Colonial Meriwether Families - Person Sheet
Colonial Meriwether Families - Person Sheet
NameLydia Laker 
, F
, FBirthca 1665
Alias/AKAMrs. Lydia Blighton
FlagsVolume 1
FatherBenjamin Laker , M
Spouses
1Capt. Francis Clements , G3KS-54J, M
, G3KS-54J, MBirthca 1650–1660, England
Deathabt 1717, Isle of Wight County, Virginia
BurialIsle of Wight County, Virginia256
Will ProvedIsle of Wight County, Virginia
OccupationPlanter, attorney, public servant
Public Office FactBurgess from Surry County (1693); Clerk of the Surry County Court (1698-1708)
Military ServiceCaptain of the Surry County Virginia Militia, 1692
FlagsMilitary Flag, Public Office Flag, Volume 1
Marriage04 May 1703, Virginia
Other Marriage notes for Lydia Laker
She was the widow of a Mr. George Blighton.
Biography notes for Francis (Spouse 1)
Francis Clement
© The Meriwether Society, Inc. (gmb)
Mr. Francis Clements (indicating he was regarded as a gentleman entitled to that suffix) came to Virginia from England sometime before 1683; as “Captain Clemons”, he was on a list of debtors to the estate of George Jordan on 7 Sep 1682. Not only is this date earlier than 1683, but to hold the rank of Captain in the Surry County Militia, and for that matter to be indebted, suggests he had been in Surry County much earlier. Regardless, it is apparent he was well educated when he arrived as indicted by the positions he subsequently held.
In a few short years Francis established himself as an important figure in Surry County. He was a plantation owner with slaves or indentured servants working it. He also is often recorded as a witness to official papers, frequently a juryman, a militia captain, justice of the peace, burgess, Surry county clerk, and a variety of other official duties such as administrating estates, taking tithes, or acting as security for those giving bonds. In addition, he was the attorney for several, including Nicho. Meriwether and Henry Hartwell. Quite a resume.
On 9 May 1693 Clements bought the Meriwether plantation “Indian Spring” in Surry county from Nicholas Meriwether II. In his 1717 will, Clements bequeathed his plantation known as “The Spring” to his son Francis, who in turn donated it to the Southwarke Parish in his 1721 will.
Prior to 1715, Clements removed to Isle of Wight County, where he evidently died about 1717 and his will was probated.
© The Meriwether Society, Inc. (gmb)
Mr. Francis Clements (indicating he was regarded as a gentleman entitled to that suffix) came to Virginia from England sometime before 1683; as “Captain Clemons”, he was on a list of debtors to the estate of George Jordan on 7 Sep 1682. Not only is this date earlier than 1683, but to hold the rank of Captain in the Surry County Militia, and for that matter to be indebted, suggests he had been in Surry County much earlier. Regardless, it is apparent he was well educated when he arrived as indicted by the positions he subsequently held.
In a few short years Francis established himself as an important figure in Surry County. He was a plantation owner with slaves or indentured servants working it. He also is often recorded as a witness to official papers, frequently a juryman, a militia captain, justice of the peace, burgess, Surry county clerk, and a variety of other official duties such as administrating estates, taking tithes, or acting as security for those giving bonds. In addition, he was the attorney for several, including Nicho. Meriwether and Henry Hartwell. Quite a resume.
On 9 May 1693 Clements bought the Meriwether plantation “Indian Spring” in Surry county from Nicholas Meriwether II. In his 1717 will, Clements bequeathed his plantation known as “The Spring” to his son Francis, who in turn donated it to the Southwarke Parish in his 1721 will.
Prior to 1715, Clements removed to Isle of Wight County, where he evidently died about 1717 and his will was probated.
Will Summary notes for Francis (Spouse 1)
The Will of Francis Clements, Sr.
Recorded in Isle of Wright, 1719, in Vol. 2, page 632, of Wills and Deeds.
He bequeaths to son, Francis Clements, "my plantation commonly called The Springs, whereof the said Francis now dwells, containing 516 acrews. My silver tankard --------- (obliterated).
