760 in London a new king, George III, is crowned. In Paris, King Louis XV and the prou 2 CONC d French nation try to understand what went wrong. King Louis is said reported to have : “A 2 CONC pres nous, les deluge!” After us, the deluge! 2 CONT 2 CONT While the British were happy about winning the Seven Years War, the government discovered aga 2 CONC in that wars cost lots of money. Deficits piled up. Parliament needed to raise money to pa 2 CONC y the government’s bills. It began to pass taxes to be paid by the colonies such as a stam 2 CONC p tax and a tax on tea. After all, the argument went, “Britain fought the war to defend the c 2 CONC olonies. Let the colonies help pay for the war with new taxes.” 2 CONT 2 CONT In Virginia and other colonies violent demonstrations were staged against the new taxes. Som 2 CONC e British Americans found themselves arrested, carried to England and tried for treason. Whe 2 CONC n Virginians protested these treason trials in London, the King’s Governor responded by locki 2 CONC ng the doors of the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg and sending the members home to cool o 2 CONC ff. 2 CONT 2 CONT In Massachusetts a mob of citizen protestors confronted some of the king’s soldiers on the s 2 CONC treet. There were ugly words and shouts. Rocks were thrown. Suddenly the soldiers fired thei 2 CONC r rifles. A several protestors lay dead in the street. The 1770 newspapers throughout the co 2 CONC lonies called it: “The Boston Massacre.” Some people kept saying the trouble would blow over 2 CONC , that the situation would end soon. Maybe the protestors or the King would come to their sen 2 CONC ses. But three years after the “Boston Massacre” one night a gang of citizens dressed up a 2 CONC s native Americans. They slipped out in the dark to some British ships in Boston harbor. Th 2 CONC e ships were loaded with tea which the British government hoped to sell and collect a health 2 CONC y sales tax. The so-called Indians overpowered the guards watching over the tea. They thre 2 CONC w the boxes in the harbor. It was called the Boston tea party. 2 CONT 2 CONT Robinson View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT Although his father’s will seemed to indicate William (5) was younger than his brother Captai 2 CONC n Tully (5) considering some of the conditions for William (5)’s inheritance, it appears he m 2 CONC ight have been his father’s “favorite” based on the distribution of certain legacies. In add 2 CONC ition, Captain Tully (5) was expressly required by his father’s will to perform a number of d 2 CONC uties related to his Aunt Mary (4) Robinson who it is presumed helped raise the family. Thes 2 CONC e responsibilities placed upon Captain Tully (5) might have been the beginning of what appear 2 CONC s at times to have been a strained relationship with his brother and future generations. 2 CONT 2 CONT It is assumed that William (5) was probably born in the early 1720s. He married a woman name 2 CONC d Anne no later than 1747. Together, the couple had three children: Anne (6), Mary (6), an 2 CONC d William (6). However, William (5) died a young man and left behind three children ages 1 2 CONC 0 to 13 and was survived by his brother for more than 13 years. 2 CONT 2 CONT Demonstrating his father’s skill at acquiring and selling property, William (5) Robinson expa 2 CONC nded his holdings significantly throughout his short lifetime. So, by his death he had acqui 2 CONC red the following properties throughout Princess Anne County and Norfolk County: 2 CONT 2 CONT · March 1741: William (5) received 200 acres of plantation land William (4) had purchased fro 2 CONC m John Hancock on the Eastern Shore. It’s unclear weather this 200 acres was in Accomack Cou 2 CONC nty or the deed reference referred to property on the Eastern Shore of the Lynnhaven River i 2 CONC n Princess Anne County. However, William (5) sold this property in 1746 to William Keeling 2 CONC , Jr. 2 CONT · March 1741: William (5) inherited all of William (4)’s land left remaining in Norfolk Borou 2 CONC gh adjoining Col. Samuel Boushe’s land. 2 CONT · March 1741: William (5) inherited all of Long Island land containing an estimated 376 acres 2 CONC . 2 CONT · March 1741: William (5) inherited 250 acres William (4) had purchased near the London Bridg 2 CONC e River. 2 CONT · March 1741: William (5) inherited 100 acres commonly called Porter’s Ridge which descende 2 CONC d from Capt. William (2) Robinson. 2 CONT · January 30, 1746: William (5) purchased 750 acres of plantation land in Lynnhaven located o 2 CONC n western shore of the Lynnhaven River where John Thorowgood had lived and died. 2 CONT · November 8, 1742: William (5) purchased 3 ½ lots of land in Lynnhaven Parish, boardering o 2 CONC n McClenhan’s lease on Main Street to a creek or cove to the eastern most branch of the Eliza 2 CONC beth River. It is believed that these lots were in either Kemps Landing or Newtown. 2 CONT · April 12, 1749: Along with his brother Captain Tully (5), William (5) purchased one acre o 2 CONC f land or thereabouts on North landing Run near inherited land near Mrs. Ann Fentrees’ land. 2 CONT · November 1, 1749: William (5) purchased 3 lots of land lying in Newtown in Princess Anne C 2 CONC ounty bounding William Moseley and Charles Smyth (possibly a cousin of the Robinsons). It i 2 CONC s believed that a parcel of this purchase was sold in 1756 to William Nimmo, Jr. but that Wil 2 CONC liam (5) retained a family store located on Maine Street in Newtown. 2 CONT · February 7, 1749: William (5) purchased 95 acres of land lying on the western shore of th 2 CONC e Lynnhaven River. 