Laws

(Law, Lawe, Lawes)

Anderson, Souden, Fisher, Houston. Polk, Collins

Additonal Contributions by Emalu Myer Simpson

Last Updated 01 Jan 2007

ohn Laws first settled in Accomac County but had settled in Somerset c.1670 when he married 13 Jun 1671 Katherine Bosman Nelson ,widow of John Nelson d. ante Jan. 11 1670/1, and dau of William Bosman and Bridget______d. July 1660. John Laws wrote his will 28 Apr. 1696, p. 30 June 1697 Lists "brother George Betts"(Geo. Betts m. 2nd Bridget Bosman sister of Katherine Bosman). John and Katherine Laws had issue: (Old Somerset on the Eastern Shore by Clayton Torrence)

2. William Laws b. 12 Sept. 1673, planter Somerset Co. Md., Deed Book I.KL. No 11, 1692, Somerset Co. w.d. 21 May 1729 p. 20 Aug. 1729 Somerset Co., Md. m. Sarah Bevans, dau of Capt. Rowland Bevans w.d. 28 Apr. 1709, p. 6 June 1709 and Mary Bewry[sic] (Berry). Sarah Bevans Laws m. (2nd) Joshua Sturgis

Worc. Co Inventories, 4 Dec 1729 Liber IW p 151 William Laws late of Somerset Co. Next of kin Rowland Bevins and Jno. Bevins

Worc. Co. Inv. 11 Dec 1730 Liber IW, same book, Then came Joshua Sturgis and his wife Sarah make oath that the inventory is just in the estate of William Laws dec'd. Sarah his widow now the wife of Joshua Sturgis

Worc. Co. Will 19 Dec 1749 p. 19 Jan 1749/50 to children: Roling, Thomas, Caleb, John, Attalanter Beavens and Elizabeth Vicerone. Brother Thomas Beavens and my brother Joshua Sturgis.

Somerset Co. Deeds 019 p 9 12 Jan 1735 Richard Parker of Accomac Co. Va. sold to John Laws, son of Wm LAWS dec'd, and Joshua Sturgis

3. William Laws Jr. b. home plantation and 50 A. Laws Last Chance a.k.a.(Laws His Last Choice) m. Violetta(Violator [sic]) Gray

4. Mary(Polly) Laws b.De. d.ante Mar 1802 De. m. (1st) Adam Killen (2nd) Joshua Laws, son of Bolitha Laws and Leah_____. Joshua Laws (see below) m. 2nd ante15 Mar 1802 Rachel Chambers

5. Abel Killen

5. Mary Laws Killen m. Isaac Davis, Judge.son of Jehu Davis, Judge b. 1737 Worc. Co. Md. d. Kent Co. Del. m. Rhoda Laws

4. Sarah Laws b. De 1748 d. 1818 m. Major Anderson

5. Rebecca Anderson b. 1769 d. 1797 m. John Clark

5. Amaretta Anderson b. 1771 d. 1788

5. Ezekiel Anderson b. 1774 d. 1823 m. Deborah Lewis, dau of Stephen Lewis and Deborah Luff Pleasanton

5. Clement Anderson b. 1776 d. 1843 m. Sarah Masten

5. James Anderson b. 1778 d. 1798

5. James Laws Anderson b. 1780

5. Sarah Anderson b. 1782 d. 1793

5. Major Anderson b. 1784 d. 1812

5. Mary Anderson b. 1788 m. Philip Fiddeman

5. William Anderson b. 1787 d. 1789

5. Luranna Anderson b. 1792 m.(1st) Justin Graham (2nd) Stephen Anderson

4. John Laws b.De. died young, De.

4. Amaretta Laws b.De. died 1816 m. James Souden [sic] Sorden?

5. William Souden b. 10 Aug 1762 d. 8 Mar 1806

5. Thomas Souden m. Mary Nutter, wid. of Truston Laws Polk (see below*)

5. James Souden m.

5. Susanna/Luranny? Souden

5. Dingley Gray Souden

5. Elizabeth Souden

5. Mary Souden

5. Violator Souden m. ____Primrose

4. Violator Laws b. 11 Jun 1751 m. John Fisher b. 24 Mar 1745

5. Maddox? Fisher b. 17 Aug 1770

5. William Laws Fisher 5 Dec 1772

5. Nancy Fisher 20 Apr 1775 m. Joseph Houston son of Robert Houston and Priscilla Laws(see below)

5. John Fisher 18 Apr 1778

5. Susanna A. Fisher 23 Jul 1780

5. Thomas Fisher 22 Feb 1783

5. Samuel Fisher 26 Aug 1785

5. Violator Laws Fisher 26 Oct 1788

5. Rosahanah Fisher 5 Aug 1791

5. Clement L. Fisher 25 Nov 1792

4. William Laws b. c. 1739 w.d. 14 Aug 1794, p. 13 July1796 Mispillion Hundred, Kent Co. De. m. Elizabeth Cropper, dau of John Cropper, Sr. and Mary______

5. Lodowick Laws b. 1765 d. 1821 m. 1788(1st) Charlotte Stayton b. 1766 d.1800 m.10 Jan 1801(2nd) Ann (Nancy) Parker Laws wid. of Bolitha Laws., Jr.

6. William Laws b. 1791 drown 1814, inherited Hinds Neck from grandfather, near St Johnstown in Sussex Co. De.

6. James Laws b. 1789 m. Sarah Clark

6. John Laws b. 1792 m. 3X

6. Elisha Laws b. 1794

6. Thomas Laws b. 1798

6. Robert Laws b. 1796 d. 1801

6. Daniel Laws b. 1799 m. Susan Robb

5. Elijah Laws

5. Lydia Laws b. De d. Kentucky m. Robert Houston son of Robert Houston, Sr. and Priscilla Laws

6. Elizabeth Houston

5. Clement Laws b.d m. Mary Melson Sussex Co De

6. Clement Laws, Jr. ?

6. Elizabeth Laws m. Warner Mifflin

6. Mary Laws m. Samuel Rowland

6. Lydia Laws m. Charles West

6. John Laws

5. George Laws b. 1775 d. 1850 m. Mary Pleasanton dau of _______Pleasanton and Sarah Gordon

6. Sarah Pleasanton Laws m. James Morgan DeWalle

6. Elizabeth Laws b.

6. Pleasanton Laws b. 1823 d. 1901

6. Mary Laws m. m. James Morgan DeWalle?

6. George Laws

5. John May Laws b. De d. adm. 2 Feb 1796 Kent Co. De. m. Alisha(Elisha) Tilney, b. d. 20 Jul 1808 she m.(2nd) Caleb Sipple

6. Stringer Laws b. 4 Aug. 1785 Milford De. m. ________Tilney

6. William Laws b. 20 Apr 1791 Milford De. (ran for mayor of Baltimore)

6. John May Laws Jr. b. 18 Oct 1793 Milford De.m.21 Jun 1814 Ann Dill Beswick dau of Vincent Lockerman Beswick b.17 Apr 1767 d. 24 Aug. 1804 and Mary Minors b. 14 Jul 1770 d. 18 Apr 1851,dau of Robt. Minors b. 1777 and Mary Magdelan Polk.

