Every tradition among descendants of Peter Lemay states that the Lemay family began with a French immigrant who was a Huguenot Protestant. One tradition is that the family originated in Alsace-Lorraine, but no proof for this origin has been found. Another family or families of people named LeMay immigrated to Canada. These LeMays were Catholic.

The first records of Peter Lemay are in 1742 when his land was sold by his son Charles Lemay Sr. after his death.

The question arises as to when this French Huguenot man arrived in Virginia. No records for anyone named LeMay or Lemay entering Virginia have been found. However the following record for a Peter May may well be Peter Lemay.

The Executive Journals, Council of Colonial Virginia

May ye 28th 1702...Peter May a French Refugee by his Petition to his Excellencie setting forth yt said May came into this Country in ye Ship Nasaw Capt Richd Trogian Commandr along wth sevll other french Refugees Sent heither by his Maty and that after his coming in one Mr Daniell Brabant did promise to take care of him but afterwards carried him to Court and their bound him for five yeares and then sold him, and praying redress therein. Ordered that yt Complaint of ye said May be Referred to ye Court of King William County yt Justice be doe ye Petitioner in ye Matter by him Represented…

The Nassau was an English ship that brought French refugees, who were Huguenot Protestants, to Virginia to the York River in 1700 as the following record shows. Probably the clerk at the Virginia Council was not well versed in French names. Thus it is easy to see how the clerk might have felt the “Le” on the name unimportant and not part of the name. The name might even have been shown with a small “le” and for that reason omitted.

Huguenot Emigration to Virginia by Brock

At a Councill held at the hon'ble Mr. Auditor Byrd's March 9th 1700... Whereas, severall ffrench Protestant Refugees are lately arrived in York River in the Nassau, Capt. _______ Tragian Comm'r, concerning whom his Excellency hath received no particular intelligence or Commands from his most Sacred Majesty, save only a Letter from the Lord Bishop of London concerning one Mr. Latine, who comes in the Quality of a minister, and one other Letter from Mr. Blaithwayte concerning one John Boyer, a french Gentleman; and the aforesaid ffrench Refugees making no application nor proposalls to the Government in their owne behalfe, his Excellency and his Majestie’s hon’ble Council, comisserating their poor and low condition, and willing as much as in them lies to find meanes for their present support… Do therefore Order that such and so many of them as are willing to go and inhabit at the Manakin Towne, where severall ffrench are already settled, may and shall receive reliefe from the Contributions given or hereafter to be given towards the support and maintenance of such as shall there Inhabit; and that such and so many of them as are not willing to go thither be Lycenced and permitted to disperse themselves amongst the Inhabitants of this country, to provide for their necessary support until further order shall be therein taken. And it is further ordered that a copy of the last Briefe be sent to Capt. Tragian and ye ffrench Minister, to be published amongst them.

The passenger list of the Nassau is given in the “Huguenot Emigration to Virginia” by Brock, and it does not contain the name of anyone named LeMay. However the passenger list does contain the following entry.

Mr. Daniel Braban,* sa femme, 3 enfants, 1 garcon

This entry would mean Daniel Brabant, his wife, 3 children and a garcon or young man. Very probably the garcon on the passenger list was Peter May or LeMay. The Order from the Virginia Council was for these refugees to go to Manakin Towne which was the French Huguenot settlement in Virginia on the James River in what is now Powhatan or Chesterfield County.

Virginia the New Dominion by Virginius Dabney

Virginia was a beneficiary at this period of the revocation in 1685 by Louis XIV of the Edict of Nantes. Hundreds of thousands of Huguenots fled from France since their Protestant religion was no longer tolerated there. Virginia gave asylum to an estimated eight or nine hundred. From the outset they wre excellent citizens whose ability, industry and other fine qualities were at once appreciated here. Their major settlement in Virginia was at Manakin Town, 20 miles west of Richmond across the James River from the present Manakin. Some 500 Huguenots settled on the deserted tract near Manakin Town about the year 1700. All intermarried with the English and for many years have taken leading roles in Virginia affairs.

According to the appeal to the Virginia Council by Peter May in 1702, two years after the ship arrived, Daniel Brabant had promised to take care of him in this country but had instead turned him into an Indentured Servant to serve a period of five years. Not only did he indenture him, he sold him to someone else. Very probably this Peter May lived for a period of time in Manakin Town. In the period between 1700 and 1705 some of the French settlers in Manakin Town decided to move south, a few moved to North Carolina but most moved to the French settlements in South Carolina. Daniel Brabant begins to appear among the Huguenots in South Carolina as early as 1706.