2 CONT · August 17, 1756: William (5) purchased a plantation of 446 acres that had belonged to Geor 2 CONC ge Weblin and was located near the western shore in Lynnhaven Parish. 2 CONT 2 CONT When he died in 1760 at about age 39, William (5) had amassed a large amount of land, like hi 2 CONC s father, in a relatively short period of time. Our estimate is that he owned over 2,100 acr 2 CONC es throughout the region. 2 CONT 2 CONT In comparison, by 1760 Captain Tully (5) does not appear to have significantly increased hi 2 CONC s land holdings from the 300 acres he inherited from his father (plus the unknown acreage o 2 CONC f his father’s plantation at the time of his death). He had the following purchases by 1760 2 CONC : (1) 22 ¾ acres in Lynnhaven Parish bordering on the James Williamson plantation on May 2 2 CONC , 1743; (2) 55 acres on the north side of the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River in the p 2 CONC arish of Lynnhaven (next to land he already owned); and (3) 145 acres plantation in Little Cr 2 CONC eek in Lynnhaven Parish. So, by 1760 Captain Tully (5) owned over 500 acres in Princess Ann 2 CONC e County-far less than his brother leaving questions of how Captain Tully (5) felt about hi 2 CONC s brother’s success. 2 CONT 2 CONT In addition to his agricultural profits, we learned through these deeds that William (5) owne 2 CONC d a store in Newtown which at the time of his life was a growing, thriving development. Newt 2 CONC own was the third town developed in Princess Anne County that “had started auspiciously and t 2 CONC hen just withered away. But it had been by far, the largest and most important. Perhaps th 2 CONC e dream of a real town had been only a fetish of those well-to-do families who had made thei 2 CONC r fortunes and wanted more elegance and sophistication.” William (5)’s business partner in t 2 CONC he store was John Cramond according to subsequent wills and other records available from th 2 CONC e period. Cramond also married William (5)’s daughter, Anne (6), but when the American Revol 2 CONC ution broke out he hightailed it back to England along with most of the merchant class in Nor 2 CONC folk and Princess Anne County. 2 CONT 2 CONT We also know through careful examination of Princess Anne County Deed records that William (5 2 CONC ) served as an officer of the court, like his father and grandfathers before him, in a numbe 2 CONC r of instances. While we assume he, along with his brother Captain Tully (5), inherited th 2 CONC e family law library, no records have been found indicating he served as an attorney, magistr 2 CONC ate, juror, or judge. The records show both Captain Tully (5) and William (5) served in th 2 CONC e role of appraising estates on behalf of the court. While some of this work was done for ex 2 CONC tended family members, no doubt the fees assessed helped Captain Tully (5) and William (5)’ 2 CONC s expanded land transactions. 2 CONT 2 CONT Both William (5) and Captain Tully (5) continued the family leadership role in the Lynnhave 2 CONC n Parish. William (5) was responsible for collecting a levy for the north side of Eastern Br 2 CONC anch of the Lynnhaven River in 1747. He also won a land dispute with Dr. Christopher Wrigh 2 CONC t in a church trial in 1755. Captain Tully (5) also was appointed as the Parish representa 2 CONC tive on the north side of the Eastern Branch of the Lynnhaven River for the purpose of collec 2 CONC ting a levy in 1743, served as the Sheriff responsible for collecting church taxes in 1756, a 2 CONC nd was a vestrymen in 1769, 1770, 1771, and 1772. 2 CONT 2 CONT We know little about the social life of these Robinsons other than church but an interestin 2 CONC g book by Sharon V. Salinger examines the place that public drinking houses had in England an 2 CONC d the colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries. She reviews what went on in the mind of thos 2 CONC e who patronized taverns in America, what went on in the taverns, who kept taverns, and ho 2 CONC w authorities tried to regulate taverns. Salinger’s major theme is the love/hate relationshi 2 CONC p Anglo Americans had with taverns and drinking. Ministers and government officials routinel 2 CONC y expressed concern about the number of taverns and what went on in them. They saw them as d 2 CONC angerous, places where the classes and races mixed as they met and drank. Legislators wrot 2 CONC e laws limiting the number of taverns, hoping thereby to curb the dangers they saw steming fr 2 CONC om tavern life. Yet many of these same legislators seemed to spend a lot of their own time i 2 CONC nside taverns. And few of the laws they passed were enforced vigorously. “Despite periodic a 2 CONC ttacks on taverns and drinking behavior by religious and secular leaders,” concludes Salinger 2 CONC , “the tavern maintained its privileged place within the colonies and thrives everywhere.” S 2 CONC he finds very little difference over time or geography in the density of taverns or in the fr 2 CONC equency with which licensing laws were ignored. Urban taverns were much more likely to hav 2 CONC e female publicans than were rural taverns. They were also more likely to attract patrons fr 2 CONC om a single class or occupation. 2 CONT 2 CONT During William (5)’s lifetime in Princess Anne County, several other Robinson families appear 2 CONC ed on the scene and leads to questions of whether or not the newcomers were related. It is p 2 CONC ossible that William (4) may not have named all his children in his will. We know he did no 2 CONC t name any daughters, but it is also possible that he had one or more younger sons he chose f 2 CONC or whatever reason not to name in his will. For example, in the 1760s a Thomas Robinson owne 2 CONC d nearly 100 acres in southern Princess Anne County. Mark Robinson and Adam Robinson, Sr. al 2 CONC so appeared to enter Princess Anne County about the same time of Thomas Robinson and lived ve 2 CONC ry close to other Robinson property in southern Princess Anne County which by the time the Am 2 CONC erican Revolution occurred was probably where most of the family moved to flee the British at 2 CONC tacks in Norfolk, Newtown, and Kemps Landing. 