In September 1651 at the age of twenty-nine Robert Wynne emigrated from Canterbury, County Kent, England to Charles City County Virginia. At that time living conditions were very unhealthy. The low, marshy ground swarmed with mosquitoes which, combined with the hot sun and contaminated drinking water, produced constant epidemics of dysentery and malaria. Frequently yellow fever, scurvy and plague swept over the infant colony, leaving behind a ghastly train of suffering and death. The mortality rate in the area of the James River, where Robert Wynne settled, ran as high as 75% per year.
Upon his arrival, Robert Wynne settled in Jordan’s Parish, which was on the south side of the James River, in what was then Charles City County, prior to 1656. Established in 1618 by Captain Samuel Jordan, Jordan's Journey was one of the early plantation settlements on the south side of James River. It is now called Jordan's Point. A large number of the survivors from the 1622 Indian massacre settled there, and in 1625 it had fifty-five people and twenty-two houses. In 1633 Charles City had a population of 510.
As Speaker for the Virginia House of Burgesses, Robert Wynne presided over the Grand Assembly of men who formulated the Acts and laws under which our founding forefathers lived. During his long tenure hundreds of acts were passed into law.
In his will dated July 1, 1675 and proved in 1678, Robert Wynne of Georges Plantation directed his body to be buried in Jordan’s Church near his son Robert. Built in 1657, Jordan’s Church, now known as Merchants Hope Church, is the oldest English background Church still standing in America. As a citizen and as a Justice of the Court, Robert Wynne spent many hours in this church which must have seemed like a second home to him.
Robert Wynne's leadership ability must have been well recognized by his fellow burgesses, for after serving two elected terms as a representative for Charles City County, he was elected Speaker of the House of Burgesses. He presided over the Grand Assembly of the House of Burgesses during the "Long Parliament” that lasted from March 13, 1661 until March 7, 1675, a total of fourteen years. The "Long Parliament," arose because there were no elections in the House of Burgesses, which was completely under the control of Virginia’s royalist Governor William Berkeley who was afraid elections would weaken his control. Although Robert Wynne was a royalist and supported his homeland of England and Governor Berkeley, he became one of the most influential men in Virginia. He was speaker longer than any other man in the history of Virginia, and in this capacity he presided over the elected body of men which established the earliest laws of our nation and set the precedent for other states to follow.
March 1661-2 (14 Charles II)
Bee it enacted that the committee appointed by the ffirst session of this assembly be continued with the like power then granted them, and that Captain Robert Wynn speaker and Major Edward Griffith be added in the roome of the Honorable Nathaniel Bacon, Esq., now of the council, and Mr. Henry Soane then speaker now deceased.
As Speaker of the House of Burgesses, Robert Wynne had a direct line to King Charles II of England to whom he and Governor Berkeley wrote concerning matters of importance.
NOTE: FG does not have a link to the Merchants Hope Church cemetery, est.1657, which is next door to Merchants Hope Memorial Park.∼From Malone and Allied Families
By Dr. Randolph A. Malone
Page 764
Colonel Robert Wynne:
Robert Wynne, son of Thomas & Mary (Wickham) Wynne, was born in Canterbury, England, and Christened 12-28-1622 at St. Dunstans, Canterbury. [Printed Register, p. 12] His family died leaving him a relatively wealthy young man, (see his will below), and about 1651 he left his property and holdings in England and emigrated to America. Why he elected to leave England is unknown; however certain conditions in England at the time doubtless played a part. The Wynne family and the families into which they married were engaged in the woolen draper industry, and there was a great depression which struck the drapery industry in England 1619 - 1660, causing many to seek their fortunes elsewhere. In addition, this was the time of civil war between Charles II and Cromwell, which put many into political and religious disfavor in England.
Charles City County records first place Capt. Robert Wynne there in 1655, where he served as commissioner for the county. He owned a plantation called "Georges" in Charles City County. He had married Mary Poythress, (widow of Captain Francis Poythress) by 1657, since his eldest son Thomas Wynne was born in that year. The Poythress property adjoined that of Robert Wynne, and Mary had two sons John and Francis by her earlier marriage. John is mentioned in a 1661 Charles City Co. record, (Colonial Abstracts by Beverly Fleet, Vol. II p. 273] giving land on which Robert Wynne was living to John; and Francis was mentioned in Captain Robert Wynne's will dated 7-1-1675, naming him "son-in-law", which at that time meant "stepson".
Col. Robert Wynne's name is found in many Virginia records: He was a Justice in Charles City Co. Court 10-3-1656, ["Wm & Mary Quarterly" Vol. 4 (1) p 167] apparently being a captain of militia, as he was called "Capt Robert Wynne". He represented Charles City Co. as Burgess March 1657-8 and again March 1659-60. In a 1671 record he is referred to as "Col. Robert Wynne," Speaker of the House of Burgesses. From the Executive Journals, Council of Colonial Virginia, are notations which reveal that Robert Wynne, Esq. was Speaker of the Assembly from 3-13-1661 to 1675 (Virginia's so-called "Long Parliament"), giving him the distinction of having been Speaker longer than any man in Virginia history. This was due in part to the fact that the House of Burgesses was suspended over much of that time. In 1673 Robert Wynne, referred to as "Col.," was a member of a Court Martial sitting at James City. ["Va. Magazine of History & Biography," Vol. 20, p 28]
The earliest connection of Wynnes and Malones appears in a Charles City Co., Va. court record: "The deposition of Daniell Maloone, aged 22 years or thereabouts, swore and exa'led ... Jur Coram me, Feb. 1st 1665, Robert Wynne." This was Daniel Malone 1-1, probable father of Nathaniel Malone 2-3 who married Mary Wynne, Robert Wynne's grandaughter. (see pp 7-8.)
Col. Robert Wynne died aged about 53. His will was dated 7-1-1675, and he died, in Virginia the same year (1675) as proven by a court notice in which Mary Poythress Wynne is referred to in a suit in the General Court as his executrix 10-8-1675. [Mins, of Va, Council, p 424] The will was later probated in England 8-15-1678. This was because the will left property in England to his children. Were it not for this fact we may not have had Robert's will, since many Charles City County records of that period were destroyed.
Robert Wynne's will is abstracted as follows:
Robert Wynn of Jordan's Parish of Charles City County, in Virginia. Dated 1 July,1675. To be buried in Jordan's Church as near as possible to my son Robert. My estate in England as follows: To my eldest son Thomas Wynne one farm in White Staple Parish in Kent near Canterbury, and commonly called Linebett Banckes; if he dies, to my son Joshua, and if he dies, to my daughter Wodlief. To my son Thomas two houses in Canterbury in St. Mildreds' Parish in the same form as the said farm. To my youngest son Joshua Wynne one house and oatmeale mill lying in Dover Lane without St. Georges in Canterbury, commonly called the Lilly Pott, and two houses adjoining where a ropemaker and one Rawlins were formerly tenants. Touching my estate in Virginia, to my son Thomas all the cattie of his own mark except one cow called Moll which is to be killed for provision; to my son Joshua my plantation called Gorges withal the tobacco houses; to my daughter Wodlief, one servant of fewer years to serve the next shipping after my decease; to my grandchild and godson young George Wodlief one filly foal. All the rest of my estate in Virginia and Eng!and to my wife and executrix Mary Wynne. Overseers: Thomas Grendou, Merchant, and my son-in-law (step-son) Capt. Francis Poythress. Witnesses: Tho Brome, Juno Burge. (Ed, Note: "to my daughter Wodlief" refers to his daughter Mary Wynne who married John Woodlieff, son of Capt. John Woodlieff, Burgess Charles City Co. 1652.)
A summary of Cot Robert Wynne's Family:
Robert Wynne (1622 Canterbury, England - 1675 Charles City Co., Va.) m. c 1656 Mary ___ Poythress, widow of Capt. Francis Poythress of Charles City Co.
1. Thomas Wynne, eldest son. (See Below.)
2. Robert Wynne, died before 1675, as his father stated in his July 1675 will, "to be buried in Jordan's Church as near as possible to my son Robert."
3. Mary Wynne m. John Woodlief, son of Capt. John Woodlieff, Burgess, Charles City Co. 1652 and grandson of Capt. John Woodlieff who came to Virginia in 1608. Mary Wynne's father-in-law was granted land in 1683 "near a place called 'Jordans' and bounded westerly upon Francis Poythress," terms familiar in Robert Wynne's records and will.
