Timeline: The Ashley Family

Here's another fun timeline from my book in progress, 'Our Brown Roots.' Timelines are useful tools when trying to understand the lives & movements of a family. They are also very useful for understanding a family in relation to local and world events. I am currently writing a book, 'Our Brown Roots.' At the beginning of each surname section I have included a timeline like the one below. 

Click on the links to learn more about the people in this timeline.

TIMELINE OF THE ASHLEY FAMILY

 1610                            Dutch East India Company carried tea from Macau to Europe & set off the beginnings of a new European habit

1618                            The Virginia Company of London set up the Headright System that gave 50 acres of land to colonists who paid their own way to VA, or paid for others

1624                            The Dutch settled New Amsterdam (New York State)

1624                            King James made Virginia a royal colony

1625                            John Ashley born in England

1650                            Colonial population approximately 50,400 

1650                            World population, estimated at 500 million

c 1650                         Birth of Thomas Ashley, Sr., son of John, in VA

1653                            John Ashley owned 300 acres of land in Lancaster, VA

1669                            John Ashley granted 137 acres of land in Lancaster, VA

1699                            Town of Williamsburg, VA established

c 1710                         Birth of Thomas Ashley, Jr. in Bertie, NC

1718                            22 Nov. Pirate Blackbeard killed off the coast of North Carolina

1729                            North Carolina became a royal English colony

c 1733                         Birth of Ann (Ashley) Lawrence, daughter of Thomas Ashley, Jr., NC

1742                            Thomas Ashley, Sr. sold to Thomas Ashley, Jr. 120 acres on Cashoke Creek, Bertie, NC

13 April 1743              Thomas Jefferson, future 3^rd president, born in Virginia

1754 – 1763                French & Indian War

1758                            Thomas Ashley, Sr. with sons Thomas Ashley, Jr. & John Ashley lived in Bertie, NC

c 1762                         Birth of Ann (Lawrence) Dillon, daughter of Ann (Ashley) Lawrence, NC

1789                            North Carolina became the 12^th state

1789                            30 April. New York City became the first US Capital

1790                            Aug. Death of Thomas Ashley, Jr., 80 years old, Bertie, NC

1800                            Population of North Carolina: 478,103 

1840                            The first public schools opened in North Carolina

1850                            World population, estimated at 1.1 billion

This chart shows the connection between the Ashley family & my paternal grandfather's father. 

Related Posts:

• Timeline of the BROWN family
• Timeline of the ALFORD Family

Christmas Tree/Family Tree

This is a fun Family Tree

made at Word Art.

It is filled with surnames on my father's family tree.

Dear Santa, Please send me more information on these names.

 

Thomas Ashely, Sr. in North Carolina

 Thomas Ashley, Sr.

My 8th Great Grandfather

At this time the early life of Thomas Ashley, Sr. is unknown. His patents, birth year and birth location are unknown. What we do know about Thomas, a blacksmith, comes from the court records of Bertie County, North Carolina.

Thomas Ashley, Sr. first appears in documents in 1734 when Thomas was the witness to two land transactions. Daniel Frazor and Robert West sold land to each other on 6 May 1734. Two years later he witnessed a deed between George Phenney and Thomas Jones.[i]

            On 3 August 1739 “Thomas Ashley, blacksmith, & wife Ann” were in Bertie County Court once again. They sold 340 acres of land on Rawquiss Swamp to Edward Howkett for 60 British pounds.[ii]

            On 2 August 1740 Thomas Lovick sold to Thomas Ashley 150 acres on Black Walnut Swamp. Thomas Lovick was the executor of the will of Laurence Larson and sold the land in that role. Thomas Ashley paid 30 British pounds for the land.[iii]

            Thomas Ashley and his wife, Ann, had at least one child, Thomas Ashley, Jr. born circa 1710. There is evidence of Thomas Ashley, Jr. in Bertie County on 10 August 1742 when his father sold him 120 acres of land on Cashoke Creek. Thomas Ashley, Jr. paid 100 British pounds for the land adjacent to Henry Van Luven’s land. One of the witnesses to the transaction was William Ashley who may have been a family member.[iv],[v] William’s name appears in many records of the county.[vi]

