Life in Old Virginia - Appendix



APPENDIX

I. List of Governors of Virginia with Short Biographical Sketches.

GOVERNORS OF THE COLONY 1607-1776.

By the terms of the first charter of the London Company, dated April 10, 
1606, there were two governing bodies, or councils. The Council resident 
in England, appointed by the King, had the chief direction of affairs for 
the Colony. It named the council to reside in and to control Virginia. 
Each of these two bodies were empowered to elect one of their own number 
as Chief Executive or President.

Under the second charter, dated May 23, 1609, the Company was granted the 
power to choose the Council in England, and select a Governor who was 
invested with absolute civil and military authority, with the title of 
"Governor and Captain General of Virginia." This title was the most highly 
prized honor pertaining to the Colony, and the greater number of its 
recipients found it purely a sinecure which they had the liberty to enjoy 
at their leisure, without even the fatigue of a journey across the 
Atlantic's waters to view their honored charge.

With few exceptions the actual duties of a colonial governor of Virginia 
were conducted in person within the Colony by those whose title ranked 
below that of the "Governor in Chief and Captain General of Virginia."

The charter provided that in the absence of the Governor and Captain 
General, authority was to be vested in an appointed Deputy, or Lieutenant 
Governor, or in the absence of such officers power to act was then vested 
in the President of the resident Council. The charter of 1612 made no 
changes in the governorship. When the Company's charter was annulled, in 
1624, the governors and the resident Council were appointed by the King, 
and this mode continued while the Colony was under British rule. Then the 
Council to reside in Virginia was appointed upon the recommendation of the 
Governor, or Lieutenant Governor.

Sir Thomas Smith, a prominent merchant of London, and one of the assignees 
of the patents granted Sir Walter Raleigh, was the first President of the 
Council of the London, or Virginia, Company, and its treasurer resident in 
London, from 1606 to 1618. Sir Thomas Smith was eminently noted for his 
ability as a merchant and politician.

The expedition which made the first permanent settlement of the English 
speaking people in America was under the charge of Capt. Christopher 
Newport until their seating at Jamestown, May 13, 1607. Newport had in his 
keeping when he sailed from London, a sealed box given him by the London 
Company, which contained instructions for the Colony, and the names of 
those persons whom the Company selected to be the members of the first 
Council to govern in Virginia. The box was opened upon the arrival of the 
three ships at Cape Henry, on April 26, 1607, and the names of the Council 
were read, together with the instructions for selecting a seating place. 
Newport retained control until the Colony reached Jamestown, then in 
accordance with their instructions the Council selected one of their 
number as President, for the term of one year.

Edward Maria Wingfield, was chosen the first President of the Council 
resident in Virginia, on May 13, 1607. On September 10, 1607, he was 
deposed from this office because of disagreements with the Council. He 
returned to England shortly thereafter. He had been a companion of 
Ferdinando Gorges in the European wars, and was subsequently a captain in 
the British army in Ireland.

Captain John Ratcliffe, President of the Council in Virginia, from 
September 10, 1607, to September 7, 1608. His original name was 
Sicklemore, which in early life he changed to Ratcliffe. In connection 
with Captain John Smith he was instrumental in deposing Wingfield from the 
office of President, and subsequently having quarreled with Capt. John 
Smith he favored hanging the doughty captain after the latter's romantic 
release from death by Pocahontas because Smith's crew were murdered by 
Opechancanough upon the occasion of Smith's capture.

In December, 1608, Ratcliffe was forced to return to England with Newport, 
in fear "lest the company (colonists) should cut his throat," is the 
reason assigned by Capt. Smith for Ratcliffe's departure. In July 
following Ratcliffe returned to Virginia in the ship "Diamond." In 1610 
while trading with the Indians on the York River he was murdered with 
twenty-five of his men.

Captain John Smith, President of the Council in Virginia, from September 
7, 1608, to October, 1609, when he returned to England to be treated for 
wounds received by accidental explosion of gun powder while upon his boat 
in the James River. Elsewhere in this volume is a biographical sketch of 
this remarkable man.

Captain George Percy, appointed by Capt. John Smith, President of the 
Council in Virginia, from October, 1609, to May 24, 1610, and on March 28, 
1611, was appointed Deputy Governor by Lord Delaware until the arrival of 
Sir Thomas Dale, May 19, 1611. He was the younger brother of the Earl of 
Northumberland, in whose honor one of the counties in the "Northern Neck" 
was named. He was the eighth son of Henry Percy, eighth earl of 
Northumberland; born September 4, 1580, and having returned to England on 
April 22, 1612, he died there in 1632.

He served with distinction in the wars of the Low Countries, and was the 
author of "A True Relation of the Proceedings and Occurrences of moment 
which have happened in Virginia from the time Sir Thomas Gates was 
shipwrecked upon the Bermudas, 1609, until my departure out of the 
Country, 1612." During his control as President occurred what is known as 
"The Starving Time," in the colony.

Sir Thomas Gates, Lieutenant General and Deputy Governor, from May 24, 
1610, until the arrival of Lord De La Warr, or Delaware, on June 10, 1610.

Sir Thomas Gates was one of the patentees named in the first charter of 
the London Company, and was a captain in the British army and served in 
the United Netherlands in 1608.

In company with a fleet of eight other vessels he sailed for Virginia in 
May, 1609, but his vessel, the "Sea Venture," was carried to the Bermudas 
by a violent hurricane and there stranded. During the nine months in which 
he and his fellow passengers were detained upon the Bermudas they 
constructed two vessels from the remains of the "Sea Venture" and from 
cedars found upon the island. When they reached Virginia they found the 
Colony in a starving condition, and the colonists determined to abandon 
Virginia. They desired to set sail in Gates' ships for Newfoundland. Their 
departure was prevented by the arrival of Lord Delaware with his ships 
loaded with supplies. Gates was sent to England by Lord Delaware for 
further supplies for the Colony, and in June, 1611, returned to Virginia 
with six ships, carrying his wife and two daughters, three hundred 
colonists and supplies. His wife died on the voyage, and his daughters 
returned to England. He was an earnest advocate of the colonization of 
Virginia. It is not known where he died.

Sir Thomas Surest, third Lord De La Warr, or Delaware, was appointed under 
the new charter of May 23, 1609, "Governor and Captain General of 
Virginia" for life. He reached Jamestown June 10, 1610, just in time to 
prevent the few remaining half famished colourists from deserting Virginia 
forever. He was the first Governor ever appointed for Virginia, and by his 
timely arrival induced the colonists to return to Jamestown. During his 
short stay with the Colony he restored confidence, order and contentment. 
On March 28, 1611, he sailed for the Island of Mevis to restore his 
failing health. He returned thence to England, where he exerted his 
influence for the betterment of the Colony and aided in securing the third 
charter for the Company, which was granted March 12, 1612, by the King. He 
set sail from England to Virginia in March, 1618, and died on the voyage 
on June 7, in or near the Delaware Bay, which together with the State and 
river of that name commemorates his name on this continent.

Captain George Percy, who succeeded Captain John Smith upon the latter's 
return to England in 1609, was left in charge of the Colony, as President 
of the Council, from the date Lord Delaware left for the Island of Mevis-
March 28, 1611, until the arrival of Sir Thomas Dale, on May 19, 1611. 
Elsewhere is a reference to this gentleman.

Sir Thomas, Dale, Acting Governor, under his appointment. as "High 
Marshall," reached Jamestown May 19, 1611, and in August, 1611 was 
superseded by Sir Thomas Gates.

He was a soldier of distinction in the Low Countries for which he was 
knighted by King James I. Under his direction a settlement was made named 
Henrico, on the James River and the first allotment of land-three acres-
were made to individual colonists.

In March, 1613, Gates returned to England, and Dale resumed the duties of 
Acting Governor, until April, 1616, when he returned to England. It was 
while he was Governor that John Rolfe and Pocahontas were married. 
Although he had a wife living in England, it is said he sent a proposal 
through one of his friends to Powhatan, for the younger sister of 
Pocahontas to become his wife, which offer Powhatan artfully refused.