4, Joshua Wynne (1660 Va. - 1715 Charles City Co., Va.) m. Mary Jones, dau of Peter Jones and Margaret (Wood) Jones, and granddaughter of Maj. Gen. Abraham Wood, commanding officer of Fort Henry, Va. Some researchers show Mary Jones Wynn marrying 2nd William Randolph (1681 - 1742), son of William and Mary (Isham) Randolph. Joshua was the youngest son of Robt. Wynne and was a Justice in Charles City Co., 2-23-1698; Member House of Burgesses 1702 - 1704; Sheriff of Prince George Co. 1705 - 1711. [Burgess Journal 1702-1712, p 50; Executive Journals of Council Vol. I p 408, VoL III pp 28, 159, 272] Major Joshua Wynne and wife Mary deeded a tract of land in Surry Co. in 1708. ["Va. Mag. of History & Biography" Vol. 14 p 174]
Thomas Wynne;
Nathaniel Malone's wife Mary Wynne was the daughter of Thomas; Wynne, referred to as the eldest son in Cot Robert Wynne's will. Thomas gave his age as 50 years in a 1707 suit in Prince George Co., ["Virginia Magazine of History & Biography" Vol. 14, p 174] indicating his birth year as about 1657, and his will was dated 2-18-1717, probated 5-21-1718" He lived in that portion of Charles City County which later became Prince George County, as did Daniel Malone and his apparent sons.
Thomas Wynne married Agnes Stith. Many researchers have Agnes ___ , or Agnes Tucker; [e.g. 19 p 109] however the Charles City Co, VA will of John Stith, Sr. dated 11-13-1690 with codicil dated 10-3-1693 and proved 4-3-1694 clearly states:
"I give and bequeath to my Daughter Agnes, the now wife of Mr. Thomas Wynn, the sum of 15 pounds sterling, in full of all that she may or can claime as a child's part in mine estate." [Charles City County. Va. Wills & Deeds 1689-1694, pp 185-187, printed copy from photostats in Va. State Library, 3-10-1977]
Many Malone and Wynne researchers have not been aware of this will and its resulting implications. Agnes Stith Wynne's father was Major John Stith (b. 1630), and she had a brother named Lt. Col. Drury Stith (1670-1741). She also had a brother John Stith (c 1653 - 1724) who married Mary Isham Randolph, daughter of Mary Isham and William Randolph. (Mary Isham, the daughter of Henry Isham, and William Randolph were great-grandparents of Thomas Jefferson.)
With the recognition of the above, it can be suggested where these Malone names came from: "Isham Malone", "Drury Malone", "John Malone", "Stith Malone", and "Randolph Malone". For example, one section of this book covers Isham Malone 4-25. !sham's son George Malone 5-72 had a probable son Stith Malone 6-338 (see p. 452) and had a definite grandson Stith Malone 7-609, who had a son John Malone 8- 1172 who had a son Randolph Malone 9-1465 (grandfather of the author.) These names are another link which points to the early Malone and Wynne family connections.
In 1701 Thomas Wynne patented 200 acres on the south side of the Blackwater in the part of Charles City Co. which became Prince George Co. in 1702. He and his brother Joshua were appointed Indian Interpreters to accompany the Nottoway and Meherren Commissioners on their trip through the north to make peace with the Seneca Indians. On 4-24-1703 the Council, upon reading "a petition of the King and Great men of the Nottoway and Meherrin Indians praying that Thomas Wynne be appointed their interpreter in the place of Thomas Blunt with whom they have experienced dissatisfaction, and he was accordingly appointed Interpreter to those two tribes and also the Nansemonds." [Executive Journals. Council of Colonial Virginia Vol . II p 315] Following this he "acted to prevent certain colonists from settling on Indian lands around Bear Swamp and other places belonging to them and for a time pacified their 'dissatisfactions and uneasiness', but after a time they petitioned for another interpreter on the grounds that he was 'remiss and negligent' ". [Exec, Journals, Council of Col , Va, Vol, Ill p 304]
Thomas Wynne was listed on the 1794 Quit Rent Rolls as "Capt. Thomas Wynne", 400 acres in Prince George Co. On 11-30-1707 he entered 500 acres on Cabin Shick Swamp on the south side of the Nottoway and asked the Council to have it surveyed to find whether it was in Surry or Prince George County. In this same year he and his wife Agnes made deeds of gift to their children Robert Wynne and Mary Malone in Surry County. ["Tyler's Quarterly," Vol. 12, pp 174 - 175]
Thomas Wynne left his will in Surry Co., Va. dated 2-18-1716 and proved 5-21-1718. [Surry Co., Va. Deeds & Wills 1715-1730] He did not name all his children in the will, as some received deeds of gifts beforehand, such as the Malone ancestor Mary Wynne Malone. The will is briefly abstracted as follows:
--Specifies certain Negroes and land which are to be sold to pay debts and burial expenses, etc.
-- to son Thomas Wynne 200 acres on Stony Brook, a horse and a gun.
-- to son Robert Wynne his seal ring.
-- to granddaughters Lucretia and Martha Wynne, "heifers".
-- to loving wife Agnes Wynne negroes, a gold ring, a horse with initials "G. B." on it, furniture, a feather bed, etc.
--rest of estate to be equally divided among all my children, Robert Wynne to be sole executor.
Summary of Thomas Wynne and his family:
Thomas Wynne (1657 Charles City Co., Va. - 1718 Surry Co., Va.) m. Agnes Stith, dau of Maj. John Stith of Charles City Co., Va. His children:
1. *Mary Wynne (c 1677 Charles City Co., Va. - d. before 1732 Surry Co., Va.) m. c 1692 *Nathaniel Malone 3-3. In addition to details in Thomas' will, she is proved a daughter by a deed of gift in Surry Co., Va. dated 11-3-1707: "Thomas Wynne deeds to his daughter Mary Malone ... 98 acres on ye south side of Jones Hole Swamp on ye line of Lewis Green." She was probably one of Thomas Wynne, Sr.'s oldest children, since Nathaniel and Mary (Wynne) Malone's older children date from the mid to late 1690's
.
2. Thomas Wynne, Jr. (c 1680 Charles City Co., Va. - 1770-73 Sussex Co., Va.) m. 1st Martha Johnson; m. 2nd Mary Hewitt. Will in Sussex Co., Va.
a. John Wynne m. 1st Agnes ___ ; m. 2nd Susannah __
(1) Green Wynne ( 1765-1820)
(a) Richmond W. Wynne
(b) John C. Wynne
(c) William L. Wynne
(d) Thomas Wynne
(e) Lewis Wynne
(f) Hartwell Wynne (1794-1855)
(2) Milley Wynne
(3) Marry Wynne
(4) Peterson Wynne
(5) William Wynne m. 1798
(6) Robert Wynne m. 1798
(7) Nathaniel Wynne (d. 1810)
(8) Francis Wynne (b. 1769)
(9) Thomas Wynne (b. 1763)
(10) John Wynne, Jr. (d. by 1796)
3. Lucy Wynne. No further information.
4. Maj. Robert Wynne (c 1685 Charles City Co., Va. - 7-23-1754 Sussex Co., Va.) m. 1st c 1708 Anne Bolling (July 1690 Kippax, Va. - c 1750 Sussex Co., Va.), dau of Robert Bolling and Anne (Stith) Bolling; m. 2nd 8-9-1753 Mary Philllpson. Was left a deed of gift by his parents in Surry Co. in 1707. Will proved 8-12-1754 Sussex Co., Va. His children: [8, Vol. 2, p. 111] (The grandchildren listed were named in his will.)
a. Lucretia Wynne (b. 1731) m. Joseph Tucker
(1) Joel Tucker
(2) Lucretia Tucker
b. Martha Wynne m. Matthew Parham
(1) Robert Parham
(2) Elizabeth Parham m. Stith Parham, Sr., will 1793.