            Thomas Ashley “the Elder” sold 50 acres on Black Walnut Swamp to Samuel Cook four British pounds May 13, 1747.[vii]

            On 16 May 1753 Thomas Ashley, Sr., blacksmith, sold 100 acres of land on Black Walnut Swamp to Richard Lakey.[viii] On 23 April 1759 he sold 50 acres of land to Patience Demsey. The land was:

50 acres on south side of Solomon Creek, joining Florence Branch, Waters Branch.[ix]

This is the last reference to Thomas Ashley, Sr. in the courthouse records. His death date is unknown.

---

[i] Bell, M. B. (1963). Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books A - H, 1720 - 1757 (2nd Edition). Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc. Pages 99 & 114.

[ii] Bell, M. B. (1963). Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books A - H, 1720 - 1757 (2nd Edition). Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc. Page 148.

[iii] Bell, M. B. (1963). Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books A - H, 1720 - 1757 (2nd Edition). Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc. Page 157.

[iv] Bell, M. B. (1963). Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books A - H, 1720 – 1757 (2nd Edition ed.). Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc., page 174. Aug. Court 1742. Deed Book F, 317.

[v] Haun, Weynette Parks. Bertie County North Carolina County Court Minutes 1740 thru 1743; 1758 thru 1762. Book II. North Carolina: 1977. From the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Charlotte, NC.

[vi] Bell, M. B. (1963). Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books A - H, 1720 - 1757 (2nd Edition). Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc.

[vii] Bell, M. B. (1963). Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books A - H, 1720 - 1757(2nd Edition ed.). Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc., page 190. May Court 1747. Deed Book G, 31.

[viii] Bell, M. B. (1963). Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books A - H, 1720 - 1757(2nd Edition ed.). Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc., page 234. May Court 1754. Deed Book H 99.

[ix] Bradley, S. E. (1992). The deeds of Bertie County, North Carolina, 1757-1772. Keysville, VA: S.E. Bradley. Page 13.

The Deeds of Bertie Co., NC, 1757 - 1772

I stuck gold when I found this book on Amazon. I have Ashley & Lawrence ancestors in Bertie County, NC. This book has several with those surnames. However, as with all discoveries, it has raised more questions. 

 The Deeds of Bertie County, North Carolina, 1757-1772.

S. E. Bradley

Keysville, VA: S.E. Bradley. 1992

Thomas Ryan planter of Bertie Precinct to Jacob Parrott. 1 May 1736. 22L NC. 200 acres (messuage), joining Ducking Run, Mr. Duckenfield, John Hardy, Thomas Ashley, Averit Hick. Signed also by Martha Ryan. Wit: Edward Rasor, William Ashley, John Padget. Aug Ct 1736. (Deed Book K, page 179A). Page 38. [Which Thomas Ashley, Senior or Junior? Is William related?]

David Ryan of Bertie Co. to William Sparkman planter of same, 26 July 1758. 20L proclamation. 430 acres, joining Cypress Swamp, William West, Jacob Turner. Wit: Charles Hardee, Needham Ryan, Humphrey Lawrence. Jul Ct 1758. (Deed Book I, page 91). Page 6. Source: Bradley, S. E. (1992). The deeds of Bertie County, North Carolina, 1757-1772. Keysville, VA: S.E. Bradley.

Thomas Ashley Sr. blacksmith of Bertie Co., to Patience Demsey planter of same. 23 Apr 1759. 10L proclamation. 50 acres on south side of Solomon Creek, joining Florence Branch, Waters Branch. Wit: Ruben Fields, John Ashley. (Deed book I, page 136). Page 13. [Previous to this record, Thomas Ashley Sr. was seen as late as 1753. Now we know he lived at least 6 years longer. His death date still unknown.]

David Ryan of Bertie Co. to Thomas Lawrence planter of same. 21 Apr 1760. 30L proclamation. 150 acres, joining Martin Griffin, Bare Swamp, George Lawrence, Thomas. Wit: Robert West, Peter Winant, Jno. Webb. Oct Ct 1760. (Deed Book I, page 453) Page 25.