In 1619, while in England, he was appointed commander of six ships of the 
East India Company. While fighting against the Dutch he contracted a 
disease which resulted in his death in 1620.

Captain George Yeardley, as President of the Council in Virginia, upon the 
departure of Dale was made Deputy Governor from April, 1616 to May 15, 
1617, when he was superseded by Captain Samuel Argall, after which he 
returned to England, and after the death of Lord Delaware, he was knighted 
Sir George Yeardley by the King to succeed the former as "Governor and 
Captain General of Virginia." He reached the colony April 19, 1619, and 
assumed control until superseded by Sir Francis Wyatt on November 8, 1621, 
and when Wyatt retired on May [24], 1626, Yeardley for the third time was 
appointed Governor. During his several administrations as Governor there 
were many important changes for the betterment of the Colony. He acquired 
mach territory for the Colony from the natives by reprisal and purchase. 
During his second administration he called together the first legislative 
assembly ever convened on this continent, at Jamestown, on July 30, 1619, 
and on the following August the first negro slaves ever in the British 
colonies were brought to Jamestown. He successfully urged the London 
Company to send wives to the colonists. He died November 10, 1627, deeply 
regretted by the colonists, who publicly extolled his virtues.

Captain Samuel Argall, succeeded Sir Geo. Yeardley. A sketch of his career 
before his appointment will be of interest to the reader.

Capt. Argall was born at Bristol, England. His first appearance in the 
Colony was in July, 1609, in command of a ship load of liquors and 
provisions for trade with the Colony at Jamestown, and to fish for 
sturgeon on his private account-against the regulations of the Company. He 
made several trips across the ocean back and forth from Jamestown to 
England, carrying provisions for the Colony, and trading with the Indians 
in Virginia. Upon his first voyage up the Potomac, for purpose of trading 
for corn, he discovered that Pocahontas was visiting at the seating place 
of an Indian chief named Japazaws, said to be her paternal uncle. Argall 
prevailed upon Japazaws and his wife to entice Pocahontas aboard of his 
vessel, for which the chief was to receive a copper kettle, and his wife 
some toys-a looking glass, beads, etc. The plot was successful and 
Pocahontas was carried to Jamestown, and was so well treated by all the 
Colony that she became resigned to her captivity, and subsequently married 
John Rolfe, mention of which is heretofore made. In 1614, under order from 
Sir Thomas Dale, High Marshal of Virginia, Argall with a vessel of 
fourteen guns and crew drove the French settlers off Mount Desert, on the 
Coast of Maine. He carried his French prisoners to England, where he was 
put upon trial for disturbing peaceful relations between the French and 
English Colonies. He succeeded in vindicating his actions, and on May 15, 
161'x, he is found again in Virginia, with the appointment of Deputy or 
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. Upon his arrival at Jamestown he found 
"the market place, streets, and other spare places planted in tobacco," 
which had then become the staple crop of the Colony. He rendered himself 
so odious to the Colony that he was recalled, and secretly stole away from 
Virginia ten days before the arrival of Sir George Yeardley-April 19, 
1619, who had been knighted and appointed Governor and Captain General of 
Virginia, as heretofore stated. It is related that Argall had a moneyed 
interest in the first cargo of negro slaves to reach Virginia. The fact 
that he was a relative of Sir Thomas Smith, the President and Treasurer of 
the Virginia Company in London may account for his successful defense of 
his many illegal acts. In 1622 he was knighted by King James I and made 
Admiral in command of several English and Dutch ships. His attempted 
unsuccessful exploits against the Spaniards through the desertion of 
several of his English ships "broke his heart," and in February, 1626, he 
died.

Captain Nathaniel Powell, President of the Council in Virginia, was, after 
the sadden departure of Argall, acting Governor of the Colony from April 
9, 1619, until the arrival of Sir Geo. Yeardley, April 19, 1619, as 
heretofore related. Powell was one of the colonists who came to Virginia 
in 160[7]. He accompanied Newport on his voyage up the York River, and was 
with Capt. John Smith when the latter explored the Chesapeake Bay. It is 
stated that he compiled Smith's maps of this voyage. During the Indian 
massacre of 1622, he was murdered with his wife and daughter and several 
others upon his plantation on the James River.

Sir Francis Wyatt, Governor and Captain General of Virginia, from November 
8, 1621-the expiration of Yeardley's term-to May 17, 1626, when he 
returned to Ireland to attend to his private affairs occasioned by the 
death of his father there.

He was accompanied to Virginia by nine ships, containing supplies and 
immigrants. Amongst those of prominence who came with him were his 
brother, Rev. Hunt Wyatt, William Claiborne, as surveyor, George Sandys, 
who subsequently translated the first book ever written in Virginia-the 
Metamorphoses of Ovid. With Wyatt also came Doctor John Pott, who in a 
short while became famous as President of the Council in Virginia, and 
Acting Governor of the Colony, and later was made infamous through being 
the first person convicted by a jury trial in the colony.

Wyatt brought to the Colony the new constitution, granted July 24, 1621, 
by which all former immunities and franchises were confirmed. The opening 
clause of his instructions were: "To keep up the religion of the church of 
England as near as may be; to be obedient to the King and do justice after 
the form of the laws of England, and not to injure the natives; and to 
forget old quarrels now buried." Trial by jury was first granted under his 
administration and an annual assembly provided. The most important clause 
in the new constitution was the stipulation that no act of the assembly 
was to be valid unless it should be ratified by the Virginia Company in 
London; and no order of the London Company was to be obligatory in the 
Colony without the concurrence of the assembly. On March 22, 1622, less 
than five months after Wyatt assumed the duties of Governor, there 
occurred the great Indian massacre under the leadership of Opechancanongh. 
Through the direction of this crafty chief, who professed great friendship 
for the Colony and thereby gained their confidence, the Indians succeeded 
in murdering 317 of the 1258 colonists then living in Virginia, and buy 
for the friendly warning of a converted Indian, who gave notice on the 
night preceding the massacre the whole colony would have been put to 
death. The effect of the massacre was to induce the frightened people to 
abandon their plantations, and force them into, and near Jamestown, 
thereby causing much destitution and sickness. Capt. John Smith was then 
in London and upon learning of the massacre made the offer to the London 
Company to protect all the settlers from the James to the Potomac rivers 
with 100 soldiers and 30 sailors. To this offer the Company replied they 
had not the means to send him to Virginia.

The first "guest house" tavern for "the exclusive accommodation of 
strangers" was built in 1621, at Jamestown by Jabez Williams.

Sir Francis Wyatt held three commissions as Governor. During his first 
administration the Virginia Company of London had their charter annulled 
by the King-June 16, 1624, and the King recommissioned him, and he was 
therefore the first Royal Governor of Virginia, until May 17, 1626, when 
as heretofore stated, he returned to Ireland.

In November 1639, he again received the appointment of Governor, and 
served until relieved by Sir William Berkeley, in February, 1642, when he 
returned to England where he died and was buried at Boxley, Kent, in 1644.

Sir George Yeardley, for the third time was commissioned Governor and 
Captain General, on March 4, 1626, and resumed the office, May 17, 1626. 
As stated heretofore, he died the November following.

Captain Francis West, as President of the Council in Virginia, was acting 
Governor of Virginia from the death of Sir Goo. Yeardley November, 1626-to 
March 5, 1629, when he left. for England. He was the younger brother of 
Lord Delaware, born October 28, 1556. He accompanied Newport to Virginia 
in 1609, and was elected a member of the Council of the Colony in the 
following August. In November, 1622, he was appointed Admiral of New 
England, and while holding this position divided his time between the two 
colonies. While on a visit to England in 1629 he strenously opposed the 
project of Lord Baltimore to found a colony in Virginia. He returned to 
Virginia in 1631, and was a member of the Council there in 1633. It is not 
known when or where he died, though there is a tradition in the family 
that he was drowned.

