Richard LAWRENCE Deacon ⁵⁷

  General Notes:

Richard was one of the forty men who came from Wethersfield and NewHaven, Connecticut, in the early spring of 1644, to take possession ofthe newly acquired land which became the town of Branford, Connecticut.Richard was from New Haven.

Ric Laurance was listed as one of the proprietors of Branford,Connecticut, among whom meadow was divided, 7 July 1646 [Branford TownRecords, First Book of Deeds, Volume 1, page 1].

Ric Laurance was listed as one of those participating in another drawingof lands in Branford, Connecticut, 4 April 1648 [Branford Town Records,First Book of Deeds, Volume 1, page 13].

While living in Branford, Richard was a Deacon of the Church. His namefrequently occurs upon the records as a party to legal transactions. Hewas highly esteemed. His home was near Mulliner's Neck.

Daniel Dod, who came to Branford from Wethersfield died in 1666, leavingan estate of Ð146 17s 4d to be divided among his children, with RichardLawrence and Lawrence Ward their guardians.

On 30 October 1666, Richard Laurance signed the Fundamental Agreement tomove to Newark, New Jersey. "October 30th, 1666. At a meeting Touchingthe Intended design of many of the inhabitants of Branford, the followingwas subscribed: 1st. That none shall be admitted freemen or freeBurgesses within our Town upon Passaick River in the Province of NewJersey, but such Planters as are members of some or other of theCongregational Churches nor shall any but such be chosen to Magistracy orto Carry on any part of Civil Judicature, or as deputies or assistants,to have power to Vote In establishing Laws, and making or Repealing themor to any Chief Military Trust or Office. Nor shall any But such ChurchMembers have any Vote in any such elections; Tho' all others admitted toBe planters have Right to their proper Inheritance, and do and shallenjoy all other Civil Liberties and Privileges, According to all Laws,orders, Grants which are, or hereafter shall be made for this Town. 2nd.We shall with Care and Diligence provide for the maintenance of thepurity of Religion professed in the Congregational Churches. Whereuntosubscribed the Inhabitants from Branford." "Richard Laurance"[Records of Newark]

Richard Laurance was chosen as one of "Seven Men, that should have fullPower to hear, examine, and judge of every Man's Estate and Persons, astheir Rule, by which they will proceed in Time Convenient to pay fortheir Lands bought of the Natives, with the necessary Charges of setlingthe Place, and Mr. Peirson's Transport, and the Divi-sions andSubdivi-sions of all their Lands and Meadows belonging to the same."

On 24 November 1679, a committee of eight men, two for each quarter ofthe year, was appointed to see that every man delivered his load of woodfor the parson, the committee to be exempted from their contribution fortheir pains and care. The members of this committee for the thirdquarter of the year were Deacon Richard Lawrence and John Ward.

The will of Richard Lawrence, "belonging to the Towne of Newark in EastJersey," is recorded in the Newark Town Book, page 10. It was witnessedby John Ward and Steeuen Davis, and appended is the certificate of theproof of the instrument: "Witness sworn before me this 30th of March1691. Thomas Johnson, Justice."

Facts about this person:

Probate March 30, 1691 Newark Town Book, page 10, New Jersey

Source: FAV.FTW Author: Charles Mackenzie Medium: Other Date of Import: Dec 2, 2001

Richard married WFT Est 1625-1674.

Richard next married ??? SARAH WFT Est 1624-1673. (??? SARAH was born WFT Est 1603-1641 and died WFT Est 1624-1724.)