William Byrd planter of Bertie Co., son of Edward Byrd dec’d to Thomas Hawkins planter of same. 5L proclamation. 2220 acres (messuage), joining Cypress Swamp, the line of a patent obtained by John Plowman 10 Aug 1720, including ½ the island. Wit: Thom. Ashley, Moses Field, Aaron Powell. Jan Ct 1761. (Deed Book K, page 19). Page 27. [Which Thomas Ashley, Senior or Junior?]

David Ryan planter of Bertie Co. to Thomas Lawrence planter of same. 1 May 1763. 70L proclamation. 200 acres which was part of a 640 acre patent to John Hancock 6 Dec 1720, joining Bird, Holboock, Col. Pollock, Thomas Lawrence. Wit: Peter Winant, Humpy Lawrence, William Lewis. Feb Ct 1763. (Deed Book K, page 248). Page 43.

Thomas Larence [sic] of Bertie Co. to Jacob Larence [sic] planter of same. 19 Feb 1763. 5L. 110 acres, joining sd Thomas Larence. Wit: Robert West, Humpy Lawrence. Feb Ct 1763. (Deed Book K, page 242). Page 42. Source: David Ryan planter of Bertie Co. to Thomas Lawrence planter of same. 1 May 1763. 70L proclamation. 200 acres which was part of a 640 acre patent to John Hancock 6 Dec 1720, joining Bird, Holboock, Col. Pollock, Thomas Lawrence. Wit: Peter Winant, Humpy Lawrence, William Lewis. Feb Ct 1763. (Deed Book K, page 248). Page 43.

John Ashley planter of Bertie Co. to James Demsey planter of same. 8 Jun 1764. 5L proclamation. 50 acres, joining Patience Demsey (Which she purchased from John Ashley), Salmon Creek. Wit: John Nicholls, David Gaskins, George Capehart. Aug Ct 1764. (Deed Book K, page 419). Page 56.

John Ashley planter of Bertie Co. to Thomas Webb planter of same. 9 Feb 1765. 25L. 200 acres which was part of a patent to …? 19 Oct 1763 & sold by mortgage to Thomas Ashley the father of sd John Ashley, joining Gutt Branch, Thomas Ashley. Wit: William …?, Edward Rasor, Jno. Nicholls. Mar Ct 1765. (Deed Book K, page 443). Page 58. [Was this Thomas Ashley Senior or Junior who was the father of John Ashley?]

Wm. Virgin of Bertie Co. to Humhrey Lawrence. 23 Sep 1766. 26 shillings 8 pence proclamation. (no acres) (messuage), joining Main Branch. Also signed Ann Virgin. Wit: Robert Odeon, John Smith. (Deed Book L-2, page 32). Page 64.

Isaac Cook to Christopher Clark mariner of Bertie Co. 22 Sep 1766. 100L proclamation. 100 acres, joining John Cooks former corner, John Rutherford. Wit: Miles Shehan, Joshua Lawrence. Proved 8 Sep 1766. (Deed Book L-2, page 145). Page 75.

James Ryan of Bertie Co. to John Nicholls of same. 20 June 1768. 37L proclamation. 150 acres (messuage) which was part of a patent to John Hardy, joining Richard Lakey, John Ashley, James Ryan, George Ryan, William Fleetwood. Wit: Henry Fleetwood, George Ryan, Isham Webb. Jun Ct 1768. (Deed Book L-2, page 135). Page 74.

John Cook planter of Bertie Co. to Humphrey Lawrence. 12L. 77 acres on Blackwalnut Swamp. Wit: William Ashburn. Dec Ct 1768. (Deed Book L-2, page 162). Page 77.

Robert West of Bertie Co. to Thomas Leath of same. 23 Mar 1768. 13L. 50 acres (messuage) between Joseph Demsey & Thomas Ashley. Wit: Charles Worth Jaicocks, Saml Power. Mar Ct 1768. (Deed Book L-2, page 121). Page 73. [Which Thomas Ashley, Senior or Junior?]

