There is no trace of Robert's activities after 1663, but it is thought he lived for another 6 years. Data from payouts from his estate 17 March 1658. Testimony Highlights SBP, Pay, Healthcare Dr. Robert Ellyson first appears in America in 1642 in Maryland where he was appointed Sheriff. In 1646 Dr. Robert is listed as a lawyer in York Co. VA. In 1656 he patented 577 acres in New Kent Co VA. He was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses 1656-1663. =============================================================== ? 2. Dr Robert2 Ellison (John1) was born Windyedge, Lanark, Scotland ca 1615. Robert died Sep 1664-1670 in New Kent Co VA, at 49 years of age. He married Elizabeth or Hannah Gerrard ca 1640. Dr. Robert Ellyson first appears in America in 1642 in Maryland where he was appointed Sheriff. In 1646 Dr. Robert is listed as a lawyer in York Co. VA. In 1656 he patented 577 acres in New Kent Co VA. He was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses 1656-1663. Capt. Robert Ellyson was granted a tract of 577 acres of land in the County of New Kent in 1656, which was described in the patent as lying in the narrowes of York River, next to the lands of George Chapman, William Cox, and John Hope, of which 200 acres lay in James City County on the east side of Burchen Swamp and 377 acres formerly granted to Robert Priddy, who sold the same to Edward, by whom it was deserted and was now granted by the General Court, the whole amount being due to Ellyson for transportation of twelve persons (Patent book 4, page 102). Robert Ellyson resided in James City County and was Sheriff and Burgess for James City County. In 1680, Gerrard Robert Ellyson repatented this land, as son and heir, in his own name (Patent book 7, page 22). Dr Robert Ellison and Elizabeth or Hannah Gerrard had the following children: + 3 i. Gerrard Robert3 Ellison was born ca 1650. + 4 ii. Hannah Ellison was born ca 1657. ? ? ? ======================================= Received 6 Aug 2000 Peggy F. Rufner Copy sent to Linda Reno 11/25/2004 10910 E. Sunnydale Dr. Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 480-895-1162 [email protected] August 5, 2000 ? Mr. Norris W. Hillery 13112 Curved Iron Rd BD 1297 Oak Hill, VA 20171-2928 Dear Mr. Hillary: I have just found your submission to LDS in the family search files. I hope you do not mind that I have chosen to write to you. I am a descendant of Dr. Thomas Gerard of MD and VA through his youngest daughter Mary who married Kenelm Cheseldine. I have been researching both the Gerard and Cheseldine families. I had no intention of focusing on the Gerard family, but as the research goes, so does information. I hope you will not be opposed to sharing with me regarding the Ellyson family. Your file that I located on compact disc #11 and Pin #831917 has me totally confused. All the information I have found about Robert Ellyson, physician, Comes from Edwin Beitzel's "The Gerard and Cheseldine Families, and a paper by Douglas W. Ellyson Wagner, "The Early Generations of the Ellyson Family in Virginia." Of course, I have found a few other tidbits from other researchers along the way. This is the information so far; He was a descndant of Robert Elysson of Hakwell in Northumberland Co., England and a "member of one of Newcastle-upon-Tyne's most distinguished merchant families. He had a cousin Robert Ellyson, who was a leading member of the Merchant Adventurers of Newcastle on the Tyne. Robert, the physician, probably emigrated to St. Mary's Co. Md in 1642 some four years after Dr. Gerard and his daughter Elizabeth who was born in Lancashire, England in 1632. He resided some time in St. M. Co. MD but owned land in Kent Co. VA. Research has brought to light that he was the first husband of Elizabeth Gerard, which took place about 1642. It was after their marriage that they moved to VA. At that same time, Dr. Gerard was having trouble with the Provincial Government of Maryland, so he moved to his plantation Machodac in Westmoreland Co. VA. The Ellysons went to live in Charles City,VA. I have him dying about 1671 in Virginia, although he seemed to have moved from place to place in Virginia. Robert Ellyson was married to Elizabeth Gerard long enough to produce two children. It was their daughter named, Hannah, not his wife. Their son was named Gerrard Robert, after his grandfather and his father. There seems to be no records after 1663, but he must have lived six more years as the General Court records that on 28 Sep, 1671a Capt. Geo. Lyddal be paid out of his estate. This does not preclude that he could have died around 1663, but that his estate was still under settlement 6 years later. My real question is the source of your research where you find that he married Anne Myhill abt 1680. He had been dead for at least 9 years or longer. How could they have married. Where did you find that he was born in 1615, and if he was where did you find that information? What evidence do you have that he married Elizabeth Gerard in VA? She was raised Protestant by her mother, so she may have still been living on that side of the River. Please, understand that I am not saying you are not correct, but since no sources of your information are included, I do not know who is right and who is wrong. In your research did you, also check out the records of England? I have a feeling that the Gerards and the Ellysons knew each other in or around London before coming to America. If you are on the Internet, I would gladly accept a reply on above email address. I do not wish you to go to any work in responding. Tracing of these families goes on forever. The book that I dreamed of publishing seems to get further into the future. Thank you in advance for any trouble I might be incurring. I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, ? Peggy F. Rufner ====================================== Ancestry World Tree--Family Information Has Robert Ellyson, Dr. Capt marrying Elizabeth Gerrard abt 1655, no place name noted. One child Gerrard Robert Ellyson. ? Capt. Robert Ellyson was granted a tract of 577 acres of land in the County of New Kent in 1656, which was described in the patent as lying in the narrowes of York River, next to the lands of George Chapman, William Cox, and John Hope, of which 200 acres lay in James City County on the east side of Burchen Swamp and 377 acres formerly granted to Robert Priddy, who sold the same to Edward, by whom it was deserted and was now granted by the General Court, the whole amount being due to Ellyson for transportation of twelve persons (Patent book 4, page 102). Robert Ellyson resided in James City County and was Sheriff and Burgess for James City County. In 1680, Gerrard Robert Ellyson repatented this land, as son and heir, in his own name (Patent book 7, page 22). ========================================================= Email from Coleen Allen re Robert Ellyson 04/14/2006 I have quite a lot of information on the Gerrard Robert Ellyson family son of Dr. Robert Ellyson. A lot is from the Quaker records. but also have court records. My line goes down 3 more generations to Cecilia Ellyson who married Thomas Elmore Jr. Following is some of the information I have found. Hope it helps you. Coleen ------------- I recieved the following information from Susan McMahan [email protected] Nov. 7 2004 (Coleen Hi! again Coleen, I don't think anyone has been able to figure out the name of Dr Robert's wife. This is as close as I can come to any kind of proof: 1650- Thomas Gerard, Gentleman, 1000 acres, Northumberland Co., Va. 18 October 1650. Upon the S. side of the Potomack River, beg. at the mouth of Herring or on the N. Side, which issues out of the Nomeny Riv. Transportation of 20 persons: Thomas Garrard, Susanna Gerrard, Susa, his daughter, Temperance Gerrard, Elizabeth Gerrard, Frances, Gerrard, Justinian Gerrard, Henry Chesely, and for adventure of a servant, Cornelius Canedy, john Goldsmith, Mary Strong, John Shanks, Edw. Shely, John Taylor, Francis Hutton, John Gerrard, Richard Wight, Thomas Downs, Richard Walker, Joel Gibbs, and duhee for 4 Indians. (A complete story on this family can be found in Volume 1 of the book Silver Trails to Freedom (70) by Norma Jennings. At the christening of William Randlolph, s/o Henry and Elizabeth Randolph on 12 Sept. 1658 Elizabeth 'Ellison' was named one of the child's sponsers in the record. Source:' Genealogies of Va. Families - William and Mary Quarterly' Vol. 4 pg 229. So Dr. Robert was deceased by 1668 as Elizabeth marr. Nehemiah Blackiston 6 May 1669 and his property was mentioned as nearby in Dr. Thomas Gerrard's will; Elizabeth 3rd marr. Ralph Rymer and 4th marr. Joshua Guilbert.....per Janice Young, Metairie, Louisana, [email protected] 11 Sep 2000, a descendant of Hannah Ellison Armistead. To: [email protected]: Subject Ellyson/Gerrard; From : Barbara Petty: Date: Thurs. 