2 CONT 2 CONT William (5)’s will was written on January 22, 1760 and was recorded on April 15, 1760. In i 2 CONC t he provided the following legacies: 2 CONT 2 CONT § William (5) ordered that his plantation of 250 acres lying near London Bridge and his prope 2 CONC rty in Newtown be sold by his executor in a manner most advantageous to the estate. If the p 2 CONC roceeds of the above sale would pay all just debts owed by the estate, any remainder was to b 2 CONC e divided between daughters Ann and Mary. 2 CONT § His wife Ann (5) was directed to use of the profits and services of all his other propert 2 CONC y and homes, for her lifetime provided she remain unmarried. But if Ann remarried, she was t 2 CONC o receive only the 446 acre plantation that was formally owned by George Weblin that was loca 2 CONC ted on the western shore of the Lynnhaven River. 2 CONT § His Wife Ann (5) was granted the use of all the slaves and personal estate during her widow 2 CONC hood. If Ann (5) remarried the slaves were to pass to her daughter Mary (6). 2 CONT § William (6) inherited all land and property he owned at that time (except for the Weblin pl 2 CONC antation if his mother remarried); upon the death of his mother or her remarriage, William (6 2 CONC ) was also supposed to receive the cattle, sheep, and hogs (minus his sisters share it is pre 2 CONC sumed). 2 CONT § His daughter Ann (6) received the use of seven slaves, one fourth of all cattle, sheep, an 2 CONC d hogs, and one third of the personal estate. 2 CONT 2 CONT Apparently, William wanted to limit expenses to the estate and he directed in his will that t 2 CONC he estate should be inventoried but not appraised. This clause may ultimately have harmed hi 2 CONC s heirs as the evidence shows his executor may have misappropriated property and funds. Unfo 2 CONC rtunately, the executor was his brother Captain Tully (5) Robinson. 2 CONT 2 CONT A series of strange events, including the following, lead to conclusions that Captain Tully ( 2 CONC 5) acted not in the best interests of his brother’s estate: 2 CONT 2 CONT § First, Anne (5) Robinson (widow of William (5)) filed a renunciation of her legacy or legac 2 CONC ies granted in William (5)’s will. No reason was given for this renunciation in the recorde 2 CONC d document, but one can only speculate that her brother-in-law Captain Tully (5) Robinson ha 2 CONC d a hand in the matter and strong-armed the decision. After all, she was provided for very w 2 CONC ell by her husband for her life according to the terms of the will and in the alternative, i 2 CONC f she remarried, would have received a significant plantation of almost 500 acres on the West 2 CONC ern Branch of the Lynnhaven River. 2 CONT § Second, a year following William (5)’s death Captain Tully (5) sold two parcels of land equ 2 CONC aling 500 acres apparently as authorized by William (5)’s will. However, the will only autho 2 CONC rized the sale of one of the parcels sold it is unclear under what authority Capt. Tully (5 2 CONC ) sold the second property. Nor is it entirely clear based on the records available what th 2 CONC e proceeds from the sale went (although some guardian records exist for each of the childre 2 CONC n as they reached their age of majority). 2 CONT § Third, acting in a series of transactions in 1765, Capt. Tully (6) sold the estate propert 2 CONC y for less than the value he purchased the same property for a few days later. The parcel i 2 CONC n question was sold to John Crammond (former business partner of William (5) in the Newtown s 2 CONC tore) for 15 pounds on behalf of the estate and then purchased by Capt. Tully (5) individuall 2 CONC y for 20 pounds. While the difference in the sale prices, just five pounds, may seem trivial 2 CONC , such actions would be highly scrutinized by a probate judge today. 2 CONT § The final questionable fact attributable to Captain Tully (5), does not relate to his handl 2 CONC ing of the estate, but does reflect poorly on his character during this same period shortly a 2 CONC fter the death of this brother. Old court records show that a “Mary Sparrow, born say 1730 2 CONC , was a ‘Negro Woman’ who complained to the Princess Anne County court on 15 June 1762 that s 2 CONC he was entitled to her freedom but kept in slavery by Tully Robinson, Gentleman. The court ap 2 CONC pointed James Holt, Gentleman, as her attorney, and he called John Williams, Alice Ivy [a pos 2 CONC sible sister- or mother-in-law to Tully (5)], Mary Hurt, and Margaret Langley as her witnesse 2 CONC s. On 17 July 1764 the court found Robinson guilty and ordered him to pay her forty shilling 2 CONC s and the costs of the suit.” 2 CONT 2 CONT Further research needs to be undertaken to determine more about William (5) including: 2 CONT 2 CONT 1. What leadership roles did he have in society and church? Based upon his land holdings, h 2 CONC e must have been one of the of the elite landowners of his time. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2. What more can be learned about his wife Ann? 2 CONT 2 CONT 3. Did he have any younger brothers and if so, who were they? 1 CHAN 2 DATE 28 Aug 2003 3 TIME 01:00:00 0 @I27@ INDI 1 NAME Anne /(Unknown)/ 2 SURN (Unknown) 2 GIVN Anne 1 SEX F 1 _UID E5D02AE4B661B541BE8A892090C63645923D 1 FAMS @F25@ 1 NOTE 1 NOTE On July 16, 1760, Ann renounced all benefits provided to her inher husband's will. 1 CHAN 2 DATE 7 Feb 2003 3 TIME 00:00:00 0 @I28@ INDI 1 NAME William /Robinson/ 2 SURN Robinson 2 GIVN William 2 NPFX Gentleman 1 SEX M 1 BIRT 2 DATE AFT 1749 2 PLAC Princess Anne Co, VA 1 DEAT 2 DATE 14 Oct 1798 2 PLAC Currituck County, NC 1 REFN 6 1 _UID DEC0E7BB6F36F542B3B210972FE08CEBAED3 1 FAMS @F26@ 1 FAMS @F27@ 1 FAMC @F25@ 1 NOTE Biography of Gentleman William (6) Robinson 2 CONT § Son to Capitalist William (5) Robinson 2 CONT § Brother to Ann (6) Robinson Cramond, and Mary (6) Robinson 2 CONT § First Cousin to Major William (6) Robinson, Lt. Tully (6) Robinson, James (6) Robinson, an 2 CONC d others. 2 CONT § Father to Charles (7) Robinson, Jonathan (7) Robinson, Tully (7) Robinson, Manliff (7) Robi 2 CONC nson, and Vashte (6) James, daughter of Lucia James 2 CONT 2 CONT World View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT When the sixth generation of Robinsons in Virginia move on the stage during the second half o 2 CONC f the 18th Century, as we have already seen, a revolution had begun in America. Europe was s 2 CONC till ruled mostly by kings, most of whom believed their authority came from God. A king or qu 2 CONC een might take advice from nobles, special ministers, or other favorites. But what common or 2 CONC dinary people thought or wanted was not relevant. God did not intend those folks to rule o 2 CONC r oppose the authority of a king. 2 CONT 2 CONT So when the kings and the aristocracy in Europe heard that the King of Britain’s subjects i 2 CONC n Virginia and in Massachusetts and other colonies were causing him trouble, they yawned. Mos 2 CONC t Europeans didn’t give a hoot about the idea of “no taxation without representation” which t 2 CONC he Americans kept shouting. Few kings or aristocrats believed in representative government, c 2 CONC ertainly not government that shared power with ordinary people. On the other hand, they felt 2 CONC , if the Americans were giving the King in London headaches, so much the better. Britain ha 2 CONC d been winning too many battles lately. 2 CONT 2 CONT So it was that while King George in England raised armies to enforce his will on subjects i 2 CONC n Virginia and America, a new king came to the throne in France. Louis XVI, was a grandson o 2 CONC f Louis XV. He didn’t care much about being king. He liked to spend his days hunting or wor 2 CONC king in his shop. His specialty was building door locks. People said he was a good locksmith 2 CONC . Louis had a beautiful wife, Marie Antoinette, daughter of the Empress of Austria. She ha 2 CONC d given France several heirs to the throne. That was what a queen was for, people said. But M 2 CONC arie Antoinette found it tedious living in the Palace of Versailles with all its mirrors. Sh 2 CONC e was always on display before crowds of lords and ladies, all seeking favors. Giving her n 2 CONC o privacy. Queen Marie had her architects build villages of play houses where she and her spe 2 CONC cial friends could play bridge or gamble or enjoy simple pleasures like milking cows or bakin 2 CONC g bread. 2 CONT 2 CONT The American colonies realized that if they were to defend themselves from the hired soldier 2 CONC s King George was sending to punish them, they needed help from other countries. So they sen 2 CONC t men like Benjamin Franklin from Pennsylvania and John Adams from Massachusetts to Europe t 2 CONC o raise money and seek help. In the Netherlands, where the power of the king was not so grea 2 CONC t, Adams worked to get loans from Dutch bankers. He had some success, but the Dutch banker 2 CONC s charged very high interest. Adams went on to France where Dr. Benjamin 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Franklin, a scientist who had discovered there was electricity in lightning and was a success 2 CONC ful printer and politician, was already working for the American cause. It was the job of Ad 2 CONC ams and Franklin to persuade the French government - which was firmly against the American id 2 CONC ea of no taxation without representation, to say nothing of “all men being created equal” whi 2 CONC ch the Americans had said in their Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. These were t 2 CONC he unpopular ideas Franklin and Adams had to sell to the French. They had to persuade the Fr 2 CONC ench that it was in their interest to help the Americans against Britain, a traditional enem 2 CONC y of France. 2 CONT 2 CONT By their efforts, France decided to send a naval force. By 1783 when :Lord Cornwallis, the c 2 CONC ommander of the British armies at Yorktown, was waiting for 2 CONT reinforcements by the British Navy, the French Navy was present near Norfolk. It prevented B 2 CONC ritish reinforcements from landing. So, Lord Cornwallis sent his sword, by messenger, to Geo 2 CONC rge Washington. The British forces couldn’t believe it, but they had surrendered to the upst 2 CONC art Americans. 2 CONT 2 CONT The remaining years for Generation Six were filled with big events. The Americans devise 2 CONC d a new national constitution for themselves. George Washington was elected the first Presid 2 CONC ent. By 1793 King Louis XVI of France who had allowed his navy to help the Americans was exe 2 CONC cuted on the guillotine. Three years later, George Washington declined a third term as Presi 2 CONC dent. He and Martha went home to Mount Vernon. Cousin George would die there three years la 2 CONC ter. 2 CONT 2 CONT Robinson View of the Period 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Guardian Accounts 2 CONT 2 CONT Several guardian accounts were published for William (6) and indicated that he received a pro 2 CONC per education, like those before him, and had several tutors. However, it’s unclear where h 2 CONC e lived or if he had any formal school education. