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John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library© 2003 By the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. All rights reserved.
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Robinson Family Papers, Manuscript MS 94.6, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Purchase, 1994.
Christopher Robinson arrived in Virginia, from England, in approximately 1668. He quickly established himself at a plantation called "Hewick," named after his family's Hewick estate in England. Descendants of Christopher Robinson soon became influential landholders, tobacco traders, and political leaders in the colony. Christopher Robinson's great-grandson, Christopher IV, took the side of the Crown during the American Revolution, accepting a captain's position with the Queen's Rangers. After Britain's defeat in America, Christopher of the Queen's Rangers relocated to Canada where he served the royal government in various capacities. Charles W. Robinson descended from this "Hewick" line of the Robinson family. In addition to members of the Robinson family, notable names discussed in the collection of documents include: Richard Corbin, Ralph Wormeley, Albert W. Woods, H. Farnham Burke, Lyon G. Tyler, Letitia Cornwallis, J. H. Coombe, Thomas Jefferson, King George III, General Robert Porteus, John Maynard, Edmund Pendleton, John Graves Simcoe, Robert Rogers, "Mr. Dinwiddie," John Wentworth, Fletcher Norton, and George Wythe.
Original seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth-century manuscripts, official documents, sketches, and photographs, as well as copies of original letters and documents relating to Charles W. Robinson and his ancestors. The bulk of the material relates to Charles W. Robinson's efforts to trace and register his family pedigree with London's Herald's College.
All items are bound in two volumes, Original Family Papers Virginia and Canada 1684-1798 and Family History Papers I: Records, Wills, Lawsuits, Herald's College Correspondence, etc., with board covers accented with leather bindings.
John Robinson and descendants from 1712. Copy made by C.W. Robinson in 1913.
Robinson family genealogy 1495-1854. Signed by Albert Woods, Herald's College, London.
Written description by C.W. Robinson of Robinson family genealogy on pages 18-23.
Colonel Beverley Robinson and descendants through 1748. Original by Frederick Robinson, 1838. Copy by C.W. Robinson, 1913.
Concerns modifications to the statutes of the Order of the Bath.
Warrant issuing John Beverley Robinson as Companion of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath.
Concerns the one pound fee for appointment to the Order of the Bath.
Enclosure of ribbon and badge for the Order of the Bath.
Concerns the Order of the Bath.
All goods and wealth given to Emma Robinson, wife and executrix of will, with certain stipulations for distribution among various persons.
Concerns a sketch of the Robinson family crest.
Robinson family genealogy concerning evolution of the family crest.
Robinson family since 1755 with memorandum of explanation by C.W. Robinson.
Concerns Christopher Robinson and Colonel Beverley Robinson.
Copy of a letter concerning the genealogy of the Robinson family.
Concerns the death of Christopher Robinson.
Concerns the death of the wife of Christopher Robinson. Postscript by Richard Randolph.
Concerns Robinson family court cases from 1784-1787 with notes by C.W. Robinson.
Concerns copies of court records about John and Christopher Robinson.
Concerns the estate of Christopher Robinson.
Concerns the estate of Christopher Robinson from the High Court of Chancery, Virginia.
Concerns John Robinson and Richard Corbin, executor of estate of Christopher Robinson from the High Court of Chancery, Virginia.
Wills his estate to Christopher Benjamin (son) with one-third to wife Sarah and portion of land to daughters Mary and Betty.
Richard Corbin and Ralph Wormeley named executors of late husband's estate (Christopher Robinson) with slaves given to Christopher (son) and Elizabeth (daughter).
Richard Corbin and Ralph Wormeley named executors with all personal property given to Elizabeth Robinson (sister).
Concerns the sale of the estate of Christopher Robinson in England known as Hewick.
Concerns the distinguished service of Chief Justice John Beverley Robinson. Reply by Duke of Newcastle added to end.
Public recognition of Chief Justice John Beverley Robinson's distinguished public service.
Concerns public recognition of Chief Justice John Beverley Robinson.
Concerns public recognition of Chief Justice John Beverley Robinson.
Concerns a baronetage to be conferred on the late Chief Justice John Beverley Robinson.
Concerns the pedigree of Chief Justice John Beverley Robinson for conferring and registering a Baronet in his name.
Concerns the patent for Baronet of Chief Justice Beverley Robinson.
Concerns arms of pedigree and conferring title of a baronet.
Request for documentation of Chief Justice Robinson's pedigree.
Concerns the establishment of John Beverley Robinson's official title as "Chief Justice for Canada West."
Concerns a visit to the Colonial Office and sketch of Robinson Family Arms and Crest.
