Note: Information on the Lewis Family before Walden Lewis b. c. 1774 in Virginia comes from assumptions based on multiple sources. Therefore, the information on this page is not reliable for genealogical purposes. A detailed discussion of the many connections can be found at Lewis Family Research. |
James (0Research) Lewis of Middlesex Co VA
The question is to find the immigrant ancestor for this Lewis family to Virginia.
The first records in America for this Lewis family are found in early Lancaster (now Middlesex) Co VA with Edmund and two James Lewises. Edmund has been cited as the progenitor of this Lewis family by Robert JCK Lewis in Lewis Patriarchs of Early VA and MD. And, the Christian name Edmund is prominent in the James Lewis family of Middlesex Co VA. From the 1662 land record, we learn that Edmund witnessed a deed and that immediately following, Edmund died. But proven ancestor, James Lewis b. 1664, wouldn't be born for another two years. And, who would have raised him?
From the 4/1666 record, we learn that a grown man named James Lewis was conducting business in Old Lancaster (now Middlesex) Co VA.
The Missing Generation:
-If Edmund the Immigrant was born c. 1635
-If Edmund the Immigrant died before 7/1662
-His purported son, James, could not have been born in 1664.
-There is one record which tells of a James Lewis who was conducting business in
4/1666.
Thus, we have found our missing James Lewis. Proof that this is our James is found in the 4/1666 record where Edward Boswell was indebted to James Lewis. And, we can co-locate our James Lewis with Edward Boswell on Sunderland Creek along with uncle Richard, brother Edmund, and son James who married Joanna Kilbee.
Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Volumes I -III, p. 104: |
Born c. 1637 Cardiganshire, Wales
Immigrated c. 1645 w/ family to York Co VA
Married c. 1664 in Lancaster (now Middlesex) Co VA to an unknown spouse
4/1666 Lancaster (now Middlesex) Co VA Record
Lancaster Co. Order Book (1656-1666), p 96: Lancaster Court 11 Apr 1666. It appearing to this Court that Edward Boswell stands indebted unto James Lewis in the just quantity of 1654 lbs of Tobo and cask to be for goods sold him. It is ordered that the same be forthwith paid with costs. |
1669 Middlesex Co split from Lancaster Co VA
8/1689 Middlesex Co VA Probate
Abstracts from the Records of Middlesex Co: Will of RICHARD ROBINSON dated Aug. 16, 1689; proved Feb. 1693; names two sisters Anne and MARGARET, daughter Anne Haselwood; grandsons John and George Haselwood; son Richard Robinson; friends Hon. Ralph Wormeley, Esq., Doctor Walter Whitaker, Mr. Edward Thomas, and "loving kinsman Christopher Robinson" male overseers of will. Witnesses: Robert Boodle, George Anderton, X his mark, James Lewis X his mark. |
Died after 8/1689 Middlesex Co VA
Research Notes:
-In Lewis Patriarchs of Early Virginia and Maryland, p. 93, Robert JCK Lewis postulates that James Lewis who married Joanna Kilbee "may have been the son of Edmond Lewis who died in Lancaster/ Middlesex Co in 1663."
-Thank you, Robert for sharing your expertise. It appears that James might actually be the nephew of Edmund.
1. James Lewis b. 1664 in Lancaster (now Middlesex) Co VA