John Lawrence Jr. & his wife Prudence of Bertie Co. to Abial Perry of same. 17 Apr 1769. 50 acres (Messuage) which had been willed to sd Prudence by Thos. Ashley dec’d joining John Ashley, George Ryan. Wit: John Brogdon, Barbre Brogdon, Abraham Perry. (Deed Book L-2, page 177). Page 79. [Was this Thomas Ashley Senior or Junior? Was Prudence his daughter?]

Abail Perry planter of Bertie Co. to Thomas Perry of same. 1 May 1769. 30L proclamation. 50 acres, joining Spring Branch, Ryan Stevens, Wm. Ashley. Wit: James Perry, John Capehart, Bewin Perry. Jun Ct 1769. (Deed Book L-2, page 178). Page 79. [Was William Ashley related?]

Thomas Perry planter of Bertie Co. to Caleb Hooten planter of same. 25 Sep 1771. 40L proclamation. 50 acres, joining Spring Bramch, Myars, John Davison where William Shaw now lives, William Ashley. Wit: George Oxley, John Capehart. Sep Ct 1771. (Deed Book L-2, page 280). Page 93. [Was William Ashley related?]

John Redditt of Bertie Co. to John Lawrence Jr. of same. 14 May 1771. 10L. 170 acres (messuage) joining Bare Swamp Marsh called Redditts Old Field, Walstons former line, Cullen Pollocks former line. Wit: Joshia Redditt, Charles Evans. Sep Ct 1771. (Deed Book L-2, page 271). Page 92.

MY LIBRARY

At the top of this blog, click on My Library for many more books that I have found useful for genealogical & historical research.

Related Posts:

• Evidences of Thomas Ashley in Bertie Co., NC
• Lawrence

Book Report: Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books

The Exhibit Hall at the NGS Conference looked to me like a child’s candy store. I especially could not resist the books & bought several that I am now enjoying looking at very closely. I purchased this hardcover book from Southern Historical Press:

Bell, M. B. (1963). Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books A - H, 1720 – 1757 (2nd Edition). 

Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc.

Table of Contents:

Forward

Map of Bertie Precinct 1722 – 1730

Deed Book A, 1720 – 1725

Deed Book B, 1725 – 1727

Deed Book C, 1728 – 1730

Deed Book D, 1730 – 1734

Deed Book E, 1735 – 1739

Deed Book F, 1739 – 1744

Deed Book G, 1744 – 1753

Deed Book H, 1753 – 1757

Index

I found my Lawrence & Ashley families in the deeds included in this helpful volume.


Lawrence

I am confident that these are ‘my’ Lawrence family. However, further research is needed to decide who is who.

1. Thomas Whitmell, Sheriff of the County, March 21, 1746. Directed by the General Court to sell land belonging to Lawrence Larson. The land was bordered, on one side, by the land of Robert Laurence. page 191. [I’m not sure which Robert Lawrence this is. My 6x great grandfather d in 1744 but it may refer to land he once owned. His son, Robert, was only 11 at the time of this record.]

2. James McDowall sold land to Joseph Hardy. 10 Nov 1747. A witness was Robert Laurence. page 192.

3. Wm Laurence was a witness to a land sale. 27 July 1757. page 255.[most likely son of Robert Lawrence. Needs further research.]

Ashley

I have two Thomas Ashleys, my 7th & 8th great grandfathers. I need to look closely to decide which man each of these references. Naturally, they both married women named Ann. Fortunately, the Sen & Jun & the Elder notations in some records help immensely.]

1. Thomas Ashley, blacksmith, & wife Ann to Edward Howkett (Hocutt), Se. Aug, 30, 1739. 60 pds. For 340 A. on Rawquiss Swamp. Tract granted to James Castlellaw by patent. Adj. Phillip Walston, Jonathan Stanly, Coll. Cullen Pollock. Wit: Michael Slaughter, David Ambros. NC Court Aug. 3, 1739 W. Smith, CJ. Deed Book F, 12.