Doctor John Pott, as President of the Council in Virginia, succeeded 
Francis Nest, Acting Governor, from March 5, 1629, until the arrrival of 
Sir John Harvey, in March, 1630. Doctor Pott accompanied Sir Francis Wyatt 
to Virginia in 1621, as his physician, and soon thereafter he was elected 
a member of the Council in Virginia. During the July following Sir John 
Harvey's arrival in the Colony, when he superseded Doctor Pott, there 
occurred the first trial by a jury, and the first conviction under this 
new law ever in Virginia, during which Doctor John Pott, the former 
President of the Council, and who was also the former Acting Governor of 
Virginia, was tried and convicted before the first jury of the Colony, at 
Jamestown, for cattle stealing. 

Sir John Harvey, was commissioned Governor and Captain General of Virginia 
on March 28, 1628, but did not reach Virginia until March, 1630, when he 
superseded Doctor John Pott, to April 28, 1635, when lie left Virginia for 
England to answer charges against him made by the Assembly of Virginia. 
Harvey was said to be the most unpopular of all the royal governors. He 
made many enemies in the Colony by siding with Maryland in the dispute 
between that Colony and Virginia for the possession of Kent Island. It was 
charged that his actions in this contest were venal and dishonestly 
selfish. Harvey remained in England until April 2, 1636, when he returned 
to Virginia with a new Commission as Governor and Captain General from the 
King.

Captain John West, as President of the Council in Virginia was Acting 
Governor-from April 28, 1635 to April 2, 1636, when Sir John Harvey came 
again to Virginia, having been reinstated as Governor by Charles I. Harvey 
administered as Governor until displaced by Sir Francis Wyatt, in November 
1639.

Sir William Berkeley, was first commissioned Governor and Captain General, 
August 9, 1641, and reached Virginia in February, 1642. He continued to 
administer the duties of Governor until June, 1644, when he visited 
England and remained there until June, 1645. Richard Kempe acted as 
Governor during Berkeley's absence. Upon Berkeley's return to Virginia in 
1645, he resumed the duties of Governor and Captain General until April 
30, 1652, when he was superseded by Richard Bennet, who continued to act 
as Governor under Cromwell until March 30, 1655, Bennet was succeeded by 
Edward Digges as Acting Governor, from March 30, 1655 to March 13, 1658, 
when Colonel Samuel Matthews was elected by the Assembly to succeed 
Digges. Matthews served until his death in January, 1660.

There was no Governor of Virginia from the death of Matthews until March 
23, 1660, when the Assembly re-elected Sir William Berkeley, and the King 
sent him a commission as Governor, dated July 31, 1660. Berkeley 
administered the duties of Governor until April 30, 1661, when he went to 
England at the request of the Colony to protest against the enforcement of 
the Navigation Act. During his absence upon this occasion Colonel Francis 
Morryson, or Morrison acted as Deputy Governor. Berkeley returned to 
Virginia December 23, 1662, and resumed the duties of Governor until April 
27, 1676. When he was recalled by the King upon the urgent request of the 
most influential men of the Colony. In the meantime Thomas, Lord Culpeper 
was commissioned by the King, on July 8, 1675, Governor and Captain 
General of Virginia, for life. Among the important events of Berkeley's 
administration was the second Indian massacre on April 18, 1614, during 
which it is estimated there were between 400 and 500 of the colonists 
murdered. "Bacon's Rebellion," the burning of Jamestown, and the hanging 
of 23 of Bacon's followers by order of Berkeley, are among the events 
which made his administration so unpopular that his sovereign, Charles II, 
when recalling him, said: "The old fool has taken more lives in his naked 
country than I have taken for my father's murder."

His reply to the Commissioners sent from England to inquire into the 
condition of the Colony is an evidence of his intolerant character. "Thank 
God!" said he upon that occasion, "there are no free schools or printing 
presses, and I hope there will be none for a hundred years; for learning 
has brought disobedience and heresy and sects into the world, and printing 
has divulged these and other libels."

Richard Kempe, who acted as Governor during Berkeley's absence in England 
from June, 1644, to June, 1645, was a member of the Council in 1612, and 
its President in 1644. The first fast day, and Thanksgiving day ever In 
the Colony was ordered during Kempe's administration, at Jamestown on 
February 17, 1645. It was enacted by the Assembly "For God's glory and the 
publick benefit of the Collony to the end that God might avert his heavie 
judgements that are now upon us, That the last Wednesday in every month be 
sett apart for a day of (fast and humiliation, And that it be wholly 
dedicated to prayers and preaching." * * "That the eighteenth day of April 
be yearly celebrated by thanksgiving for oar deliverance from the hands of 
the salvages."

Richard Bennett, who acted as Governor from April 30, 1652, to March 30, 
1655, was a Burgess from Warrasquoyoke in 1620, and a member of the 
Council in 1642. Because of his Puritan religious beliefs he left Virginia 
for Maryland to escape persecution. From thence he went to England, and in 
1651 returned to Virginia as one of the Parliament's Commissioners to 
effect the reduction of the Colony under Cromwell. He was elected Governor 
by the Assembly, and subsequently sent to England as Agent to represent 
Virginia's interests before Parliament. In 1666 he was made Major General 
and given command of the greater number of the militia of the Colony. In 
the following year he served as Commissioner to Maryland in the endeavor 
to regulate the cultivation and sale of tobacco. The names of Randolph, 
Lee, Beverley, Bland, and Harrison are among those of his descendants 
through intermarriages. He was the owner of Wayanoak and Kicquotan 
plantations on the James.

Edward Digges, was elected President of the Council in Virginia by the 
Assembly March 30, 1655, as Governor, under Cromwell, succeeding Rennet 
until March 13, 1658, when he went to England as one of the agents of the 
Colony. He was the younger son of Sir Dudley Digges, of Chilham, County 
Dent, England, where he was born in 1620. He died at his family seat 
"Bellefield," eight miles from Williamsburg, Va., March 15, 1675. He left 
a family of seven daughters and site sons. Several of his descendants 
became prominent members the Colony.

Colonel Samuel Matthews, President of the Council under Cromwell, was 
elected Governor by the Assembly on March 13, 1658. He served until his 
death in January, 1660. He was first a member of the Council in 1620, 
where he served for many successive terms. He was County Lieutenant of 
Warwick County. In 1630 he built the first fort at Point Comfort, now 
known as "Old Point Comfort." He was humorously nicknamed the "ancient 
planter." He was much esteemed by the Colony for his honesty and 
capability as a public servant.

Colonel Samuel Matthews was the last of the Governors under the reign of 
Cromwell. He was elected by the Assembly on March 13, 1658, succeeding 
Digges, who together with Rennet, were the trio of Governors of Virginia 
during Cromwell's reign.

Major Francis Morryson, or Morrison, was the Deputy, or Lieutenant 
Governor from the departure of Berkeley to England, April 30, 1661, to the 
return of the latter to Virginia, December 23, 1662.

Morrison first reached the Colony from London in November, 1649, and soon 
thereafter Governor Berkeley gave him the command of the fort at Point 
Comfort. Subsequently he became a member of the Council. In 1656 he was 
made Speaker of the House of Burgesses. In 1663 he went to England as the 
Agent of the Colony. He died in London shortly thereafter.

Colonel Herbert Teffreys was appointed Acting Governor from April 27, 
1676, and Captain Robert Walter appointed his Deputy the day following. On 
November 11, 1676, in consequence of the death of Captain Walter, Jeffreys 
was recommissioned as Lieutenant Governor, and continued until his death 
on December 30, 1678. During his administration he succeeded in effecting 
a treaty of peace with the Indians in which they acknowledged the power of 
the Colony by each Indian town agreeing to pay annually to the Governor 
three arrows for their land, and twenty beaver skins for their protection 
by the Colony.

Sir Henry Chicheley was appointed Deputy Governor of Virginia December 30, 
1678, to the arrival of Lord Culpeper on May 10, 1680. In the following 
August Lord Culpeper returned to England where he remained until November, 
1682. During this absence of Lord Culpeper Sir Henry Chicheley acted as 
Governor. In 1667 he married the widow of Captain Ralph Wormeley of 
"Rosegill," Middlesex County, subsequently clerk of Lancaster County. In 
1656 he was a member of the House of Burgesses from Lancaster County, and 
in 1674 a member of the Council in Virginia. He died in 1692, and was 
buried at Christ Church.

