Jeffrey Robertson (abt. 1654 - bef. 1734)

Born about 1654 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland [uncertain]

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Bowman) Robertson — married about 1700 in Henrico County, Virginia Colony

Descendants

Died before 1 Nov 1734 before about age 80 in Henrico County, Colony of Virginia

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Ellen Jennings [send private message] and Ronald Rideout [send private message]

Biography

Jeffrey Robertson migrated from Scotland to American Colonies.

By many accounts, Jeffrey Robertson was born in Scotland around 1654. No actual record exists to confirm that date, or location, but if it is accurate, we have no records for Jeffrey prior to 1703, when he was possibly 49 years old. However, that 1703 record is a land patent mentioning Jeffrey as a headright for several investors, including the Rev. George Robertson, who may be closely related to Jeffrey. Most likely Jeffrey was already in Virginia 3-5 years prior to 1703. Since the old headright system was subject to some manipulation, it is impossible to know if Jeffrey was a recent first-time immigrant, or a man returning home from a trip abroad.

Regardless of Jeffrey's specific immigration details, it is known that he married and had several children between about 1700-1720. He married Elizabeth Bowman, daughter of John Bowman and Elizabeth Elam Nunnally Bowman. Some of Jeffrey's land records confirm a strong connection to the Bowman's.

1731 Jeffrey had purchased 250 acres on Skinquarter Creek (today's Chesterfield Co.) from a relative, Gilbert Bowman. This land was located on both sides of the creek right at the intersection of today's Chesterfield, Powhatan and Amelia Counties. It was this land where he was living at the time of his death, the same land he devised in his will to sons William and Richard.

1733- Jeffrey sold 180 acres of land to William Worsham. This land had been part of Robert Bowman's plantation at Roxdale, just to the east of today's Farrar's Island, south of James River. That land was comprised of 130 acres willed to Elizabeth Elam Nunnaly Bowman (Jeffrey's mother-in-law) and 50 acres she had patented in her own name. This makes it likely that Jeffrey was either living there, or inherited the property by way of his wife, Elizabeth. On the same day that Jeffrey bought the land from William Worsham, 2 July 1733, Jeffrey also bought 308 acres on Proctor's Creek from Worsham, and then sold the same 308 acres, again on the same day, to William Cheatham. The Proctor's Creek land was located west of Farrar's Island and was part of a tract patented to John Worsham (William's father). John Worsham is also reported to be the father of Mary Worsham who married Rev. George Robertson.

Jeffrey died sometime between writing his will 21 October 1734 and 1 November 1734, the date his will was proven in court. His widow, Elizabeth, then remarried to Hugh Bragg. Bragg died shortly after this marriage and Elizabeth is referenced in his will as the widow of Jeffrey Robertson.

Research Note

This profile once included the middle name "Norvell". No evidence from original source documents confirms this. As a result, the middle name has been removed. Jeffrey's grandson (also Jeffrey) did marry Sarah Norvell and their son apparently was known as Jeffrey Norvell Robertson. But this middle name did not extend backwards through previous generations.

Land

The map image is provided to clarify the locations for Jeffrey's last known residence and all the land he left to his sons. The general location is the extreme western part of today's Chesterfield Co., along Skinquarter Creek. The tracts in yellow are all Robertson lands. Additional Robertson family tracts are outside the bounds of this map.

Jeffrey Robertson' land

One of the long term questions about Jeffrey's land were two land patents issued in July 1738 for "Jeffery Robinson". That date was almost 4 years after Jeffrey died, so many have assumed the patents applied to Jeffrey's son, Jeffrey Jr. However, that may be an oversimplified version of reality. In some cases, the will of Jeffrey Sr. in 1734 mentions land he purchased. In other cases, the will refers to “surveys”. In examining the land records for Jeffrey’s sons, it appears obvious that some of the land given to his sons actually was part of the land granted in the two patents. Therefore, it appears likely that Jeffrey Sr. did own surveys for the 384 and 400 acre tracts but had not received formal patents prior to his death. We can’t be sure, but either Jeffrey Sr. was the recipient of posthumous patents, or his sons used Jeffrey’s surveys to obtain formal patents, after Jeffrey died, with Jeffrey’s name carried over to the patents from those surveys.

There is little or no doubt that these two surveys/patents are involved in many of the subsequent land records for Jeffrey’s sons, even though the available record set is less than perfect.

The tract on the far left of the map, overlaid on Robert Hancock's land, was the 250 acres purchased from Gilbert Bowman and the location of Jeffrey's last residence. The land was devised to sons William and Richard.

The larger yellow tract between Richard Moseley and Edward Haskins was the 400 acres patented 17 July 1738. Jeffrey's sons Jeffrey and George each received 100 acres of this land, with balance specified to be sold.

The larger yellow tract between Edward Haskins and Thomas Rickman was the 384 acres patented 20 July 1738. This was the land divided between Jeffrey's sons, John and Thomas and Jeffrey's son-in-law John Hudson.