22 Jan 1998, :Hello Ellyson cousins. Intresting conversation about Robert Ellyson's wife being possibly a daughter of Thomas Gerrard. To add to the pot. I wrote to Sharon Doliante, compiler of Mary and Virginia Colonials about this and she sent me a copy of a letter from Br. Ambrose Carroll Moormand of St. Benedict, Or. dated Jan 31, 1992 to Ms. Doliante. In this letter he said the following: 'Dr. Lorand V. Johnson, M.D. now deceased of Cleveland, Ohio wrote several books on the Johnson family and in 1976 he assured me that Sue Terrel of Rockcastle Farm, Lynchburg, Virginia had the old family bible of the Slye family. Elizabeth Gerrard's sister, Susannnah Gerrard, married by 1653, Robert Slye (ca. 1628-1670/1)by whom she had four children as her first husband. At any rate the original Slye family bible reads: 'Baptized on ye 1st day of December, 1666 A.D. Thomas, infant son of Robert and Susannna Slye. The sponsor's being his uncle Justian Gerrard and aunt Elizabeth Ellyson.' Book: Tidewater Virginia Families pgs. 382-393 Robert Ellyson History about the same as above with the following exception. There does not appear to be any conclusive evidence as to whom Robert Ellyson married. Most of the printed accounts state that it is generally assumed that he married Elizabeth, the daughter of Dr. Thomas Gerrard. The basis for this assumption is not clear. Given the naming practices of the time, it would seem that he may have married a woman whose maiden name was Gerrard. The surname became a given name for several generations of Robert Ellyson's descendants, among them, first his son, then grandson. Dr. Thomas Gerrard did not mention a daughter, Elizabeth, in his will, nor did he name an Ellyson grandchild. Elizabeth Gerrard was named as a headright when Thomas took up land in Maryland, she was not named as a headright when he patented land in Virginia. A printed account of the Gerrard family lists the names of Dr. Gerrard's children: Justinian Gerrard, his eldest son, Thomas, Susanna, Anne, Frances, Temperance, Elizabeth, Jane, John and Mary Gerrard. In a postscript to the book by Anne des Cognets, Louis des Congnets included Elizabeth and her three marriages: Nehemiah Blackistone, Ralph Rymer & Joshua Gilbert. Jane appears to have been the only one whose husband's names is not known. All of the other daughters married two, three or four times, except Mary and the will of her husband Kenelm Cheseldine is extant. it seems further, that the Blackistone husband of Elizabeth, was living in 1672, when Thomas made his will, as he identified land that he owned as adjoining his son-in-law, Blackistone. The name of Robert Ellyson's wife must have been Elizabeth, as Elizabeth Ellyson was one of the sponsors of William Randolph, the son of Henry Randolph, on Sept. 12, 1658. She was present at his baptism in James Citty, and there seems to have been no other Ellyson in James Citty at that time. There remains the possibility that Robert married a sister of Dr. Thomas Gerrard. ------------------------------------ ----------------- Find Book: Old Churches, Ministers, and Families of Virginia book: The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Co. Va. pg 652 from a single sheet is one of a number of original documents in a portfolio marked "Virginia Misc Religious 1606-1772 - Robert Ellyson - Jerrard Ellyson - John Ellyson - Thos. Ellyson - Wm. Ellyson - Gid. Ellyson - List of Freeholders in St. Peters Parish ------------------ Find in file: Adventurers of Purse and Person Virginia 1607-1625 pg 35 John Ellison came in the Prosperous 1623 Archers Hope,James Citty - His wife Ellen in the Charitie pg 55 William Ellison aged 44 in the Swan 1624 -servant Elizabeth citie. ------------- Book: Virginia Colonial Abstracts Series 2, Vol. 5 Wills, deeds, Orders, of York County, Virginia 1657-1659 pg 7 - p.8, It is ordered that Robert Ellison be put out of the Est. of Hugh Hore (who) dyed possessed of (an Est. 7) & of the 755 lbs. tob. and caske according to the order of this Court in Nov. 1656. pg 8 - p.8 It is ordered that Capt. Robert Ellison, Adm'r. of the Est. of Dr. Henry Waldron dec'd. pay to William Reynald 350 lbs. tob. and cask. pg 9 - p.8A A Non Suite & 50 lbs. tob. damages is grant Book Abridged Compendium of Am. Genealogy Vol 1 pg 889 Capt. Anthony Armisted md. Hanna dau. of Robert Ellyson ( they were the ancestors of Pres. Taylor) ------------------- ELLYSON (find in the Ellyson file) THE EARLY GENERATIONS OF THE ELLYSON FAMILY IN VIRGINIA Very little has been written about the early generations of the Ellyson family in Virginia. There was a brief genealogical sketch in Tyler's Quarterly (X, 32-33, and almost nothing else. It is possible, however, to present a more detailed account of Robert Ellyson(1640-1670) and his descendants. The present Ellyson family of Virginia is descended generally from Doctor Robert Ellyson of Maryland and Virginia. (footnote: Some persons bearing the surname Ellyson (or Ellison) may be descendants of Jonathan Ellison, who is listed in the headrights granted to Captain Francis Eppes of Charles City County on aug. 26, 1635, or of John Elysone, who is similarly mentioned in the Patent of Thomas Dios of Westmoreland County, April 15, 1664)Robert Ellyson was himself a descendant of Robert Elysson of Hakwell in Northumberland, (footnote: "The Pedigree and Descent of Cudberte Ellysson of Newcastell, Merchant, late of Hakwell in Northumberland"in Visitations in the North, (Sureties Society, 1911) pt. I p, 176) and a member of one of Newcastle-upon-Tyne's most distinguished merchant families. (footnote: The Ellison family of Newcastle was founded by Cuthbert Ellyson" died ca. 1563", Governor of the Fellowship of Merchant Adventurer in 1554, Sheriff of Newcastle 1544-1545, and Mayor 1549-1550,1554-1555. It is probably that Doctor Robert Ellyson descended from one of Cuthbert Ellyson's grandchildren. See the Ellison genealogies of Robert Sureties, The History and Antiquities of the County Palatine of Durham "London, 1816-1822"II, 78, and John H. Hodgson, History of Northumberland"New Castle, 1820-1858" Pr. 2. At some point the Ellison family of Newcastle substituted an "i" for the "y" in their surname. There is much material on the Ellison family in Extracts from the records of the Merchant Adventurers of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, ed. J.R. Boyle and F.W. Dendy "Sureties Society, 1895, 1899." The arms of Cuthbert Ellison are described in T. Tonge et al. Heraldic visitation of the Northern Counties in 1530 ed. W.H.D. Longstaffe "sureties Society, 1863"). His cousin, Robert Ellyson, was a leading member of the Merchant Adventurers of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and a Commonwealth member of Parliament in 1648. A probable recusant background may explain Doctor Ellyson's choice of Maryland as a place of settlement. A sketch of Robert Ellyson's early years must of course be pure conjecture, but we may assume that as a member of a well-to-do family, he had considerable education, and that at one time he apprenticed himself to a barber chirurgeon or a physician. No record of his receiving a license to practice has been found, so it may be that he did not complete his apprenticeship before he went to the colonies. The extent of his activities in Maryland indicate that he was probably in his late twenties when he settled there; no record of his birth has been found, however. Robert Ellyson emigrated to St. Mary's County, Maryland, early in 1642; he is first mentioned in the levey on St. Mary's Hundred of Aug. 2, 1642, when he was assessed thirty pounds of tobacco. In the records of the call for a General Assembly of Sept 5, he is listed as a absent freeman of Kent, (footnote: Kent was erected as a county in 1642, the second in Maryland) indicating that he resided in St. Mary's County and also owned land in Kent. Doctor Ellyson was a barber chirurgeon by profession, with a fair practice in the arts of "chirurgery and physick." The extent of his practice is uncertain but the records of Provincial court show him involved in litigation over unpaid bills with five patients, (footnote: Archives of Maryland: Judicial and Testamentary Business of the Provincial Court 1637-1650 passim, records cases against Nicolas Hervey "for his man Henry Spim," his wife Jane, Henry Brooks, John Dandy, and Ellen and Jane Stevenson. The records also show Doctor Ellyson began to practice early in the summer of 1642.) and presumably he had a number of patients with paid accounts. His bills ranged from 300 to 955 pounds of tobacco per cure, slightly less than the fees charged by his counterparts in England. In one instance he had as patients the maidservants of Sir Edmond-Ployden, the recipient of the grant of New Albion. And it appears that Sir Edmond bore the medical expenses of his servants, for he was named defendant in the suit. (footnote: Ibid, p. 215 Robt. Ellyson barbar-chirurgeon demandeth of Sr Edmond Ploydon Knt 1156 lbs tob: due by acct. of chirurgery & physick this last summer for Ellen and Jane Stevenson, maidservants of the said Sr. Edmond.") Doctor Ellyson's treatments were probably confined to physick, which generally entailed bloodletting combined with purgatives and one or more medicinal remedies. The records of his suit against Nicolas Hervey show that these cures were quite long, often lasting several months. (footnote: Ibid pp. 229-231) It is safe to assume that when he presented a bill for "paines & charge of chirurgery," the chirurgery did not involve a serious internal operation, if one at all. One other aspect of his practice deserves mention, that is his service at an inquest on Nov. 5, 1642, to help determine the cause of death of an infant girl. (footnote" Ibid: 1637-1650, p. 139. This does not seem to have been an actual autopsy, so it was probably a routine legal inquiry.) The medical arts were not the only services Robert Ellyson rendered the community, for in Jan. 1643, "Robt Ellyson, coram leiutent Grall was sworne sheriff...