(a) Matthew A. Parham
(b) Thomas Stith Parham m. Elizabeth Ingram
i. Thomas Stith Parham
ii. Martha Parham
iii. Elizabeth Parham
iv. Sarah Parham m. John Hill
v. Anna Parham m. Allen Hill
c. Angelica/ Angelina Wynne m. William Raines
d. Cornelia Wynne m. Jefferson Raines
(1) Jefferson Raines
(2) Robert Wynne Raines
e. M__ Wynne m. Ben Bell
f. Anne Wynne m. Thomas Butler
(1) Mary Butler
Upon his arrival, Robert Wynne settled in Jordan’s Parish, which was on the south side of the James River, in what was then Charles City County, prior to 1656. Established in 1618 by Captain Samuel Jordan, Jordan's Journey was one of the early plantation settlements on the south side of James River. It is now called Jordan's Point. A large number of the survivors from the 1622 Indian massacre settled there, and in 1625 it had fifty-five people and twenty-two houses. In 1633 Charles City had a population of 510.
As Speaker for the Virginia House of Burgesses, Robert Wynne presided over the Grand Assembly of men who formulated the Acts and laws under which our founding forefathers lived. During his long tenure hundreds of acts were passed into law.
In his will dated July 1, 1675 and proved in 1678, Robert Wynne of Georges Plantation directed his body to be buried in Jordan’s Church near his son Robert. Built in 1657, Jordan’s Church, now known as Merchants Hope Church, is the oldest English background Church still standing in America. As a citizen and as a Justice of the Court, Robert Wynne spent many hours in this church which must have seemed like a second home to him.
Robert Wynne's leadership ability must have been well recognized by his fellow burgesses, for after serving two elected terms as a representative for Charles City County, he was elected Speaker of the House of Burgesses. He presided over the Grand Assembly of the House of Burgesses during the "Long Parliament” that lasted from March 13, 1661 until March 7, 1675, a total of fourteen years. The "Long Parliament," arose because there were no elections in the House of Burgesses, which was completely under the control of Virginia’s royalist Governor William Berkeley who was afraid elections would weaken his control. Although Robert Wynne was a royalist and supported his homeland of England and Governor Berkeley, he became one of the most influential men in Virginia. He was speaker longer than any other man in the history of Virginia, and in this capacity he presided over the elected body of men which established the earliest laws of our nation and set the precedent for other states to follow.
March 1661-2 (14 Charles II)
Bee it enacted that the committee appointed by the ffirst session of this assembly be continued with the like power then granted them, and that Captain Robert Wynn speaker and Major Edward Griffith be added in the roome of the Honorable Nathaniel Bacon, Esq., now of the council, and Mr. Henry Soane then speaker now deceased.
As Speaker of the House of Burgesses, Robert Wynne had a direct line to King Charles II of England to whom he and Governor Berkeley wrote concerning matters of importance.
NOTE: FG does not have a link to the Merchants Hope Church cemetery, est.1657, which is next door to Merchants Hope Memorial Park.∼From Malone and Allied Families
By Dr. Randolph A. Malone
Page 764
Colonel Robert Wynne:
Robert Wynne, son of Thomas & Mary (Wickham) Wynne, was born in Canterbury, England, and Christened 12-28-1622 at St. Dunstans, Canterbury. [Printed Register, p. 12] His family died leaving him a relatively wealthy young man, (see his will below), and about 1651 he left his property and holdings in England and emigrated to America. Why he elected to leave England is unknown; however certain conditions in England at the time doubtless played a part. The Wynne family and the families into which they married were engaged in the woolen draper industry, and there was a great depression which struck the drapery industry in England 1619 - 1660, causing many to seek their fortunes elsewhere. In addition, this was the time of civil war between Charles II and Cromwell, which put many into political and religious disfavor in England.
Charles City County records first place Capt. Robert Wynne there in 1655, where he served as commissioner for the county. He owned a plantation called "Georges" in Charles City County. He had married Mary Poythress, (widow of Captain Francis Poythress) by 1657, since his eldest son Thomas Wynne was born in that year. The Poythress property adjoined that of Robert Wynne, and Mary had two sons John and Francis by her earlier marriage. John is mentioned in a 1661 Charles City Co. record, (Colonial Abstracts by Beverly Fleet, Vol. II p. 273] giving land on which Robert Wynne was living to John; and Francis was mentioned in Captain Robert Wynne's will dated 7-1-1675, naming him "son-in-law", which at that time meant "stepson".
Col. Robert Wynne's name is found in many Virginia records: He was a Justice in Charles City Co. Court 10-3-1656, ["Wm & Mary Quarterly" Vol. 4 (1) p 167] apparently being a captain of militia, as he was called "Capt Robert Wynne". He represented Charles City Co. as Burgess March 1657-8 and again March 1659-60. In a 1671 record he is referred to as "Col. Robert Wynne," Speaker of the House of Burgesses. From the Executive Journals, Council of Colonial Virginia, are notations which reveal that Robert Wynne, Esq. was Speaker of the Assembly from 3-13-1661 to 1675 (Virginia's so-called "Long Parliament"), giving him the distinction of having been Speaker longer than any man in Virginia history. This was due in part to the fact that the House of Burgesses was suspended over much of that time. In 1673 Robert Wynne, referred to as "Col.," was a member of a Court Martial sitting at James City. ["Va. Magazine of History & Biography," Vol. 20, p 28]
The earliest connection of Wynnes and Malones appears in a Charles City Co., Va. court record: "The deposition of Daniell Maloone, aged 22 years or thereabouts, swore and exa'led ... Jur Coram me, Feb. 1st 1665, Robert Wynne." This was Daniel Malone 1-1, probable father of Nathaniel Malone 2-3 who married Mary Wynne, Robert Wynne's grandaughter. (see pp 7-8.)
Col. Robert Wynne died aged about 53. His will was dated 7-1-1675, and he died, in Virginia the same year (1675) as proven by a court notice in which Mary Poythress Wynne is referred to in a suit in the General Court as his executrix 10-8-1675. [Mins, of Va, Council, p 424] The will was later probated in England 8-15-1678. This was because the will left property in England to his children. Were it not for this fact we may not have had Robert's will, since many Charles City County records of that period were destroyed.
Robert Wynne's will is abstracted as follows:
Robert Wynn of Jordan's Parish of Charles City County, in Virginia. Dated 1 July,1675. To be buried in Jordan's Church as near as possible to my son Robert. My estate in England as follows: To my eldest son Thomas Wynne one farm in White Staple Parish in Kent near Canterbury, and commonly called Linebett Banckes; if he dies, to my son Joshua, and if he dies, to my daughter Wodlief. To my son Thomas two houses in Canterbury in St. Mildreds' Parish in the same form as the said farm. To my youngest son Joshua Wynne one house and oatmeale mill lying in Dover Lane without St. Georges in Canterbury, commonly called the Lilly Pott, and two houses adjoining where a ropemaker and one Rawlins were formerly tenants. Touching my estate in Virginia, to my son Thomas all the cattie of his own mark except one cow called Moll which is to be killed for provision; to my son Joshua my plantation called Gorges withal the tobacco houses; to my daughter Wodlief, one servant of fewer years to serve the next shipping after my decease; to my grandchild and godson young George Wodlief one filly foal. All the rest of my estate in Virginia and Eng!and to my wife and executrix Mary Wynne. Overseers: Thomas Grendou, Merchant, and my son-in-law (step-son) Capt. Francis Poythress. Witnesses: Tho Brome, Juno Burge. (Ed, Note: "to my daughter Wodlief" refers to his daughter Mary Wynne who married John Woodlieff, son of Capt. John Woodlieff, Burgess Charles City Co. 1652.)
A summary of Cot Robert Wynne's Family:
Robert Wynne (1622 Canterbury, England - 1675 Charles City Co., Va.) m. c 1656 Mary ___ Poythress, widow of Capt. Francis Poythress of Charles City Co.
1. Thomas Wynne, eldest son. (See Below.)
2. Robert Wynne, died before 1675, as his father stated in his July 1675 will, "to be buried in Jordan's Church as near as possible to my son Robert."
3. Mary Wynne m. John Woodlief, son of Capt. John Woodlieff, Burgess, Charles City Co. 1652 and grandson of Capt. John Woodlieff who came to Virginia in 1608. Mary Wynne's father-in-law was granted land in 1683 "near a place called 'Jordans' and bounded westerly upon Francis Poythress," terms familiar in Robert Wynne's records and will.
