I have a question concerning the importation of people to Virginia.  Did an
importer ever wait for an extended time--possibly 10 years or more--to claim
his 50 acres of land for each person that he imported?  Was the some type of
law in Virginia that would prevent this from happening?

In researching my Cornwell family in Virginia, we find a listing from
Cavaliers and Pioneers from 1695 that Richard Taylor claimed land for the
importation of Dennis Cornell.  Here is the entry:

Richard Tayloer.  293 acs., Nansemond Co; on head brs. of Kingsale Sw; adj.
Robert Brewer; & John Gatling; 20 Apr. 1694, P. 344.  Imp. of 6 pers:
Nicholas Rochester, Thomas Dewrent, Dennis Cornell, Arthur King, Rebecca
Lawfull, Jane Lawfull.


We have proof that our John Dennis Cornhill/Cornwell was in Virginia at
lease by 1685--possibly earlier.  We are trying to determine if he could
possibly be the immigrant ancestor and the land was just not claimed until
years later.  Is this possible?

Cindy Cornwell McCachern

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