2. Thomas Ashley witness to 2 deeds. 6 May 1734. Deed Book D, 92 & 93.

3. Thomas Ashley witness to Deed. 14 Oct 1735. Deed Book D, 299.

4. Thomas Ryan & wife Martha to Jacob Parrot. 1 May 1735. Land adjoining Thomas Ashley, Jun. Deed Book E, 14. Bell, M. B. (1963). Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books A - H, 1720 - 1757(2nd Edition ed.). Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc., page 116.

5. Thomas Lovick of Carteret County to Thomas Ashley. Aug. 2, 1740. 40 pds. For 150 A. “…Thomas Lovick appointed Executor in Last Will and Testament of Laurence Larson Late of the County of Bertie… sell(s) unto Thomas Ashley…” Land on Blackwalnut Swamp adj. Hardy, Land granted Thomas Pollock and assigned to Laurence Larson by deed April 5, 1720. Wit: Robert Lovivk, James Carlee. Aug. Court 1740. Deed Book F, 139.

6. Thomas Ashley, Sen. To Thomas Ashley, Jun. Aug. 10, 1742. 100 pds. For 120 a. On Cashoke Creek adj Henry Van Luven. Wit: John Hill, William Ashley. Aug. Court 1742. Deed Book F, 317.

7. Thomas Ashley the Elder to Samuel Cook. May 13, 1747. 4 pds. For 50 A. At Blackwalnut Swamp adj. Thomas Ryan. Wit: H. Hunter, Richard Ashley. May Court 1747. Deed Book G, 31

8. Thomas Ashley, Sen., blacksmith, to Richard Lakey, carpenter. May 15, 1753. 100 A. On NS Blackwalnut Swamp. Adj. land of Thomas Ryan, Samuel Cook “which s’d Tract of Parcell with 50 acres which I sold to the s’d Samuel Cook in all one hundred and fifty acres was conveyed to me from John Lovick Executor of the Last Will and Testament of Laurence Larson Deceased as by deed bearing date (Aug. 2, 1740)…” Wit: Aaron Boulton, Ryan. May Court 1754. Deed Book H 99.


Maybe this book would help your research. Let me know if I can do a quick look up for you.

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Evidence of Humphrey Lawrence in Bertie Co., North Carolina

Humphrey Lawrence, Jr. 

c 1726 – 1772 Bertie, NC

Son of Robert Lawrence & Elizabeth Nicholls

Wife: Ann Ashley

Children: Frederick, Reuben, David, Anne * Nathaniel

My visit to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in Charlotte, N.C. yielded many resources for my family and inspired me to search more once I returned home. Between the library & the internet I found the following evidences of my 6^th great grandfather, Humphrey Lawrence.

Court Records Involving Humphrey Lawrence

1742. A list of jurors for the next Supreme Court included Humphrey Lawrence & his father-in-law, Thomas Ashley. Source: Bertie County North Carolina County Court Minutes 1740 thru 1743; 1758 thru 1762. Book II. North Carolina: 1977, page 59.

 1747. A Sale of Land from Humphrey Lawrence to his brother, George Lawrence. The land had been willed to Humphrey by his father, Robert. The sale was witnessed by his brother, William. “January 9, 1747. 7 pds. 10 sh. For 120 A. ‘…A Certain Piece of Land which was Willed to me by my father Robert Laurence…’ On SS Bear Swamp ‘…being part of the Land my Father Robert Laurence Lived on when he died…’ “ Source: Bell, Mary Best. Colonial Bertie County North Carolina 1744 - 1753. Volume V; Abstracts of Deed Book G. Windsor, North Carolina: Colonial Bertie, 1965, page 283.

1749. Humphrey Lawrence was the witness to a land sale. Source: Bell, Mary Best. Colonial Bertie County North Carolina 1744 - 1753. Volume V; Abstracts of Deed Book G. Windsor, North Carolina: Colonial Bertie, 1965, page 299.  