(of St. Mary's County)," (footnote: Ibid. P. 231. His service as sheriff seems to have been mainly limited to routine affairs, although in early Feb. he was involved in investigating a charge of high treason against Captain Richard Ingles, who "certain malicious and scandalous words & speeches did utter & use against the Princely honor of Prince Rupert." (p. 238). Ingle was arrested, but later escaped and led a rebellion, during which St. Mary's City was sacked and the governor forced to flee. Ellyson's role in this instance was quite minor, as he was dismissed before the rebellion broke out.) He held this office but a scant month, however, for the court record of Feb 11 reveals "Robt Ellyson discharged of his sheriffwick by Lieutentant General. (Ibid p 250) Perhaps his dismissal was in some way connected with the following incident: (Feb.9, 1643) Giles Brent Esq &c demandeth of Robt Ellyson 250 lbs tob & cask, for the price of one gonne of the plfs delivered him by Mr Wyatt, & determined from the plf by the deft. The said Rob Ellyson saith he tooke no charge of the gonne demanded, nor is able to make restitution. And upon the confession of the deft in Court, of non compos mentis when he tooke the gonne, the Court fined him 100 lbs tob. And the Secretary found, that the gonne was deposited in the defts hands by Mr. Wyatt at such time as the deft was in drink, & that Mr Wyatt ought to impute to himself what happened from the fault of the defendant in the negligent keeping of the gonne during that indispoon of the defts & doth find that the gonne is in the possession or power of the deft whereby he may be judged to restore it to the plf. the owner of it: & therefore dismissed the deft. (footnote: Ibid pp 249-250. Giles Brent was Treasurer of the Province, and became deputy governor in 1643. There is no indication that this affair was connected with Ellyson's duties as sheriff.) The court records continue to mention Robert Ellyson throughout 1643, but seldom in connection with his medical practice. In March he was appointed a member of an inquisition to inquire into an assult "upon the person of an Indian ladd,"(Ibid, p. 260) and on March 16 he was again the defendant in a suit for a carbine, which he is reported to have withheld from one "franc Anthill." (Ibid 262) In July and August he attended Jane Hervey in her sickness; this is the only instance of medical practice on record that year. (Ibid: p 294) He is last mentioned on Feb 1, 1644, when he again demanded payment for treating Ellen Stevenson. (Ibid: p. 301) Robert Ellyson migrated to York Co. Va. some time between 1644 & 1646, for he is listed as one of the lawyers of that county in 1646. (footnote: History of York Co. in the Seventeenth Century) What caused him to change his residence and his profession is not known, but the change was certainly well rewarded, for he soon attained positions of considerable prominence. He was elected burgess from James City Co. for the Assembly of 1655/56-1656.(footnote: Journals of the House of burgesses of Virginia, 1619-1658/59) and again for the Assemblies of 1659/60 and 1660. (footnote; Journals- Ellyson is known to have sat in the session of 1663, but is not listed in the session of 1666) In addition, he served as one of the earliest justices of the peace for Gloucester Co. which was set off from York in 1651, sitting on the first recorded court of that county on Feb. 16, 1656/7 as "Lt. Coll. Ellyson." (footnote: Records of Colonial Gloucester Co. Va. - The fact that he was named second in the list of justices might indicate something of his standing, for courts were usually listed by seniority.) There are few records of his activities between 1646 and 1655, although he is named in the settlement of the estate of Thomas Deacon of York early in 1648. (footnote: York co. Court Orders 1646-1648) and again on Dec. 6, of the same year in the settlement of the estate of Robert Jackson. (footnote: Ibid 1648/1657 - He is also mentioned in this connection, when it was ordered that he be paid 1030 pounds of tobacco from the estate.(York Co, 1644-1648 p. 37). Possibly the debts were for legal services rendered these persons. In 1652 he witnessed the sale of two hundred acres, also in York. (Ibid. p. 39) It may be assumed that these nine years were largely spent acting as an attorney, for although lawyers were prevented from charging fees for their services, they were still allowed to practice voluntarily. and, since colonial lawyers were among the first men of their communities despite the incidence of malpractice, Robert Ellyson's years as an attorney must have served as a good basis for his later career. The years 1655 to 1663 were most active years of Robert Ellyson's life in Virginia. On March 19, 1655, he was appointed a member of the Committee for Leavie, headed by Major Robert Holt of James City, (footnote: JHB, 1619-1658/9 p. 95) and at the next session he served on the Committee for Private Causes, (Ibid. 99) which dealt with suits appealed from the General Court to the Assembly. There is the following record of his activities on this committee: Upon the petition of Robert Ellison where as is the former sessions of this Assembly differences between him and Lieut. coll. Swan appeareth to have been debated at the Committee for private Causes and a Report thereof made to the Assembly but not determined by reason of Mr Ellison's sudden departure out of Town this Assembly finding that former Report just and reasonable have Ordered the same to be ratified and confirmed. (footnote: Ibid p.103) In addition, he served as sergeant at arms for the Assembly, and as such transmitted the "Report of the Committee nominated for vindication and manifestation of the Assemblyes Power." (Ibid: p.111) He also held the office of high sheriff of James City County at this time, and is mentioned as one of the justices present at a county court held at James City on Feb. 7, 1655/6. (ftnote: Va. Magazine of History and Biography, L.386) It is not known whether he held any of these offices for more than the years indicated. At the same time that he served in these capacities, Robert Ellyson often received the title captain, which introduces the question of his military rank. the frequence of his denomination as captain indicates that he was lieutenant colonel and colonel; after his death he was described as Major Ellison. If these higher titles have any basis in fact, then he probably attained the rank of major, was breveted lieutenant colonel, and called colonel out of courtesy. If he did hold the rank of lieutenant colonel, then possibly he was lieutenant commander of the James City County, although there is no record of this. It should also be noted that officers of the militia, as well as justices and high sheriffs, were not only positions of great esteem in the colony, but also were appointed by the governor, a fact which may indicate something of Robert Ellyson's political standing. It may well be that his case is similar to that of his cousin Robert of Newcastle, that is, that he was already prominent in his community by the time of the Protectorate, and that this period aided in advancing his career. The variety and importance of the positions he occupied during the years 1655 to 1663 inidcates that he at least enjoyed the favor of the leaders of government during the Protectorate. Since he does not appear to have held public office after 1663, it would seem that either he fell into political disfavor, or he was in the declining state of health. It might be well at this point to mention an incident that sheds some light on a more personal side of Robert Ellyson's life: in 1656 he received as a bequest the library of his friend, Doctor Henry Waldron, of York. (footnote: There is little information on Waldron, other than that he was practicing as a doctor in York County in 1646; York Co. Courty orders, 1646-1648 p. 5) At least, we may assume that he and Ellyson were quite good friends, for books were highly valued in the colony, and generally passed to members of the family.) It is unfortunate that the contents of the library are not known, for such informatin might give an insight to