7. Mary Jane Laws b. 24 Feb 1820 m. George Rodney Warren b. 19 May 1814, d. 6 Jan 1884 son of Benjamin Warren amd Susannah Luff

8.Benjamen Clark Warren b. 24 Jul 1859 m. Mary Stewart Benson

3. John Laws, Esq., Judge b. ante 1715 Somerset Co. MD w.d. 2 Mar 1790 p 1 Dec 1790 Sussex Co. De.(Delaware Archives Vol A83 p 138-139, Sussex County Reg of Wills Liber D f. 264-265) Third Justice Court of Common Pleas and Orphans Court Sussex County De.1777-Justice 1779- Member of Com. of Inspection during Am Rev., Signer of the Constitution of Del. will states "old plantation and 150 A. Cumberland and 50 A. adjoining Cumberland" m.ante 3-27-1739 Agnes Alexander

William Alexander 21.223 S0 £105.2.8 Nov 10 1735 Jan 10 1735 Appraisers: Thomas Gillis, Thomas Potter. Creditors: John Griffith, Alexander Adams. Next of kin: Mosses Alexander, Agnes Alexander. Administrator/Executor: Listian Alexander.

4. Alexander Laws, Esq. m.ante 1788 w.d.5 Apr 1785 p. 23 Jan 1789 Sussex County, De., member of the Committee of Inspection during the Amer. Rev., State Senator from Sussex Co. De., Judge of Common Pleas 2 Feb 1788 Fourth Justice, June 10th, Third Justice 24 Oct. 1790, m. Emelia(Amelia[sic]) Polk, dau of David Polk

5. Saxagotha[sic] Laws , inherited Fellowship, William's Security and Dwelling Plantation m.Leah Nutter she m.(2)Nathaniel Russum (3rd)_______Brown

6. Saxa Gotha Laws Jr. b. 12 Dec 1793

6. James Russum,Rutson[sic] Laws b. 6 Aug. 1797

6. Robert Laws b. 29 mar 1800 d 11 Mar 1803

6. Mary Laws b. 25 Feb. 1793 d 23 Feb 1841 m. George Polk d. 21 Aug 1836

7. Edward Polk b. 16 May 1811 d. 19 May 1811

7. Ann Maria Polk b. 17 Feb 1813 m. Joshua Sharp

7. Alexander Laws Polk b. 18 Oct 1815

7. Sally W. Polk b. 19 Apr 1891 d. 17 Jun 1865 m. John Collins

7. Charles Polk

7. Leah Polk m. 4 Aug 1825 Wm. M. Sharp

6. William Laws b. 29 Jul 1803

6. Elizabeth Laws b. 26 Dec. 1805

5. William Laws , inherited Goshen, Goshen's Addition and Pleasant's Guardian (Garden[sic])d.adm. 22 Apr 1801

6. Alexander Laws of U.S.N., who was with Stephen Decatur at Triploli. d. ante 1801

5. Sarah Laws , inherited 100 lbs Pa. Money from father, m. Outten Laws, son of Bolitha Laws, Sr. and Leah, he married (1st) Sarah Pleasanton

6. Alexander Polk Laws m. Ann Cullen, dau. of Gideon Cullen

6. Juliann Laws m. James Kimmey, his (2nd)

6. Bolitha Laws d. unmarried

6. Saxa Gotha Laws- a lawyer died unmarried

6. Amelia Laws m. Jacob M. Hill

6. Outten Laws, Jr. b. 1800 d. 1856 unmarried.

6. John Laws

6. Deborah Laws m. John Hickey of Phila. Pa.

5. Emelia[sic]Amelia Laws, inherited 100 lbs Pa. Money from father, bd."Lawland" Jones Neck De. m. John Lewis

5. Mary Laws , inherited HorsePond, d. no issue

4. Jane Laws m. John Collins d. 1804 son of Andrew Collins

4. John Laws m. Ann Polk b. w.d. 20 Apr 1788 Sussex Co. De. , cousin to Emelia Polk (she m.(2nd) Stephen Lewis,speaker of the House,) inherited Cumberland, Laws Last Choice. Other lands owned Straton's Chance, Goshen, Addition, Horsepond, Luck's All.

5. Margaret Laws m.19 Feb 1799 (by Rev John Johnson) Joseph Barker

5. Elizabeth(Betsy) Laws m.c. 1800 Benjamin Blackinston, Judge

5. Dr. John Laws b. d. Jun 1799 m.aft 1787 ante 1792(by Rev Wm Sydenham Thorn) Letitia Rodney, dau of William Rodney

5. Daniel Polk Laws b. 15 Sept 1783 d. 22 Jan 1808 m.26 Jul 1804(by Rev Wm Hickman) Priscilla Collins b. 16 May 1786, dau of John Collins and Sally(Sarah)____.She m( 2nd) John Rust

6. John Laws b. 18 May 1805

6. Mariah Laws b. 20 Mar 1807 d. 27 Jan 1808

5. Alexander Laws b. 18 Jan 1782 Sussex Co.De, d. 24 May 1811 Fri 10:00 P.M. m.4 Jul 1807(by Rev H Bell) Lovey Lewis(Collins) Polk wid.b. 20 Jan 1781 ,d. 24 Feb 1810 9:00 A.M.dau of John Collins and Sally(Sarah)___., he m (2nd) 23 Ap 1811 Nancy Polk

6. Margaret Mariah Laws b. d. 24 Feb 1810 9:00 A.M.

5. William Laws b. 1 Oct 1786 d. 16 Dec 1830 m.27 Jul 1812 Mary Rickards,b. 25 Aug 1791 d.30 Nov 1863 dau of Joseph Rickards and Celiah_______

6. Margaret Ann Laws b. 12 Oct 1813 m. Gov. Wm Cannon d. 1 March 1865, of Bridgeville,De.,both buried Bridgeville Pub. Cemetary

