| Circulating among the family is a Coast of Arms with "family seat in Cumberland, England, originally from Palatinate around Germany." Dated 1560, the escutcheon consists of a shield of red with border of silver indented, engrailed six amulets. The crest contains arms embowed, holding aloft a sword. The motto, "Deo, rege et patria" means "For God, the king and country." Joseph W. Blankenship of Hilegard Avenue in Berkeley, CA wrote a three page summary of the Blankenship family which was published in the "Knoxville Sentinel" on October 30, 1917. (Library of Congress CS71 B6473 1917; also referenced by TBR as printed in the "Richmond Times Dispatch" February 4, 1917). He stated that the first Blenkinsop was a Norman knight, follower of William The Conqueror, who was given the task of defending the English border from the Scottish "rievers." Blenkinsop Castle is indeed still standing, about 1/2 mile south of the town of Greenwood in Northumberland County. One of the Mile Castles (or Pele Towers) along Hadrian's Wall, the castle grounds now contain a trailer park. During the time of Richard I, a bishop and a knight of the 3rd Crusade were named "de Blenkensop." The name was said to mean "Blenkin's Hope" or "Blenkin's Valley." Mr. Blankenship described the family: The Blankinships are nearly all characterized by light complexions and blue eyes, tending in the Gilbert branch to red hair and a ruddy complexion, indicating their north European origin. Many are of unusual size and large families are characteristic...The family is a hard working, home-loving lot, not given to extremes of wealth or genius; their scions are not found in aimshouses, asylums or prisons; honorable in their dealings with their fellowman, given to deeds rather than words, they make good soldiers in war, good preachers in peace, useful citizens in every community. From the beginning the like of the people of this name have been farmers, peoneers and soldiers, each new generation awakening out ot the old hive and carving its home from the unbroken wilderness, close up against the firing line of civilization... The Blankenship Family History state that Ralph Blakinsop landed in James City County, Virginia on July 23, 1640. In fact, this was the date that Robert Holt patented 700 a. in James City Co. for the transportation of persons, one mentioned was Ralph Blakin. (Pat. 1:727) This date did not mark the "arrival of Ralph," nor did it place him in James City County. Land was applied for after the fact, sometimes many years later. Because the patentee lived or was granted land in a place did not imply that the headright set foot on the same territory. In a patent dated 26 December 1653, Charles Grymes received 960 a. in Lancaster County, Virginia for the transportation of 19 persons. One on those was \ Henry Blakinsop, but no further record of him was found. (Pat. 3:73). The first mention of Ralph Blankinship (the immigrant ancestor; see The American Genealogist, 52:240) was in 1690 Henrico Court when Richard Kennon Petitioned for 8,000 acres of land. Ralph's name was listed along with 90 white persons and 70 negroes imported in 1686 and 1687. (Henrico 08 1678-1793:362). A Ralph Blankship was named as headright of Captain. Henry Harrison & Philip Ludwell for land in Surry and Isle of Wight on June 16, 1714. (Pat. 10:165) The Blankenships definitely possessed the "wanderlust." Since Col. Leslie C. Blankenship's family history, many have tried to expand, indentify, and connect the sattering families. Most gave up in frustration. This chapter was an attempt to bring some of these added families into view. Most of the documentation was listed; speculation was noted where used. Caution shou be employed in positive identification and should rest on primary sources. RALPH BLANKINSHIP Born: 1662 (Depostion in Henrico on April 02, 1695 that he was about 33 years of age; Henrico W&D 1688-97:577). Born: in England Died: by 04/15/1714 Henrico County, Virginia Court Order to appraise. Martha Blankenship entered adm. bond with securities, Charles Clay & Richard Blankinship. Martha prented the inventory in May 03, 1714 Court (Appraisers: James Aiken, Robert Hudson & William Ligon). The Court also appointed John Bowman who did not serve. (W&D 1710-14:258). Died: in Roxdale Hentico City, Virginia Parents: Ralph Blankinsopp Married: probably about 1690 still researching Martha___________ Died: after 1734 when Anthony Wilkinson deeded to Matthew Turner, land on the NS Swift Chreek bounded by Charles clay, Martha Blankenship, Henry Walthal, Edward Hill & John Farlow (Henrico W&D 17125-37:448) Parents:______________________ still researching Married: 2) 1716, Edward Stanley, widower. ? Edward's first wife wqas Hannah (Wilson) Clay, widow of Charles Clay died 1686, W&D 1677-92:368, d/o John Wilson. Charles & Hannah Clay had sons: John, Thomas, & Henry. Edward Stanley died by July 1726 (W&D 1725-37:30). he left 1/3 of his land to wife Martha, 2 plantations in Henrico to granddaughter Frances Thweatt, items to granddaughters Mary and Hannah Thweatt, one shilling to dau. Hannah Thweatt and 3 plantations (230 a.) on Cold Water Run to Ralph, John, and James Blankenship. Martha Stanley presented the inventory in June 1727 Henrico Court. Henry Hudson, John Bowman & Robert Hudson were appraisers. (W&D 1725-37:115) |
| BLANKENSHIP FAMILY STORY |
| These pages are from a book written by an extensive Blankenship researcher. I did not write this story. In the story, the writer gives the resources of the information |
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