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Expanding Family 2 CONT 2 CONT While a significant amount of information is available about the sixth generation of Robinson 2 CONC s in Princess Anne County, this is perhaps the most confusing generation with respect to keep 2 CONC ing the facts and information organized to the appropriate individual and/or family. For exa 2 CONC mple two William Robinsons, who are also first cousins, are alive and are close in age durin 2 CONC g this time. It is difficult to determine which William Robinson served as: (1) a Burgess i 2 CONC n 1774-1775; and (2) served as a member of the Commonwealth’s House of Delegates in 1776-1779 2 CONC , and 1782. Since no known family Bibles or other materials go this far back, the analysis i 2 CONC n this report started by looking at the Robinson deed and will records of the period. In the 2 CONC se we can trace the references used by the clerk of the court to describe each cousin. The c 2 CONC lerk’s references may shed some clues to understand which William Robinson, if not both, serv 2 CONC ed in a number of leadership roles at different times. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Examination of the Deed Records 2 CONT 2 CONT For Gentleman William (6) Robinson we know he should have had title to the following due to h 2 CONC is inheritance or by purchase: 2 CONT 2 CONT § Gentleman William (6) inherited his father’s remaining land in Norfolk Borough estimated t 2 CONC o equal about 100 acres. More research of Norfolk County deeds should to be conducted to det 2 CONC ermine what happened to this parcel. However, it is believed that this land may have transfe 2 CONC rred to Capt. Tully (5)’s descendants even though they did not have clear title. 2 CONT § Gentleman William (6) inherited all of the Long Island plantation containing an estimated 3 2 CONC 76 acres. He sold 100 acres of this land indicating he owned half interest in the island o 2 CONC n July 22, 1783. Here again, more research needs to examine this parcel and determine if Gen 2 CONC tlemen William (6)’s cousins, who claimed ownership of the other half of the island for the n 2 CONC ext several decades, had clear title or not. 2 CONT § Gentleman William (6) inherited 750 acres of plantation land in Lynnhaven located on the we 2 CONC stern shore of the Lynnhaven River where John Thorowgood had lived and died. He may have sol 2 CONC d a 355 acre track of this purchase on July 10, 1783. What happened to the remainder of th 2 CONC e parcel is unclear. 2 CONT § Gentleman William (6) inherited 95 acres of land lying on the western shore of the Lynnhave 2 CONC n River. We assume it was adjacent to other property owned by the family. He sold a 9 ¾ acr 2 CONC e track of land in Lynnhaven Parish, perhaps a portion of this holding, on May 16, 1776. 2 CONT § Gentleman William (6) inherited 100 acres of land near Porter’s Ridge that once belonged t 2 CONC o Capt. William (2) Robinson. He sold the parcel on October 23, 1777. 2 CONT § Gentleman William (6) purchased 121 acres on February 10, 1785, lying near Wilson’s Point a 2 CONC nd adjoining land he already owned. A 46-acre track of this parcel was sold on February 28 2 CONC , 1794 by Gentleman William (6) and his wife Molly as well as a separate 30 acre track. 2 CONT § Gentleman William (6) leased property in Kempsville for a tanning business on July 8, 1785. 2 CONT § Gentleman William (6) inherited the nearly 500 acre Weblin Plantation located near the west 2 CONC ern shore in Lynnhaven Parish of Princess Anne County because his mother renounced all benefi 2 CONC ts received under the will. On July 28, 1787, Gentleman William (6), who was indebted to Ric 2 CONC hard Evers Lee of Norfolk for the sum of 243 pounds of gold or silver, appointed three indivi 2 CONC duals to serve as his trustees and provided as security 500 acres of land on the Lynnhaven Ri 2 CONC ver formally owned by Capitalist William (5) and passed to Gentleman William (6). 2 CONT § Gentleman William (6) of Princess Anne County, VA purchased 100 acres for $500 on Februar 2 CONC y 18, 1794, in Currituck County, NC. The deed does not record his wife’s name. But this sa 2 CONC me parcel was later sold by Tully (7) Robinson, one heir of Gentleman William (6), for 450 si 2 CONC lver dollars, so the chain of title appears to connect families. This later deed of sale als 2 CONC o identifies that the parcel was adjacent for the Great Dismal Swamp. 2 CONT 2 CONT It is clear from an examination of the above deed transactions that Gentleman William (6) di 2 CONC d not acquire significantly more property in his lifetime, as had his father. Rather, perhap 2 CONC s because of economic conditions he sold much of his holdings and then moved to Currituck Cou 2 CONC nty. We do not know the exact reason he decided to move but further examination of other fac 2 CONC ts and circumstances of his lifetime might shed some light. The deed records make clear, how 2 CONC ever, that Gentleman William (6) was younger than his first cousin Major William (6). From t 2 CONC he earliest references to him in the Princess Anne County Deed Books he was referred to as “W 2 CONC illiam Robinson, Jr.” His first cousin Major William (6) Robinson was almost always referre 2 CONC d to as “William Robinson, Attorney at Law.” When Gentleman William (6) sold off his half o 2 CONC f the Porter’s Ridge property, the deed referred to the adjoining property owned by first cou 2 CONC sin Major William (6) as “William Robinson, Sr.” 2 CONT 2 CONT We also know from these deed records that a higher level of respect was paid the Gentleman Wi 2 CONC lliam (6) Robinson by the clerk of the court. For in several deeds the clerk referred to hi 2 CONC m as “Gentleman of Princess Anne County.” 