1753. Thomas Ashley deeded 82 acres of land  on Cashoke Swamp to his son-in-law Humphrey Lawrence, goldsmith. “ ‘…for love… we bear unto our well beloved Daughter Ann intermarried with the s’d Humphrey…’ Land on WS Cashoke Swamp. Adj. Thomas Ashbourne, to the Great Branch ‘opposite the Old Plantation’, Thomas Ashely, Henry Vanluven, Robert West, Jun. The same land which was bought of Henry Vanluven July 20, 1747. Wit: Samuel Ormes, Jane Ormes. November Court 1753. Samuel Ormes”. Source: Bell, Mary Best. Colonial Bertie County North Carolina 1753 - 1757. Volume VI; Abstracts of Deed Book H. Windsor, North Carolina: Colonial Bertie, 1968, Page 336.

1767. Humphrey Lawrence was the executor of a will. Source: Gammon, David B. Abstracts of Wills; Bertie County, North Carolina; 1722 - 1774. Raleigh, North Carolina: 1990. From the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Charlotte, North Carolina. Pages 85 - 86.

The Will of Humphrey Lawrence

The will, written 26 April 1771 & proved June 1772 names these family members:

Ann. “my dearly beloved wife, negro fellow named Ben, also the house and plantation during her life, also all--part of the household goods and stock for the said term, and after her decease to be equally divided among my children.”

Frederick. “To my dearly beloved son Frederick, I give a piece of my land which I bought of William Virgin, also an equal part of the household stuff and cattle.” 

Reuben. “To my Son, Reuben, I leave him the land which lies between David Bryan and Ben Cook, also an equal part of the household stuff and cattle. Also one Negro boy called Granvill.” 

David. “To my son David Lawrence, I give part of a still which is two-thirds belonging between my sister Elizabeth Spruill and me, also one Negro boy called Isaac, and my working tools, also my rifle.”

Ann. “To my daughter, Ann Laurence, I give one girl named ---, and an equal part of the household goods”. 

Nathaniel.  “And to my son Nathaniel, I give the Negro wench, and part of the household goods.” 

Source: Almasy, Sandra L. Bertie County, North Carolina Wills 1761 - 1780. Joliet, Illinois: Kensington Glen Publishing, 1990. From the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Charlotte, North Carolina, page 78.

The Estate of Humphrey Lawrence

An Inventory of his Estate

1 Negro man Ben, 1 Negro woman Patt, 1 Negro boy Isaac, 1 Negro boy Granville, 1 Negro girl Taylor, 1 mare, About 26 head of cattle, 16 head of sheep, Some hogs in the woods, number unknown, 3 feather beds & frames, 2 chests, 1 table & 1 trunk, A small chest of drawers, 11 chairs & 1 looking glass, 1 rifle gun, Part of a set of blacksmith tools, A part of a set of silver smith’s tools, 13 pewter plates, 3 pewter dishes, 2 dozen spoons, 2 stone jugs, 1 earthen jug, Ax & saw, 19 stone plates, 3 tea pots, 2 bowls, 1 stone pitcher, 1 earthen pitcher, 3 butter pots, 1 saddle & bridle, 2 barrels of tobacco, 1 horse cart, 1 chamber pot, 1 fire shovel & tongs, 2 candle sticks & snuffers, 8 knives, A parcel of old books, His wearing clothes, 1 pr. of money scales & weights, 1 razor, 21 L – 3- 8 in money, Some old silver, 6 small stone bowls, 2 wine glasses, 3 glass tumblers, 2 salts, 2 woolen wheels, 1 linen wheel, 1 iron skillet, 1 ink pot, 1 pr. Of old hand bellows

There were many more items but the handwriting was too difficult to read. Two pages of inventory were divided into sections labeled: Frederick, David, Nathaniel, Reuben & Ann with items & their value listed below.

This inventory was discovered on Family Search/North Carolina/Bertie County/Probate: ‘Bertie County Estate Records, indexed by Names’.

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Travel Tuesday - A North Carolina Treasure
Evidence of Thomas Ashley in Bertie Co., NC