Waldron's and Ellyson's intrests. There can be little doubt, however, that the library contained a number of works on medicine. In the session of 1663, Robert Ellyson once again played a notable role in the government of the colony. On Sept 11 he was made a member of "a committee....appointed to examine the election of burgesses newly returned," (footnote: Journal of House of Burgesses 1659-1693 o 21) one of the most inmprtant committees of the House. He also on served on "A committee appointed to consider of the publick affaires" (Sept. 13) and on 'The committee appointed to examine the business of the king of Potomack" (Sept. 19). Ibid pgs 21 & 25) As already mentioned, he does not seem to have served in any official capacity after 1663, and there is no further mention of him until his death. Exactly where Robert Ellyson made his residence is not known. for the period 1646 to 1655, we may assume that he resided in York County, for he is mentioned there only. (footnote: It sould be noted that his friend Henry Waldron lived at York. also on, as late as 1662 the Committee for the Levy of York paid Ellyson 2000 pounds of tobacco, probably for some legal service. W.M.Q. ser.I,XXVI,33) His election as burgess from James City Co. indicates that at some time he must have taken up residence there. On Aug. 26, 1657, he patented 577 acres as Captain Robert Ellyson, "377 acs. in New Kent Co., in the narrows of York River, S.W. by land of Geo. Chapman, &S.E. to land of Willm. Cox & John Hope; 200 acs. in James City Co, on E. side of a branch of Burchen Sw. 377 acs, granted to Rob. Priddy, who sold same to Ed. Waite, by whom it was deserted, & now granted by order of court, etc. The whole amount due sd Ellyson for trans. of 12 pers. (footnote: Cavaliers and Pioneers. p.348. There is some confusion regarding this grant, for in New Kent Co. Book No.4 p.206, No. 153, "Col. Robt. Ellison" is recorded to have patent 577 acres in 1657. In 1688 Gerrard Robert Ellyson patented the lands in New Kent and James City Counties formerly granted to his father and in the New Kent Co. Rent Rolls of 1704/5 he is listed as holding 520 acres. Possibly Robert Ellyson increased his holdings after the original grant, and his son sold some of the land before 1704. equally confusing are the allusions to Robert Ellyson in the patents of Henry Soanes, the speaker of the house of Burgesses in1660, In 1653 a Robt. Ellyson, Gent, is listed in the head rights of Soanes for a grant of 200 acres in Glouchester Co. (Cavaliers & Pioneers p 241)and in 1656 he is mentioned again in the grant of 2800 acres in New Kent Co. (Ibid: p 240) In still another instance he is reported to have assigned 1200 acres in Gloucester to Soanes (Ibid:p. 240) Since Robert Ellyson appears to have been closely acquainted with both Soanes and Henry Randolph, whose son married Soanes' daughter Judith, it is probable that Ellyson merely assisted his friend in obtaining the grants, albeit illegally under the headright laws. ) It is generally assumed that Robert Ellyson married Elizabeth, the daughter of Dr. Thomas Gerrard. (footnote: WMQ sr 1,IV 125) Thomas Gerrard came to Maryland in 1638, and in 1659 moved to Westmoreland Co. Va. (footnote: Va. Genealogies p. 490 for sketch of Thomas Gerrards life) He was a Roman Catholic, and a surgeron by profession. Little is known of Elizabeth, except that on Sept 12, 1658, she was one of the sponsors of Henry Randolph's son. William. it is interesting to note that Lieutenant Colonel Robert Holt was also one of the Sponsors, for he headed two of the committees on Which Robert Ellyson served, and in addition was a member of the court held at James City in Feb. 1655. evidently Robert Ellyson had as friends some of the most powerful men of the colony. There is no record of the marriage to Elizabeth Gerrard, but it was probably shortly after Thomas Gerrard's removal to Virginia in 1659. the children of this marriage were a son, Gerrart Robert, and a daughter, Hannah. Hannah married Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Armistead, and was given two hundred acres in New Kent County as a dowry. (footnote: deed dated July 18 1698, of Captain Anthony Armistead and Hannah to their son-in-law John West, for 200 acres in New Kent County, the land is described as "given to said Hannah by her father, MR. Robert Ellyson, of James City Co., deceased") Gerrard Robert will be the subject of a later essay and needs no further mention here. There is no trace of Robert Ellyson's activities after 1663, although it appears that he lived at least six more years. For on September 28, 1671, the General Court records that, It is ordered that Mr. Jno Harloe be paid by Capt Geo. Lyddall out of the estate of Doctor Ellyson the sume of five hundred nyntey three pownds of Tobo and Caskebeing the full balance of the order of the Court Dated 17 Mar 1658 Capt Lyddall pleading the act of Lymtacon but being made appeare that thee was often demands made within this act this ordr is granted wth costs. It should be noted that this is the first time that Robert Ellyson received the title "Doctor" in Virginia. And on Oct 2, 1672, the Court also "Ordrd that Mr Thomas Viccars be Guardian to Gerrard Robt Ellison, Sonn & Orphan of Major Ellison." Both citations indicate that Robert Ellyson died sometime before Sept. 1671. (footnote)Minutes of the Council and General Court of Colonial va. 1622/ 1632,1670-1676 [gs 276 & 311 ? ! Gonne >From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedi The Gonne, Hand Gonne or Hand Cannon, as it was called, was the first handheld, portable firearm. The Gonne was invented around 1300 (or perhaps earlier) and was used until at least the 1520s in Europe, and until modern times in the Far East. However, where it was invented remains an area of intense controversy. The Chinese, Mongols, and Arabs all have a claim - as do the Europeans. A 16th-century legend about a German or Greek monk called Berthold Schwarz (Black Berthold, Bertholdus Niger) having invented the gun has long been proved to be completely fictitious. It was a primitive weapon, but effective in sieges and ambushes. It was less effective in open battle and in wet or windy conditions. Despite its crude appearance, the Gonne could kill an armoured or unarmoured opponent at short ranges - if the gunner could manage to hit them. Experiments indicate an effective range of about 50 metres and a maximum range of about 300 metres, depending on calibre and type of powder used. Gonnes ranged in barrel length from 190 to 600 mm and from 12 to 36 mm in calibre. Approximate weights ranged from 1.5 kg to a monstrous 15 kg for some siege models. Barrels were typically short compared to later firearms and made from wrought iron or cast in bronze. For ease of handling, the barrels were attached to a wooden stock. This was done in two ways: either by resting the barrel in a groove in the stock and securing it with metal bands; or by inserting the stock into a socket formed in the rear part of the barrel. Some Gonnes merely had a metal rod formed as an extension to the rear of the barrel as a handle. For firing, the Gonne could be held in two hands while an assistant applied an igniter (such as hot coals or burning tinder) to the touch hole, or propped against something and set off by the gunner himself. Illustrations depict gunners holding the stock in the armpit, or over the shoulder like a modern bazooka to aim their weapon. During sieges, Gonnes were rested on the edges of walls, over the sides of armoured carts, or on forked rests hammered into the ground. For this reason hooks are often found attached to the bottom of the barrel. Later Gonnes were made with a flash pan attached to the barrel, and a touch hole drilled through the side wall instead of the top of the barrel. The flashpan had a sliding lid fitted, to keep the priming powder dry until the moment of firing. The invention of corned powder, the slow match, and the flash pan around 1400 led to the widespread adoption of Gonnes, as those who used them were now no longer required to mix their powder on the spot, stay close to a source of fire, or stay out of the weather. The reasons why firearms gradually came to dominate European warfare are not clear. The advantages of the Gonne were low cost, easy mass production, the ability to be used by fairly poorly trained troops, and a measure of control over their manufacture (and especially the manufacture of ammunition - an important consideration in a medieval Europe wracked by rebellion). While the Gonne could not match the accuracy or speed of fire of the Longbow, gunners did not require the special diet and continuous practice from childhood required of a good bowman. Crossbows had superior power and accuracy compared to early Gonnes, but were expensive to make, slow to reload and almost as badly affected by wet weather as Gonnes.