Peter May appealed to the Virginia Council, but the Virginia Council referred the matter to the Court of King William County VA. This referral must have taken place because Peter May/LeMay was living in King William County. Probably Daniel Brabant sold his Indenture to someone who lived in King William County.

South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Volume 18

The 500 acres granted to Daniel Brabant in 1706 had been originally laid out to James de Bordeaux under warrants issued in 1677 and 1698. Daniel Brabant styled “surgeon” and sometimes “Doctor” married Magdalaine, one of the daughters of James De Bordeaux, and after de Bordeaux’ death his other children viz Anthony de Bordeaux, Judith de Bordeaux and Margery Poitevin conveyed in 1708/9 their interests in the land to Daniel Brabant and his wife and thereafter Brabant took out a new grant to himself.

King William County is just across the Pamunkey River from New Kent and Hanover Counties where the Lemays later lived. Many of the people who lived in New Kent and Hanover Counties also lived part of the time in King William County. Richard Ussery, whose daughter married John Lemay, lived in King William County at one time. Unfortunately all records from King William County have been lost as have those in New Kent County. Most of the records in Hanover County are also gone. No Peter May or Peter Lemay appears on any of the St. Paul’s Parish Vestry processioning records indicating that he did not live in that County.

If Peter Lemay was the same person as Peter May, he may have had to serve the 5 years indenture. The Court record does not say how the matter turned out. By 1705 he was a free but poor man and probably spent the next few years starting a new life in the new world. Such a need would make it understandable why he did not marry for ten or 15 years. He was married by 1720 when Charles Lemay Sr. is estimated to have been born. He could have married a few years earlier. Also he might have had several daughters whose names are lost who were older than Charles Lemay Sr.If he reached this country in 1700 as a young man, he was probably about 20 years old at the time.

He died prior to March 1742 probably in Louisa County VA. He had probably lived about 60 years. In 1742 his son, Charles Lemay Sr., sold his land which was partly in Hanover but mostly in Louisa County. Had that land not been in both counties and recorded in Louisa County, all record of Peter Lemay would have been lost.

The early records of the people of this family spell the name Lemay with no capital “M”. Probably family members wished to blend in with the English settlers and did not want a foreign looking name. By about 1850, family members, remembering their French heritage, began to spell the name LeMay again.

Sarah, second wife of Peter Lemay, was born circa 1715.
She died after 1792 Louisa County VA.
She married (2) Gilbert Gibson.

Estate of Peter Lemay

Louisa County Virginia Deed Bk A, 1742-1754, P 31-33

This Indenture made the 14th day of March in the 15th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland and Defender of the Faith anno dom 1742. Between Charles Lemay of the County of Hanover planter of the one part and Thomas Underwood of the County of King William of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Charles Lemay for and in consideration of the sum of 20 pounds current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said Thomas Underwood the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and himself therewith fully satisfied contented hath granted bargained sold aliened and enfeoffed and confirmed and by these present doth grant bargain sell alien enfeoff and confirm to the said Thomas Underwood his heirs and assians a certian tract or parcel of land lying and being part thereof in the County of Hanover and the other part being the greater part in the County of Louisa containing by estimation 100 acres by the same more or and is bounded by the lands of Richard Richardson, William Borne and John McGurry which said tract or parcel of land was purchased by Peter Lemay deceased Father of the said Charles party to these presents and upon the oath of the said Peter descended to him the said Charles Lemay with all the Estate right title interest property claim and demand of him the said Charles Lemay of in and unto the premises and the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders yearly and other rent and profits of the premises and of every part and parcel thereof to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land as above bounded and all and singuler the premises with the appurtenances unto the said Thomas Underwood and his heirs to the only proper use and behoof of the said Thomas Underwood his heirs and assigns forever and the said Charles Lemay for himself his heirs executors and administrators doth covenant and grant to and with the said Thomas Underwood his heirs and assigns by these presents that he the said Charles Lemay now is and standeth lawfully and rightfully seized of and in the said 100 acres of land and premises with their appurtenances of a good sure perfect absolute and indefeasible estate in fee semple and now hath good right full power and lawful and absolute authority to grant and convey the same allotting to the purport true entent and meaning of these presents and that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Thomas Underwood his heirs and assigns from time to time and at all times forever hereafter peaceably and quietly to have hold occupy possess and enjoy the said 100 acres of land and all and singular other the premises herein before mentioned and intended to be hereby granted with their appurtenances without the lett suit trouble eviction molestation or interruption of him the said Charles Lemay his heirs or assigns or any other person or persons whatsoever discharged of and from all incumberances whatsoever (the Dower of Sarah Lemay widow of the said Peter Lemay excepted) the quit rents from henceforth to grow due and payable to our Sovereign Lord the King his heirs and successors only excepted and foreprized and the said Charles Lemay for himself his heirs and executors and administrators the said 100 acres of land above bounded and premises with their appurtenances unto the said Thomas Underood and his heirs against him the said Charles Lemay and his heirs and all claiming or to claim right on by from or uuder him them or any of them or any other person or persons whatsoever and well warrant - - - and forever defend by these presents. In witness whereof the said Charles Lemay to these presents hath set his hand and seal the day and year above written. Sealed and delivered in the presence of Abraham Venable, John Carr, Richard Baxter /s/ Charles x Lemay Memorandum that full peaceable and quiet possession and seesin of the within mentioned land and premises was had and taken by the within mentioned Charles Lemay and by him delivered to the within named Thomas Underwood to be by him held according to the intent and meaning of the within written Indenture the XIV day of March 1742. In the presense of Abraham Venable, John Carr, Richard Baxter /s/ Charles x Lemay Received the XIV day of March MDCCXLII of the within named Thomas Underwood the sum of 20 pounds currency being the consideration within mentioned. Test: Abraham Venable, John Carr, Richard Baxter /s/ Charles x Lemay At a Court held for Luisa County on Monday the 14 day of March 1742. This Indenture receipt and memorandum of livery of seesin were acknowledged by Charles Lemay one of the parties and ordered to be recorded. Test. Littlepage, Clerk Truly recorded by Littlepage, Clerk

