James Lawes

Eldest son of Sir Nicholas Lawes (1652-1731). Born in Jamaica 26/02/1697. Member of Assembly 1721-1722, Member of Council 1725, Lieutenant Governor. Buried 29/12/1733. No legitimate children. Inherited Snow Hill and Mount James as well as a moity of Swallowfield, Temple Hall and Townswell estates from his father. Married Elizabeth, only daughter and heir of William Gibbons of Vere in 1720. She inherited her husband's estates on his death and remarried in 1742 to William, 8th Earl of Home.

James Lawes of St Andrew, Esquire. Estate probated in Jamaica in 1734. Slave-ownership at probate: 317 of whom 158 were listed as male and 159 as female. 91 were listed as boys, girls or children. Total value of estate at probate: £21,515.31 Jamaican currency of which £10,228.75 currency was the value of enslaved people. Estate valuation included £0 currency cash, £6,702 currency debts and £2,490.53 currency plate.

The will of James Lawes was proved in Jamaica in 1733.

Vere Langford Oliver, Caribbeana being miscellaneous papers relating to the history, genealogy, topography, and antiquities of the British West Indies (6 vols., London, Mitchell, Hughes and Clarke, 1910-1919) vol. 5 pp. 55-58, 'Lawes of Jamaica'.

Trevor Burnard, Database of Jamaican inventories, 1674-1784.

Vere Langford Oliver, Caribbeana being miscellaneous papers relating to the history, genealogy, topography, and antiquities of the British West Indies (6 vols., London, Mitchell, Hughes and Clarke, 1910-1919) vol. 2 p. 157.