6. Alexander Laws b. 12 Aug 1817 d. 12 Feb 1818

6. Daniel Polk Laws b. 14 Feb 1819 d. 1829

6. Sally Angeline Laws b. 6 Aug 1821 d. 4 Jul 1825

6. Samuel Paynter Laws B. 10 Aug 1823 d. 1829

6. Sophie E.Laws b. 28 Jun 1815 m. George P White

6. Mary Amanda Laws b. 25 Aug 1826 died 1829

6. Charlotte Ellen Laws b. 4 Feb 1830 m. Garrett Sipple Layton

4. Priscilla Laws b. 1740 m.1757 Robert Houston w.d. 23 Jan 1786 p 25 Feb 1788 of Cedar Creek, Sussex Co., De(m.(1st) Mary Purnel)1

15. Purnel Houston b. d. 9 Mar 1835 Monongalia Co., Va.

5. Sarah Houston b. 17 Feb 1758 d. 1844 m. John Collins, son of Andrew Collins

6. John Collins, Jr. Gov. m. Jane Hall, dau of Gov. David Hall (Col in Amer. Rev)

6. Priscilla Collins

5. Elizabeth Houston b. 9 Oct 1759 m. Nehemiah Carey

6. Priscilla Carey

6. Elizabeth Carey

5. John A.L. Houston b. 30 Dec 1761

5. Robert Houston b. 5 Mar 1764 m. Lydia Laws, dau of William Laws and Elizabeth Cropper

5. Joseph Houston b. 21 June 1766 m. Nancy Fisher, dau of John Fisher and Violator Laws(see above)

5. Nancy Houston b. 29 Apr 1768

5. Liston A. Houston b.21 Dec 1771 m. Mary Prettyman

6. Priscilla Houston

5. Priscilla Houston, b. 19 Feb 1773 m. Charles Carlisle

6.Sally Carlisle

5. James Houston, b 16 Jan 1775

5. Clement Houston, b. 13 Mar 1777 d 26 Oct 1861

5.Isaac Houston b. 18 Oct 1780 d. 3 Sept 1786

5. Samuel Houston b. 6 Apr. 1783, d. Feb 1782

5. Nancy Houston b. 4 Oct 1786 m. Eli Hall

4. Sarah Laws d. ante Aug 1773 m. William Polk d. 27 Dec 1787 (Archives of Delaware Vol A83 p 138-139 Sussex County Reg of Wills Liber D f 264-265), son of Robert Polk. Wm Polk m. (2nd) Eleanor(Nelly)____ widow of William Nutter(1st), dec'd and Christopher Nutter (2nd), dec'd (no issue) . (Balance books of the Prerogative Court of Md. Liber 6 f 307 and 339, Liber 7 f 37) Eleanor (Nelly) Polk and William Nutter had dau Mary Nutter [see below] (Balance Books of the Prerogative Court of Maryland, Liber 6, f 143; Dorc. Co Land Records 27 Old 161; Land Commision Reocrds, Caroline Co., 1774 A-1) Mary Nutter by 10 Feb 1788 had married her step brother Trusten Laws Polk (Orphans Court Records of Sussex Co. Del., Liber D f 339) Wm. Nutter m. 3rd Mary Vaughan, widow of John Woodgate

5. William Nutter Polk w.d. 27 Dec 1787 p. 17 Oct 1788

5.1 Truston Laws Polk d. ante 27 Apr 1797 (Delaware Archives Vol A87 p 166, Wm Polk granted letters of Adm. for Truston Laws Polk)(adm 1796 Del ) m. Mary Nutter, dau of William Nutter and Elinor[sic] Polk (see ante). Mary Nutter Polk m. (2nd) 2Thomas Sorden ,(his adm. settled D.B.N. by Wm. Nutter Polk and Dr. John Carey, Del. Archives Vol A100, p 32-34)(see ante*)

6.1William Nutter Polk m. _____Causey brother to Peter Causey d. 1835 (Del Arch. Vol A93, p 163-171) will states W.N. Polk had grandchildren Wm. and Lavinia Shockley, half brothers John and Alexander P. Sorden (Causey, Peter Foster (1801-1871) Uncle of Trusten Polk. Born January 11, 1801. Governor of Delaware, 1855-59;defeated, 1846, 1850. Died February 15, 1871. Interment at Christ Episcopal Churchyard, Milford, Del. ref. from www.politicalgraveyard.com

7. William Causey Polk m. Sarah Tharp b. 3 Aug 1821 , dau of Delaware Governor William Tharp b. 27 Nov 1803 d. 1 Jan 1865 m. 1 Jan 1828 Mary A. Johnson (refs. History of Delaware, Sharf & Biographical and Genealogical Historyof the State of Delaware, J.M. Runk &Co. 1899)

8. Catherine Polk

8. Truston Polk

8. Lizzie Polk

8. Nellie Polk

8. William Polk

7. Trusten Polk b. 29 May 1811 d. 16 Apr 1876 m. Elizabeth Skinner -Truston Polk (U.S. Senator and Col in Confederacy) appears to have been the son of William Nutter Polk who was the son of Trusten Laws Polk and Mary Nutter. information came from the unpublished manuscript of George V. Massey II, "The Cannons of Nanticoke River 1688-1956". The manuscript was commissioned by descendants of Gov William Cannon and is with other important family papers at the Eleutherian Mills Library (Hagley Museum) in Wilmington. Notes from the manuscript: Truston Polk (5-29,1811-Apr 16, 1876) Yale, 1831, went to St Louis, Missouri; became Governor of Missouri. As U S Senator was expelled from Senate on Dec 18,1861 because of his sympathies for the southern cause. Col in confederacy. Military Judge of the Dept of Mississippi; taken prisoner; resumed law practice in St Louis after the war; prominent in M.E. Church, South. Massey's cites sources as follows: A93, 152-154 (Administration of Truston Laws Polk, 1796), 163-171 (Will of Wm Nutter Polk, d. 1835), Hall of Records, Dover; Polk Family and Kinsman, 691, 694; D.A.B., (1943), 43. (Gleaned by Emalu Myer Simpson- 2000) d. St Louis, Mo. (ref. Polk Family and Kinsman W. H. Polk)

Congressional Biography gleaned from www.politicalgraveyard.com )Biographical Directory o fthe United States Congress)

POLK, Trusten, 1811-1876 Years of Service: 1857-1862
Party: Democrat , Senator from Missouri; born near Bridgeville, Sussex County, Del., May 29, 1811; attended the common schools and a private academy; graduated from Yale College in 1831; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1835 and commenced practice in St. Louis, Mo.; city counselor of St. Louis 1843; delegate to the Missouri State constitutional convention in 1845; presidential elector on the Democratic ticket in 1848; inaugurated as Governor of Missouri in January 1857 but soon afterward resigned, having been elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate; served from March 4, 1857, to January 10, 1862, when he was expelled for disloyalty; during the Civil War served as colonel in the Confederate Army; judge in the military courts of the department of Mississippi in 1864 and 1865, until taken prisoner; resumed the practice of law in St. Louis, Mo., and died there April 16, 1876; interment in Bellefontaine Cemetery.