Thank you!! Linda Reno -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of David Cummins Sent: Friday, April 15, 2011 3:17 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [MDSTMARY] Sheriff's History There is no trace of Robert's activities after 1663, but it is thought he lived for another 6 years. Data from payouts from his estate 17 March 1658. Testimony Highlights SBP, Pay, Healthcare Dr. Robert Ellyson first appears in America in 1642 in Maryland where he was appointed Sheriff. In 1646 Dr. Robert is listed as a lawyer in York Co. VA. In 1656 he patented 577 acres in New Kent Co VA. He was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses 1656-1663. =============================================================== ? 2. Dr Robert2 Ellison (John1) was born Windyedge, Lanark, Scotland ca 1615. Robert died Sep 1664-1670 in New Kent Co VA, at 49 years of age. He married Elizabeth or Hannah Gerrard ca 1640. Dr. Robert Ellyson first appears in America in 1642 in Maryland where he was appointed Sheriff. In 1646 Dr. Robert is listed as a lawyer in York Co. VA. In 1656 he patented 577 acres in New Kent Co VA. He was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses 1656-1663. Capt. Robert Ellyson was granted a tract of 577 acres of land in the County of New Kent in 1656, which was described in the patent as lying in the narrowes of York River, next to the lands of George Chapman, William Cox, and John Hope, of which 200 acres lay in James City County on the east side of Burchen Swamp and 377 acres formerly granted to Robert Priddy, who sold the same to Edward, by whom it was deserted and was now granted by the General Court, the whole amount being due to Ellyson for transportation of twelve persons (Patent book 4, page 102). Robert Ellyson resided in James City County and was Sheriff and Burgess for James City County. In 1680, Gerrard Robert Ellyson repatented this land, as son and heir, in his own name (Patent book 7, page 22). Dr Robert Ellison and Elizabeth or Hannah Gerrard had the following children: + 3 i. Gerrard Robert3 Ellison was born ca 1650. + 4 ii. Hannah Ellison was born ca 1657. ? ? ? ======================================= Received 6 Aug 2000 Peggy F. Rufner Copy sent to Linda Reno 11/25/2004 10910 E. Sunnydale Dr. Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 480-895-1162 [email protected] August 5, 2000 ? Mr. Norris W. Hillery 13112 Curved Iron Rd BD 1297 Oak Hill, VA 20171-2928 Dear Mr. Hillary: I have just found your submission to LDS in the family search files. I hope you do not mind that I have chosen to write to you. I am a descendant of Dr. Thomas Gerard of MD and VA through his youngest daughter Mary who married Kenelm Cheseldine. I have been researching both the Gerard and Cheseldine families. I had no intention of focusing on the Gerard family, but as the research goes, so does information. I hope you will not be opposed to sharing with me regarding the Ellyson family. Your file that I located on compact disc #11 and Pin #831917 has me totally confused. All the information I have found about Robert Ellyson, physician, Comes from Edwin Beitzel's "The Gerard and Cheseldine Families, and a paper by Douglas W. Ellyson Wagner, "The Early Generations of the Ellyson Family in Virginia." Of course, I have found a few other tidbits from other researchers along the way. This is the information so far; He was a descndant of Robert Elysson of Hakwell in Northumberland Co., England and a "member of one of Newcastle-upon-Tyne's most distinguished merchant families. He had a cousin Robert Ellyson, who was a leading member of the Merchant Adventurers of Newcastle on the Tyne. Robert, the physician, probably emigrated to St. Mary's Co. Md in 1642 some four years after Dr. Gerard and his daughter Elizabeth who was born in Lancashire, England in 1632. He resided some time in St. M. Co. MD but owned land in Kent Co. VA. Research has brought to light that he was the first husband of Elizabeth Gerard, which took place about 1642. It was after their marriage that they moved to VA. At that same time, Dr. Gerard was having trouble with the Provincial Government of Maryland, so he moved to his plantation Machodac in Westmoreland Co. VA. The Ellysons went to live in Charles City,VA. I have him dying about 1671 in Virginia, although he seemed to have moved from place to place in Virginia. Robert Ellyson was married to Elizabeth Gerard long enough to produce two children. It was their daughter named, Hannah, not his wife. Their son was named Gerrard Robert, after his grandfather and his father. There seems to be no records after 1663, but he must have lived six more years as the General Court records that on 28 Sep, 1671a Capt. Geo. Lyddal be paid out of his estate. This does not preclude that he could have died around 1663, but that his estate was still under settlement 6 years later. My real question is the source of your research where you find that he married Anne Myhill abt 1680. He had been dead for at least 9 years or longer. How could they have married. Where did you find that he was born in 1615, and if he was where did you find that information? What evidence do you have that he married Elizabeth Gerard in VA? She was raised Protestant by her mother, so she may have still been living on that side of the River. Please, understand that I am not saying you are not correct, but since no sources of your information are included, I do not know who is right and who is wrong. In your research did you, also check out the records of England? I have a feeling that the Gerards and the Ellysons knew each other in or around London before coming to America. If you are on the Internet, I would gladly accept a reply on above email address. I do not wish you to go to any work in responding. Tracing of these families goes on forever. The book that I dreamed of publishing seems to get further into the future. Thank you in advance for any trouble I might be incurring. I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, ? Peggy F. Rufner ====================================== Ancestry World Tree--Family Information Has Robert Ellyson, Dr. Capt marrying Elizabeth Gerrard abt 1655, no place name noted. One child Gerrard Robert Ellyson. ? Capt. Robert Ellyson was granted a tract of 577 acres of land in the County of New Kent in 1656, which was described in the patent as lying in the narrowes of York River, next to the lands of George Chapman, William Cox, and John Hope, of which 200 acres lay in James City County on the east side of Burchen Swamp and 377 acres formerly granted to Robert Priddy, who sold the same to Edward, by whom it was deserted and was now granted by the General Court, the whole amount being due to Ellyson for transportation of twelve persons (Patent book 4, page 102). Robert Ellyson resided in James City County and was Sheriff and Burgess for James City County. In 1680, Gerrard Robert Ellyson repatented this land, as son and heir, in his own name (Patent book 7, page 22). ========================================================= Email from Coleen Allen re Robert Ellyson 04/14/2006 I have quite a lot of information on the Gerrard Robert Ellyson family son of Dr. Robert Ellyson. A lot is from the Quaker records. but also have court records. My line goes down 3 more generations to Cecilia Ellyson who married Thomas Elmore Jr. Following is some of the information I have found. Hope it helps you. Coleen ------------- I recieved the following information from Susan McMahan [email protected] Nov. 7 2004 (Coleen Hi! again Coleen, I don't think anyone has been able to figure out the name of Dr Robert's wife. This is as close as I can come to any kind of proof: 1650- Thomas Gerard, Gentleman, 1000 acres, Northumberland Co., Va. 18 October 1650. Upon the S. side of the Potomack River, beg. at the mouth of Herring or on the N. Side, which issues out of the Nomeny Riv. Transportation of 20 persons: Thomas Garrard, Susanna Gerrard, Susa, his daughter, Temperance Gerrard, Elizabeth Gerrard, Frances, Gerrard, Justinian Gerrard, Henry Chesely, and for adventure of a servant, Cornelius Canedy, john Goldsmith, Mary Strong, John Shanks, Edw. Shely, John Taylor, Francis Hutton, John Gerrard, Richard Wight, Thomas Downs, Richard Walker, Joel Gibbs, and duhee for 4 Indians. (A complete story on this family can be found in Volume 1 of the book Silver Trails to Freedom (70) by Norma Jennings. At the christening of William Randlolph, s/o Henry and Elizabeth Randolph on 12 Sept. 1658 Elizabeth 'Ellison' was named one of the child's sponsers in the record. Source:' Genealogies of Va. Families - William and Mary Quarterly' Vol. 4 pg 229. So Dr. Robert was deceased by 1668 as Elizabeth marr. Nehemiah Blackiston 6 May 1669 and his property was mentioned as nearby in Dr. Thomas Gerrard's will; Elizabeth 3rd marr. Ralph Rymer and 4th marr. Joshua Guilbert.....per Janice Young, Metairie, Louisana, [email protected] 11 Sep 2000, a descendant of Hannah Ellison Armistead. To: [email protected]: Subject Ellyson/Gerrard; From : Barbara Petty: Date: Thurs. 