Jeffrey's Will

The body of the will uses the spelling "Robinson" as opposed to Robertson. This is very common among the many Robertson/Robinson records. The will is signed "Robertson". A previous version of this profile included a transcription of the will, now removed to reflect corrections, particularly for the spelling of the surname.

In the name of God Amen, I, Jeffrey Robinson of the County of Henreco being of perfect mind and memory blessed be God for it, do make and ordain this last will and testament in manner and following first I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping through the meritorious death and Passion of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to receive free pardon and forgiveness of all my sins, and my body I commit to the ground to be decently interred at the discretion of Executor hereafter named, Imprimis, I give unto my son William Robinson five pounds store pay.

Item, I give, devise and bequeath to my said son William Robinson one hundred acres of land joining upon Edward Haskins at Skin Quarter (Creek ) where he now liveth, part of two hundred fifty acres purchased of Gilbert Bowman to him the said William and to the heirs of his body honestly begotten forever.

Item, the remainder of the said tract of the land I give, devise and bequeath to my son Richard Robinson with all the buildings where I am now seated and live, and the mill and all other appurtenances there unto belonging to him the said Richard and to the heir of his body honestly begotten forever.

Item, I give, devise and bequeath to my son-in-law John Hudson and his wife Anne and to the heirs of their bodys honestly begotten forever the one half of a survey of land of four hundred acres joining upon William Bass and Thomas Bass and the said Haskins.

Item, the other half of the said survey of land I give, devise, and bequeath to my two sons John and Thomas Robinson to them and the said John and Thomas and the heirs of their body honestly begotten forever.

Item, I give, devise and bequeath to my two sons Jeffrey Robinson and George Robinson the one half of a survey taken between James Gates and I, to them the said Jeffrey and George, and the heirs of their bodys, honestly begotten forever.

Item, all the remaining part of my land not by will given I desire to be sold and the money laid out in a Negro or some other convenient use for the use of my children to be equally divided amongst them after the marriage or death of my wife Elizabeth only she to have the use thereof during her widowhood.

Item, I give unto my Daughter Martha Robinson one shilling sterling.

Item, I desire that all my personal estate not already given shall be equally divided amongst my wife and all my children except my son William and daughter Martha I having given them before what portion I intend them and do make and ordain my son William Robertson Executor of this my last will and Testament.

Witness my hand and seal this 21st day of October, 1734 Jeffrey Robertson Witnesses: John Green, William Baugh, Peter Baugh,

At a court held for Henerco County, first Monday in November 1734, this last will and Testament of Jeffrey Robertson deceased was presented by William Robertson Executor therein mentioned upon oath, and being proved by the oaths of the Witnesses thereto was committed to record Test Bowler Cock, Cl. Cur.

Sources

• Library of Virginia Land Grants, Land Office Patents 9, p. 540; 24 April 1703, Capt. Francis Epes, Mr. Isham Epes, Mr. Francis Epes Jr., George Robertson, Minister, Mrs. Elizabeth Kennon, Mr. Philip Jones, Mrs. Martha Stratton, Mr. George Archer and Mr. James Hill, for the importation of 80 persons (list includes Jeffrey Robinson); 4000 acres in Henrico Co., on the north side of Appomattox River and on Wintopock Creek.

• Henrico County, Virginia Deeds and Wills, 1725-1737, (FHL Film 7645095), p. 270; 19 May 1730, Robert Hudson, Sr. of Henrico to his son John Hudson of same, for £30, plantation at Rocksdale where said Hudson lives, 46 acres as by deed from Col. Wm Byrd, 22 Nov 1707; Wit: John Green, Jeffore (sic) Robeson, Robert Bowman; signed Robert Hudson. Note: This John Hudson was Jeffrey's son-in-law. When John Hudson sold this land in 1731, Jeffrey's son, William Robertson was a witness (Same source, p. 341).

• Henrico County, Virginia Deeds and Wills, 1725-1737 (FHL Film 7645095), p. 311; 26 May 1731, Gilbert Bowman of Henrico Co. to Jeffrey Robertson of Henrico, £55, 250 acres on south side of James River and on Skinquarter Creek and known by the name of Skinquarter, it being land lately bought of Robert Hancock. Wife Amy relinquished dower. Wit: John Besback, Samuel Stone, William Baugh, John Skelton.

• Henrico County, Virginia Deeds, 1706-1737, by Benjamin B. Weisiger III, 1985, p. 135, DB p. 400, 2 July 1733, Jeffery Robertson of County & parish of Henrico to William Worsham, Gent., of same, for £30, 2 parcels of south side of James River, 180 acres, 130 of which was purchased of Martin Elam by John Bowman in 1678 and by his will devised to Elizabeth Bowman his wife; the remaining part, 50 acres, was granted to Elizabeth Bowman 5 February 1718 and by her sold to Maj. John Bolling, decd, by him conveyed to said Jeffery. Wit: John Green, Edward Osborne, Peter Hudson. Wife of Jeffery, unnamed, relinquished her dower right.

