To Susan, Susan, and all, It does get confusing on the various cities in Norfolk County. The Norfolk County Historical Society has a concise 2 paragraphs with some dates that may help clarify as follows: "In 1636, less than three decades after the settling of Jamestown, New Norfolk was formed from Elizabeth City County, one of the nine original shires of the Colony of Virginia. In 1637, New Norfolk was divided into Lower Norfolk County and Upper Norfolk County. Lower Norfolk County encompasses the area that is now the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. Lower Norfolk County's first court was held on May 15, 1637, and was presided over by Captain Adam Thoroughgood. Chesapeake is the most direct descendent of Lower Norfolk County. The records housed in care of the Chesapeake's Clerk of the Circuit Court are the oldest records held by any of the four cities that were once Lower Norfolk County: they date back to 1637 and the first court held in the jurisdiction." Hope this helps. Dee