22 Jan 1998, :Hello Ellyson cousins. Intresting conversation about Robert Ellyson's wife being possibly a daughter of Thomas Gerrard. To add to the pot. I wrote to Sharon Doliante, compiler of Mary and Virginia Colonials about this and she sent me a copy of a letter from Br. Ambrose Carroll Moormand of St. Benedict, Or. dated Jan 31, 1992 to Ms. Doliante. In this letter he said the following: 'Dr. Lorand V. Johnson, M.D. now deceased of Cleveland, Ohio wrote several books on the Johnson family and in 1976 he assured me that Sue Terrel of Rockcastle Farm, Lynchburg, Virginia had the old family bible of the Slye family. Elizabeth Gerrard's sister, Susannnah Gerrard, married by 1653, Robert Slye (ca. 1628-1670/1)by whom she had four children as her first husband. At any rate the original Slye family bible reads: 'Baptized on ye 1st day of December, 1666 A.D. Thomas, infant son of Robert and Susannna Slye. The sponsor's being his uncle Justian Gerrard and aunt Elizabeth Ellyson.' Book: Tidewater Virginia Families pgs. 382-393 Robert Ellyson History about the same as above with the following exception. There does not appear to be any conclusive evidence as to whom Robert Ellyson married. Most of the printed accounts state that it is generally assumed that he married Elizabeth, the daughter of Dr. Thomas Gerrard. The basis for this assumption is not clear. Given the naming practices of the time, it would seem that he may have married a woman whose maiden name was Gerrard. The surname became a given name for several generations of Robert Ellyson's descendants, among them, first his son, then grandson. Dr. Thomas Gerrard did not mention a daughter, Elizabeth, in his will, nor did he name an Ellyson grandchild. Elizabeth Gerrard was named as a headright when Thomas took up land in Maryland, she was not named as a headright when he patented land in Virginia. A printed account of the Gerrard family lists the names of Dr. Gerrard's children: Justinian Gerrard, his eldest son, Thomas, Susanna, Anne, Frances, Temperance, Elizabeth, Jane, John and Mary Gerrard. In a postscript to the book by Anne des Cognets, Louis des Congnets included Elizabeth and her three marriages: Nehemiah Blackistone, Ralph Rymer & Joshua Gilbert. Jane appears to have been the only one whose husband's names is not known. All of the other daughters married two, three or four times, except Mary and the will of her husband Kenelm Cheseldine is extant. it seems further, that the Blackistone husband of Elizabeth, was living in 1672, when Thomas made his will, as he identified land that he owned as adjoining his son-in-law, Blackistone. The name of Robert Ellyson's wife must have been Elizabeth, as Elizabeth Ellyson was one of the sponsors of William Randolph, the son of Henry Randolph, on Sept. 12, 1658. She was present at his baptism in James Citty, and there seems to have been no other Ellyson in James Citty at that time. There remains the possibility that Robert married a sister of Dr. Thomas Gerrard. ------------------------------------ ----------------- Find Book: Old Churches, Ministers, and Families of Virginia book: The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Co. Va. pg 652 from a single sheet is one of a number of original documents in a portfolio marked "Virginia Misc Religious 1606-1772 - Robert Ellyson - Jerrard Ellyson - John Ellyson - Thos. Ellyson - Wm. Ellyson - Gid. Ellyson - List of Freeholders in St. Peters Parish ------------------ Find in file: Adventurers of Purse and Person Virginia 1607-1625 pg 35 John Ellison came in the Prosperous 1623 Archers Hope,James Citty - His wife Ellen in the Charitie pg 55 William Ellison aged 44 in the Swan 1624 -servant Elizabeth citie. ------------- Book: Virginia Colonial Abstracts Series 2, Vol. 5 Wills, deeds, Orders, of York County, Virginia 1657-1659 pg 7 - p.8, It is ordered that Robert Ellison be put out of the Est. of Hugh Hore (who) dyed possessed of (an Est. 7) & of the 755 lbs. tob. and caske according to the order of this Court in Nov. 1656. pg 8 - p.8 It is ordered that Capt. Robert Ellison, Adm'r. of the Est. of Dr. Henry Waldron dec'd. pay to William Reynald 350 lbs. tob. and cask. pg 9 - p.8A A Non Suite & 50 lbs. tob. damages is grant Book Abridged Compendium of Am. Genealogy Vol 1 pg 889 Capt. Anthony Armisted md. Hanna dau. of Robert Ellyson ( they were the ancestors of Pres. Taylor) ------------------- ELLYSON (find in the Ellyson file) THE EARLY GENERATIONS OF THE ELLYSON FAMILY IN VIRGINIA Very little has been written about the early generations of the Ellyson family in Virginia. There was a brief genealogical sketch in Tyler's Quarterly (X, 32-33, and almost nothing else. It is possible, however, to present a more detailed account of Robert Ellyson(1640-1670) and his descendants. The present Ellyson family of Virginia is descended generally from Doctor Robert Ellyson of Maryland and Virginia. (footnote: Some persons bearing the surname Ellyson (or Ellison) may be descendants of Jonathan Ellison, who is listed in the headrights granted to Captain Francis Eppes of Charles City County on aug. 26, 1635, or of John Elysone, who is similarly mentioned in the Patent of Thomas Dios of Westmoreland County, April 15, 1664)Robert Ellyson was himself a descendant of Robert Elysson of Hakwell in Northumberland, (footnote: "The Pedigree and Descent of Cudberte Ellysson of Newcastell, Merchant, late of Hakwell in Northumberland"in Visitations in the North, (Sureties Society, 1911) pt. I p, 176) and a member of one of Newcastle-upon-Tyne's most distinguished merchant families. (footnote: The Ellison family of Newcastle was founded by Cuthbert Ellyson" died ca. 1563", Governor of the Fellowship of Merchant Adventurer in 1554, Sheriff of Newcastle 1544-1545, and Mayor! 1549-1550,1554-1555. It is probably that Doctor Robert Ellyson descended from one of Cuthbert Ellyson's grandchildren. See the Ellison genealogies of Robert Sureties, The History and Antiquities of the County Palatine of Durham "London, 1816-1822"II, 78, and John H. Hodgson, History of Northumberland"New Castle, 1820-1858" Pr. 2. At some point the Ellison family of Newcastle substituted an "i" for the "y" in their surname. There is much material on the Ellison family in Extracts from the records of the Merchant Adventurers of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, ed. J.R. Boyle and F.W. Dendy "Sureties Society, 1895, 1899." The arms of Cuthbert Ellison are described in T. Tonge et al. Heraldic visitation of the Northern Counties in 1530 ed. W.H.D. Longstaffe "sureties Society, 1863"). His cousin, Robert Ellyson, was a leading member of the Merchant Adventurers of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and a Commonwealth member of Parliament in 1648. A probable recusant background may explain Doctor Ellyson's choice of Maryland as a place of settlement. A sketch of Robert Ellyson's early years must of course be pure conjecture, but we may assume that as a member of a well-to-do family, he had considerable education, and that at one time he apprenticed himself to a barber chirurgeon or a physician. No record of his receiving a license to practice has been found, so it may be that he did not complete his apprenticeship before he went to the colonies. The extent of his activities in Maryland indicate that he was probably in his late twenties when he settled there; no record of his birth has been found, however. Robert Ellyson emigrated to St. Mary's County, Maryland, early in 1642; he is first mentioned in the levey on St. Mary's Hundred of Aug. 2, 1642, when he was assessed thirty pounds of tobacco. In the records of the call for a General Assembly of Sept 5, he is listed as a absent freeman of Kent, (footnote: Kent was erected as a county in 1642, the second in Maryland) indicating that he resided in St. Mary's County and also owned land in Kent. Doctor Ellyson was a barber chirurgeon by profession, with a fair practice in the arts of "chirurgery and physick." The extent of his practice is uncertain but the records of Provincial court show him involved in litigation over unpaid bills with five patients, (footnote: Archives of Maryland: Judicial and Testamentary Business of the Provincial Court 1637-1650 passim, records cases against Nicolas Hervey "for his man Henry Spim," his wife Jane, Henry Brooks, John Dandy, and Ellen and Jane Stevenson. The records also show Doctor Ellyson began to practice early in the summer of 1642.) and presumably he had a number of patients with paid accounts. His bills ranged from 300 to 955 pounds of tobacco per cure, slightly less than the fees charged by his counterparts in England. In one instance he had as patients the maidservants of Sir Edmond-Ployden, the recipient of the grant of New Albion. And it appears that Sir Edmond bore the medical expenses of his servants, for he was name! d defendant in the suit. (footnote: Ibid, p. 215 Robt. Ellyson barbar-chirurgeon demandeth of Sr Edmond Ploydon Knt 1156 lbs tob: due by acct. of chirurgery & physick this last summer for Ellen and Jane Stevenson, maidservants of the said Sr. Edmond.") Doctor Ellyson's treatments were probably confined to physick, which generally entailed bloodletting combined with purgatives and one or more medicinal remedies. The records of his suit against Nicolas Hervey show that these cures were quite long, often lasting several months. (footnote: Ibid pp. 229-231) It is safe to assume that when he presented a bill for "paines & charge of chirurgery," the chirurgery did not involve a serious internal operation, if one at all. One other aspect of his practice deserves mention, that is his service at an inquest on Nov. 5, 1642, to help determine the cause of death of an infant girl. (footnote" Ibid: 1637-1650, p. 139. This does not seem to have been an actual autopsy, so it was probably a routine legal inquiry.) The medical arts were not the only services Robert Ellyson rendered the community, for in Jan. 1643, "Robt Ellyson, coram leiutent Grall was sworne sheriff...