• Henrico County, Virginia, County Court Records, deeds, estates, etc, 1725-1737, FHL Film 7645095, p. 401; 2 July 1733, William Worsham of Henrico to Jeffrey Robinson of same, 308 acres being 1/3 of 924 acres in the main fork of Proctor’s formerly taken up by Francis Pateson and Capt. John Worsham by patent dated 1701, the 308 acres being the subject of a deed of gift by his father, Capt. John Worsham, adjoining William Bass, where Thomas Bass now lives. Wit: Edward Osborne, John Green, Peter Hudson. Wife, Lucy, relinquished dower.

• Henrico County, Virginia, County Court Records, deeds, estates, etc, 1725-1737, FHL Film 7645095, Image 392, p. 404; 2 July 1733, Jeffrey Robinson of the Parish and County of Henrico to William Cheatham, 308 acres being 1/3 part of a tract of 924 acres in the Main Fork of Proctors and formerly taken up by Francis Patterson and Capt. John Worsham decd by patent in 1701; the 308 acres being given by John Worsham to his son William Worsham by deed of gift in 1723 and by him conveyed to Jeffrey Robinson (same year as this indenture - 1733), adjoining William Bass where Thomas Bass now lives, joining Robert Beasley and William Farmer. Wit: John Green, Will Baugh, William Marshall. Wife, Elizabeth, relinquished dower.

• Henrico County, Virginia, County Court Records, deeds, estates, etc, 1725-1737, FHL Film 7645095, Image 419, p. 455; 21 October 1734, will of Jeffrey Robertson, probated 1 November 1734. See full text above.

• Henrico County, Virginia, County Court Records, deeds, estates, etc, 1725-1737, FHL Film 7645095, Image 424, p. 464; February 1734 (1735), A True Inventory of Jeffery Robeson’s Estate, [list includes livestock, tools, farming and household items, furniture, 1 ‘negro man’, 1 negro boy, 1 white servant woman]; appraised by Edward Haskins, Benjamin Chatham, John Ealem “praisers” ___ by Field Jefferson. Henrico County Court, February Court 1734 (1735), William Robinson presented this inventory and appraisement of the Estate of Jeffery Robinson Decd which was admitted to record. Teste Bowler Cocke.

• Amelia County, Virginia Will Book 1, p. 1; 13 July 1735, Will of Hugh Bragg, proved 6 June 1736; will includes: ...Daughter Mary Robertson, one cow and a trunk...To my wife Elizabeth what belonged to her part of her former husband Jeffrey Robertson's estate and the gray horse Jolley and a cow named Bargain and seven shoats...Witnesses: William X his mark Robertson, John Robertson...On 11 June 1736, Presented by John Bragg, executor, and proved by William Robertson.

• Library of Virginia Land Office Patents No 18, p. 33; 17 July 1738, Land Patent for Jeffery Robinson, 400 acres on North side of Skin Quarter Creek, beginning at Edward Haskins corner sassafras and buttonwood standing on the north side of Skin Quarter Creek, thence down the meanders to Owen Evans corner willow oak, thence with Evans line N12W 282 poles to corner shrub oak, E38N 344 poles to a corner gum standing in Edward Haskins line, with his line S8E 168 poles to beginning.

• Library of Virginia Land Office Patents No. 18, p. 52; 20 July 1738, Land Patent for Jeffery Robinson, 384 acres in Henrico Co., beginning at corner butterwood standing on Great Branch of Skin Quarter Creek being Thomas Bass’s corner on Edward Haskins lines then on said Bass’s lines E42S 142 poles to corner shrub black oak in Bass’s line aforesaid, then N40E crossing several branches of Skin Quarter 400 poles to corner shrub black oak standing about 8 feet North of the line; the W22N 172 poles to several corner oaks standing in William Bass’s line, then on his line S55W 72 poles to corner poplar of Edward Haskins standing on the North side of East Branch of Skin Quarter, then on said Haskin’s line S40W 173 poles to corner black oak, then S20W 104 poles to first station.

Footnotes

Unsourced reports claim that an old law book entry (c1860) made by Daniel S. Robertson says that Jeffrey Robertson's father was John Robertson of Edinburgh, Scotland. The Daniel Robertson who left the note was either Daniel Sayre Robertson, born c1846 in Chambers Co., Alabama and died c1932 in Lee Co., Alabama or his father of the same name (1796-1855). Daniel Sr. was a son of John Sayre Robertson who was, in turn, the son of Matthew Robertson. Matthew Robertson was a son of Jeffrey Robertson Jr. and a grandson of Jeffrey Robertson Sr. Accuracy of the content of this entry, as to Jeffrey's father, is unknown. Other details appear to be accurate.

More detail on the land records, and maps, for Jeffrey and his sons is available from Jim McGuire.

Older Sources, may contain errors

• https://marisaannebenson.com/robertson.family.html
• Source: S1036 GEDCOM file submitted by Dale Rideout Ancestry.
• Source: S64 GEDCOM file submitted by Elaine Boston.

• https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/about/LVNK-DZP