4, Joshua Wynne (1660 Va. - 1715 Charles City Co., Va.) m. Mary Jones, dau of Peter Jones and Margaret (Wood) Jones, and granddaughter of Maj. Gen. Abraham Wood, commanding officer of Fort Henry, Va. Some researchers show Mary Jones Wynn marrying 2nd William Randolph (1681 - 1742), son of William and Mary (Isham) Randolph. Joshua was the youngest son of Robt. Wynne and was a Justice in Charles City Co., 2-23-1698; Member House of Burgesses 1702 - 1704; Sheriff of Prince George Co. 1705 - 1711. [Burgess Journal 1702-1712, p 50; Executive Journals of Council Vol. I p 408, VoL III pp 28, 159, 272] Major Joshua Wynne and wife Mary deeded a tract of land in Surry Co. in 1708. ["Va. Mag. of History & Biography" Vol. 14 p 174]
Thomas Wynne;
Nathaniel Malone's wife Mary Wynne was the daughter of Thomas; Wynne, referred to as the eldest son in Cot Robert Wynne's will. Thomas gave his age as 50 years in a 1707 suit in Prince George Co., ["Virginia Magazine of History & Biography" Vol. 14, p 174] indicating his birth year as about 1657, and his will was dated 2-18-1717, probated 5-21-1718" He lived in that portion of Charles City County which later became Prince George County, as did Daniel Malone and his apparent sons.
Thomas Wynne married Agnes Stith. Many researchers have Agnes ___ , or Agnes Tucker; [e.g. 19 p 109] however the Charles City Co, VA will of John Stith, Sr. dated 11-13-1690 with codicil dated 10-3-1693 and proved 4-3-1694 clearly states:
"I give and bequeath to my Daughter Agnes, the now wife of Mr. Thomas Wynn, the sum of 15 pounds sterling, in full of all that she may or can claime as a child's part in mine estate." [Charles City County. Va. Wills & Deeds 1689-1694, pp 185-187, printed copy from photostats in Va. State Library, 3-10-1977]
Many Malone and Wynne researchers have not been aware of this will and its resulting implications. Agnes Stith Wynne's father was Major John Stith (b. 1630), and she had a brother named Lt. Col. Drury Stith (1670-1741). She also had a brother John Stith (c 1653 - 1724) who married Mary Isham Randolph, daughter of Mary Isham and William Randolph. (Mary Isham, the daughter of Henry Isham, and William Randolph were great-grandparents of Thomas Jefferson.)
With the recognition of the above, it can be suggested where these Malone names came from: "Isham Malone", "Drury Malone", "John Malone", "Stith Malone", and "Randolph Malone". For example, one section of this book covers Isham Malone 4-25. !sham's son George Malone 5-72 had a probable son Stith Malone 6-338 (see p. 452) and had a definite grandson Stith Malone 7-609, who had a son John Malone 8- 1172 who had a son Randolph Malone 9-1465 (grandfather of the author.) These names are another link which points to the early Malone and Wynne family connections.
In 1701 Thomas Wynne patented 200 acres on the south side of the Blackwater in the part of Charles City Co. which became Prince George Co. in 1702. He and his brother Joshua were appointed Indian Interpreters to accompany the Nottoway and Meherren Commissioners on their trip through the north to make peace with the Seneca Indians. On 4-24-1703 the Council, upon reading "a petition of the King and Great men of the Nottoway and Meherrin Indians praying that Thomas Wynne be appointed their interpreter in the place of Thomas Blunt with whom they have experienced dissatisfaction, and he was accordingly appointed Interpreter to those two tribes and also the Nansemonds." [Executive Journals. Council of Colonial Virginia Vol . II p 315] Following this he "acted to prevent certain colonists from settling on Indian lands around Bear Swamp and other places belonging to them and for a time pacified their 'dissatisfactions and uneasiness', but after a time they petitioned for another interpreter on the grounds that he was 'remiss and negligent' ". [Exec, Journals, Council of Col , Va, Vol, Ill p 304]
Thomas Wynne was listed on the 1794 Quit Rent Rolls as "Capt. Thomas Wynne", 400 acres in Prince George Co. On 11-30-1707 he entered 500 acres on Cabin Shick Swamp on the south side of the Nottoway and asked the Council to have it surveyed to find whether it was in Surry or Prince George County. In this same year he and his wife Agnes made deeds of gift to their children Robert Wynne and Mary Malone in Surry County. ["Tyler's Quarterly," Vol. 12, pp 174 - 175]
Thomas Wynne left his will in Surry Co., Va. dated 2-18-1716 and proved 5-21-1718. [Surry Co., Va. Deeds & Wills 1715-1730] He did not name all his children in the will, as some received deeds of gifts beforehand, such as the Malone ancestor Mary Wynne Malone. The will is briefly abstracted as follows:
--Specifies certain Negroes and land which are to be sold to pay debts and burial expenses, etc.
-- to son Thomas Wynne 200 acres on Stony Brook, a horse and a gun.
-- to son Robert Wynne his seal ring.
-- to granddaughters Lucretia and Martha Wynne, "heifers".
-- to loving wife Agnes Wynne negroes, a gold ring, a horse with initials "G. B." on it, furniture, a feather bed, etc.
--rest of estate to be equally divided among all my children, Robert Wynne to be sole executor.
Summary of Thomas Wynne and his family:
Thomas Wynne (1657 Charles City Co., Va. - 1718 Surry Co., Va.) m. Agnes Stith, dau of Maj. John Stith of Charles City Co., Va. His children:
1. *Mary Wynne (c 1677 Charles City Co., Va. - d. before 1732 Surry Co., Va.) m. c 1692 *Nathaniel Malone 3-3. In addition to details in Thomas' will, she is proved a daughter by a deed of gift in Surry Co., Va. dated 11-3-1707: "Thomas Wynne deeds to his daughter Mary Malone ... 98 acres on ye south side of Jones Hole Swamp on ye line of Lewis Green." She was probably one of Thomas Wynne, Sr.'s oldest children, since Nathaniel and Mary (Wynne) Malone's older children date from the mid to late 1690's
.
2. Thomas Wynne, Jr. (c 1680 Charles City Co., Va. - 1770-73 Sussex Co., Va.) m. 1st Martha Johnson; m. 2nd Mary Hewitt. Will in Sussex Co., Va.
a. John Wynne m. 1st Agnes ___ ; m. 2nd Susannah __
(1) Green Wynne ( 1765-1820)
(a) Richmond W. Wynne
(b) John C. Wynne
(c) William L. Wynne
(d) Thomas Wynne
(e) Lewis Wynne
(f) Hartwell Wynne (1794-1855)
(2) Milley Wynne
(3) Marry Wynne
(4) Peterson Wynne
(5) William Wynne m. 1798
(6) Robert Wynne m. 1798
(7) Nathaniel Wynne (d. 1810)
(8) Francis Wynne (b. 1769)
(9) Thomas Wynne (b. 1763)
(10) John Wynne, Jr. (d. by 1796)
3. Lucy Wynne. No further information.
4. Maj. Robert Wynne (c 1685 Charles City Co., Va. - 7-23-1754 Sussex Co., Va.) m. 1st c 1708 Anne Bolling (July 1690 Kippax, Va. - c 1750 Sussex Co., Va.), dau of Robert Bolling and Anne (Stith) Bolling; m. 2nd 8-9-1753 Mary Philllpson. Was left a deed of gift by his parents in Surry Co. in 1707. Will proved 8-12-1754 Sussex Co., Va. His children: [8, Vol. 2, p. 111] (The grandchildren listed were named in his will.)
a. Lucretia Wynne (b. 1731) m. Joseph Tucker
(1) Joel Tucker
(2) Lucretia Tucker
b. Martha Wynne m. Matthew Parham
(1) Robert Parham
(2) Elizabeth Parham m. Stith Parham, Sr., will 1793.
(a) Matthew A. Parham
(b) Thomas Stith Parham m. Elizabeth Ingram
i. Thomas Stith Parham
ii. Martha Parham
iii. Elizabeth Parham
iv. Sarah Parham m. John Hill
v. Anna Parham m. Allen Hill
c. Angelica/ Angelina Wynne m. William Raines
d. Cornelia Wynne m. Jefferson Raines
(1) Jefferson Raines
(2) Robert Wynne Raines
e. M__ Wynne m. Ben Bell
f. Anne Wynne m. Thomas Butler
(1) Mary Butler
In September 1651 at the age of twenty-nine Robert Wynne emigrated from Canterbury, County Kent, England to Charles City County Virginia. At that time living conditions were very unhealthy. The low, marshy ground swarmed with mosquitoes which, combined with the hot sun and contaminated drinking water, produced constant epidemics of dysentery and malaria. Frequently yellow fever, scurvy and plague swept over the infant colony, leaving behind a ghastly train of suffering and death. The mortality rate in the area of the James River, where Robert Wynne settled, ran as high as 75% per year.