Concerns the formalization of Chief Justice John Beverley Robinson's title and request for 78 pound payment for the Patent of Baronetage.
Concerns receipt of payment for Patent of Baronetage and formal announcement in "the Gazette."
Outline of Robinson family pedigree and request for corrections.
Concerns the baronetage of John Beverley Robinson.
Concerns a patent assigning Arms and Crest of Robinson family.
Concerns fees to create and patent a baronetage for John Beverley Robinson totaling 350 pounds.
Concerns an incorrect pedigree of the Robinson family printed in The Yorkshireian in England. A clipping of the article is included.
Concerns an article to be printed in Burke's edition of "Peerage and Baronetage."
Approval of Burke's article.
Concerns Robinson family pedigree. A letter of 3 March 1875 from Albert Woods to Major C.W. Robinson is attached.
Family pedigree with enclosed copy of 1781 letter concerning Christopher Robinson of the Queen's Rangers.
Concerns the pedigree of the Robinsons of Hewick printed in the Richmond Standard. Article enclosed.
Concerns fees for compilation and recording of Robinson Family pedigree.
Requests reply concerning recording of family pedigree.
Concerns evidence establishing C.W.R.'s descent and right to the Robinson family coat of arms.
Enclosing payment for registration of pedigree.
List of documents submitted to Herald's College to support C.W. Robinson's application for pedigree.
Has no new information but is working on the "Weasley" estate request.
Forty page book by Lady Robinson containing family history.
Gloucester and Hanover Court Houses notifying that records for 1733-1792 destroyed by fire and during the Civil War.
Concerns the rejection of an application for Robinson Pedigree and Arms.
Charles H. Athill and T.M.J. Watkin decide there is insufficient evidence of certain family relations in the Robinson family genealogy.
Deed for the sale of 1190 acres of land in Spotsylvania County from William Robinson to John Robinson (son).
Concerns family genealogy and errors found by Herald's College. Enclosing possible corrections including information obtained from the Parish Register of Christ Church, Middlesex County, Virginia.
Concerns corrections in the family genealogy.
Concerns approval of Robinson family pedigree.
Concernst the application to Herald's College for Robinson family pedigree.
Leaves home and plantation to daughters Judith, Mary, and Priscilla until death or marriage when it is passed to William (J.R.'s son). Son John receives "Green Branch", daughters Katherine and Mary and son Peter receive slaves. Other family members receive money, livestock, etc. Copy dated 4 May 1853.
Concerns Robert Robinson, son of John Robinson, Middlesex County, Virginia.
Concerns his recent appointment to government service. Copy dated 28 August 1893.
Concerns family research.
Concerns money owed to Peter Robinson's estate by Charles Robinson.
Concerns Peter Robinson's estate.
Concerns family pedigree research and current family news.
Concerns family pedigree research. Enclosed is a chancery suit document about Peter Robinson.
Concerns the estate of Peter Robinson, deceased, George Wythe presiding judge.
Concerns family pedigree research. Enclosing documents about Peter Robinson.
Chancery suits involving Grymes v. Robinson 1792-1802.
Grymes v. Robinson concerning the execution of the will of Peter Robinson.
Grymes v. Robinson concerning the execution of the will of Peter Robinson.
Accounts of the estate of Peter Robinson, entered into the Court of Middlesex County 29 August 1792.
Concerns family pedigree research.
Concerns family pedigree research.
Concerns the genealogy of the Virginia branch of the Robinson family.
Concerns Robinson family genealogy.
Concerns family pedigree research about relationship of Peter and Christopher Robinson.
Concerns family pedigree research about the relationship of Peter and Christopher Robinson.
Concerns births, deaths, and marriages of members of the Robinson family as found in the parish register of Middlesex County, Virginia
Bond issued in Middlesex County, Virginia for the marriage of Peter Robinson and Sarah Lester. Copy dated 13 July 1910.
Virginia Robinsons genealogy 1715-1886.
Lack of information about Robinson family genealogy as St. John's(?) parish register destroyed by fire.
Robinson family entries found in the record books of the Registry Office of St. John's, New Brunswick.
Concerns the family of Esther (Sayre) Robinson.
Family news. Copy dated December 1879.
Concerns Captain Wormeley's loyalty to the British government, payment for slaves taken in the war, and financial matters. Copy dated November 1879.
Concerns the Virginia Assembly, return of South Carolinian loyalists to their estates. Copy dated November 1879.
Concern Christopher Robinson of the Queen's Rangers from Gloucester County, Virginia.
Concerns family pedigree research, Robinson legal suits and all old Chancery papers destroyed in Court House fire.