Thomas Lord Culpeper, Baron of Thorsway, on July 8, 1675, was appointed 
Governor and Captain General for life, but did not reach Virginia until 
May 10, 1680. He administered the office in Virginia until August, 1680, 
when he went to England, leaving the management of the office in the 
charge of Sir Henry Chicheley. In this year, 1680, there was an act of 
Assembly creating towns in each of the several counties, where tobacco for 
shipment was to be carried. This act created so much dissatisfaction that 
on November, 1682, Lord Culpeper was sent to the Colony to quell the 
opposition to this act. He hung several of the ring leaders, and 
imprisoned others; amongst the latter was Major Robert Beverley, clerk,- 
of the House of Burgesses. Culpeper returned to England on September 17, 
1683, and died there in 1719. He was sole proprietor of the lands known as 
the "Northern Neck," heretofore described in this volume.

Colonel Nicholas Spencer, as President of the Council in Virginia, became 
the Acting Governor from the departure of Culpeper, until April 16, 1684. 
Spencer was a member of the Council and its Secretary for many successive 
terms.

Francis Howard, Baron Effingham, was commissioned Lieutenant Governor of 
Virginia, September 28, 16_3; came to Virginia and exercised the duties of 
his office from April 16, 1684, to October 20, 1688. On June 23, 1685, he 
went to Albany to meet the Governor of New York, and to treat with the 
Indians of the Five Nations, who had been making incursions into Virginia. 
At this conference the Indians concluded the treaty of peace by presenting 
to the Governors of New York and Virginia beaver and raccoon skins, and by 
digging a hole in the earth in which each chief of a tribe buried a 
hatchet. He returned in about a month. In his absence Nathaniel Bacon, 
Sr., as President of the Council, administered the duties of Governor. 
Effingham's administration of the office of Governor caused very great 
dissatisfaction in the Colony. He endeavored to obstruct the use of the 
printing press in the Colony. He dissolved the Assembly, and created a new 
court of chancery, giving himself much power. He greatly increased the 
number of fees of the Courts, and it is stated that he shared them with 
the officials. He imprisoned many who complained of his acts. In 1688 upon 
petitions to the King he was recalled.

Nathaniel Bacon, Senior, as President of the Council, acted first as 
Governor during the absence of Effingham in Albany, in 1684. Upon the 
final departure of Effingham to England, October 20, 1688, he was then 
President of the Council, and as such became the Acting Governor, until 
October 16, 1690. He was born in 1620, and died March 16, 1693. Ile was a 
cousin of Nathaniel Bacon, Junior, who was the leader of "Bacon's 
Rebellion." during the administration of Sir William Berkeley. Nathaniel 
Bacon, Senior, held many offices of honor and trust in the Colony. Ile was 
at one time Commander-in-chief of York County, and a member of the Council 
more than forty years.

Sir Francis Nicholson, reached Virginia October 16, 1690, and served as 
Lieutenant Governor until October 15, 1693, when he was appointed Governor 
of Maryland, which office he held until December 9, 1698, when he again 
was commissioned Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, and served until August 
15, 1705, when he was recalled by the King. Nicholson's first visit to 
America was as Lieutenant Governor of the Colony of New York under Sir 
Edmund Andros in 1656, when all the colonies north of the Chesapeake Bay 
were formed into one province. His administration of this latter named 
office was so unsatisfactory that he was forced to leave for England in a 
hurry.

While Governor of Virginia he proposed the establishment of a post office, 
and recommended the building of a college, in honor of William and Mary, 
he contributing with the Council about 2500 pounds in money for this 
object. The result was the charter of William and Mary College in 1633. 
The seat of government of the Colony was removed by him from Jamestown to 
Williamsburg, in 1698.

Upon Nicholson's return to England he was commissioned to fight the French 
in Canada, and subsequently filled the office of Governor of Nova Scotia, 
from 1712 to 1717, and Governor of South Carolina, from 1721 to 1725. He 
died in London March 5, 1728.

Sir Edmund Andros, was commissioned Governor of Virginia March 1, 1693, 
and reached the Colony October 16, following. He served until December 9, 
1698, when he was succeeded by Sir Francis Nicholson, as heretofore 
stated. He was born in London, December 6, 1637. He was distinguished as a 
soldier in the Dutch wars, and held several important appointments in the 
British American Colonies, amongst which were that of Governor of the 
province of New York from 1674 until 1681. He was appointed Governor of 
the several colonies consolidated to form New England, which included all 
settlements between Maryland and Canada except Pennsylvania. He made this 
administration very unpopular, by interfering with the liberty of the 
press, levied extraordinary taxes, and forced proprietors of lands to 
obtain from him new titles at great expense. He revoked the charters of 
the colonies, and it is stated he went to the Council Chamber at Hartford 
with an armed force, demanding the charter of Connecticut, which could not 
be found as it was then concealed in the famous "Charter Oak."

The Virginians welcomed him as their Governor at first for the reason he 
had advocated their request for war supplies. During his administration 
the William and Mary College was established, and an act was passed 
organizing a postoffice department for Virginia, with a central and sub-
office in each county. Thomas Neale was appointed the first postmaster, 
and the rates of postage fixed.

An act was passed during his administration establishing the first fulling 
mills in Virginia. Principally because of contentions with James Blair, 
the first President of William and Mary College, Governor Andros was 
recalled December 9, 1698, and was succeeded by Col. Francis Nicholson, as 
stated. From 1704 to 1706 Andros was Governor of Guernsey. He died in 
London, February 27, 1713.

George Hamilton (Douglas), Earl of Orkney, was appointed Governor-in-chief 
of Virginia in 1697, which office he held until his death, January 29, 
1737. He drew an annual salary as Governor-in-chief of Virginia for forty 
years, and during that period he never visited America. In early youth he 
entered the military service, and in 1695 was created Earl of Orkney for 
his gallantry. He participated in many of the battles in Ireland. He was 
made a major-general and knight of the Thistle, by (Queen Anne, and was a 
member of the House of Lords for many years.

Edward Matt, was the successor of Col. Francis Nicholson, as Lieutenant 
Governor, from August 15, 1705, to his death, August 23, 1706. Among the 
notable events of his administration was the passage of an act by the 
Assembly appropriating 3000 pounds for the building of a palace in 
Williamsburg for the Governor, and the destruction by fire of the William 
and Mary College. He was buried at Old Bruton Church, Williamsburg, where 
the General Assembly erected a monument to his memory.

Edmund Jenings, as President of the Council, succeeded Nott as Acting 
Governor, from August 23, 1706, to June 10, 1710. He was the son of Sir 
Edmund Jenings, a member of Parliament. In 1606 he was the Deputy 
Secretary of Virginia, and for many years was a member of the Council. Ha 
married Frances, the daughter of Henry Corbin, a name famous in Virginia. 
His daughter Ariana married John Randolph, Attorney General of Virginia, 
and his grandson Edmund Randolph became Governor of Virginia and Attorney 
General of the United States under Washington.

Robert Hunter, was commissioned Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, April 4, 
1707, and while on his voyage to the Colony was taken prisoner by the 
French and carried to Paris, France. Upon his release he returned to 
England, and was commissioned as Governor of New York, reaching that 
Colony in 1710, with about 200 expatriated Protestants from the palatinate 
of the Rhine whom he settled on the banks of the Hudson, and as an 
inducement for a subscription of 1,000 pounds a year for the first two 
years, he promised that the Colony would send to England tar enough to 
supply the navy forever. He returned to England in 1710, without ever 
visiting Virginia.

In 1727 he was commissioned Governor of Jamaica, where he died in 1734.

Col. Alexander Spottswood, served as the Deputy Governor of the Earl of 
Orkney, from June 23, 1710, when he first reached Virginia, until 
September 27, 1722. His ancestry was of the ancient Scottish family of 
Spotteswoode, a name which had its origin when surnames first became 
hereditary in Scotland. His progenitors were distinguished men in the 
history of Scotland. He was born in 1676, at Tangier Island, Africa; where 
his father was then physician to the Governor and the English garrison 
stationed there. When but seventeen years of age, he was an ensign in the 
Earl of Bath's regiment of foot, and rapidly rose to promotion as 
Lieutenant Colonel. He was dangerously wounded by the French at Blenheim, 
while serving under the Duke of Marlborough.

