Power – Week 8 of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Power of a Mother

Mothers have a great capacity to ensure that their children are taken care of even during periods of history when society does not want to afford them this right. Frances Watkins Lloyd was such a mother. Frances married John Watkins I in 1637. Their first son, John Watkins, was born in 1640. John Watkins I died February 20, 1648 in Norfolk, Virginia.

During this time, the colony of Virginia followed British law which stated that a husband controlled his wife’s property. If her husband should proceed her in death, the wife was often provided a dower. This provision allowed for her support during her widowhood. However, if she remarried, this dower became the property of the new marriage.

Subsequently, Frances married Edward Lloyd in 1654. According to the book, The Founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland by Joshua Dorsey Warfield, Frances “relinquished her dower in Virginia to Edward and stipulated that her son, John Watkins, was to be paid his portion by Lloyd.” This happened in 1658. This land that Frances insisted that Edward Lloyd give to John was called “Watkins Hope” and was located on the north side of West River in Maryland. By giving up her dower, Frances used her power to ensure that her son was a property owner.

West River, Maryland

John Watkins then married Alice Lloyd in 1660. Alice was the daughter of Edward Lloyd. Therefore, John was both the stepson and son-in-law of Edward Lloyd.

(According to the Anne Arundel County Earliest Land Surveys from Lord Baltimore’s Rent Rolls, Watkins Hope consisted of “300 acres, surveyed July 8, 1663 for John Watkins.”)

Frances’ foresight continued to make an impact on the Watkins lineage. According to The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Land Surveys and Condominium Plats, John Watkins III inherited the 300 acres and purchased another 554 acres. Leaving a legacy is one power of a mother.

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One Response to Power – Week 8 of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

  1. DIANA PICHIERRI says:

    Wow! Very interesting ~

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