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk 1742-1748, P 16 March 14, 1743

An Indenture of Feoffment between Charles Lemay of the one part and Thomas Underwood of the other part with of memorandum of living of Seesin and receipt thereof indorsed was acknowledged by the said Charles and ordered to be recorded.

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk 1742-1748, P 31 Monday, April 21, 1743

Upon the petition of Charles Lemay against Vincent Sprouce for 4 pounds general currency said to be due by note of hand this day came the plaintiff and the defendant having been duly summoned and served with a copy of the plaintiff’s petition and called and not appearing and the said not of hand being produced therefore it is considered by the Court that he recover the same against the said defendant together with his costs by him in this behalf, expenses and a Lawyer’s fee.

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk 1742-1748, P 44 June 13, 1743

The petition of Charles Lemay administrator of Peter Lemay deceased against Benjamin Woodson and Bouth Napier for two pounds seven shillings said to be due by a note of hand is dismist the Sherif having returned that they are not found and that they live in another county.

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk 1742-1748, P 67----Aug. 17, 1743

Upon the petition of Charles Lemay administrator of Peter Lemay deceased against William Sledd for 1 pound 5 shillings said to be due by Bill this day came the plaintiff by his attorney and the defendant having been duly summoned and served with a copy of the plaintiff’s petition and called and not appearing and the said Bill being produced. Therefore it is considered by the Court that he recover the same against them. Defendant together with his costs by him in his behalf expended and Lawyer’s fee.

Sarah Lemay

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk 1742-1748, P 167----Sept. 24, 1745

On the motion of Thomas Underwood, Sarah Lemay came into Court and relinquished unto the said Thomas all her right of dower which the said Sarah had in a certain tract of land which said Thomas bought of Charles Lemay which is ordered to be certified.

The following records indicate that Sarah Lemay, widow of Peter, was considered an irresponsible person.

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk 1742-1748, P 174 Nov. 26, 1745

It appearing that Hannah Johnson orphan bound to Sarah Lemay of this County is very much abused by her mistress; ordered removed from her mistress until next cout and that Benjamin Henslee do take care of said Hannah till further ordered. Said Sarah to be summoned to answer what shall be alledged against her in relating to abusing said servant.

In early America people were often paid by the courts to take care of orphans much like foster homes today.

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk 1743-1748, P 220 Feb. 24, 1746

It appearing to the Court that Sarah Lemay and Jane Moody by reason of their sole and disorderly course of late do neglect to take due care of the Education of their children in Christian principles. Ordered that the Church Wardens of Fredericksville Parish do bind them out.

This is an important record because it shows that in 1746 Sarah Lemay had children young enough to need education in Christian principles. Charles Lemay Sr. was born no later than 1720 and was of age to be administrator of his father’s Estate in 1742. Sarah Lemay is very unlikely to have been his mother. In the 1730’s Peter Lemay’s first wife must have died, and he remarried to a young woman named Sarah. As the oldest son in the family, Charles Lemay Sr. became heir at law of his father’s estate when his father died. What became of Sarah Lemay, the widow, after 1747? In colonial Virginia women seldom remained a widow for long, especially if they were young as Sarah was.