Spotswood was energetic and accomplished much far the benefit of the 
Colony. When lie reached Virginia he found her sea coasts defenseless, and 
a prey to the pirates who levied tribute, and committed dastardly crimes 
within the Colony with impunity. He ended this condition of affairs by the 
capture and execution of the famous pirate Edward Teach. He pleased the 
Colony by granting the benefit of the habeas corpus act, which had 
formerly been denied them. He made peace with the Indians and thereby 
prevented serious uprising of the powerful Five Nations.

Spotswood was the first of the Governors to encourage the extension of 
settlements into and beyond the mountain sections of Virginia. With this 
purpose in view, in 1716, the Governor healed an expedition composed of 
some of the most prominent gentlemen of the Colony. They spent two months 
in travel upon horseback, from Williamsburg and return, westward across 
the Blue Ridge Mountains, and into the beautiful Valley of Virginia. Upon 
their return the Governor established the "Transmoutane Order," or 
"Knights of the Golden Horseshoe," he giving to each of those who 
accompanied him a miniature golden horseshoe bearing the inscription, "Sic 
Jurat transcendere Montes" (thus he swears to cross the mountains). These 
were given to whoever would accept them, with the understanding that they 
would comply with the inscription. Notwithstanding this inducement it was 
not until 1732 that a permanent settlement was made west of the mountains. 
1n that year sixteen families from Pennsylvania under the guidance of a 
man named joist Rite, made settlement near the present location of 
Winchester The second. seating west of the mountains was in 1731 by Ben 
Allan and three ethers on the north branch of the Shenandoah about ten or 
twelve miles south of the present site of Woodstock. The history of the 
early settlements of the western parts of Virginia is a continuous story 
of murderous encounters, captures, and reprisals between the bold, savage 
Indian and the daring, adventurous white settlers.

Upon Spotswood's retirement from the governorship, he engaged in the 
manufacture of iron. In 1730 he was made deputy postmaster general for the 
American Colonies, which position he held until 1739. Among the names of 
his descendants are Aylett, Braxton, Brooke, Berkeley, Burwell, Bassett, 
Chiswell, Carter, Campbell, Colloway, Cullen, Claiborne, Dandridge, 
Dangerfield, Dabney, Fairfax, Fontaine, Gainer, Gilliam, Kemp, Kinlock, 
Lloyd, Lee, Leigh, Macon, Mason, Manson, Marshall, Meriwether, McDonald, 
McCarthy, Nelson, Parker, Page, Randolph, Robinson, Smallwood, Skyring, 
Taliaierro, Temple, Theweatt, Taylor, Walker, Waller, Wickham, Watkins.

In 1740 he was commissioned as Major General, and while engaged in 
collecting his forces for the expedition against Carthagena he died at 
Annapolis, Maryland, June, 7, 1740. His body was conveyed to Temple Farm, 
at Yorktown, his former country residence.

Hugh Drysdale, Lieutenant Governor from September 22, 1722, until his 
death, July 22, 1726. There was no very important event occurring to mark 
his administration.

Robert Carter, as President of the Council was Acting Deputy Governor from 
July 22, 1723, until October 13, 1727. Robert Carter was for many years 
agent for Lord Fairfax, the proprietor of the Northern Neck. Carter was 
the possessor of large landed estates and thus acquired the sobriquet of 
"King Carter." He was speaker of the House of Burgesses for several years, 
treasurer of the colony, and a member of the Council for many years, He 
built Christ Church in Lancaster County, where his body was deposited upon 
his death, August 4, 1732.

William Gooch was Lieutenant Governor from October 13, 1727, to June 7, 
1740, when he went in command of the expedition against Carthagena, which 
Spotswood was in charge of at his death. He returned to Virginia in July, 
1741 , and, again resumed the duties of Lieutenant Governor.

During his absence in command of the expedition, the duties of the office 
of Lieutenant Governor were performed by James Blair, D. D., the first 
President of William and Mary College. Through his zeal in obtaining 
contributions of money and donations of land he was of great assistance in 
the building of this college.

Gooch having returned to Virginia in 1741 remained as Lieutenant Governor 
until June 20, 1'Y413, leaving John Robinson, who was President of the 
Council, as Acting Governor.

William Anne Keppel, second Earl of Albemarle, succeeded George Hamilton, 
Earl of Orkney, as Governor-in-chief of Virginia, September 6, 1737, and 
held this title until his death in Paris, France, December 22, 1754.

He was born at Whitehall, in 1702, and received his second Christian name 
from Queen Anne who was sponsor at his baptism. He was a favorite always 
with the Crown, receiving many appointments therefrom amongst which were 
that of Captain in 1717 and Lieutenant General in 1713. During June of the 
latter year he distinguished himself at the battle of Dettingen, 
Netherlands. In 1745 he was wounded at the battle of Fontenoy.

In 1748 was embassador to Prance; in 1750 created a Knight of the Garter; 
was oracle a member of the Privy Council, and in 1752 was one of the Lords 
Justices. He eras never in Virginia.

James Blair, as President of the Council was Acting Governor from June, 
1740, to July, 1741. He was the representative of the Bishop of London in 
Virginia and as such was called Commissary Blair. He also was the founder 
of William and Mary College in 1693.

John Robinson, as President of the Council, succeeded Sir William Gooch, 
as Acting Governor from June 20, 1749, to September 5, 1749, when he died. 
His ancestors settled near Urbanna, Middlesex County, Virginia, where he 
was born in 1683. His first wife was Catherine, daughter of Robert 
Beverley, and his second was Mrs. Mary Welsh, of Essex County, Va. His 
descendants are connected through intermarriage with many of the famous 
families of Virginia.

Thomas Lee, as President of the Council upon the death of Robinson was 
acting Governor from September 5, 1749, until February 12, 1751, when he 
died.

He was a descendant of Richard Lee, who settled in Westmoreland County, 
Virginia. He was a member of the House of Burgesses for many years. He was 
the father of six sons who greatly distinguished themselves in the war for 
freedom. They were Philip Ludwell and Thomas Ludwell Lee, Richard Henry, 
Francis Lightfoot and William and Arthur Lee. General Robert E. Lee was a 
descendant in the third generation of Henry Lee, the brother of Governor 
Thomas Lee, being. a son of "Light Horse Harry" Lee.

Lewis Burwell, as President of the Council, was Acting Governor from 
February 12, 1751, until November 20, 1751. Lied in 1752. He was born at 
the family seat, known as "The Grove," in Gloucester County, Va., in 1710. 
He was a Burgess from Gloucester County in 1730, and subsequently a member 
of the Council. His ancestor, Major Lewis Burwell, settled on Carter's 
Creek in Gloucester County, Virginia, in 1640. In 1640 this ancestor was a 
member of the delegation sent to invite Charles II. to Virginia as its 
king.

Robert Dinwiddie, was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Virginia on July 
20, 1751, but did not reach the Colony until November 20, following. He 
brought with him his wife, Rebecca (nee Affleck) and their two daughters. 
He served until January, 1758, when he was relieved at his own request, 
and returned to England. He was born at the family seat, Germiston, 
Scotland, in 1693, and died at Clefton, Bristol, July 27, 1770. His 
training in official life began in 1727, as Collector of Customs in the 
Island of Bermuda, which place he held for eleven years. For his 
efficiency and vigilance in the discharge of his duties in the latter 
named office, he was rewarded by the appointment of Surveyor General of 
the Customs of the Southern Ports of the Continent of America, and was 
also made a member of the respective Councils of the American Colonies.