(of St. Mary's County)," (footnote: Ibid. P. 231. His service as sheriff seems to have been mainly limited to routine affairs, although in early Feb. he was involved in investigating a charge of high treason against Captain Richard Ingles, who "certain malicious and scandalous words & speeches did utter & use against the Princely honor of Prince Rupert." (p. 238). Ingle was arrested, but later escaped and led a rebellion, during which St. Mary's City was sacked and the governor forced to flee. Ellyson's role in this instance was quite minor, as he was dismissed before the rebellion broke out.) He held this office but a scant month, however, for the court record of Feb 11 reveals "Robt Ellyson discharged of his sheriffwick by Lieutentant General. (Ibid p 250) Perhaps his dismissal was in some way connected with the following incident: (Feb.9, 1643) Giles Brent Esq &c demandeth of Robt Ellyson 250 lbs tob & cask, for the price of one gonne of the plfs delivered him by Mr Wyatt, & determined from the plf by the deft. The said Rob Ellyson saith he tooke no charge of the gonne demanded, nor is able to make restitution. And upon the confession of the deft in Court, of non compos mentis when he tooke the gonne, the Court fined him 100 lbs tob. And the Secretary found, that the gonne was deposited in the defts hands by Mr. Wyatt at such time as the deft was in drink, & that Mr Wyatt ought to impute to himself what happened from the fault of the defendant in the negligent keeping of the gonne during that indispoon of the defts & doth find that the gonne is in the possession or power of the deft whereby he may be judged to restore it to the plf. the owner of it: & therefore dismissed the deft. (footnote: Ibid pp 249-250. Giles Brent was Treasurer of the Province, and became deputy governor in 1643. There is no indication that this affair was connected with Ellyson's duties as sheriff.) The court records continue to mention Robert Ellyson throughout 1643, but seldom in connection with his medical practice. In March he was appointed a member of an inquisition to inquire into an assult "upon the person of an Indian ladd,"(Ibid, p. 260) and on March 16 he was again the defendant in a suit for a carbine, which he is reported to have withheld from one "franc Anthill." (Ibid 262) In July and August he attended Jane Hervey in her sickness; this is the only instance of medical practice on record that year. (Ibid: p 294) He is last mentioned on Feb 1, 1644, when he again demanded payment for treating Ellen Stevenson. (Ibid: p. 301) Robert Ellyson migrated to York Co. Va. some time between 1644 & 1646, for he is listed as one of the lawyers of that county in 1646. (footnote: History of York Co. in the Seventeenth Century) What caused him to change his residence and his profession is not known, but the change was certainly well rewarded, for he soon attained positions of considerable prominence. He was elected burgess from James City Co. for the Assembly of 1655/56-1656.(footnote: Journals of the House of burgesses of Virginia, 1619-1658/59) and again for the Assemblies of 1659/60 and 1660. (footnote; Journals- Ellyson is known to have sat in the session of 1663, but is not listed in the session of 1666) In addition, he served as one of the earliest justices of the peace for Gloucester Co. which was set off from York in 1651, sitting on the first recorded court of that county on Feb. 16, 1656/7 as "Lt. Coll. Ellyson." (footnote: Records of Colonial Gloucester Co. Va. - The fact that he was named second in the list of justices might indicate something of his standing, for courts were usually listed by seniority.) There are few records of his activities between 1646 and 1655, although he is named in the settlement of the estate of Thomas Deacon of York early in 1648. (footnote: York co. Court Orders 1646-1648) and again on Dec. 6, of the same year in the settlement of the estate of Robert Jackson. (footnote: Ibid 1648/1657 - He is also mentioned in this connection, when it was ordered that he be paid 1030 pounds of tobacco from the estate.(York Co, 1644-1648 p. 37). Possibly the debts were for legal services rendered these persons. In 1652 he witnessed the sale of two hundred acres, also in York. (Ibid. p. 39) It may be assumed that these nine years were largely spent acting as an attorney, for although lawyers were prevented from charging fees for their services, they were still allowed to practice voluntarily. and, since colonial lawyers were among the first men of their communities despite the incidence of malpractice, Robert Ellyson's years as an attorney must have served as a goo! d basis for his later career. The years 1655 to 1663 were most active years of Robert Ellyson's life in Virginia. On March 19, 1655, he was appointed a member of the Committee for Leavie, headed by Major Robert Holt of James City, (footnote: JHB, 1619-1658/9 p. 95) and at the next session he served on the Committee for Private Causes, (Ibid. 99) which dealt with suits appealed from the General Court to the Assembly. There is the following record of his activities on this committee: Upon the petition of Robert Ellison where as is the former sessions of this Assembly differences between him and Lieut. coll. Swan appeareth to have been debated at the Committee for private Causes and a Report thereof made to the Assembly but not determined by reason of Mr Ellison's sudden departure out of Town this Assembly finding that former Report just and reasonable have Ordered the same to be ratified and confirmed. (footnote: Ibid p.103) In addition, he served as sergeant at arms for the Assembly, and as such transmitted the "Report of the Committee nominated for vindication and manifestation of the Assemblyes Power." (Ibid: p.111) He also held the office of high sheriff of James City County at this time, and is mentioned as one of the justices present at a county court held at James City on Feb. 7, 1655/6. (ftnote: Va. Magazine of History and Biography, L.386) It is not known whether he held any of these offices for more than the years indicated. At the same time that he served in these capacities, Robert Ellyson often received the title captain, which introduces the question of his military rank. the frequence of his denomination as captain indicates that he was lieutenant colonel and colonel; after his death he was described as Major Ellison. If these higher titles have any basis in fact, then he probably attained the rank of major, was breveted lieutenant colonel, and called colonel out of courtesy. If he did hold the rank of lieutenant colonel, then possibly he was lieutenant commander of the James City County, although there is no record of this. It should also be noted that officers of the militia, as well as justices and high sheriffs, were not only positions of great esteem in the colony, but also were appointed by the governor, a fact which may indicate something of Robert Ellyson's political standing. It may well be that his case is similar to that of his cousin Robert of Newcastle, that is, that he was already prominent in his community by the time of the Protectorate, and that this period aided in advancing his career. The variety and importance of the positions he occupied during the years 1655 to 1663 inidcates that he at least enjoyed the favor of the leaders of government during the Protectorate. Since he does not appear to have held public office after 1663, it would seem that either he fell into political disfavor, or he was in the declining state of health. It might be well at this point to mention an incident that sheds some light on a more personal side of Robert Ellyson's life: in 1656 he received as a bequest the library of his friend, Doctor Henry Waldron, of York. (footnote: There is little information on Waldron, other than that he was practicing as a doctor in York County in 1646; York Co. Courty orders, 1646-1648 p. 5) At least, we may assume that he and Ellyson were quite good friends, for books were highly valued in the colony, and generally passed to members of the family.) It is unfortunate that the contents