Upon his arrival, Robert Wynne settled in Jordan’s Parish, which was on the south side of the James River, in what was then Charles City County, prior to 1656. Established in 1618 by Captain Samuel Jordan, Jordan's Journey was one of the early plantation settlements on the south side of James River. It is now called Jordan's Point. A large number of the survivors from the 1622 Indian massacre settled there, and in 1625 it had fifty-five people and twenty-two houses. In 1633 Charles City had a population of 510.
As Speaker for the Virginia House of Burgesses, Robert Wynne presided over the Grand Assembly of men who formulated the Acts and laws under which our founding forefathers lived. During his long tenure hundreds of acts were passed into law.
In his will dated July 1, 1675 and proved in 1678, Robert Wynne of Georges Plantation directed his body to be buried in Jordan’s Church near his son Robert. Built in 1657, Jordan’s Church, now known as Merchants Hope Church, is the oldest English background Church still standing in America. As a citizen and as a Justice of the Court, Robert Wynne spent many hours in this church which must have seemed like a second home to him.
Robert Wynne's leadership ability must have been well recognized by his fellow burgesses, for after serving two elected terms as a representative for Charles City County, he was elected Speaker of the House of Burgesses. He presided over the Grand Assembly of the House of Burgesses during the "Long Parliament” that lasted from March 13, 1661 until March 7, 1675, a total of fourteen years. The "Long Parliament," arose because there were no elections in the House of Burgesses, which was completely under the control of Virginia’s royalist Governor William Berkeley who was afraid elections would weaken his control. Although Robert Wynne was a royalist and supported his homeland of England and Governor Berkeley, he became one of the most influential men in Virginia. He was speaker longer than any other man in the history of Virginia, and in this capacity he presided over the elected body of men which established the earliest laws of our nation and set the precedent for other states to follow.
March 1661-2 (14 Charles II)
Bee it enacted that the committee appointed by the ffirst session of this assembly be continued with the like power then granted them, and that Captain Robert Wynn speaker and Major Edward Griffith be added in the roome of the Honorable Nathaniel Bacon, Esq., now of the council, and Mr. Henry Soane then speaker now deceased.
As Speaker of the House of Burgesses, Robert Wynne had a direct line to King Charles II of England to whom he and Governor Berkeley wrote concerning matters of importance.
NOTE: FG does not have a link to the Merchants Hope Church cemetery, est.1657, which is next door to Merchants Hope Memorial Park.∼From Malone and Allied Families
By Dr. Randolph A. Malone
Page 764
Colonel Robert Wynne:
Robert Wynne, son of Thomas & Mary (Wickham) Wynne, was born in Canterbury, England, and Christened 12-28-1622 at St. Dunstans, Canterbury. [Printed Register, p. 12] His family died leaving him a relatively wealthy young man, (see his will below), and about 1651 he left his property and holdings in England and emigrated to America. Why he elected to leave England is unknown; however certain conditions in England at the time doubtless played a part. The Wynne family and the families into which they married were engaged in the woolen draper industry, and there was a great depression which struck the drapery industry in England 1619 - 1660, causing many to seek their fortunes elsewhere. In addition, this was the time of civil war between Charles II and Cromwell, which put many into political and religious disfavor in England.
Charles City County records first place Capt. Robert Wynne there in 1655, where he served as commissioner for the county. He owned a plantation called "Georges" in Charles City County. He had married Mary Poythress, (widow of Captain Francis Poythress) by 1657, since his eldest son Thomas Wynne was born in that year. The Poythress property adjoined that of Robert Wynne, and Mary had two sons John and Francis by her earlier marriage. John is mentioned in a 1661 Charles City Co. record, (Colonial Abstracts by Beverly Fleet, Vol. II p. 273] giving land on which Robert Wynne was living to John; and Francis was mentioned in Captain Robert Wynne's will dated 7-1-1675, naming him "son-in-law", which at that time meant "stepson".
Col. Robert Wynne's name is found in many Virginia records: He was a Justice in Charles City Co. Court 10-3-1656, ["Wm & Mary Quarterly" Vol. 4 (1) p 167] apparently being a captain of militia, as he was called "Capt Robert Wynne". He represented Charles City Co. as Burgess March 1657-8 and again March 1659-60. In a 1671 record he is referred to as "Col. Robert Wynne," Speaker of the House of Burgesses. From the Executive Journals, Council of Colonial Virginia, are notations which reveal that Robert Wynne, Esq. was Speaker of the Assembly from 3-13-1661 to 1675 (Virginia's so-called "Long Parliament"), giving him the distinction of having been Speaker longer than any man in Virginia history. This was due in part to the fact that the House of Burgesses was suspended over much of that time. In 1673 Robert Wynne, referred to as "Col.," was a member of a Court Martial sitting at James City. ["Va. Magazine of History & Biography," Vol. 20, p 28]
The earliest connection of Wynnes and Malones appears in a Charles City Co., Va. court record: "The deposition of Daniell Maloone, aged 22 years or thereabouts, swore and exa'led ... Jur Coram me, Feb. 1st 1665, Robert Wynne." This was Daniel Malone 1-1, probable father of Nathaniel Malone 2-3 who married Mary Wynne, Robert Wynne's grandaughter. (see pp 7-8.)
Col. Robert Wynne died aged about 53. His will was dated 7-1-1675, and he died, in Virginia the same year (1675) as proven by a court notice in which Mary Poythress Wynne is referred to in a suit in the General Court as his executrix 10-8-1675. [Mins, of Va, Council, p 424] The will was later probated in England 8-15-1678. This was because the will left property in England to his children. Were it not for this fact we may not have had Robert's will, since many Charles City County records of that period were destroyed.
Robert Wynne's will is abstracted as follows:
Robert Wynn of Jordan's Parish of Charles City County, in Virginia. Dated 1 July,1675. To be buried in Jordan's Church as near as possible to my son Robert. My estate in England as follows: To my eldest son Thomas Wynne one farm in White Staple Parish in Kent near Canterbury, and commonly called Linebett Banckes; if he dies, to my son Joshua, and if he dies, to my daughter Wodlief. To my son Thomas two houses in Canterbury in St. Mildreds' Parish in the same form as the said farm. To my youngest son Joshua Wynne one house and oatmeale mill lying in Dover Lane without St. Georges in Canterbury, commonly called the Lilly Pott, and two houses adjoining where a ropemaker and one Rawlins were formerly tenants. Touching my estate in Virginia, to my son Thomas all the cattie of his own mark except one cow called Moll which is to be killed for provision; to my son Joshua my plantation called Gorges withal the tobacco houses; to my daughter Wodlief, one servant of fewer years to serve the next shipping after my decease; to my grandchild and godson young George Wodlief one filly foal. All the rest of my estate in Virginia and Eng!and to my wife and executrix Mary Wynne. Overseers: Thomas Grendou, Merchant, and my son-in-law (step-son) Capt. Francis Poythress. Witnesses: Tho Brome, Juno Burge. (Ed, Note: "to my daughter Wodlief" refers to his daughter Mary Wynne who married John Woodlieff, son of Capt. John Woodlieff, Burgess Charles City Co. 1652.)
A summary of Cot Robert Wynne's Family:
Robert Wynne (1622 Canterbury, England - 1675 Charles City Co., Va.) m. c 1656 Mary ___ Poythress, widow of Capt. Francis Poythress of Charles City Co.
1. Thomas Wynne, eldest son. (See Below.)
2. Robert Wynne, died before 1675, as his father stated in his July 1675 will, "to be buried in Jordan's Church as near as possible to my son Robert."
3. Mary Wynne m. John Woodlief, son of Capt. John Woodlieff, Burgess, Charles City Co. 1652 and grandson of Capt. John Woodlieff who came to Virginia in 1608. Mary Wynne's father-in-law was granted land in 1683 "near a place called 'Jordans' and bounded westerly upon Francis Poythress," terms familiar in Robert Wynne's records and will.