Gilbert Gibson

Records show that she must have married not long after 1746 to Gilbert Gibson. Gilbert Gibson then raised her three children by Peter Lemay.

The following two records refer to Gilbert Gibson and wife Sarah. The first is a Gift Deed in which Gilbert Gibson provided for his family in case of his death through a Deed since he was going on a trip to South Carolina. This Deed would have taken the place of a Will.

Louise County Virginia Deed Bk B, P 140-142

Written Dec. 18, 1756. Memorandum I Gilburt Gibson do if please God I should die on my jurney from house to South Carolina or elsewhere I shall and do appoint my wife my whole and sole Executrix and if I return home to be void it otherwise determined before the 3 witnesses William Tharp Smith, Edward Sain, Lightfoot x Smith. To John Lemay 200 acres of land lying and being on Ballingers Creek in Albemarle County, 1 negro wench named Kate, 1 horse, 1 mare, 1 bed and furniture, 2 cows, 2 head of sheep, 1 iron pott, 1 dish, 2 pewter basons, 2 plates, half a dozen spoons, 1 gun, 1 table and 1 chest when to age. To Samuel Lemay 1 cow with her first calf to be delivered when of age. To Sarah Lemay 1 cow with her first calf to be delivered on the day of marriage. Gideon Gibson 200 acres and other personal property. Jordon Gibson 200 acres and other personal property. Tabitha Gibson 100 acres and other personal property. Mary Gibson 100 acres and other personal property. Lend to George Gibson and wife Susanna the plantation he now lives during his and his wife’s life. Lend to Benjamin Brannum and Francis his wife the plantation he now lives during his and his wife’s life. Also mentions a child hereafter be born. Wife Sarah was Executrix At a Court held for Louisa County the 22nd day of Feb. 1757 this Deed of Gift was acknowledged.

All 3 of the Lemay children mentioned here were under age so born after 1735 or later. John Lemay was probably age 21 in 1756 and the oldest of the three children since he was given land. Sarah Lemay is listed as the Executrix of the Will.

Louise County Virginia Will Book

Written June 7, 1760----Probated Oct. 15, 1764. Wife Sarah whole estate as long as she lives and the maintenance of the children till such time as they come of age and then everyone have their proportional part of the Estate that is left and mentioned here below. To John Lemay 200 acres on Ballanger’s Creek in Albemarle County, 1 feather bed with everything belonging to it, 1 iron pot, 1 pewter dish, 3 plates, 1 cow and calf, 1 sow and pigs To son Gideon Gibson the upper part in land upon Permonkey River and personal property. To son Jordan Gibson the lower part upon Permonkey River and personal property. To son William Gibson land upon Southanna River and personal property. To son Gilbert Gibson 1 shilling. To son David Gibson 1 shilling. To daughter Tabitha Gibson personal property. To daughter Mary Gibson personal property. To daughter Jane Gibson personal property. Everything left divided among my 7 children. Lend to son George land he lives on provided he pay 10 shillings per year. Lend to daughter Frances Gibson land to live upon during her life if she pays 10 shillings per year.

Samuel and Sarah Lemay are not mentioned in this record. Samuel Lemay was married in 1760 as his oldest child, Elizabeth was born circa 1757. Probably Sarah Lemay had married also. Gilbert Gibson probably provided for them in other ways. To compare the two Deeds/Wills, the 1756 Deed mentions Gibson children named Gideon, Jordan, Tabitha, Mary, George and Frances.

The 1760 Will mentions Gibson children, in addition to the ones named in the 1756 Deed: William, Gilbert, David and Jane. These 4 children were probably children of Gilbert Gibson and Sarah born 1756-1760. William Gibson was probably the oldest of these 4 children. He received land. Probably Gilbert and David Gibson were to be provided for by their mother Sarah. How many of the other Gilbert Gibson children were children of Sarah is not known for certain.

At one point in the will Gilbert Gibson mentions 7 children. It is unclear which 7 children he meant since he named 10 children in the Will. Several of these children of Gilbert Gibson were by a first wife and were probably older than the 3 Lemay children. For instance George Gibson and Benjamin Branham are listed in the Louisa County tithables in 1745.