Request for copies of the wills of Peter Robinson (1765) and Judith Robinson (1774) previously destroyed in Court House fire.
C.W. Robinson's introduction to a section on the "Crossthwaithe" Robinsons.
C.W. Robinson's interpretation of family pedigree 1589-1712 with detailed information about dates of births, deaths, and marriages.
Entry in the "Churchwarden's Book" from the Parish of St. Helen about William Robinson.
Genealogy of Bishop Robinson as taken from church registries of Peter's Poor Church, London, Church of Great St. Helen, London, and Conyscliffe Parish, dating back to 1523.
Monument to Bishop Robinson (d. 1599) in Great St. Helen's Church, London with inscription.
C.W. Robinson's translation of the inscription on the monument to Bishop Robinson (d. 1599) and family in Great St. Helen's Church, London. Included are additional inscriptions found on the grave stones of Elizabeth Robinson (wife) and Sir Thomas Robinson (found in the Temple Church).
Scaled drawing of the course of the Tees River, England(?) showing surrounding towns.
Description of Robinson family coat of arms, Motto and genealogy dating back to c. 1205 as constructed by Charles W. Robinson.
C.W. Robinson's viewing of a portrait of Bishop Robinson.
C.W. Robinson's drawings and explanation of the Coats of Arms for William Robinson's pedigree (1633/34) and Bishop Robinson's pedigree (1712-23).
C.W. Robinson's copy of inscriptions on windows in Cleasby, England in memory of Bishop Robinson and Reverend John Robinson. Newspaper article from the Northeastern Gazette included.
Colored sketch of the Coat of Arms granted to Sir John Beverley Robinson.
Stained glass window of the Robinson Coat of Arms in Cleasby Church, England.
Concerns the Cleasby Church window.
Colored and black and white sketches of Robinson family crest.
Photograph of Elizabeth Marshall Robinson, daughter of Conway Robinson with newspaper clipping dated 1909 announcing her death.
C.W. Robinson's notes on family pedigree research conducted through 1875 in Middlesex, Spotsylvania, Essex, Caroline, and King William counties, Virginia and the College of William and Mary with complete listing of relevant documents 8 November 1680 - 5 May 1792 as registered with Herald's College, London.
Appointment of Christopher Robinson to the office of Secretary of the Colony of Virginia.
C.W. Robinson's notes from unnamed sources concerning William and John (1599) Robinson.
Concerns Cleasby, England and Bishop Robinson. Includes photographs and drawings.
Letitia Cornwallis (stepdaughter of Bishop Robinson) mentioning Bishop Robinson and "Cousin" Christopher at college.
Notes on the connection between Bishop Robinson and Letitia Cornwallis.
Letitia Cornwallis's will and supporting documents in the parish archives.
Updated version of 1731 will giving money to various churches and charities and funds for the upkeep of Bishop Robinson's tomb and monument.
Third version of last will and testament adding directions for the sale of bedchamber furniture and curtains upon death.
Section of text about C.W. Robinson's father concerning his relationship to Bishop John Robinson. Notes added in the margins by C.W.R.
Taken from a publication by the Virginia Historical Society, "Dinwiddie Papers", originally from Fry and Jefferson's map of Virginia, showing tidewater Virginia from Albermarle Sound to Baltimore. Notes by C.W. Robinson show Robinson family lands.
Robinson family tree of the Virginia Robinsons descending from John Robinson as compiled by C.W. Robinson.
Concerns Christopher's health and candles sent from Catherine by the last ship.
Extracts from records found in England and Virginia concerning Christopher Robinson and Bishop Robinson's descendants, particularly Clara Robinson, Sir Edward Wood, John Robinson of Cleasby, Thomas Robinson, and Theophilus Bolton. Includes copies of royal petitions and patents.
Concerns the diary of Alexander Bennett.
Diary and genealogy of Alexander Bennett published in The Genealogist, Volume XX, January and April 1904.
Relates personal news.
Four black and white photos of unidentified churches and churchyards.
Portion of 1855 diary entries by C.W. Robinson's father including information on visits to Frenchay and Cleasby.
Unidentified man painted by Beverley Robinson and given to Charles Walker (C.W. Robinson's grandfather).
Extracts and explanations of sources tracing the pedigree of C.W. Robinson's mother's family, the Walkers, Merrys, Lukins, and Booths. Includes portions of letters, marriage certificates, and a map of London.
Further documentation described by C.W. Robinson concerning his Pedigree application to Herald's College.
Concerns a scheduled meeting.
Concerns family pedigree research about Bishop Robinson and relatives from Cleasby.
Concerns pedigree research about members of the Robinson family living from the late 1500s to the early 1600s.