7. Mary Causey Polk m. Daniel Currey (ref. Polk Family and Kinsman W. H. Polk)

7. Elizabeth Causey Polk d. ante 1835 m. Elias Shockley (ref. Polk Family and Kinsman W. H. Polk)

6.2 Alexander P. Sorden

6.2 John Sorden

6.1 Elinor Polk m c. 1812 ("his cousin") Daniel Polk Jr., son of David Polk Sr. and Margaret Nutter White, resided in Louisville, Ky, Shelby Co. Ky, d 14 Jun 1836 Ky.

7. Thomas White Polk b. 1784

7. 2 more sons

6.1 Truston Laws Polk

6.1 Sinah Polk m. Dr. John Carey (ref. Polk Family and Kinsman W. H. Polk)

5. William Polk

5. Robert Polk

5. Alexander P olk

5. Clement Polk

5. Anne Polk

5. Nancy Polk

4. 2Nancy Laws d. ante Mar 1787 m. Robert Houston, Esq. d. intestate 8 Oct 1794, Member of the Council of Safety 5 Jul 1776, House of Rep. 22 Oct 1774, Justice Sussex Co. 2 Jun 1785, son of John Houston (w.d. 15 Feb 1768 p. 23 Mar 1768) Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex Co.m. ante 1730 Rhoda______ De.,Robt. m.(1st) Sarah Minors1, m.(3rd) Ann Owens3

15. Sally Minors Houston

25. Littleton Houston b. Sussex Co., cabinetmaker, moved to Charleston , In.

25. John Houston b.c. 1760 d. Jan 1828 m. Elizabeth Wiltbank b. 22 Sept 1782 d. 27 Oct 1856 bd. Pres Church Lewes De.

6. John W. Houston, Judge

6. Dr. David Houston

25. Nancy Houston m. Col. Seth Griffith

6. Dr Hiram Griffith b. 1800 Concord De. m. 1828 Mary A. Houston, dau of John Houston and Elizabeth Wiltbank

25. Peggy Houston m.ante 1795 William Ellegood

25. Agnes Houston b. m.1791 Ashael Phillips

6. Rev. Ashael Phillips b. Milford De, 21 Mar 1806

5. Robert Houston

35. Polly Houston b. 4 Sept 1788

35. Harry Houston b. 18 Jan 1793

3. Elijah Laws b.aft 1708 (under 21 at time of father's will 1729) w.d.6 Feb 1794 p. 29 Mar 1794 Worc. Co. Md. Comfort_______(Sturgis ? see below)

Somerset Co. Deeds Liber 020 p. 227 June 16 1741 I, Joshua Sturgis, Gent. for love and affection to my loving son...Elijah Laws, land "Wicksnough (Wickenough, Wickeness)"-later in the deed it mentions my "Son in Law (step-son), Elijah Laws"

4. Willis Laws inherited land called Little Neck

4. Joshua Laws inherited and called Little Neck

4. Mary Laws m._____ Cottingham

4. Martha Laws m._____ Givens

4. Rachel Laws m.______ Coulborne

4. Rhoda Laws

4. Elijah Laws b. Worc. Co. Md. w.d.17 October 1813 p 4 Jan 1814 inherited tract called Laws Outlet and Addition to Laws Outlet

5. John Laws b. Worc. Co. Md.

5. Elijah Laws b. Worc. Co. Md.inherited plantation (described) that bounds Capt. Daniel Jones.

5. Patty Laws b. Worc. Co. Md.

5. James Laws b. Worc. Co. Md. inherited146 acres in the forest Addition to Hog Quarter.

5. Joshua Laws b. Worc. Co. Md.

3. Bolitha (Belitha) Laws w.d. 15 Sept 1781 Reg. of Wills, Liber M f. 8-10 m. Leah_______.

4. Joshua Laws m.(1st) Mary Laws Killen (2nd) 15 Mar 1802 Rachel Chambers

4. John Laws

5. Bolitha Laws b. ante 15 Set 1781

4. William Laws

4. Truston Laws

4. Outten Laws

4. Major Laws

4. Charlotte Laws

4. Anne Laws

4. Ester Laws

4. Leah Laws

4. Hesse Laws

4. Sarah Laws m. ________Manlove

4. Elizabeth Laws m. Ezekiel Anderson

4. Bolitha Anderson

3. Esther Laws m. Benjamin Holston (Houston)

3. Rachel Laws b.c.1710 m. Angelo Atkinson

2. John Laws, ("eldest son" [q.v.]) b. 5 Feb 1675, Manokin, Somerset Co., Md., Deed Book I.KL. No 11, inherited Loyden Grove ,m. Elizabeth ______Polk/Williams?

John Peakley Som w.d. 20 Dec. 1702 p. 24 May 1703 wit. ...Jno Laws

Wm Jones Acct. Som Jan 6 1707 Payment to ...John Laws

Mr. John Edgar Inv. and Accts. Som Oct 1705- sperate debts ...John Laws

John White Acct Som 3 Jan 1723 payments to ...John Laws, Thomas Laws

Ephraim Polk Acct Som. 13 Apr 1724 Administrators John Laws and his wife Elizabeth

Charles Williams 20.325 SO £72.l8.4 Oct 11 1734 Feb 10 1734
Appraisers: John Elzey, Robert Jones.
Creditors: Lewis Jones, Thomas Dashiell, Sr.
Next of kin: John Laws, David Pollock.
Executor: John Williams.

John Williams 47.97 SO £14O.7.3 Apr 29 1751 Jun 20 1751
Appraisers: Thomas Lowes Samuel Jones.
Creditors: John White William Renchar.
Next of kin: Elisabeth Lawes John Laws.
Administratrix/Executrix: Elisabeth Williams.

2. Robert Laws b. 22 June 1678, Manokin, Somerset Co., Md., Deed Book I.KL. No 11, w.d. 8 Apr. 1745 inherited 1/2 of Good Will and 50 a. from father in law, Littleworth and residue of Something Worth, m. Katherine Panter dau. of John Panter and Dorothy ________.