Some researchers have speculated that John Lemay was a son-in-law of Gilbert Gibson rather than a step-son, that he married first to a daughter of Gilbert Gibson and second to Annas Branham. This explanation does not explain Samuel and Sarah Lemay. John Lemay’s wife Annas Branham was the daughter of Benjamin Branham and Gilbert Gibson’s daughter Frances. John Lemay and Annas Branham married several years after Gilbert Gibson died as their children were born in the 1770’s. As the 1745 tithable record shows Benjamin Branham was much older than the Lemays listed in the Will.

Louisa County Virginia Tithables

1767 Fredericksville Parish by James Meriwether Sarah Gibson, Gidian Gibson, Peter 1768 Fredericksville Parish by James Merewether Sarah Gibson, Gideon Gibson, Peter John Lemay 1770, Trinity Parish by Robert Anderson Sarah Gibson, Gedion Gibson 1772, Trinity Parish by Robert Anderson Sarah Gibson 1773 Fredericksville Parish by Nathl. Anderson Sarah Gibson, Jerdone Gibson

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk 1766-1772, P 223----Aug. 20, 1768

George Gibson vs Sarah Gibson and Gideon Gibson In Chancery: Thomas Johnson appointed Guardian to the Defendant Gideon in the room of said Sarah to defend his suit.

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk 1766-1772, P 412----Sept. 12, 1770

George Gibson vs Sarah Gibson and Gideon Gibson. In Chancery. It is decreed the complainant has a right of fee simple in 200 acres of land but leave is given to the infants of Gilbert Gibson deceased when they come of legal age to claim their right.

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk 1766-1772, P 412----Sept. 12, 1770

Benjamin and Frances Branham complts. vs Jordon Gibson In Chancery. It is decreed the Complaintants has a right of fee simple in a parcel of land bounded by Peters Creek and Little Creek, the whole land being between said Creeks but leave is given to the infants of Gilbert Gibson deceased when they come of legal age to claim their right.

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk----Sept. 13, 1790

Sarah Gibson, widow and relict of Gilbert Gibson deceased, Gidion, Jardone, William Gibson sons and Devisees of said Gilbert Gibson deceased. vs George Gibson and Benjamin Branham and Frances his wife and Robert Michie defendants.

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk, P 380----March 10, 1792

Sarah Gibson, widow and Relict of Gilbert Gibson deceased, Gidion Gibson, Jordane and William Gibson, sons and Devisees of said Gilbert Gibson deceased. against George Gibson, Benjamin Branham and Robert Michie.

Louisa County Virginia Order Bk, P 403----May 1, 1792

Gidion Gibson and Jordane Gibson plaintiffs against George Gibson, Benjamin Branham and Robert Michie defendants. In Chancery. On the motion of the Plaintiffs by their counsel for leave to amend their bill by inserting the following words to wit “Sarah Gibson widow and relict of Gilbert Gibson deceased and William Gibson son and devisee of said Gilbert Gibson deceased” which was granted them and the amendment made accordingly and the Cause is continued ‘till the next term at the Plaintiff’s Costs with leave for either party to take the Depositions of such Witnesses as they shall think fit on giving the adverse party legal notice of time and place of taking such Depositions.

In the Will of Gilbert Gideon he gave land outright to sons Gideon, Jordan and William. Sarah Gibson was given a life estate in the Estate of Gilbert for “as long as she lives”. In 1770 some of the children were still underage.

George Gibson and daughter Frances who married Benjamin Branham received land provided they pay 10 shillings per year. This Chancery record probably concerns a dispute over this land since these are the Gibsons mentioned in this record.

Sarah was probably born about 1715.
She was about the same age as her step-son Charles Lemay Sr.
She probably married Gilbert Gibson about 1748 at age 33.
She was about age 49 at the death of Gilbert Gibson in 1764.
In 1792 she was still living, about 77 years of age.
She had children by Gilbert Gibson from about 1748 to 1760.

Children of Peter Lemay

Charles Lemay Sr. was at least 15 years older than his half brothers and sister. He married Susannah Turner and lived in Hanover County Virginia near the New Kent County line.

Samuel Lemay married about the time that Gilbert Gibson made the Gift Deed “Will”. By 1777 he was living in Goocland County Virginia on Licking Hole Creek.He lived there continuously until his death in 1815.

John Lemay was given in the Will and Gift Deed of Gilbert Gibson 200 acres in Albemarle County Virginia. He married Annas Branham, the daughter of Benjamin Branham and Frances Gibson. Thus Frances Gilbert Branham and John Lemay were porbably step-brother and step-sister. Thus John Lemay married his step-niece. He lived in Louisa County Virginia whre he died in 1785. Administrator of his Estate was John Boswell, and the Security was Robert Michie, the man who was involved in the Louisa County court case of the heirs of Gilbert Gibson.