Concerns receipt of documents.
Concerns outstanding debt owed for research.
Concerns the letter of 26 March.
Concerns pedigree research.
Concerns a scheduled meeting.
Explanation of pedigree research information obtained from H.F. Burke during May 1915.
Explanation of pedigree research information obtained from H.F. Burke during January 1916.
Concerns a portrait of Peter Robinson with newspaper article from The Peterborough Daily about Peter Robinson's public life.
Miscellaneous correspondences from Herald's College, London to C.W. Robinson listing fees owed for the research and registry of Robinson family pedigree.
C.W. Robinson's explanation of the book's contents of original family papers from the "Hewick" Robinsons and how he came to possess them.
Further explanation of family papers contained within, how the Robinsons established themselves as landholders in Virginia, Robinson family participation in the American Revolution. Includes one color and one black and white sketch of Hewick, Virginia.
Map of Virginia, Pennsylvania. Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland showing Robinson Creek and area near Urbanna, Virginia where "Hewick" stood (Middlesex County).
Rough sketch of Robinson family of Virginia as descended from Christopher Robinson, first immigrant to America.
Listing of contents as compiled by C.W. Robinson.
Portion of the will of Christopher Robinson I, written by Edmund Pendleton.
Shows the 660 acres of land owned by Christopher Wormeley in James City County showing roads and waterways.
Money paid to and from Hewick, England, by Christopher Robinson.
Business accounts and transactions enacted by Porteus as Robinson's agent at Hewick, England.
Wills estate in England to brother John Robinson, estate in Virginia (Hewick) to daughter Judith Robinson, estate in Virginia (Grange) to daughter Mary.
Concerns the Yorkshire estate, shipping tobacco from America. Includes copy of letter from John Maynard to Captain Brookes.
Concerns duties, freight and shipping costs on tobacco rendered to Christopher Robinson III.
Concerns rents owed and paid by tenants on Hewick, England, to Christopher Robinson III.
Quarterly Royal Land Tax paid by Hewick, England, 5p 6s 1d.
Concerns a theft attempt at Hewick, England, other Hewick business.
Concerns the house at Bedford, England, proposed sale of property. Mentions Bishop Robinson. Letter is mutilated.
Concerns purchase of Parker lands, management of Hewick, England.
Concerns Robinson's estates in London, arranging to bring water to the fields from the river, tenants' grievances, general upkeep of fences and barns.
Concerns Hewick, England, planting oak trees, tenants and rent collection, general upkeep, fence dividing Robinson's and Lord Devonshire's lands, Virginia stock holdings.
Concerns quarrels with tenants over upkeep of Hewick, England and disputes over hunting rights with neighboring landowners
Concerns the sale of Hewick, England with estimated value of 16,000 pounds.
Concerns Richard Corbin and Ralph Wormeley, executors of Christopher Robinson III's (deceased) holdings in Virginia.
Concerns the execution of Christopher Robinson's will. Fletcher Norton, speaker for the House of Commons possible purchaser of Hewick, England.
Concerns the sale of Hewick, England to Speaker of the House of Commons, Fletcher Norton, by Act of Parliament.
Concerns the sale of Hewick, England to Fletcher Norton, Speaker of the House of Commons, for 16,000 pounds.
Concerns expenses incurred in passing 9 June 1772 Act of Parliament for the sale of Christopher Robinson's Hewick, England.
Concerns money owed Christopher Robinson for the estate of Peter Robinson.
Signed by P.W. Claiborne for money paid by David Ker on behalf of Christopher Robinson for the education of Peter Robinson's son.
Concerns money owed by Christopher Robinson to John Craine for tailoring services rendered.
Concerns money owed by Christopher Robinson to James Mills for medical services rendered.
Concerns the purchase of slaves and stock by Richard Corbin and Ralph Wormeley as acting guardians of Christopher Robinson IV.
Concerns money owed to the estate of Christopher Robinson.
Concerns money owed by Peter Robinson (d. 1765) to John Robinson (d. 1787).
Monthly record of financial exchanges recorded by John Robinson of Middlesex County, Virginia.
Eight receipts of notes of purchases made by John Robinson of Middlesex County, Virginia including one receipt for the hire of two slaves (1777).
Concerns payments owed to an unidentified account. Mentions "Mr. Dinwiddie".
Concerns payment for wine purchased by Beverley Robinson.
Authorization for John Dessen to raise two battalions of soldiers for England's Regular Troops to be used for the duration of the American Revolution. Signed by Robert Rogers.
Naming Christopher Robinson IV to the post of Captain of the Queen's Rangers in New York under Lieutenant Colonel John Graves Simcoe.