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT The Story of Burgess William Robinson, 1774-1775 2 CONT 2 CONT One of the greatest mysteries related to the Robinson family of Princess Anne County concern 2 CONC s their experiences during the Revolutionary War. Not much is known or clear about the famil 2 CONC y. However, some interesting information has been uncovered concerning one William Robinson. 2 CONT 2 CONT Before examining this story further it should be noted that at the time of the outbreak of th 2 CONC e Revolutionary War in Virginia, records reveal no less than three William Robinsons living i 2 CONC n Princess Anne County including: 2 CONT 2 CONT § Gentleman William (6) Robinson, son of William (5) Robinson. Based upon guardian reports r 2 CONC ecorded in the Princess Anne County Court, he turned 21 about 1772. This William inherited a 2 CONC nd sold land devised in his father’s 1760 will and relocated to Currituck Co., NC, before hi 2 CONC s death in 1798. 2 CONT 2 CONT § Major William (6) Robinson was the son of Capt. Tully (5) Robinson and became a prominent a 2 CONC ttorney and major in the local militia. This William also inherited and devised land receive 2 CONC d from his father Tully (5) Robinson’s 1773 will. He passed away in 1787. 2 CONT 2 CONT § William Robinson, son of Adam Robinson. He was probably age 21 in 1769 when his father pro 2 CONC vided him his first deed. It has not been proven how this family was connected to other Robi 2 CONC nson family noted above. However, this family’s land holdings were substantially less than t 2 CONC he other Robinsons, leading to the conclusion that is not likely the party described in thi 2 CONC s story. 2 CONT 2 CONT It is important that we provide some context for the series of events to traumatize the Robin 2 CONC son family at the outset of the Revolutionary War. First, William Robinson was elected in ea 2 CONC rly July 1774 to serve as one of two burgesses representing Princess Anne County. He joine 2 CONC d a long history of Robinsons from Princess Anne County serving in government positions inclu 2 CONC ding his great, great grandfather Col. Tully (3) Robinson who represented Accomack County i 2 CONC n the House of Burgesses for many years from the early 1700s. In addition, another grandfath 2 CONC er, Capt. William (2) Robinson, represented Princess Anne County in the House of Burgesses i 2 CONC n the late 1600s. 2 CONT 2 CONT At a meeting of Princess Anne County voters on July 27, 1774, (within a month of William Robi 2 CONC nson’s election to the House of Burgesses), citizens passed the following Resolution that bes 2 CONC t describes the mood and feelings on the eve of the Revolution as well as their express wishe 2 CONC s and directions for the Princess Anne County Burgesses: 2 CONT 2 CONT Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that it is an absolute right inherent in ev 2 CONC ery British American subject, to have and enjoy such freedoms and privileges as belong to th 2 CONC e free people of England; and that he cannot be taxed but by his own consent, or Representati 2 CONC ve. 2 CONT 2 CONT Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that every attempt to impose taxes by any o 2 CONC ther authority, is a tyrannical exertion of power, and a violation of the constitutional an 2 CONC d just rights and liberties of the subject; and that the Acts for blocking up the harbor of B 2 CONC oston; for altering the chartered Constitution of the Massachusetts Bay; and for the suppress 2 CONC ion of riots and tumults, are cruel and oppressive invasions of the natural rights of the peo 2 CONC ple of the said Province, as men, and of their constitutional rights as English subjects. 2 CONT 2 CONT Resolved that the town of Boston and Province of Massachusetts Bay, are now suffering in th 2 CONC e common cause of America, as the said Acts would lay a foundation for the utter destructio 2 CONC n of the rights and liberties of the subjects of British America. 2 CONT 2 CONT Resolved that our Burgesses (Christopher Wright and William Robinson) be hereby instructed t 2 CONC o use their utmost endeavors at the ensuing Congress at Williamsburg, to procure a general As 2 CONC sociation for stopping all importations from, and exportation to Great Britain, except such a 2 CONC rticles as shall be there agreed upon, as the most effectual means to obtain redress; the non 2 CONC -importation and non-exportation to take place on such future day as may be agreed on by th 2 CONC e general Congress of Deputies from several Colonies. 2 CONT 2 CONT Resolved that our Burgesses be instructed to oppose the importation of slaves and convicts, a 2 CONC s injurious to this Colony, by preventing the population of Freemen and useful manufacturers. 2 CONT 2 CONT Resolved That it be recommended to our Burgesses to vote for the encouragement of raising she 2 CONC ep, hemp, flax, and cotton. 2 CONT 2 CONT Resolved, That our Burgess be hereby instructed to endeavor to procure a general Associatio 2 CONC n against trading and dealing with every Colony, Province, County, or Town that shall refus 2 CONC e to come into the general plan which may be adopted by the several Colonies and Provinces o 2 CONC n the Continent. 2 CONT 2 CONT Resolved, The our Burgesses be hereby instructed to use their utmost endeavors that subscript 2 CONC ions be opened in the several counties of this Colony, for the relief of the cruelly oppresse 2 CONC d and distressed inhabitants of the town of Boston. 