Mr. John Paynter 37A.35 A SO £197.lS.lO Nov 14 1715
Payments to: Leven Woolford, Robert Leighfield, John Irving, Mr. Alexander Adams (minister), Bridget Wallers, Mr. John Jones, Benjamin Cottman, Edward Bright, Mr. Wailes, Thomas Dashield, Robert Lawes, Bridget Walter, John Malahan.
Executors: Robert Lawes, George Martin and his wife Dorithy Martin.

William Bozman of William 21.372 80 E27.7.11 Feb 19 1735 May 8 1736
Appraisers: Robert Jones, Robert Lawes.
Creditors: Matthias Gale, Joseph Gillis.
Next of kin: Edward Miler, George Bozman.
Administrator: William Bozman.

LAWS, ROBERT, Somerset Co. w.d. 8 Apr, 1748 p. 21 Mar, 1750
To son William Laws, tract called “Taylor’s Hill,” in Dorchester Co., 200 A.
To John Wallace, 1 s. sterl., in full of his dec’d. wife Elinor’s pt. of my estate.
To sons Panter and Wm. Laws, personal estate. Son Panter Laws, ex.
Wit: Rob. Jones, Thos. Jones, Benj. Jones. 27. 525

3. William Laws b.c. 1712 w.d. 22 Nov 1753 p. 2 Jan 1754 m. ante 1741 (1st) Bridget Sasser d. aft. 1749-ante 1753 dau of William and Alice Sasser, m. (2nd) Rebecca (Wheeler?)Woolgate[sic] Woodgate?, wid. of ______Woolgate, she m. (3rd) George Wallace

William Sasser 18.440 A 50 £163.18.0 £163..17.ll Nov 7 1741
Alice’s estate includes the balance from William’s estate plus her l/3rds. Payments to: John Waller, Daniel Dulany, Esq., Robert Laws, Lewis Jones, Major Waller, John Neal, Philip Spuer, Mr. Thomas Dashiell, William Laws who married Bridgett Sasser (daughter), Alice Sasser (daughter), Ann Sasser (daughter), accountant (son).
Distribution to: Benjamin Sasser.
Administrator: William Sasser (administrator of Alice Sasser (administratrix of deceased)).

LAWS, WILLIAM, Dorchester Co. w.d. 22 Nov, 1753 p. 3 Jan, 1754
To son Robert Laws, 200 A. called “Taylor’s Hill,” 45 A. called “Laws’ Addition, to him and hrs., provided the said Robert pay his bro. George Laws, 25 lbs. money, and likewise, I give to son Robert Laws, slaves.
To son George Laws, one slave boy called Jack.
To dau. Ellinor Laws, slave, Nan.
To dau. Mary Laws, slave, Judey.
To son Thomas Laws, slave, Mariar.
To wife Rebecka Laws, slaves Jo and Dinah, and at her decease, to be divided amongst my sons and daughters.
To dau.—in—law Mary Woodgate, cattle.
To son—in—law John Woodgate, same.
To son George Laws, 10 lbs. money.
To wife Rebecka Laws, stock, ten head of cattle.
To bro. Panter Laws, my clothing.
Wife, extx.
Wits John Brown, Robert Wallace, Charity Woodgate. 29. 55

4. Robert Laws b. 6 Feb 1740/1 inherited Taylors Hill and Addition

4. George Laws b. 1 Nov 1743

4. Eleanor Laws b. 15 Nov 1746

4. Mary Laws b. 12 June 1749

4. Thomas Laws b. 25 May 1753, Judge, Sussex Co. De.(High Sherrif 1792-95 , Senator 1795, Signer of the Constitution of Delaware, State Rep. 1806, Assoc. Justice 1806) m.(1st)25 May 1775 Amelia Cropper b. 26 Jul 1760, dau of Levin and Ann Cropper, m .(2nd) Nancy Hazzard, wid. of Jacob Hazzard

5. Sarah Laws b. 23 Jul 1776

5. Rebecca Laws b. 23 Aug. 1779 m. 5 Dec. 1797 Francis Brown

5. Samuel Laws b. 23 Jul 1781, lived in Delaware where he was a Circuit Judge, m.30 Oct, 1804 Charlotte M. Rickards d. aft 1841 dau of Joseph Rickards and Celiah_______.

5. Panter Laws b. 25 Jul 1785 m. 27 Feb 1806 Mary Moore

5. Cropper Laws b. 14 Jan. 1788

5. Nelly Laws b. 7 Aug. 1792

5. Robert Laws b. 29 Mar 1795

5. dau b. 31 May died during childbirth

5. Polly Laws 2 Aug 1798

5. twin children miscarried 5 March 1801

5. Nancy Laws b. 19 Apr 1790 (twin) m.8 Nov 1808 m. Littleton Quinton

5. James Laws b. 19 Apr1790 (twin) m. Rachel Spahr

6. Thomas Laws b. 13 April 1814

6. Rebecca Wheeler Laws b. 9 Jan 1816

6. Amelia Cropper Laws b. 11 Dec 1817

6. John Spahr Laws b. 27 Apr. 1820

6. Joseph Quinton Laws b. 10 Jan 1832

6. Samuel Spahr Laws b. 23 March 1824

6. James Heddin Laws b. 18 Aug. 1826

3. Panter Laws, Capt. b. w.d. 20 Jan 1762 p.5 Apr, 1769 m.(1st) Feb 1736 , Somerset Co., Md. Catherine Jones b. d. 22 Mar 1736/7, m.(2nd) 2 Feb 1739 Mary Bosman dau of George and Sarah Bosman

Calendar of Wills

LAWES, PANTER, Somerset Co. w.d. 20 Jan, 1769 p. 5 Apr, 1769
Wife: Mary.
Children: William, Gilbert, Thomas, Nancy and Betty.
Extx: Wife Mary.
wit: Levin Dashiell, Benj. Sasser, Wm.. Waller. 37. 282

Prerog. Court

Capt. Panter Lawes 100.245 SO£587.l2.9 May 5 1769 Jul 5 1769
Appraisers: Levin Dashiell, William Walker.
Creditors: Levin Gunn, Benjamin Sasser.
Next of kin: Samuel Jones, John Lawes.
Executrix: Mary Lawes.

James Jones 24.332 S0 £252.5.2 Jun 15 1739 Nov 10 1739
Appraisers: P. Lawes, George Irving.
Creditors: Thomas Dashiell, Sr. Matthias Gale.
Next of kin: John Jones, Catherine Jones.
Administratrix/Executrix: Mary Jones.