Also named sons Thomas and Benjamin, daughters Mary and Elizabeth.
Recorded in Isle of Wright, 1719, in Vol. 2, page 632, of Wills and Deeds.
He bequeaths to son, Francis Clements, "my plantation commonly called The Springs, whereof the said Francis now dwells, containing 516 acrews. My silver tankard --------- (obliterated).
Also named sons Thomas and Benjamin, daughters Mary and Elizabeth.
Will notes for Francis (Spouse 1)
Will of Francis Clements
The Will of Francis Clements, Sr. is recorded in Isle of Wright, 1719, in Vol. 2, page 632, of Wills and Deeds.
He bequeaths to son, Francis Clements, "my plantation commonly called The Springs, whereof the said Francis now dwells, containing 516 acrews. My silver tankard --------- (obliterated).
To son, Thomas, 450 acres, a gun called Harrison, ect.
To son, Benjamin my plantation on north side of Nottaway River and 450 acres adjoining where upon I now live.
Daughters ---- Mary and Elizabeth ----
To Friend Captain Nathaniel Ridley, my silver swored, and to his wife, Elizabeth a mourning ring.
As a reward for faithful service done to me by my two slaves, they shall be immediately set free from bondage, and to both of them a cow and 50 acrews of land.
"I give unto my friend, James Staton, a mourning ring: and whereas I have just assurance of the tenderness and motherly care my wife bears to our children Benjamin, Thomas, Mary and Elizabeth, all residue and remainder of estate to wife Lydia Clements, whom I make whole and sole executor.
Witnesses: James Stanton, James Stanton, Jr., Richard Jones, John Allen (Will Book 2, Page 294)
The Will of Francis Clements, Sr. is recorded in Isle of Wright, 1719, in Vol. 2, page 632, of Wills and Deeds.
He bequeaths to son, Francis Clements, "my plantation commonly called The Springs, whereof the said Francis now dwells, containing 516 acrews. My silver tankard --------- (obliterated).
To son, Thomas, 450 acres, a gun called Harrison, ect.
To son, Benjamin my plantation on north side of Nottaway River and 450 acres adjoining where upon I now live.
Daughters ---- Mary and Elizabeth ----
To Friend Captain Nathaniel Ridley, my silver swored, and to his wife, Elizabeth a mourning ring.
As a reward for faithful service done to me by my two slaves, they shall be immediately set free from bondage, and to both of them a cow and 50 acrews of land.
"I give unto my friend, James Staton, a mourning ring: and whereas I have just assurance of the tenderness and motherly care my wife bears to our children Benjamin, Thomas, Mary and Elizabeth, all residue and remainder of estate to wife Lydia Clements, whom I make whole and sole executor.
Witnesses: James Stanton, James Stanton, Jr., Richard Jones, John Allen (Will Book 2, Page 294)
Research notes for Francis (Spouse 1)
DEATH: Many have Jul 1708 for some reason.
Another source lists birthplace as Surry County (But he received headrights for having transported himself from England, suggesting he was born there.)
Represented Surry County in the House of Burgesses in 1692-1693 (General House of Burgesses). He served as clerk of the General Assembly, 1699 (Journal of H.B.). He was clerk of Surry County from October 1697 to July 1708. (Surry Records) and his signature reads "Fra Clement".
Francis Clement married first, Elizabeth Merriweather, a sister of William and Major Nicholas Merriweather (Surry Records, Deed Book 4, p. 46); second, Lydia (?) (Probably Blighton), for at Surry Court, held August 11, 1711, Francis Clement and his wife, Lydia, administer the estate of George Blighton.