Concerns family matters, sending tea, mentions grandchildren.
Appoints Christopher Robinson IV to the post of "Inspector of the Woods, Reserves, and all Rents and Profits of the Crown" in Upper Canada. Signed by John Graves Simcoe.
Transferring power of attorney from Peter Russell to Christopher Robinson IV for the power to lease and/or collect rents on certain properties on the River Cabaraqui, Upper Canada.
John Wentworth, Surveyor General of the Woods, Nova Scotia naming Christopher Robinson IV as his deputy in Upper Canada.
Concerns Christopher's post as deputy of the Woods.
Fees owed by Christopher Robinson IV for the education of his sons.
Concerns the sale of Cabaraqui mills.
Concerns Smith's public account.
Concerns mills being built along the Cabaraqui River, possibility that the seat of government will move to York (Toronto).
Appoints Christopher Robinson IV, Kingston, Upper Canada to the position of Royal Attorney and Advocate. Signed by William Mayne and initialed by John Graves Simcoe.
Concerns license to practice law in the Royal Courts.
Concerns Robinson's apprehension about his 4 April 1793 commission by John Wentworth.
Concerns Robinson's "indisposition."
Concerns Robinson's recovery from illness.
Appoints Christopher Robinson IV as Representative of the residents of Addington and Ontario Counties.
Concerns the Sale of land in Murray Township, Upper Canada owned by Christopher Robinson IV to Thomas Spencer of Canadague, New York.
John Ferguson v. David Palmer over 100 pound debt.
Between Christopher Robinson IV, Kingston and Jacob Shepherd Clay, Herkermer County making Clay a six month laborer paid in money and/or land upon the end of service.
Between Christopher Robinson IV, Kingston and John Smith, Albana County, New York making Smith a six month laborer paid in money and/or land upon the end of service.
Between Christopher Robinson and John Woodward and David Bennet engaging Woodward and Bennet to construct Robinson a house on his York, Upper Canada farm.
For 6 pounds owed by Christopher Robinson to Jacob Clayton for the digging and construction of a foundation and chimneys.
6p 10s 6d paid by Christopher Robinson to John Woodward and David Bennet for the construction of Christopher Robinsion's house.
For money owed by Christopher Robinson to Thomas Markland for various goods purchased.
For money owed by Christopher Robinson to Thomas Sparham, surgeon, for services rendered.
For money owed by Christopher Robinson to Donald McDonell for goods purchased.
For money owed by William Kaiting to Christopher Robinson for legal services rendered.
Christopher Robinson will pay Sincoe Ketchsin fifty dollars within six weeks.
For fifty dollars paid to Sincoe Ketchsin by Christopher Robinson.
Acknowledgement of three pounds owed to Abner Miles by Colonel Brackenridge, signed by Christopher Robinson.
Christopher Robinson will leave Abner Miles with the ten dollars Robinson owes to John Woodward and David Bennet.
Christopher Robinson will pay James Kemp 10p 3s 2d by 23 August 1798.
Concerns an order to pay James and Nathan Ruggles 24p 5s 8d.
For court costs due in the case of Powley(?) v. Ashley.
For money owed by Ablert Ryckman to James Rivinton for law books.
For money owed by Christopher Robinson to Jonathan Hay, shoemaker.
For money owed by Christopher Robinson to Robert Maranlay for goods purchased.
For money owed by Christopher Robinson to James Richardson for goods and services rendered.
Charging the sheriff of Kingston to find and hold James Rankin until trial in the case of a plea of debt filed by Alexander Clark. Signed by Christopher Robinson, attorney for the plaintiff.
Finding in favor of Alexander Clark in the debt case of Clark v. Rankin.
For money owed by Christopher Robinson for goods and services rendered by an unknown party.
Concerns Christopher Robinson's ill health.
Includes announcement of Christopher Robinson's passing on 2 November 1798.
Summons to Peter Robinson for payment of debts owed by the estate of Christopher Robinson.
For taxes paid by the estate of Christopher Robinson.
Esther Robinson's (widow of Christopher Robinson) plea to ease the situation of her destitute family by naming Peter Robinson, eldest son, to the position of a deputy in the province of York.
Includes obituary of Christopher Robinson, nephew of Bishop John Robinson.
Concerns matters of the Queen's army.
Concerns Beverley as benefactor of the Robinson family.
Concerns business in the United Kingdom and Frederick's return to Canada.
Letter of introduction for Admiral Vansittart's sons.
Family news.
Concerns recent events in Canada and family news.
Concerns the discovery of a document about Beverley Robinson including sketch of Colonel Beverley Robinson's crest.
Notarization of a document from Robert Lenox.