4, Joshua Wynne (1660 Va. - 1715 Charles City Co., Va.) m. Mary Jones, dau of Peter Jones and Margaret (Wood) Jones, and granddaughter of Maj. Gen. Abraham Wood, commanding officer of Fort Henry, Va. Some researchers show Mary Jones Wynn marrying 2nd William Randolph (1681 - 1742), son of William and Mary (Isham) Randolph. Joshua was the youngest son of Robt. Wynne and was a Justice in Charles City Co., 2-23-1698; Member House of Burgesses 1702 - 1704; Sheriff of Prince George Co. 1705 - 1711. [Burgess Journal 1702-1712, p 50; Executive Journals of Council Vol. I p 408, VoL III pp 28, 159, 272] Major Joshua Wynne and wife Mary deeded a tract of land in Surry Co. in 1708. ["Va. Mag. of History & Biography" Vol. 14 p 174]
Thomas Wynne;
Nathaniel Malone's wife Mary Wynne was the daughter of Thomas; Wynne, referred to as the eldest son in Cot Robert Wynne's will. Thomas gave his age as 50 years in a 1707 suit in Prince George Co., ["Virginia Magazine of History & Biography" Vol. 14, p 174] indicating his birth year as about 1657, and his will was dated 2-18-1717, probated 5-21-1718" He lived in that portion of Charles City County which later became Prince George County, as did Daniel Malone and his apparent sons.
Thomas Wynne married Agnes Stith. Many researchers have Agnes ___ , or Agnes Tucker; [e.g. 19 p 109] however the Charles City Co, VA will of John Stith, Sr. dated 11-13-1690 with codicil dated 10-3-1693 and proved 4-3-1694 clearly states:
"I give and bequeath to my Daughter Agnes, the now wife of Mr. Thomas Wynn, the sum of 15 pounds sterling, in full of all that she may or can claime as a child's part in mine estate." [Charles City County. Va. Wills & Deeds 1689-1694, pp 185-187, printed copy from photostats in Va. State Library, 3-10-1977]
Many Malone and Wynne researchers have not been aware of this will and its resulting implications. Agnes Stith Wynne's father was Major John Stith (b. 1630), and she had a brother named Lt. Col. Drury Stith (1670-1741). She also had a brother John Stith (c 1653 - 1724) who married Mary Isham Randolph, daughter of Mary Isham and William Randolph. (Mary Isham, the daughter of Henry Isham, and William Randolph were great-grandparents of Thomas Jefferson.)
With the recognition of the above, it can be suggested where these Malone names came from: "Isham Malone", "Drury Malone", "John Malone", "Stith Malone", and "Randolph Malone". For example, one section of this book covers Isham Malone 4-25. !sham's son George Malone 5-72 had a probable son Stith Malone 6-338 (see p. 452) and had a definite grandson Stith Malone 7-609, who had a son John Malone 8- 1172 who had a son Randolph Malone 9-1465 (grandfather of the author.) These names are another link which points to the early Malone and Wynne family connections.
In 1701 Thomas Wynne patented 200 acres on the south side of the Blackwater in the part of Charles City Co. which became Prince George Co. in 1702. He and his brother Joshua were appointed Indian Interpreters to accompany the Nottoway and Meherren Commissioners on their trip through the north to make peace with the Seneca Indians. On 4-24-1703 the Council, upon reading "a petition of the King and Great men of the Nottoway and Meherrin Indians praying that Thomas Wynne be appointed their interpreter in the place of Thomas Blunt with whom they have experienced dissatisfaction, and he was accordingly appointed Interpreter to those two tribes and also the Nansemonds." [Executive Journals. Council of Colonial Virginia Vol . II p 315] Following this he "acted to prevent certain colonists from settling on Indian lands around Bear Swamp and other places belonging to them and for a time pacified their 'dissatisfactions and uneasiness', but after a time they petitioned for another interpreter on the grounds that he was 'remiss and negligent' ". [Exec, Journals, Council of Col , Va, Vol, Ill p 304]
Thomas Wynne was listed on the 1794 Quit Rent Rolls as "Capt. Thomas Wynne", 400 acres in Prince George Co. On 11-30-1707 he entered 500 acres on Cabin Shick Swamp on the south side of the Nottoway and asked the Council to have it surveyed to find whether it was in Surry or Prince George County. In this same year he and his wife Agnes made deeds of gift to their children Robert Wynne and Mary Malone in Surry County. ["Tyler's Quarterly," Vol. 12, pp 174 - 175]
Thomas Wynne left his will in Surry Co., Va. dated 2-18-1716 and proved 5-21-1718. [Surry Co., Va. Deeds & Wills 1715-1730] He did not name all his children in the will, as some received deeds of gifts beforehand, such as the Malone ancestor Mary Wynne Malone. The will is briefly abstracted as follows:
--Specifies certain Negroes and land which are to be sold to pay debts and burial expenses, etc.
-- to son Thomas Wynne 200 acres on Stony Brook, a horse and a gun.
-- to son Robert Wynne his seal ring.
-- to granddaughters Lucretia and Martha Wynne, "heifers".
-- to loving wife Agnes Wynne negroes, a gold ring, a horse with initials "G. B." on it, furniture, a feather bed, etc.
--rest of estate to be equally divided among all my children, Robert Wynne to be sole executor.
Summary of Thomas Wynne and his family:
Thomas Wynne (1657 Charles City Co., Va. - 1718 Surry Co., Va.) m. Agnes Stith, dau of Maj. John Stith of Charles City Co., Va. His children:
1. *Mary Wynne (c 1677 Charles City Co., Va. - d. before 1732 Surry Co., Va.) m. c 1692 *Nathaniel Malone 3-3. In addition to details in Thomas' will, she is proved a daughter by a deed of gift in Surry Co., Va. dated 11-3-1707: "Thomas Wynne deeds to his daughter Mary Malone ... 98 acres on ye south side of Jones Hole Swamp on ye line of Lewis Green." She was probably one of Thomas Wynne, Sr.'s oldest children, since Nathaniel and Mary (Wynne) Malone's older children date from the mid to late 1690's
.
2. Thomas Wynne, Jr. (c 1680 Charles City Co., Va. - 1770-73 Sussex Co., Va.) m. 1st Martha Johnson; m. 2nd Mary Hewitt. Will in Sussex Co., Va.
a. John Wynne m. 1st Agnes ___ ; m. 2nd Susannah __
(1) Green Wynne ( 1765-1820)
(a) Richmond W. Wynne
(b) John C. Wynne
(c) William L. Wynne
(d) Thomas Wynne
(e) Lewis Wynne
(f) Hartwell Wynne (1794-1855)
(2) Milley Wynne
(3) Marry Wynne
(4) Peterson Wynne
(5) William Wynne m. 1798
(6) Robert Wynne m. 1798
(7) Nathaniel Wynne (d. 1810)
(8) Francis Wynne (b. 1769)
(9) Thomas Wynne (b. 1763)
(10) John Wynne, Jr. (d. by 1796)
3. Lucy Wynne. No further information.
4. Maj. Robert Wynne (c 1685 Charles City Co., Va. - 7-23-1754 Sussex Co., Va.) m. 1st c 1708 Anne Bolling (July 1690 Kippax, Va. - c 1750 Sussex Co., Va.), dau of Robert Bolling and Anne (Stith) Bolling; m. 2nd 8-9-1753 Mary Philllpson. Was left a deed of gift by his parents in Surry Co. in 1707. Will proved 8-12-1754 Sussex Co., Va. His children: [8, Vol. 2, p. 111] (The grandchildren listed were named in his will.)
a. Lucretia Wynne (b. 1731) m. Joseph Tucker
(1) Joel Tucker
(2) Lucretia Tucker
b. Martha Wynne m. Matthew Parham
(1) Robert Parham
(2) Elizabeth Parham m. Stith Parham, Sr., will 1793.