of the library are not known, for such informatin might give an insight to Waldron's and Ellyson's intrests. There can be little doubt, however, that the library contained a number of works on medicine. In the session of 1663, Robert Ellyson once again played a notable role in the government of the colony. On Sept 11 he was made a member of "a committee....appointed to examine the election of burgesses newly returned," (footnote: Journal of House of Burgesses 1659-1693 o 21) one of the most inmprtant committees of the House. He also on served on "A committee appointed to consider of the publick affaires" (Sept. 13) and on 'The committee appointed to examine the business of the king of Potomack" (Sept. 19). Ibid pgs 21 & 25) As already mentioned, he does not seem to have served in any official capacity after 1663, and there is no further mention of him until his death. Exactly where Robert Ellyson made his residence is not known. for the period 1646 to 1655, we may assume that he resided in York County, for he is mentioned there only. (footnote: It sould be noted that his friend Henry Waldron lived at York. also on, as late as 1662 the Committee for the Levy of York paid Ellyson 2000 pounds of tobacco, probably for some legal service. W.M.Q. ser.I,XXVI,33) His election as burgess from James City Co. indicates that at some time he must have taken up residence there. On Aug. 26, 1657, he patented 577 acres as Captain Robert Ellyson, "377 acs. in New Kent Co., in the narrows of York River, S.W. by land of Geo. Chapman, &S.E. to land of Willm. Cox & John Hope; 200 acs. in James City Co, on E. side of a branch of Burchen Sw. 377 acs, granted to Rob. Priddy, who sold same to Ed. Waite, by whom it was deserted, & now granted by order of court, etc. The whole amount due sd Ellyson for trans. of 12 pers. (footnote: Cavaliers and Pioneers. p.348. Th! ere is some confusion regarding this grant, for in New Kent Co. Book No.4 p.206, No. 153, "Col. Robt. Ellison" is recorded to have patent 577 acres in 1657. In 1688 Gerrard Robert Ellyson patented the lands in New Kent and James City Counties formerly granted to his father and in the New Kent Co. Rent Rolls of 1704/5 he is listed as holding 520 acres. Possibly Robert Ellyson increased his holdings after the original grant, and his son sold some of the land before 1704. equally confusing are the allusions to Robert Ellyson in the patents of Henry Soanes, the speaker of the house of Burgesses in1660, In 1653 a Robt. Ellyson, Gent, is listed in the head rights of Soanes for a grant of 200 acres in Glouchester Co. (Cavaliers & Pioneers p 241)and in 1656 he is mentioned again in the grant of 2800 acres in New Kent Co. (Ibid: p 240) In still another instance he is reported to have assigned 1200 acres in Gloucester to Soanes (Ibid:p. 240) Since Robert Ellyson appears to have been closely acquainted with both Soanes and Henry Randolph, whose son married Soanes' daughter Judith, it is probable that Ellyson merely assisted his friend in obtaining the grants, albeit illegally under the headright laws. ) It is generally assumed that Robert Ellyson married Elizabeth, the daughter of Dr. Thomas Gerrard. (footnote: WMQ sr 1,IV 125) Thomas Gerrard came to Maryland in 1638, and in 1659 moved to Westmoreland Co. Va. (footnote: Va. Genealogies p. 490 for sketch of Thomas Gerrards life) He was a Roman Catholic, and a surgeron by profession. Little is known of Elizabeth, except that on Sept 12, 1658, she was one of the sponsors of Henry Randolph's son. William. it is interesting to note that Lieutenant Colonel Robert Holt was also one of the Sponsors, for he headed two of the committees on Which Robert Ellyson served, and in addition was a member of the court held at James City in Feb. 1655. evidently Robert Ellyson had as friends some of the most powerful men of the colony. There is no record of the marriage to Elizabeth Gerrard, but it was probably shortly after Thomas Gerrard's removal to Virginia in 1659. the children of this marriage were a son, Gerrart Robert, and a daughter, Hannah. Hannah married Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Armistead, and was given two hundred acres in New Kent County as a dowry. (footnote: deed dated July 18 1698, of Captain Anthony Armistead and Hannah to their son-in-law John West, for 200 acres in New Kent County, the land is described as "given to said Hannah by her father, MR. Robert Ellyson, of James City Co., deceased") Gerrard Robert will be the subject of a later essay and needs no further mention here. There is no trace of Robert Ellyson's activities after 1663, although it appears that he lived at least six more years. For on September 28, 1671, the General Court records that, It is ordered that Mr. Jno Harloe be paid by Capt Geo. Lyddall out of the estate of Doctor Ellyson the sume of five hundred nyntey three pownds of Tobo and Caskebeing the full balance of the order of the Court Dated 17 Mar 1658 Capt Lyddall pleading the act of Lymtacon but being made appeare that thee was often demands made within this act this ordr is granted wth costs. It should be noted that this is the first time that Robert Ellyson received the title "Doctor" in Virginia. And on Oct 2, 1672, the Court also "Ordrd that Mr Thomas Viccars be Guardian to Gerrard Robt Ellison, Sonn & Orphan of Major Ellison." Both citations indicate that Robert Ellyson died sometime before Sept. 1671. (footnote)Minutes of the Council and General Court of Colonial va. 1622/ 1632,1670-1676 [gs 276 & 311 ? ! Gonne >From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedi The Gonne, Hand Gonne or Hand Cannon, as it was called, was the first handheld, portable firearm. The Gonne was invented around 1300 (or perhaps earlier) and was used until at least the 1520s in Europe, and until modern times in the Far East. However, where it was invented remains an area of intense controversy. The Chinese, Mongols, and Arabs all have a claim - as do the Europeans. A 16th-century legend about a German or Greek monk called Berthold Schwarz (Black Berthold, Bertholdus Niger) having invented the gun has long been proved to be completely fictitious. It was a primitive weapon, but effective in sieges and ambushes. It was less effective in open battle and in wet or windy conditions. Despite its crude appearance, the Gonne could kill an armoured or unarmoured opponent at short ranges - if the gunner could manage to hit them. Experiments indicate an effective range of about 50 metres and a maximum range of about 300 metres, depending on calibre and type of powder used. Gonnes ranged in barrel length from 190 to 600 mm and from 12 to 36 mm in calibre. Approximate weights ranged from 1.5 kg to a monstrous 15 kg for some siege models. Barrels were typically short compared to later firearms and made from wrought iron or cast in bronze. For ease of handling, the barrels were attached to a wooden stock. This was done in two ways: either by resting the barrel in a groove in the stock and securing it with metal bands; or by inserting the stock into a socket formed in the rear part of the barrel. Some Gonnes merely had a metal rod formed as an extension to the rear of the barrel as a handle. For firing, the Gonne could be held in two hands while an assistant applied an igniter (such as hot coals or burning tinder) to the touch hole, or propped against something and set off by the gunner himself. Illustrations depict gunners holding the stock in the armpit, or over the shoulder like a modern bazooka to aim their weapon. During sieges, Gonnes were re! sted on the edges of walls, over the sides of armoured carts, or on forked rests hammered into the ground. For this reason hooks are often found attached to the bottom of the barrel. Later Gonnes were made with a flash pan attached to the barrel, and a touch hole drilled through the side wall instead of the top of the barrel. The flashpan had a sliding lid fitted, to keep the priming powder dry until the moment of firing. The invention of corned powder, the slow match, and the flash pan around 1400 led to the widespread adoption of Gonnes, as those who used them were now no longer required to mix their powder on the spot, stay close to a source of fire, or stay out of the weather. The reasons why firearms gradually came to dominate European warfare are not clear. The advantages of the Gonne were low cost, easy mass production, the ability to be used by fairly poorly trained troops, and a measure of control over their manufacture (and especially the manufacture of ammunition - an important consideration in a medieval Europe wracked by rebellion). While the Gonne could not match the accuracy or speed of fire of the Longbow, gunners did not require the special diet and continuous practice from childhood required of a good bowman. Crossbows had superior power and accuracy compared to early Gonnes, but were expensive to make, slow to reload and almost as badly affected by wet weather as Gonnes. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message