2 CONT 2 CONT Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting that the general plan adopted at the ensuin 2 CONC g Congress, ought to be strictly adhered to by the whole Colony; and that this meeting will f 2 CONC aithfully adopt such measures as may be then agreed upon. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT In March 1775, Burgess William Robinson was “in attendance when Patrick Henry delivered his c 2 CONC elebrated ‘give me liberty or give me death’ speech at St. John’s Church. Seven months late 2 CONC r in October 1775 William Robinson became a prominent participant in an early skirmish of th 2 CONC e Revolutionary War as reported in the Virginia Gazette: 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Williamsburg, October 21, 1775 2 CONT 2 CONT Some time last week Lord Dunmore was alarmed with information that 19 pieces of cannon were f 2 CONC itted up, and would soon be placed on the wharves near Norfolk, to annoy the ships of war, an 2 CONC d that a number of men were daily expected from Williamsburg, who were to fire them from behi 2 CONC nd bulkheads filled with sand. Yesterday forenight, in consequence of the above intelligence 2 CONC , his Lordship sent a party of soldiers…who marched through Norfolk to the place where the ca 2 CONC nnon were, destroyed 17 of them, and carried two for their own use, without molestation. Th 2 CONC e above cannon were never intended for such a purpose; on the contrary, they belong to two pr 2 CONC ivate Gentleman, who had them removed to there for safety…We [also] hear from Norfolk, that C 2 CONC apt. Matthews, of the Norfolk minutemen, Mr. William Robinson, and Mr. John Hancock, have bee 2 CONC n taken prisoner by Lord Dunmore, but for what we cannot learn. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT “Lord Dunmore was sweeping the counties of Norfolk and Princess Anne of hidden cannon and oth 2 CONC er arms. One of these raids surprised a small company of minutemen from Kemp’s Landing.” I 2 CONC n what is believed to have been the first battle in Virginia during the Revolution, “John Ack 2 CONC iss was killed by Royal Governor Lord Dunmore’s militia and became the first Virginian casual 2 CONC ty of the American Revolution.” At the conclusion of the battle it is also believed that Bur 2 CONC gess William Robinson challenged Lord Dunmore to a duel. Today a plaque dedicated by the Dau 2 CONC ghters of the American Revolution marks the site of this battle. 2 CONT 2 CONT It is not clear if the duel took place, but we do know William Robinson was captured by Lor 2 CONC d Dunmore. It turns out he was at Kemps Landing (now known as Kempsville) while returning t 2 CONC o Princess Anne County from the Virginia Convention in Richmond where delegates discussed th 2 CONC e King’s proposed constitution for the colonies. As a result of a subsequent interrogation o 2 CONC f his prisoner William Robinson, Lord Dunmore opinioned to the King’s Secretary of State tha 2 CONC t “the southern colonies were not yet prepared for a total rejection of the King’s proposed c 2 CONC onstitution.” 2 CONT The capture of William Robinson by Lord Dunmore resulted in nearly forty days in captivity i 2 CONC n Norfolk before being shipped off to Boston in December. An account of what happened next s 2 CONC tates, “On 30 Nov. 1775 Lord Dunmore placed aboard H.M. Sloop Betsey four prisoners, among wh 2 CONC om were William Robinson, convention delegate for Prince Anne County and Thomas Mathews, capt 2 CONC ain of the minute company for the District of Princess Anne County. They were being sent t 2 CONC o Boston and, for all they knew, the termination of their earthly careers. But in fact His L 2 CONC ordship (Dunmore) suggested their more profitable disposition might lie in ‘exchanging them f 2 CONC or good men’ in rebel hands. By Dec. 3, when the Betsey weighed anchor, His Excellency had a 2 CONC lso put aboard a number of his own dispatches, along with packets of letters personal and off 2 CONC icial, many from Florida, the composition of royal officials, army and navy personnel, and lo 2 CONC yalist civilians.” 2 CONT 2 CONT Apparently at the same time Lord Dunmore was shipping William Robinson and the other prisoner 2 CONC s to Boston on the Betsey, he was attempting to negotiate a prisoner exchange with the rebe 2 CONC l colonists. He must have assumed William Robinson would have provided more value to the Kin 2 CONC g than a possible prisoner exchange along with other prominent representatives of Princess An 2 CONC ne County families including “Colonel Lawson and Captain Hunter, and Mr. Thoroughgood.” Gene 2 CONC ral George Washington later concurred with this analysis and concluded “there is little doubt 2 CONC , but [Captain Mathews and William Robinson] would be forwarded to England.” 2 CONT 2 CONT However, as explained, the “prisoners and letters were never to reach their intended destinat 2 CONC ions. On 17 Dec. while tacking for Boston harbor, the Betsey was cut off and her decks swarm 2 CONC ed over by tough crewman of the Continental armed schooner Lee (captioned by John Manley); an 2 CONC d both liberated captives and intercepted papers were turned over to the custody of General W 2 CONC ashington.” 2 CONT 2 CONT Meanwhile William Robinson’s colleagues in Virginia petitioned the Continental Congress to as 2 CONC sist in obtaining the delegate’s release. The representatives of the Continental Congress o 2 CONC n December 29, 1775, did consider an “[a]pplication from the Virginia Convention praying Mean 2 CONC s may be used for the Release of 3 Gentlemen, one of them a Delegate in that Convention name 2 CONC d Robinson, lately seized by Lord Dunmore, left for Consideration.” However, it was soon the 2 CONC reafter reported that the “brave Capt. Manly retook & released these Gentn. on their Voyage t 2 CONC o Gen. Howe at Boston.” 