(a) Matthew A. Parham
(b) Thomas Stith Parham m. Elizabeth Ingram
i. Thomas Stith Parham
ii. Martha Parham
iii. Elizabeth Parham
iv. Sarah Parham m. John Hill
v. Anna Parham m. Allen Hill
c. Angelica/ Angelina Wynne m. William Raines
d. Cornelia Wynne m. Jefferson Raines
(1) Jefferson Raines
(2) Robert Wynne Raines
e. M__ Wynne m. Ben Bell
f. Anne Wynne m. Thomas Butler
(1) Mary Butler
Upon his arrival, Robert Wynne settled in Jordan’s Parish, which was on the south side of the James River, in what was then Charles City County, prior to 1656. Established in 1618 by Captain Samuel Jordan, Jordan's Journey was one of the early plantation settlements on the south side of James River. It is now called Jordan's Point. A large number of the survivors from the 1622 Indian massacre settled there, and in 1625 it had fifty-five people and twenty-two houses. In 1633 Charles City had a population of 510.
As Speaker for the Virginia House of Burgesses, Robert Wynne presided over the Grand Assembly of men who formulated the Acts and laws under which our founding forefathers lived. During his long tenure hundreds of acts were passed into law.
In his will dated July 1, 1675 and proved in 1678, Robert Wynne of Georges Plantation directed his body to be buried in Jordan’s Church near his son Robert. Built in 1657, Jordan’s Church, now known as Merchants Hope Church, is the oldest English background Church still standing in America. As a citizen and as a Justice of the Court, Robert Wynne spent many hours in this church which must have seemed like a second home to him.
Robert Wynne's leadership ability must have been well recognized by his fellow burgesses, for after serving two elected terms as a representative for Charles City County, he was elected Speaker of the House of Burgesses. He presided over the Grand Assembly of the House of Burgesses during the "Long Parliament” that lasted from March 13, 1661 until March 7, 1675, a total of fourteen years. The "Long Parliament," arose because there were no elections in the House of Burgesses, which was completely under the control of Virginia’s royalist Governor William Berkeley who was afraid elections would weaken his control. Although Robert Wynne was a royalist and supported his homeland of England and Governor Berkeley, he became one of the most influential men in Virginia. He was speaker longer than any other man in the history of Virginia, and in this capacity he presided over the elected body of men which established the earliest laws of our nation and set the precedent for other states to follow.
March 1661-2 (14 Charles II)
Bee it enacted that the committee appointed by the ffirst session of this assembly be continued with the like power then granted them, and that Captain Robert Wynn speaker and Major Edward Griffith be added in the roome of the Honorable Nathaniel Bacon, Esq., now of the council, and Mr. Henry Soane then speaker now deceased.
As Speaker of the House of Burgesses, Robert Wynne had a direct line to King Charles II of England to whom he and Governor Berkeley wrote concerning matters of importance.
NOTE: FG does not have a link to the Merchants Hope Church cemetery, est.1657, which is next door to Merchants Hope Memorial Park.∼From Malone and Allied Families
By Dr. Randolph A. Malone
Page 764
Colonel Robert Wynne:
Robert Wynne, son of Thomas & Mary (Wickham) Wynne, was born in Canterbury, England, and Christened 12-28-1622 at St. Dunstans, Canterbury. [Printed Register, p. 12] His family died leaving him a relatively wealthy young man, (see his will below), and about 1651 he left his property and holdings in England and emigrated to America. Why he elected to leave England is unknown; however certain conditions in England at the time doubtless played a part. The Wynne family and the families into which they married were engaged in the woolen draper industry, and there was a great depression which struck the drapery industry in England 1619 - 1660, causing many to seek their fortunes elsewhere. In addition, this was the time of civil war between Charles II and Cromwell, which put many into political and religious disfavor in England.
Charles City County records first place Capt. Robert Wynne there in 1655, where he served as commissioner for the county. He owned a plantation called "Georges" in Charles City County. He had married Mary Poythress, (widow of Captain Francis Poythress) by 1657, since his eldest son Thomas Wynne was born in that year. The Poythress property adjoined that of Robert Wynne, and Mary had two sons John and Francis by her earlier marriage. John is mentioned in a 1661 Charles City Co. record, (Colonial Abstracts by Beverly Fleet, Vol. II p. 273] giving land on which Robert Wynne was living to John; and Francis was mentioned in Captain Robert Wynne's will dated 7-1-1675, naming him "son-in-law", which at that time meant "stepson".
Col. Robert Wynne's name is found in many Virginia records: He was a Justice in Charles City Co. Court 10-3-1656, ["Wm & Mary Quarterly" Vol. 4 (1) p 167] apparently being a captain of militia, as he was called "Capt Robert Wynne". He represented Charles City Co. as Burgess March 1657-8 and again March 1659-60. In a 1671 record he is referred to as "Col. Robert Wynne," Speaker of the House of Burgesses. From the Executive Journals, Council of Colonial Virginia, are notations which reveal that Robert Wynne, Esq. was Speaker of the Assembly from 3-13-1661 to 1675 (Virginia's so-called "Long Parliament"), giving him the distinction of having been Speaker longer than any man in Virginia history. This was due in part to the fact that the House of Burgesses was suspended over much of that time. In 1673 Robert Wynne, referred to as "Col.," was a member of a Court Martial sitting at James City. ["Va. Magazine of History & Biography," Vol. 20, p 28]
The earliest connection of Wynnes and Malones appears in a Charles City Co., Va. court record: "The deposition of Daniell Maloone, aged 22 years or thereabouts, swore and exa'led ... Jur Coram me, Feb. 1st 1665, Robert Wynne." This was Daniel Malone 1-1, probable father of Nathaniel Malone 2-3 who married Mary Wynne, Robert Wynne's grandaughter. (see pp 7-8.)
Col. Robert Wynne died aged about 53. His will was dated 7-1-1675, and he died, in Virginia the same year (1675) as proven by a court notice in which Mary Poythress Wynne is referred to in a suit in the General Court as his executrix 10-8-1675. [Mins, of Va, Council, p 424] The will was later probated in England 8-15-1678. This was because the will left property in England to his children. Were it not for this fact we may not have had Robert's will, since many Charles City County records of that period were destroyed.
Robert Wynne's will is abstracted as follows:
Robert Wynn of Jordan's Parish of Charles City County, in Virginia. Dated 1 July,1675. To be buried in Jordan's Church as near as possible to my son Robert. My estate in England as follows: To my eldest son Thomas Wynne one farm in White Staple Parish in Kent near Canterbury, and commonly called Linebett Banckes; if he dies, to my son Joshua, and if he dies, to my daughter Wodlief. To my son Thomas two houses in Canterbury in St. Mildreds' Parish in the same form as the said farm. To my youngest son Joshua Wynne one house and oatmeale mill lying in Dover Lane without St. Georges in Canterbury, commonly called the Lilly Pott, and two houses adjoining where a ropemaker and one Rawlins were formerly tenants. Touching my estate in Virginia, to my son Thomas all the cattie of his own mark except one cow called Moll which is to be killed for provision; to my son Joshua my plantation called Gorges withal the tobacco houses; to my daughter Wodlief, one servant of fewer years to serve the next shipping after my decease; to my grandchild and godson young George Wodlief one filly foal. All the rest of my estate in Virginia and Eng!and to my wife and executrix Mary Wynne. Overseers: Thomas Grendou, Merchant, and my son-in-law (step-son) Capt. Francis Poythress. Witnesses: Tho Brome, Juno Burge. (Ed, Note: "to my daughter Wodlief" refers to his daughter Mary Wynne who married John Woodlieff, son of Capt. John Woodlieff, Burgess Charles City Co. 1652.)
A summary of Cot Robert Wynne's Family:
Robert Wynne (1622 Canterbury, England - 1675 Charles City Co., Va.) m. c 1656 Mary ___ Poythress, widow of Capt. Francis Poythress of Charles City Co.
1. Thomas Wynne, eldest son. (See Below.)
2. Robert Wynne, died before 1675, as his father stated in his July 1675 will, "to be buried in Jordan's Church as near as possible to my son Robert."
3. Mary Wynne m. John Woodlief, son of Capt. John Woodlieff, Burgess, Charles City Co. 1652 and grandson of Capt. John Woodlieff who came to Virginia in 1608. Mary Wynne's father-in-law was granted land in 1683 "near a place called 'Jordans' and bounded westerly upon Francis Poythress," terms familiar in Robert Wynne's records and will.