Prior to 1715, moved into Isle of Wight County. (This part later became Southampton County, Virginia)
Research notes for Francis (Spouse 1)
16 May 1692, Richard Parker of Surry County, conveyed to Richard Washington, for the sum of 2000 pounds of tobacco, 80 acres of land lying of "Parker's Spring Branch" and Blackwater Swamp. Wit: Elizabeth and Francis Clements Vol III p265
Source: Surry Co VA Wills 1671 - 1750 pp 125-126
Historical Families Vol V Bodie p 45-49
"The Three Richard Parkers" by Waunita Powell of Paris Ill
Source: Surry Co VA Wills 1671 - 1750 pp 125-126
Historical Families Vol V Bodie p 45-49
"The Three Richard Parkers" by Waunita Powell of Paris Ill
Reference notes for Francis (Spouse 1)
Francis Clements 260
Captain Francis Clements was Burgess for Surry in 1693. He married Ann [sic], daughter of Nicholas Meriweather of Surry, who died in 1678, and was appointed administrator of his estate (not true?). Captain Clements moved from Surry into Isle of Wight where he made his will in 1717 (see will). Inasmuch as he received a grant of land in Surry for the transportation of himself to Virginia, he is evidently not a descendant of Jeremiah Clements who came to Virginia in 1611 and was Burgess for James City in 1641. From one of these two families it seems that Samuel Clemens, the author, was descended.
Captain Francis Clements was Burgess for Surry in 1693. He married Ann [sic], daughter of Nicholas Meriweather of Surry, who died in 1678, and was appointed administrator of his estate (not true?). Captain Clements moved from Surry into Isle of Wight where he made his will in 1717 (see will). Inasmuch as he received a grant of land in Surry for the transportation of himself to Virginia, he is evidently not a descendant of Jeremiah Clements who came to Virginia in 1611 and was Burgess for James City in 1641. From one of these two families it seems that Samuel Clemens, the author, was descended.
Reference notes for Francis (Spouse 1)
“There is a record in the court orders of Surry County that Francis Clements married Elizabeth Clough, the executor of Mr. John Clough. The entry is dated March 2, 1865. [12] This evidently was the first marriage of Francis, and his wife, Elizabeth, must have died very shortly thereafter. There is no later mention that they had any children.
It is very probably Elizabeth Meriwether Clements who signed an indenture of Richard Parker and Richard Washington, along with her husband, in May 1682. [13] There is no doubt that she and Francis were married by March 5, 1694, when they and Nicholas Meriwether were granted the administration of the estate of William Meriwether. [14] William Meriwether was the father of Elizabeth and Nicholas. [sic - brother] Francis and Elizabeth had one son, Francis.
There is the possibility that Elizabeth Meriwether had married John CLough first, and that Francis was only married twice. The fact that Francis II was not born until about 1694 leads one to believe that Francis and Elizabeth Meriwether had not been married prior to 1685. It would seem likely that there would have been other children from the marriage during that time span. It is not known exactly when Elizabeth died, but Francis had remarried by 1703. An entry in the Surry County court orders indicates that he married the widow of George Bleighton, by May 4, 1703. [15]
261
It is very probably Elizabeth Meriwether Clements who signed an indenture of Richard Parker and Richard Washington, along with her husband, in May 1682. [13] There is no doubt that she and Francis were married by March 5, 1694, when they and Nicholas Meriwether were granted the administration of the estate of William Meriwether. [14] William Meriwether was the father of Elizabeth and Nicholas. [sic - brother] Francis and Elizabeth had one son, Francis.
There is the possibility that Elizabeth Meriwether had married John CLough first, and that Francis was only married twice. The fact that Francis II was not born until about 1694 leads one to believe that Francis and Elizabeth Meriwether had not been married prior to 1685. It would seem likely that there would have been other children from the marriage during that time span. It is not known exactly when Elizabeth died, but Francis had remarried by 1703. An entry in the Surry County court orders indicates that he married the widow of George Bleighton, by May 4, 1703. [15]
261
Notes for Francis & Lydia (Family)
In the will of Francis Clements Sr., he names Benjamin, Thomas, Mary and Elizabeth as children of his wife, Lydia. Francis Jr. is named separately, indicating he was the only named child who was born to Elizabeth Meriwether.