4. Sarah Laws b. 29 June 1745 Somerset Co., Md.

4. William(Billy) Laws, b. 3 Apr 1749 -bought from grandfather Robt. Laws Addition to Little worth and Something-worth, Somerset Co. Deeds Liber O 26 f 58 -24 Nov 1769

4. Mary Laws b. 1 May 1751 Somerset Co, Md.

4. Ann Laws b. 24 Jan 1754 Somerset Co, Md.

4. Gilbert Laws

4. Thomas Laws

4. John Laws

4. Nancy Laws

4. Betty Laws

3. Elinor Laws b. d. m. John Wallace

2. Mary Laws b. 8 June 1686, Manokin, Somerset Co.,Md., Deed Book I.KL. No 11

2. George Laws b. 1689 Somerset Co. Md. Court Book L f 505, d. ante 5 Dec 1718, inherited 1/2 of Good Will, m. Elizabeth________b. d. aft. 5 Dec 1718.

2. Thomas Laws Sr. b. Somerset County Md. d, inherited home plantation North Foreland and 50 A. Greenwich

3. Thomas Laws Jr. b. w.d. 7 Dec 1779 p. 9 Dec 1782 Worc. Co. Md. m. inherited North Foreland on Devil's Island

4. John Laws

5. ?Peggy Laws

4. Mary Laws m. _______Timmons

4. Ann Laws m. ________Waller

5. Sarah Waller

2. Ann Laws

(Note: The base of this chart is structured from work of Laws Family, manuscript, Hart, Matilda Spicer, Rehobeth Beach Del.,.Jan 1941. expanded upon by myself, Emalu Myer Simpson-original work by Ms Hart subject to correction; input welcome, will need verification before publishing-- R.A.Riggin)

The Laws Family was a large, prestigious, and patriotic family. Statesmen, Justices, Lawyers, Doctors and Governors all descend from the family progenitor, John Laws, Sr. Their primary residents were Sussex and Kent Counties, De., though some staked claims in Worcester Co. Md., near early claims that were originally patented in Somerset County, before 1742. The Laws family was very close with the Polk family and their families married into each others frequently. The Polk family is the same well known Southern aristocratic family that migrated into the Carolinas and the Midwest, which produced James Knox Polk, a former President of the United States, and Truston Polk, Governor of Missouri and Col. in the Conferacey

Wills Sussex Co. De.

Joshua Laws w.d. 21 Mar 1821 p. 24 April 1821

son Elijah Laws, John Laws, Joshua Laws, Daniel Laws

dau Ann Polk Latchum

test. Wm Burton, Sary Cavedall [sic] Coverdale

Wills Worcester Co. Md. with Laws family mentioned.

Elijah Laws 17 October 1813w. 4 January 1814p. To sons John, Elijah, plantation (described) that bounds Capt. Daniel Jones. Daughter Patty Laws. To son James Laws, 146 acres in the forest Addition to Hog Quarter. To son Joshua Laws, balance of lands. Wit; William Townsend, Peter Townsend and Peter Evans. JBR 27.

Laws, Elijah, Sr. 6 Feb 1794w. 29 Mar 1794p. To wife Comfort Laws, 1/3 estate. To son Willis Laws. To son Joshua Laws, land called LITTLE NECK. To daughters Mary Cottingham , Martha Givens, Rachel Coulborne. To daughter Rhoda Laws. To son Elijah Laws, tract called LAWS OUTLET and ADDITION TO LAWS OUTLET, and the EX. To Martha Henderson. Wit; Schoolfield Parker, John Jones, Sr., Daniel Jones. 1790-99, 154.

George Bell 19 January 1804w. 14 February 1804p. To wife Nancy Bell, one-thirds land, horse had of brother James Bell, printed books which were formerly her father's, note on William Riley, James A. Collins in favor of Josiah Mitchell in his lifetime dated March 1800. Brother-in-laws Richard Clark and Littleton Davis. To brother James Bell EX, all land called Federal Lot. Wit; Stephen Purnell, Catherine Rodgers and Mitchel Gray. Came Ann Bell widow takes thirds. Bonds-F-135-6--include Littleton Davis. JBR 129.

Parker, George Sr. 6 Dec 1767w. 16 September 1774p. To my son John Parker, the tract called WICKENESS, and the EX. To my son Schoolfield Parker. To wife Elizabeth Parker, the EX. To my son Eli Parker, the tract called WOLF'S DEN in Sussex County, Delaware, containing 146 acres. To my son Samuel Parker, the tract PARKER'S CHANCE 150 acres. To my seven (7) youngest children, not named. Wit; James Noble, Sr. Joshua Sturgis Jr., Sarah Noble, Elijah Laws, Jr., Elijah Laws. 1769-1783, 256.

William Parker unreadable 8 April 1817p. To oldest son, William P. Parker, mills and lands adjacent to Pocomoke River. To brother James Parker, part of tract called Wichener's Neck; land called Addition to Shingle Point; and land and river swamp bought off Elijah Laws. To daughter Comfort E. W. Parker, lands in Sinepuxent Neck and part tract of Neighborhood purchased off Peter Parker, Sr. To son Isaac Parker, 175 acres of land and plantation bought off Peter Parker. Charles Parker, EX. Wit; Isaac Houston, Robert Givan, Jr. and John Ruark. JBR 250.

Wonnell, James, Sr. Jan 1817w. 4 Dec 1821p. To son James Wonnell, lands where he lives. To son Jacob Wonnell, lands(description). To sons John Wonnell and William Wonnell. To three daughters Sally Trehearn, Nancy Townsend, Betsy Collins. Wit; John T. Atkinson, Elijala Powell, who is deceased by 1821, John Laws. MH 501.

Farwell, James 12 October 1819w. 10 April 1820p. To wife Ledy Farwell. To son James Farwell. To my four daughters Martha Farwell, Ann Whit Farwell, Betsy Laws Farwell, Nancy Farwell. Wit; Thomas Purnell of Walton, Asa_Cropper, Samuel Holland. MH 433.

James Conner/Connor Will Date: Probate Date:
9 February 1785w. 29 October 1787p. My daughter Monica Conner, 100 acres of Outfield. My son George Conner, James Laws, EX. Wit; Annanias Hudson, Smith Walter, he now deceased, Nancy Wise, she now deceased. JW13 108

James Johnson Will Date: 12/10/1762 Probate Date: 12/30/1762
Thomas Davis Jr. land. John Porter and wife plantation. Henry Kelley land. Bailey Fisher 100 acres. Mary Davis, daughter of John Davis. Brother Peter and Aunt Jane in England, estate on Western Shore. Parker Selby, 25 pounds for burial expenses. Peter Chaille, twenty pounds for burial expenses. Joshua Sturgis lot in Snow Hill Town River Cypress Swamp. To John Davis, son of John Davis. Joshua Davis 100 acres, EX. Henry Willet, 80 pounds for schooling his children. Ann Harman, daughter or Matthew Harmon by his last wife, should she die then to the next eldest daughter. John Harman EX. John Davis EX. Wit; John Boyd, Elijah Laws, Nathaniel Murray.

