Some Descendants of Lawrence Wilkinson of Providence, RI
Lawrence Wilkinson, a loyalist born in England, emerged as a prominent figure in early New England after relocating to Providence in 1652 with his family. As an original Proprietor, he acquired significant land and participated in the colony’s governance and Indian wars. His descendants, including notable figures like Oziel Wilkinson, contributed to America’s manufacturing advancements in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They pioneered textile and iron industries, greatly impacting the region’s economy and industry, with some becoming influential community leaders.