I live in Gates County, N. C. on a farm that has been in my family for nine generations since sometime shortly after 1775. My youngest son and his wife and 1-year old son also live on Lawrence Farm, as we call it today, where we both continue the tradition of farming. With the help of others, I have been able to trace my ancestors back to Robert Lawrence, Jr. a Puritan who settled in Isle of Wight County in 1639. Several generations later, Michael Lawrence moved to Gates County and Lawrence's have lived here ever since. Lawrence Family Cemetery is on Lawrence Lane, adjacent to several tracts of land that have been passed down or bought and sold. Many of my ancestors are interned in Lawrence Family Cemetery which I maintain its care. Listening to stories of my father, uncles, aunts, grandmother has made me aware of the rich heritage I enjoy. That was a driving force that influenced me to return to the farm after obtaining a B.S. in Agronomy from N. C. Sate University. In 1996, seeking a more secure livelihood, I decided to take a job as Extension Agent in neighboring Chesapeake, VA. I obtained a M. S. degree in Horticulture from VA Tech in 2000 and have enjoyed working as an Extension Agent and managing the family farm with the help of my son. Just recently I have become aware of others who share a passion for learning about their heritage. In joining Find -A- Grave, I hope to help others as they trace their ancestors and honor my ancestors.

I live in Gates County, N. C. on a farm that has been in my family for nine generations since sometime shortly after 1775. My youngest son and his wife and 1-year old son also live on Lawrence Farm, as we call it today, where we both continue the tradition of farming. With the help of others, I have been able to trace my ancestors back to Robert Lawrence, Jr. a Puritan who settled in Isle of Wight County in 1639. Several generations later, Michael Lawrence moved to Gates County and Lawrence's have lived here ever since. Lawrence Family Cemetery is on Lawrence Lane, adjacent to several tracts of land that have been passed down or bought and sold. Many of my ancestors are interned in Lawrence Family Cemetery which I maintain its care. Listening to stories of my father, uncles, aunts, grandmother has made me aware of the rich heritage I enjoy. That was a driving force that influenced me to return to the farm after obtaining a B.S. in Agronomy from N. C. Sate University. In 1996, seeking a more secure livelihood, I decided to take a job as Extension Agent in neighboring Chesapeake, VA. I obtained a M. S. degree in Horticulture from VA Tech in 2000 and have enjoyed working as an Extension Agent and managing the family farm with the help of my son. Just recently I have become aware of others who share a passion for learning about their heritage. In joining Find -A- Grave, I hope to help others as they trace their ancestors and honor my ancestors.