Jones, John 13 Jan 1797w. 17 Feb 1797p. To son Daniel Jones, the EX., plantation bought of Turvill Mumford, ADDITION TO GRAPE ISLAND, 7 and one-half acres acres of ADDITION TO TRUITT'S CHANCE. To son Thomas Jones, 100 acres of DEAR HARBOR. To wife Rhoda Jones. To son Elisha Jones, two tracts called GRAPE ISLAND, CONCLUSION. To son James Jones, 20 acres called DEAR HARBOR. To son Peter Jones, 100 acres called FOREST GROVE. To son William Jones, 100 acres called HOG QUARTER, 20 acres of DEAR HARBOR. To son Obed Jones, 100 acres and 20 acres of DEAR HARBOR. To daughter Katharine Jones. To son John Jones. Wit; John Ward, William Parker, Elijah Laws. 1790-99, 284.

Jonathan Fooks 17 March 1795w. 28 January 1803p. Daughters Ann Laws, Sarah Cannon and Priscilla Short. Grand-daughter Sally Laws. To son Elijah Fooks-track of land known as Conclusion. To son Jonathan Fooks, the EX-manor plantation. Wife unnamed. Bonds include Elijah Laws. George Bell, Jonathan Fooks, Jr. and Daniel Fooks WIT. JBR 13.

Jonathan Cottingham 7 Oct. 1760w. 4 June 1762p. Planter. Wife Margaret EX. Son William EX tract. Sons Thomas, Daniel both tracts. Sons Charles and Jonathan tracts in Delaware. Daughters Mary Nicholson and Sarah Laws. Wit; Thomas Jones, Southey Newton, John Bernard.

Pashshants Owens 20 Dec. 1750w. 28 Dec. 1759p. To Widow, daughter Betty Owens EX. daughter Nancy Owens, 3rd daughter (no named), son John Owens, beloved son William. My five youngest Betty, Nancy, Sally, John, William. Wit; John Laws, John Polick.

Killey/Kelley, Rachel 12 Nov 1771w. 4 Aug 1772p. To my sons and daughters, unnamed. Obediah Smith, the EX. Wit; John Woodgate, Thomas Laws. 1769-1783, 115.

Miller, Robert Sr. 3 Feb 1809w. 29 Jan 1811p. To my son Joseph Miller, land on the north side of the land deeded to my son Levin Miller, PARTNERS CONTENTMENT, TROY TOWN, MILLER'S FOLLY, also the exec. To daughters Nanoy/Naomi Miller, Martha Miller, Betty Hill, the wife of Levin Hill, and Sarah Davis wife of George Davis. To son Levin Miller. Wit; James Laws Jr.,James W.Taylor,Jaquish Hudson. 1806-13, 245.

Gray, Rouse 28 Mar 1812w. 14 Apr 1812p. To wife-unnamed, 1/3 lands. To children, Ebenezer Gray, Joshua Gray and daughter, unnamed. To pay Isaac Bridell. Mitchell Gray, the exec. Wit; John Lane, Elijah Laws, Littleton Gray. 1806-13, 324.

William Richardson 9 July 1782w. 7 July 1786p. To my wife Naomi Richardson. To sons Samuel Richardson, the EX and to Mathias Richardson, the Ex., and Joseph Richardson. To grandson John Richardson. Wit; William Parker, Elijah Laws and William Laws, he how deceased. JW 13 100

Elijah Laws w.d. 25 Feb 1854 p. 12 Oct 1868 sons, John W. Laws, Noah J. Laws daus., Gertrude E. Laws Charlotte M. Laws Margaret E. Laws, Priscilla D. Laws test. Wm. Shockley, George Walston

Wills Wicomico Co. Md.

William Laws w.d. 6 Jan 1876 p. 16 Jan 1877

sons James Laws, William L. Laws

daus Mary Jane Laws m. _____Purnel,

Leah Catherine Laws m.______Williams, dec'd

dau Margaret Ann Laws m. _______Burbage.

Caroline County Marriages

Polk, David m. 1775 Margaret Nutter White

Polk, Zephaniah 1775 Lucretia Causey

Maryland Marriages by Robert Barnes, Genealogical Pub. Co., Balt. Md.

Laws, Panter 3 Feb 1736 Catherine Jones Somerset Co. Md.

Laws, Panter 2 Feb 1739 Mary Bozman Somerset Co. Md.

Lawe, Richard 14 Mar 1675/6 Anne Smith Somerset Co. Md.

Lawes, John 13 June 1671 Katherine Nelson, wid. Somerest Co. Md.

Deeds Worc. Co., Ruth Dryden

Charles' Purchase

pat 9 Sept 1721 by Charles Polke ,e. side of Main Branch of Nanticoke River

13 Jun 1754 Jacob Jones of Dorchester Co. sold to John Laws of Worc. Co. patent. which Charles Polk conveyed to Samuel Jones father of Jacob.

12 Aug 1776 Sussex Co. De. land warrants- John Laws Jr.

Fellowship

patented 16 Sept 1720 Fork of Nanaticoke 200 A.

21 Feb 1756 Samuel Owens son of Robert Owens sold 200A

7 Sept 1770 John Laws sold 200 A. to Alexander Laws

Good Neighbor

Patented 31 May 1756 Head of Nanticoke River 10 A.

1 Mar 1758 James Straton with Grace____ his wife sold to John Laws 10 A.

7 Sept 1770 Jaohn Laws with wife Anne sold to Robt. Mitchell, merchant 10 A.

Ramas

patented 20 Oct 1725 Wm. Polk 100 A.

1739 William Polk will to dau Elizabeth Polk

31 Jan 1742 John Williams and Elizabeth Polk Williams of Someret Co., Md sold to John Laws of Worcester Co. Md.

Straton's Chance

pate. 10 Dec 1740 James Straton

3 Oct 1758 son Thomas Straton with wife Keziah sold to John Laws Jr. 90 A.

Submitted by Carl Peters
Greenwood, DE
cpeters@dol.net

You have on your Laws page "5. Mary Laws Killen m. Isaac Davis,
Judge.son of Jehu Davis, Judge and Rhoda Laws"

I am a direct descendent of a Jehu Davis, born, Worcester County, MD,1739, died in Milford, DE, 1802. I have in my information that he was married to a Rhoda, but don't have a last name. I have a copy of an autobiography written by his son, Isaac, b. Feb 20, 1765, Laurel, DE, d March 30 1856 in Smyrna, DE. Isaac was married twice, first in 1787,
and I don't have the name of his first wife. His second was Cally Sordin and they were married in 1814.