4, Joshua Wynne (1660 Va. - 1715 Charles City Co., Va.) m. Mary Jones, dau of Peter Jones and Margaret (Wood) Jones, and granddaughter of Maj. Gen. Abraham Wood, commanding officer of Fort Henry, Va. Some researchers show Mary Jones Wynn marrying 2nd William Randolph (1681 - 1742), son of William and Mary (Isham) Randolph. Joshua was the youngest son of Robt. Wynne and was a Justice in Charles City Co., 2-23-1698; Member House of Burgesses 1702 - 1704; Sheriff of Prince George Co. 1705 - 1711. [Burgess Journal 1702-1712, p 50; Executive Journals of Council Vol. I p 408, VoL III pp 28, 159, 272] Major Joshua Wynne and wife Mary deeded a tract of land in Surry Co. in 1708. ["Va. Mag. of History & Biography" Vol. 14 p 174]
Thomas Wynne;
Nathaniel Malone's wife Mary Wynne was the daughter of Thomas; Wynne, referred to as the eldest son in Cot Robert Wynne's will. Thomas gave his age as 50 years in a 1707 suit in Prince George Co., ["Virginia Magazine of History & Biography" Vol. 14, p 174] indicating his birth year as about 1657, and his will was dated 2-18-1717, probated 5-21-1718" He lived in that portion of Charles City County which later became Prince George County, as did Daniel Malone and his apparent sons.
Thomas Wynne married Agnes Stith. Many researchers have Agnes ___ , or Agnes Tucker; [e.g. 19 p 109] however the Charles City Co, VA will of John Stith, Sr. dated 11-13-1690 with codicil dated 10-3-1693 and proved 4-3-1694 clearly states:
"I give and bequeath to my Daughter Agnes, the now wife of Mr. Thomas Wynn, the sum of 15 pounds sterling, in full of all that she may or can claime as a child's part in mine estate." [Charles City County. Va. Wills & Deeds 1689-1694, pp 185-187, printed copy from photostats in Va. State Library, 3-10-1977]
Many Malone and Wynne researchers have not been aware of this will and its resulting implications. Agnes Stith Wynne's father was Major John Stith (b. 1630), and she had a brother named Lt. Col. Drury Stith (1670-1741). She also had a brother John Stith (c 1653 - 1724) who married Mary Isham Randolph, daughter of Mary Isham and William Randolph. (Mary Isham, the daughter of Henry Isham, and William Randolph were great-grandparents of Thomas Jefferson.)
With the recognition of the above, it can be suggested where these Malone names came from: "Isham Malone", "Drury Malone", "John Malone", "Stith Malone", and "Randolph Malone". For example, one section of this book covers Isham Malone 4-25. !sham's son George Malone 5-72 had a probable son Stith Malone 6-338 (see p. 452) and had a definite grandson Stith Malone 7-609, who had a son John Malone 8- 1172 who had a son Randolph Malone 9-1465 (grandfather of the author.) These names are another link which points to the early Malone and Wynne family connections.
In 1701 Thomas Wynne patented 200 acres on the south side of the Blackwater in the part of Charles City Co. which became Prince George Co. in 1702. He and his brother Joshua were appointed Indian Interpreters to accompany the Nottoway and Meherren Commissioners on their trip through the north to make peace with the Seneca Indians. On 4-24-1703 the Council, upon reading "a petition of the King and Great men of the Nottoway and Meherrin Indians praying that Thomas Wynne be appointed their interpreter in the place of Thomas Blunt with whom they have experienced dissatisfaction, and he was accordingly appointed Interpreter to those two tribes and also the Nansemonds." [Executive Journals. Council of Colonial Virginia Vol . II p 315] Following this he "acted to prevent certain colonists from settling on Indian lands around Bear Swamp and other places belonging to them and for a time pacified their 'dissatisfactions and uneasiness', but after a time they petitioned for another interpreter on the grounds that he was 'remiss and negligent' ". [Exec, Journals, Council of Col , Va, Vol, Ill p 304]
Thomas Wynne was listed on the 1794 Quit Rent Rolls as "Capt. Thomas Wynne", 400 acres in Prince George Co. On 11-30-1707 he entered 500 acres on Cabin Shick Swamp on the south side of the Nottoway and asked the Council to have it surveyed to find whether it was in Surry or Prince George County. In this same year he and his wife Agnes made deeds of gift to their children Robert Wynne and Mary Malone in Surry County. ["Tyler's Quarterly," Vol. 12, pp 174 - 175]
Thomas Wynne left his will in Surry Co., Va. dated 2-18-1716 and proved 5-21-1718. [Surry Co., Va. Deeds & Wills 1715-1730] He did not name all his children in the will, as some received deeds of gifts beforehand, such as the Malone ancestor Mary Wynne Malone. The will is briefly abstracted as follows:
--Specifies certain Negroes and land which are to be sold to pay debts and burial expenses, etc.
-- to son Thomas Wynne 200 acres on Stony Brook, a horse and a gun.
-- to son Robert Wynne his seal ring.
-- to granddaughters Lucretia and Martha Wynne, "heifers".
-- to loving wife Agnes Wynne negroes, a gold ring, a horse with initials "G. B." on it, furniture, a feather bed, etc.
--rest of estate to be equally divided among all my children, Robert Wynne to be sole executor.
Summary of Thomas Wynne and his family:
Thomas Wynne (1657 Charles City Co., Va. - 1718 Surry Co., Va.) m. Agnes Stith, dau of Maj. John Stith of Charles City Co., Va. His children:
1. *Mary Wynne (c 1677 Charles City Co., Va. - d. before 1732 Surry Co., Va.) m. c 1692 *Nathaniel Malone 3-3. In addition to details in Thomas' will, she is proved a daughter by a deed of gift in Surry Co., Va. dated 11-3-1707: "Thomas Wynne deeds to his daughter Mary Malone ... 98 acres on ye south side of Jones Hole Swamp on ye line of Lewis Green." She was probably one of Thomas Wynne, Sr.'s oldest children, since Nathaniel and Mary (Wynne) Malone's older children date from the mid to late 1690's
.
2. Thomas Wynne, Jr. (c 1680 Charles City Co., Va. - 1770-73 Sussex Co., Va.) m. 1st Martha Johnson; m. 2nd Mary Hewitt. Will in Sussex Co., Va.
a. John Wynne m. 1st Agnes ___ ; m. 2nd Susannah __
(1) Green Wynne ( 1765-1820)
(a) Richmond W. Wynne
(b) John C. Wynne
(c) William L. Wynne
(d) Thomas Wynne
(e) Lewis Wynne
(f) Hartwell Wynne (1794-1855)
(2) Milley Wynne
(3) Marry Wynne
(4) Peterson Wynne
(5) William Wynne m. 1798
(6) Robert Wynne m. 1798
(7) Nathaniel Wynne (d. 1810)
(8) Francis Wynne (b. 1769)
(9) Thomas Wynne (b. 1763)
(10) John Wynne, Jr. (d. by 1796)
3. Lucy Wynne. No further information.
4. Maj. Robert Wynne (c 1685 Charles City Co., Va. - 7-23-1754 Sussex Co., Va.) m. 1st c 1708 Anne Bolling (July 1690 Kippax, Va. - c 1750 Sussex Co., Va.), dau of Robert Bolling and Anne (Stith) Bolling; m. 2nd 8-9-1753 Mary Philllpson. Was left a deed of gift by his parents in Surry Co. in 1707. Will proved 8-12-1754 Sussex Co., Va. His children: [8, Vol. 2, p. 111] (The grandchildren listed were named in his will.)
a. Lucretia Wynne (b. 1731) m. Joseph Tucker
(1) Joel Tucker
(2) Lucretia Tucker
b. Martha Wynne m. Matthew Parham
(1) Robert Parham
(2) Elizabeth Parham m. Stith Parham, Sr., will 1793.
(a) Matthew A. Parham
(b) Thomas Stith Parham m. Elizabeth Ingram
i. Thomas Stith Parham
ii. Martha Parham
iii. Elizabeth Parham
iv. Sarah Parham m. John Hill
v. Anna Parham m. Allen Hill
c. Angelica/ Angelina Wynne m. William Raines
d. Cornelia Wynne m. Jefferson Raines
(1) Jefferson Raines
(2) Robert Wynne Raines
e. M__ Wynne m. Ben Bell
f. Anne Wynne m. Thomas Butler
(1) Mary Butler
Gravesite Details
During my visit to this cemetery in the summer of 2011, the church authority showed me where, most likely, the Wynne family members were buried, as Northern soldiers ransacked the grave stones during the Civil War.