In 1743, he was commissioned as "Inspector General," to examine into the 
duties of the Collector of Customs, of Barbadoes, West Indies. He got into 
bad repute with the Colony by enforcing certain fees for land patents. In 
1754 the House of Burgesses sent Peyton Randolph who subsequently was 
first President of the Continental Congress-to England, as its agent, 
bearing a petition to the King for relief from these fees. It was under 
Dinwiddie's orders that Major George Washington was sent in 1753 to the 
French Commandant-Le Gardeur de St. Pierre-on the Ohio River to demand by 
whose authority an armed force had crossed the Lakes, and to urge their 
speedy return. This controversy ended with Braddock's appointment as 
Commander-in-chief in Virginia, and his defeat subsequently, near Fort 
Duquesne, on July 9, 1755. He died of his wounds on July 13, and was 
buried at a place called Great Meadows, on the roadside of his retreating 
army.

John Campbell, Fourth Earl of Loudoun, was appointed Captain General and 
Governor-in-chief of Virginia, on February 17, 1756, and on the following 
March was also commissioned as Commander-in-chief of the British forces in 
America. He was another one of the Crown favorites who enjoyed the 
emoluments of Governor-in-chief of Virginia without ever having to place 
their feet upon its soil. On the July following the receipt of his several 
commissions he reached New York, and from thence he went to Albany to 
assume command of the British forces against the French at Forts Oswego 
and Ontario, but because of his inefficiency as commander he was recalled 
to England. It is said of him that he "was like Ding George upon the sign 
posts, always on horseback but never advancing." In 1763 he was succeeded 
by Sir Jeffrey Amherst as Governor-in-chief. He died at Loudoun Castle, 
Ayrshire, on April 27, 1782.

John Blair, as President of the Council, was Acting Governor of Virginia 
from January, 1758, until the arrival of Lieutenant Governor, Francis 
Fauquier, on June 7th, following.

Blair was the son of Dr. Archibald Blair, and a nephew of Rev. James 
Blair, the first President of William and Mary College. He was born at 
Williamsburg, Va., in 1689. In 1736 was a Burgess from James City County. 
He was Deputy Auditor of the Colony from 1761 to 1768. He again served as 
Acting Governor from the death of Fauquier, March 3, 1768, until relieved 
by the arrival of Lord Botetourt, in October following. It was said of him 
that he laid a foundation brick at the building of each of the two first 
capital buildings in Williamsburg, a period of fifty years intervening. He 
died November 5, 1771, and was buried at Williamsburg, Virginia.

Francis Fauquier, was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, February 
10, 1758, and reached the Colony June 7th, following, and died in office 
March 3, 1768. Writers disagree as to his character and usefulness as the 
Chief Executive of Virginia. By some he is classed as a dissipated gambler 
of frivolous tastes, and by Thomas Jefferson, he is noted as "the ablest 
of the Governors of Virginia." During his administration the House of 
Commons passed the notorious "Stamp Act," which was contested by the 
Assembly in strong-worded resolutions, one of which is as follows: 
"Resolved, therefore, That the General Assembly of this Colony have the 
only and sole exclusive right and power to lay taxes and impositions upon 
the inhabitants of this Colony, and that every attempt to vest power in 
any person or persons whatsoever, other than the General Assembly 
aforesaid, has a manifest tendency to destroy British as well as American 
freedom." These resolutions were debated by Patrick henry and passed in 
May, 1765, during which he eloquently advocated their passage, and in the 
debate which followed, used the memorable sentence: "If this be treason, 
make the most of it." Fauquier becoming alarmed by these resolutions 
dissolved the Assembly, instead of proroguing it to a future day. Fauquier 
died at Williamsburg, Va., on April, 1768.

Sir Jeffrey Amherst was appointed Captain General and Governor-in-chief of 
Virginia, succeeding the Earl of Loudoun, in 1763. He was never in 
Virginia, and when the ministry insisted, at the instigation of the King, 
that Amherst should reside in the Colony, he resigned his commission, and 
was succeeded by Lord Botetourt, on October 28, 1768. Sir Jeffrey Amherst 
was born in Bent, England, January 29, 1717. In 1756 he was made Major 
General commanding an expedition against Louisburg. In 1753 he was 
appointed Commander-in-chief of the British Army in America. For his 
successes he was rewarded by thanks of Parliament, and created a Knight of 
the Bath. In 1771, was appointed Governor of Guernsey, and from 1778 to 
1795 was commander of the British Army. He died in Kent, England, August 
3, 1797.

Norborne Berkeley, Baron de Botetourt, was commissioned Governor-in-chief 
of Virginia, in July, 1768. He reached Virginia in the following October, 
and served until his death, October 15, 1770. He was born in North 
Gloucestershire, England, in 1718, and in 1761 was Colonel of the militia 
of his native place, and represented that shire in Parliament. In 1767 he 
was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.

His coming to Virginia was pleasing to the people who were assured by the 
King that as a mark of honor to them the residence of the Governor-in-
chief nor-in-chief should forever in the future be within the Colony.

He was noted for his polished and affable manners, and although he was not 
possessed of large means, he nevertheless was extremely luxurious in his 
habits, as instanced by his attendance upon the convening of the Assembly, 
when lie was drawn by six horses to his coach, followed by a retinue of 
guards from the Governor's palace to the capitol.

William Nelson, President of the Council, succeeded Berkeley as Acting 
Governor from October 15, 1770, until the arrival of Lord Dunmore, in 
February, 1772. Nelson died at Yorktown, York County, Virginia, the 
ancestral home of this distinguished family whose progenitor was "Scotch 
Tom" Nelson, who was born in Penrith, Cumberland County, England, and who 
subsequently came to the Colony and settled at Yorktown as a merchant.

William Nelson's sons distinguished themselves in the service of the 
Revolutionary Army, and one of them, General Thomas Nelson, Jr., while in 
command of the battery which first opened upon Yorktown against 
Cornwallis, upon learning that his home, the "Nelson House," in that town 
was being occupied by British officers, offered five guineas reward to the 
gunner for every shot he should put into the house. This mansion is yet 
standing, and by the holes visible in its walls indicates the belief that 
guineas passed hands upon that occasion.

John Murray, Fourth Earl of Dunmore, was the last of the royal Governors 
of Virginia. He was appointed Governor of New York in January, 1770, and 
Governor-in-chief of Virginia in July, 1771. He reached Virginia in 
February, 1772, and served until June 6, 1775, when he fled with his 
family, and took refuge on board the "Torrey" man-of-war. He then 
collected a band of tories, runaway negroes and a few British soldiers, 
and with a small naval force plundered the people along the James and York 
Rivers. On January 1, 1776, he set on fire and destroyed Norfolk. He 
finally established himself on Gwynn's Island, Matthews County, which he 
was soon obliged to leave. He returnee, to England, and in 1786, was 
appointed Governor of Bermuda. He died at Ramsgate, England, in May, 1809.

GOVERNORS OF THE COMMONWEALTH 1776-1907.

The list of Virginia's governors since 1776 includes some of the most 
prominent men in American history, embracing Presidents, Cabinet Officers, 
Senators, and Members of the National House of Representatives, and 
members of the State Legislature, together with famous orators, military 
commanders and jurists.

Patrick Henry, born May 29, 1736, in Hanover Co., Virginia, the first 
Governor of the State, was chosen Governor by the Assembly from June 29, 
1776, to June 1, 1779.

His education was mainly in the "Old Field Schools." He was a failure as a 
merchant and a farmer, and at the age of 29 years tool, up the study of 
law, in which occupation he developed extraordinary talent as an advocate 
of law, and won great fame a s an orator. He died at Red Hill, Charlotte 
County, Virginia, June 6, 1799.

Thomas Jefferson, born April 2, 1742, in Albemarle County, Virginia, 
Governor from June 1, 1779, to June 12, 1781.

He had served in the General Assembly, and was a member of the Continental 
Congress, and was for two terms President of the United States-1801 to 
1809. His greatest honor was that of author of the Declaration of 
Independence. Died at his home Monticello, July 4, 1826.