I am wondering if you would have any information to confirm that we have
the same persons.

Jehu Davis was not only a judge, he served in the Delaware General Assembly and is listed as the ninth President of Delaware on the State's web site (http://www.state.de.us/facts/history/delgov1.htm). They don't have his wife's surname, either.

Submitted by Kris Hutchinson

The Sarah that I am asking about on your page was of the line of Panter Laws, through his son Thomas. Panter married Mary
Bosman. Their son, Thomas had a son Thomas who had a daughter, Ann who married a Waller. Their daughter was Sarah Waller.

My Sarah Waller married William Lawes 4 Jan 1781 and had the following children: Ann (b. 24 Apr 1782), Mary (b. 30 Aug 1783, d. 24 Apr 1784), John Panter (b. 24 Apr 1785), Polly (b. 15 Feb 1787), Thomas (b. 2 Dec 1788), William Waller (b. 1 Jan 1791), Nellie (b. 5 Jan 1793), Levin (b. 15 May 1795), Gilbert (b. 26 Aug 1797), Tubman (b. 4 Feb 1800), George Washington (b. 31 Jan 1802) and Edwin (b. 15 Nov 1803).

I do not know where these children were born. William Waller Lawes was living in Louisville, KY in 1869 - I have a letter addressed to him there (I will attach it to this email). Levin Lawes married Elizabeth Campbell in Henderson KY 18 Nov 1824 and had four children:
William W. Lawes (b. 1828, d. 1859) married Jane Brazelton (b. 12 May 1832, Vernon IN, d. 9 Jun 1891, Indianapolis, IN)
Ellen Lawes (b. 1829) married 11 Aug 1842 William Quinn (b. 1815, d. 1851) - one daughter,

Lizzie Quinn (b. ca. 1846) married a man named Moore.
Thomas Evans Lawes
Frances Lawes who married Samuel Dobbyns Clift

William W. Lawes and Jane Brazelton moved to Louisiana where two sons were born, Thomas Albert (b. 1 Sep 1852,Franklin LA, d.1929, Cleveland, Ohio) ; and William Charles b. 24 Apr 1854, Franklin LA; d. Aug 1908 in Terre Haute, IN)
They then moved to Indiana where a third son was born and died 22 Apr 1859. William W. died about a week after the baby.

I had nothing on this family past William W. and Jane Brazelton until about a month ago when my father brought me a crate of old papers, letters and Bibles. Now I'm back two more generations to William and Sarah Waller Lawes. It would be wonderful to be able to connect her to your Sarah Waller. You will understand when you read the old letter I am sending you, why I feel so strongly that there has to be a connection between the Maryland Laws/Lawes and my family.

Your page on the Laws says that John first settled in Accomac VA, but later settled in Somerset Co. Va. The letter I am sending you says that there was a John Lawes in Accomac that was appointed surveyor there four years after John and Katherine had deed on land in Somerset.

Cincinnati, July 2nd, 1869

Mr. W. W. Lawes.
Louisville, Ky.
Dear Sir:
I have been for some time collecting an account of the Lawes or Laws family of Maryland and Delaware and in doing so, wrote to your nephew Thos. E. Lawes, who replied giving me some interesting information and referring me to you for anything additional. If I may trespass so much upon your time, I would be very much gratified to have a long letter from you giving me as full account as you can of the family with names and dates as far back as you can go and also tell me which of your relations are still living in Delaware. About a year since I was let to interest myself in these Family records and having a brother in the Navy who was off duty, I got him to spent last summer in Delaware and Maryland gathering facts from the old county records principally.
He was able to find the first record of the name of Princess Ann, the County town of Somerset county, Md, where in 1672 a tract of land was granted by the government to John Lawes and Katherine, his wife. It appears by subsequent transactions on record that their children were Robert, George and Ann and probably others but these were all we could find. We could not find the will of George Laws to see if he left children, but he was dead in 1718, for in that year Robert Laws and Elizabeth, the widow of George sold a tract of land called Goodwill.
The will of Robert Laws recorded in 1745 mention his children William, Panther and Elinor.
Of William Lawes' children, I would like to know, but have only a record of one, Robert, who had a place called "Something Worth".
Pather Lawes children mentioned in his will in 1769 were William, Gilbert, Thomas, John and Mary. Of this family I suppose you have come and I would like a history of them. There was a Judge Thomas Laws, living at Bridgeville, Delaware who, I think was a son or relative of the family. His parents were William Laws and Rebecca. This Judge Thomas Laws was married to Amelia, daughter of Levin and Ann Cropped and was born in 1753 - He left a large family some of whom are in Ohio and Indiana and some in Delaware yet. There is not, however any of that branch of the family still living in the old neighborhood in Somerset Co., Md.
And now for my own Branch, In 1676 - four years after John Lawes got his grant of Land in Somerset Co., the name of John Lawes appears as surveyor of the neighboring County of Accomac, Virginia. I have not yet been able to establish the connection between them but am inclined to think that if not the original John Lawes, it was another son of his. This John Lawes of Accomac left a family near Modestown in that County and one of his sons, William Laws in 1701 moved to Snow Hill, Worcester Co., Md. This William Laws died 1729, leaving John, William, Belitha and Elijah Laws. The family of Elijah Laws are some of them yet in the neighborhood of Snow Hill. William, John & Belitha moved to Delaware about 1755 and all lived to a great age. Belitha Laws family is large and scattered over the whole state of Delaware. John Laws family is extinct except through his daughter, [long space] I, together with many others are descended from William Laws.
Will you excuse this long and probably uninteresting letter and write me soon.

Yours truly,

Alex Lawes

Cincinnati, P.O. Box 17

References:

Sussex County Del. Wills , Georgetown De.

Sussex County Deeds, Georgetown, De.

Hart, Matilda Spicer, Laws Family, manuscsript, Rehobeth Beach Del.,.Jan 1941.

Torrence, Clayton, Old Someret on the Eastern Shore, Genealogical Publishing Co.

Bridgeville Public Cemetary, Bridgeville, De.

Hancock, Harold Bridgeville, Historical and Biographical Sketches

Somerset County Wills, Princess Anne Md.

Somerset County Deeds, Princess Anne Md.

Worcester Co. Deeds, Snow Hill Md.