2 CONT William Robinson was fortunate to have been spared the penalty of treason in England and resc 2 CONC ued by John Manley’s crew. John Manley was the most successful of the captains and was regar 2 CONC ded by Washington with special favor. We know Manley’s “vessel, the Lee, was a seventy-two t 2 CONC on schooner carrying a large square-sail on the fore topmast; she mounted four four-pounder 2 CONC s and ten swivels, and was manned by fifty soldiers from Glover's regiment. In the period l 2 CONC eading up to the end of 1775, Manley had a series of successes for the continental navy. Earl 2 CONC y in November Manley captured two or three small vessels. About the middle of the month a Bri 2 CONC tish frigate arrived at Boston with another immediately went to sea in search of the belate 2 CONC d vessel. On the 29th he sighted a sail which proved to be the object of his search, the brig 2 CONC antine Nancy, which when overhauled surrendered without resistance and was taken into Glouces 2 CONC ter. The Nancy carried a large cargo of ordnance and military stores which were of the utmos 2 CONC t value to the American army. Besides other things there were two thousand muskets, thirty-on 2 CONC e tons of musket shot, three thousand round shot, several barrels of powder, and a thirteen-i 2 CONC nch brass mortar, which promised to be most useful in the siege of Boston. Manley continued h 2 CONC is cruise, and within a few days captured a three hundred ton ship called the Concord. A litt 2 CONC le later he took two other vessels and still another before the end of the year. On board on 2 CONC e of these prizes were important letters of Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia.” 2 CONT Following the rescue of William Robinson and these successes, General Washington appointed M 2 CONC anley commodore of the continental navy. 2 CONT After debriefing with the former prisoners, General Washington also authorized 100 pounds o 2 CONC f current money be given to Capt. Matthews and William Robinson because they were left “desti 2 CONC tute of money and necessarys” after nearly a month and half in captivity. 2 CONT It took almost another month before news got back to the Robinson family in Princess Anne Cou 2 CONC nty that William Robinson had in fact been rescued and was safe. The Virginia Gazette report 2 CONC ed on January 13, 1776, that “William Robinson, a prisoner of Lord Dunmore, had been rescue 2 CONC d by the famous Captain Manley of the Continental Navy.” However, it took the former prisone 2 CONC rs almost another month until they rejoined their families. 2 CONT 2 CONT In an extensive interview, William Robinson sought to update his fellow citizens of Virginia’ 2 CONC s Tidewater region of the current events related to the Revolution. First, he reported leavi 2 CONC ng Philadelphia on January 20th of the proceeding month and sought to assure the readers of t 2 CONC he Virginia Gazette that the loss of troops at Quebec was not as great as had been first repo 2 CONC rted from Philadelphia and large numbers of reinforcements marched from Pennsylvania and Camb 2 CONC ridge. William Robinson also reported that the Continental Army had begun a march on Alban 2 CONC y with two Pennsylvania regiments on January 21, 1776. 2 CONT 2 CONT Just which William Robinson experienced this harrowing adventure is not known. The records d 2 CONC o seem to mix genealogical facts attributable to both Gentleman William (6) Robinson and Majo 2 CONC r William (6) Robinson. But perhaps the best information, coming from a footnote in the publ 2 CONC ished records of General George Washington indicated the probable burgess was Gentleman Willi 2 CONC am (6) because this footnote lists his year of birth as 1751 and this would be consistent wit 2 CONC h the guardian account records showing this as his approximate birth year. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Service During the Revolutionary War 2 CONT 2 CONT Not much is known about the service of Gentleman William (6) during the Revolution. His firs 2 CONC t cousin, Major William (6) Robinson, was apparently part of the local militia due to the tit 2 CONC le he was given by the clerk’s notes associated with his will. Another first cousin, Lt. Tul 2 CONC ly (6) Robinson, served in the 4th Virginia Regiment. However, he was court martialed on Jun 2 CONC e 9, 1777 because he went AWOL. His sentence was that he was cashiered and had to forfeit hi 2 CONC s pay. It’s not known why Lt. Tully (6) Robinson deserted his unit but it’s probable that h 2 CONC e returned to help a family matter in Princess Anne County. The fact that he was just discha 2 CONC rged and did not face a more severe penalty may be attributable to the family’s position in V 2 CONC irginia. Some records even indicated that he may have even reenlisted and earned the rank o 2 CONC f Captain. A descendant of Lt. Tully (6) Robinson received a 4,000 acre bounty for three yea 2 CONC rs of service he provided to the continental army. Other records indicate Major William (6 2 CONC ) and Lt. Tully (6) supported the local militia and continental army troops with horses, wood 2 CONC , and corn. 2 CONT 2 CONT It is assumed that the family retreated to southern Princess Anne County to avoid the Britis 2 CONC h troops stationed in Norfolk because the Robinsons are not listed on a map drawn by Genera 2 CONC l Benedict Arnold for the British showing where the prominent families lived in northern Prin 2 CONC cess Anne County. 2 CONT 2 CONT 2 CONT Move to Currituck County, NC 2 CONT 2 CONT It is not known exactly when Gentleman William (6) moved to Currituck County, North Carolina 2 CONC , which