Thomas Nelson, Jr., born at what is now known as Yorktown, York County, 
Virginia, Dec. 26, 1738. Governor from June 12, 1781 to Nov. 30, 1781, 
when lie resigned on account of ill health. He was the son of Wm. Nelson, 
President of the Council and Acting Governor, 1770 to 1771. He was a 
renowed patriot during the Revolution, and contributed his ample means to 
the cause of freedom. Died in Hanover County, Virginia, Jan. 4, 1789.

Benjamin Harrison born in Charles City County, Virginia, in 1740. Governor 
from Nov. 30, 1781, to Nov, 30, 1784. He subsequently served in the State 
Legislature. His third son, William Henry Harrison, was the ninth 
President of the Baited States, and his great grandson, Benjamin Harrison 
was the occupant of that exalated office from 1889 to 1893. Died April, 
1791, in Charles City County, Virginia.

Patrick Henry, served a second time as Governor, from Dec. 1, 1784, to 
Dec. 1, 1786 when he resigned.

Edmund Randolph, born in Williamsburg, Virginia, Aug. 10, 1753. Governor 
from Dec. 1, 1786 to Dec. 1, 1788. Was appointed by Washington the first 
Attorney General of the United Sates. In 1791, he succeeded Thomas 
Jefferson as secretary of State in Washington's Cabinet. Died in Frederick 
County, Virginia, Sept. 12, 1813.

Beverley Randolph, born in Henrico County, Virginia, in 1754. Governor 
from Dec. 1, 1788, to Dec. 1, 1791. It was during his term that a part of 
Virginia was ceded to the United Mates for the national seat of the 
Government. This was subsequently receded to the State, and is now in the 
County of Alexandria. Died at Green Creek, Feb., 1797.

Henry Lee (Light Horse Harry), born Jan. 29, 1756, in Westmoreland County, 
Virginia. Governor from Dec. 1, 1791, to Dec. 1, 1794.

His military career, in command of "Lee's Legion," during the Revolutionary
War, gained him much distinction. He was familiarly known as "Light Horse 
Harry" Lee. Was severely wounded girded by a riotious mob in Baltimore, 
Maryland, in 1813, while in the attempt to aid his friend, the editor of 
the Federal Republican newspaper of that city. In 1813, Lee went to the 
West Indies to recover from his wounds, and on March 25, 1818, he died on 
Cumberland Island, Georgia, en route to his home.

Robert Brooke, born in 1751, was Governor from Dec. 1, 1794 to Dec. 1, 
1796. He was Attorney General of Virginia for many years. Died in 1799.

James Wood, born in Frederick County, Virginia, in 1750. Governor from 
Dec. 1, 1796, to Dec. 1, 1799. During the Revolutionary War he gained a 
high reputation as an officer. In recognition of his services Wood County, 
nom in West Virginia, was named in his honor. Died in Richmond City, 
Virginia, June 16, 1813.

James Monroe, barn in Westmoreland County, Virginia, April 28, 1758. In 
1825 removed to Loudoun County, Virginia, where he was chosen justice of 
the peace. Was the author of the famous "Monroe Doctrine." Was twice 
elected Governor; the first term from Dec. 1, 1799 to Dec. 1, 1802. During 
this term occurred what is known as "Gabriel's Insurrcetian," an uprising 
of slaves for their freedom, which he promptly quelled. Was one of the 
Commissioners (with Livingstone) to France to negotiate the Louisiana 
Purchase. Was twice elected President of the United States. Died in New 
York City, July 4, 1831. His remains were brought to Virginia, July 5, 
1858, to Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond.

Johan Page, born at "Rosewell," Gloucester County, Virginia, April 17, 
1743. This was the famous seat of the Indian Emperor, Powhatan tan, and 
the piece of rescue of Captain John Smith by Pocahontas. He was 
distinguished for his ardor in the cause of freedom during the 
Revolutionary War. It is said he stripped the lead covering from his 
mansion to mould into bullets for his command. Was Governor from Dec. 1, 
1802, to Dec. 1, 180. Died in Richmond City, Virginia, Oct. 11, 1808, and 
was buried in St. John's Churchyard.

William H. Cabell, born Dec. 16, 1772, at Boston Bill, Cumberland County, 
Virginia. Governor from Dec. 1, 1805, to Dec. 1, 1808. Was subsequently 
elected Judge of the General Court, and later Judge of the Court of 
Appeals. Died in Richmond, Virginia, January 12, 1853.

John Tyler, born Feb. 28, 1747, in James City County, Virginia. Governor 
from Dec. 1, 1808, to January 11, 1811. Was subsequently appointed by 
President Madison Judge of the U. S. District Court of Virginia. Was the 
father of John Tyler who was Governor in 1825 to 1827, and Vice President, 
and subsequently President of the United States. Died Jan. 6, 1813, at his 
home.

James Monroe, Governor from Jan. 11, 1811, to Nov. 25, 1811, when he 
resigned to accept the office of Secretary of State in President Madison's 
Cabinet. This was his second term as Governor. Served two successive terms 
as President of the United States, from 1817 to 1825.

George William Smith, born in 1730, in Essex County, Virginia. Lieutenant 
Governor and Acting Governor from Nov. 25, 1811, to Dec. 26, 1811. Was one 
of the victims of the burning of the Richmond, Virginia, theatre, while 
trying to rescue his little son, on the night of Dec. 26, 1811.

Peyton Randolph, born in Williamsburg, Virginia, was the son of former 
Governor Edmund Randolph.. He was Acting Governor and senior member of the 
Council of State, from Dec. 26, 1811, to Jan. 3, 1812.

James Barbour, born in Orange County, Virginia, June 10, 1775. Governor 
from Jan. 3, 1812, to Dec. 1, 1814. During his term the second war with 
Great Britain occurred. It is said he was so patriotic as to pledge his 
own fortune to aid the State in raising funds to equip the soldiers of 
Virginia during that war. Was member of the United States Senate from 1815 
to 1825. Barbour County, now in West Virginia, was named in his honor. 
Died at Barboursville, Barbour County, then in the State of Virginia, June 
7, 1842.

Wilson Cary Nicholas, born in Williamsburg, Virginia. Jan. 31, 1761. 
Governor from Dec. 1, 1814, to Dec. 1, 1816. Before his election as 
Governor he had served in the United States House of Representatives, and 
in the United States Senate. Died Oct. 10, 1820, at the home of Thomas 
Jefferson Randolph, his son-in-law, near Melton, Cabell County, West 
Virginia.

James B. Preston, born in Montgomery County, Virginia, June 21, 1774. 
Governor from Dec. 1, 1816, to Dec. 1, 1819. His ancestors came from 
Londonderry, Ireland. Was Colonel of 12th U. S. Infantry during 1812-13, 
and was severely wounded in the war with Great Britain. The University of 
Virginia was established during his term. He was subsequently made 
postmaster at Richmond, Virginia. Died May 4, 1843, in Montgomery County. 
Preston County, now in West Virginia, was named in his honor.

Thomas Mann Randolph, born in Goochland County, Virginia, Oct. 1, 1765. 
Governor from Dec. 1, 1819, to Dec. 1, 1822. Was honored as one of 
Virginia's heroes during the war with Great Britain, 1812-15. His wife was 
Martha Jefferson, daughter of Thomas Jefferson. Was member of United 
States Congress from 1803 to 1807. Died at Monticello, the home of his 
father-in-law, June 20, 1828.

James Pleasants, Jr., born in Goochland County, Virginia, Oct. 24, 1769. 
Governor from Dec. 1, 1822, to Dec. 1, 1825. Was member of Virginia, 
Legislature, 1789 to 1799 and subsequently was Clerk) of Virginia House of 
Delegates. Was member of the United States House of Representatives. Died 
in Goochland County, Virginia, Nov. 9, 1836.

John Tyler, born at Greenway, Charles City County, Virginia, March 29, 
1790. Governor from Dec. 1, 1825, to March, 1827, when he resigned to 
succeed John Randolph in the United States Senate, and in 1833 was re-
elected to United States Senate. Was the son of former Governor John 
Tyler. Was member of Virginia House of Delegates in 1811 and 1823, and was 
member of United States Congress, 1816 to 1821. Was Vice-President of the 
United States from March 4, 1841, to April 4, 1841, when he succeeded to 
the office of President of the United States upon the death of President 
William Henry Harrison. Member of Confederate Congress during the Civil 
War. Died in the "Ballard" House, Richmond, Virginia, Jan. 17, 1862, and 
was buried at Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia.

William B. Giles, born in Amelia County, Virginia, Aug. 12, 1762. Governor 
from March, 1827, to March, 1830. Was elected to the United States Senate 
in 1804. Died at the family seat, known as "The Wigwam," in Amelia County, 
Virginia, Dec. 4, 1830. Giles County was named in his honor.

John Flood, born in Jefferson County, now in West Virginia, April 24, 
1783. Governor from March, 1830, to March, 1834. Was surgeon in the army 
during the second war with great Britain, 1812 to 1815. Was a member of 
United States Senate before his election as Governor. During his term as 
Governor occurred what is known as the "Nat Turner Insurrection," of 
slaves, which terminated after the killing of a few of the whites. Died in 
Montgomery County, Virginia, Aug. 15, 1837. Floyd County, Virginia, named 
in his honor.

Littleton W. Tazewell, born in Accomac County, Virginia, Dec. 17, 1774. 
Governor from March, 1834, to April 30, 1830, when he resigned because of 
disagreement with State Legislature. Was member of the United States House 
of Representatives at a very early age. Was subsequently a member of the 
United States Senate. Died in Norfolk, Virginia May 6, 1860.

Wyndham Robertson, born near the site of Manchester Chesterfield County, 
Virginia, Jan. 26, 1803. Governor from April 30, 1836 to March, 1837, this 
being the remainder of the term of Governor Tazewell. Died at his home ins 
Washington County, Virginia, Feb. 11, 1888.

David Campbell, born in Smyth County, Virginia, Aug. 2, 1779. Governor 
from March, 1837, to March, 1840. He gained distinction during the War of 
1812 to 1815. Died March 19, 1859, at Abingdon, Washington County, 
Virginia.

Thomas Walker Gilmer, born in Albemarle County, Virginia, April 6, 1802. 
Governor from March, 1840, to March 18, 1841, when he resigned because of 
disagreement with the State Legislature relative to controversy with 
Governor Seward, of New York, concerning the surrender of men accused of 
abducting slaves from Virginia. Was subsequently elected to the United 
States Congress, and Chairman of Ways and Means Committee in that body. 
Was Secretary of Navy in President Tyler's Cabinet. Was killed in the 
explosion of United States Steamer Princeton, in 1844.

John Mercer Patton, born in Fredericksburg, Va., Aug. 10, 1797. On the 
resignation of Governor Gilmer, be was senior councilor, and as such 
Acting Governor, until the expiration of his term as senior councilor, 
March 31, 1841. Died in Richmond City, Virginia, Oct. 28, 1858.

John Rutherford, born in Richmond City, Virginia, Dec. 2, 1792. Was Senior 
Councilor upon the expiration of Acting Governor John Mercer Patton's 
term, and as such served as Acting Governor, from March 31, 1841, to March 
31, 1842, when his term also as Senior Councilor expired, and therefore 
his term as Acting Governor also expired. Died in Richmond City, Virginia, 
Aug. 3, 1866.

John M. Gregory, barn in Charles City County, Virginia, July 8, 1804. At 
the expiration of Acting Governor Rutherford's term as Senior Councilor, 
he succeeded as Acting Governor and Senior Councilor, from March 31, 1842, 
to Jan. 1, 1843. This completed the unexpired term to which Governor 
Gilmer had been elected. He was know=n as a man of great energy, and 
perseverance. He began life as a farm hand, and by his own industry 
succeeded in obtaining the highest honor in the State. Died in 
Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1887, and was buried at Shockoe Hill Cemetery, 
Richmond City, Virginia.

James McDowell, born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, Oct. 11, 1795. 
Governor from Jan. 1, 1843, to Jan. 1, 1846. Was subsequently elected to 
the United States House of Represen,tatives. Died at Lexington, Rockbridge 
County, Virginia, Aug. 24, 1851.

William Smith, born in King George County, Virginia, Sept. 6, 1797. 
Governor from Jan. 1, 1846, to Jan. 1, 1849. At the expiration of his term 
he emigrated to California, where he remained two years, after which he 
returned to Virginia, and was made a member of the United States House of 
Representatives four successive terms. Contracted for carrying United 
States mail from Washington to Milledgeville, Georgia, in 1831, and 
because of his repeated demands for extra compensation was given the nick 
name of "Extra Billy." Was Colonel of the 47th Virginia Volunteers during 
the Civil War, at the age of 64, and was promoted to Major General in the 
Confederate Army. Was again Governor of Virginia, at the date of the 
evacuation of Richmond City, by the Confederate Army. Died in Warrenton, 
Fauquier County, Virginia. May 18, 1887.

John B. Floyd, born in that part of Montgomery County, Virginia, now 
Pulaski County, June 1, 1806. Governor from Jan. 1, 1849, to Jan. 1, 1852. 
Was son of former Governor John Floyd. Was Secretary of War in President 
Buchanan's Cabinet. May, 1861, was made Brigadier General in the 
Confederate Army. Died Aug. 26, 1863, near Abingdon, Washington County, 
Virginia.

Joseph Johnson, born in Orange County, New York, Dec. 10, 1785. Governor 
from Jan. 1, 1852, to Jan. 1, 1856. He was the first Governor since the 
Revolutionary War born outside of the State, and the, first Governor of 
Virginia elected by popular vote, when the term of office was extended to 
four years. Prior to this election the governors of Virginia were elected 
by the General Assembly. He served eight terms in the United States House 
of Representatives Died Feb. 27, 1877.

Henry A. Wise, born at Drummondtown, Accomac County, Virginia, Dec. 3, 
1803. Governor from Jan. 1, 1856, to Jan. 1, 1860. His paternal 
grandfather was county Lieutenant of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Linder 
King George III. His maternal grandfather, General John Cropper, won 
distinction during the Revolutionary War. His family was greatly 
distinguished in Virginia. The Governor was highly educated, and prominent 
as a debater. During his term occurred the "John Brown" raid at Harpers 
Ferry to free the slaves. Was a member of the United States House of 
Representatives six terms. Was Brigadier General in the Confederate Army 
during the Civil War. Died in Richmond City, Va., Sept. 12, 1876.

John Letcher, born at Lexington, Rockbridge County, Virginia, March 29, 
1813. Governor from Jan. 1860, to Jan. 1, 1864. During his term the State 
of Virginia seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of 
America. He was a self made man, of Scotch Irish descent. Was a member of 
the United States House of Representatives prior to his election as 
Governor. Died in Lexington, Rockbridge County, Virginia Jan. 26, 1884.

William Smith, Governor from Jan. 1, 1864, to May 9, 1865. This was his 
second term; his first term extended from 1846 to 1849. When Richmond City 
was evacuated by the Confederate forces, Apr. 3, 1865, he moved the seat 
of Government to Lynchburg, and subsequently to Danville. He finally 
surrendered to the Federal authorities.

Francis H. Pierpont, born in Monongalia County, now in West Virginia, Jan. 
25, 1815. Governor of the western counties of Old Virginia, now in West 
Virginia, which refused to secede from the Union. His headquarters were 
established at Wheeling, now in West Virginia, where he remained until 
these western counties were admitted into the Union as a separate State, 
under the name of West Virginia, June 19, 1863, when he established his 
headquarters at Alexandria City, Virginia, until May, 1865, when he moved 
to Richmond, Virginia, after its evacuation by the Confederate government. 
Here he continued to exercise the duties of the office until the 
appointment of Henry FL Wells as Provisional Governor under military rule, 
Apr. 16, 1868. Died in Pittsburg, Pa., March 24, 1899. Was one of the 
Governors who was born in a log cabin.

Henry H. Wells, born in Rochester, New York, Sept. 17, 1823. Was 
Provisional Governor from April 16, 1868, to April 21, 1869. Appointed by 
General Schofield, of the Federal Army, commanding the First Military 
District of Virginia. Was Brigadier General in Federal Army during the 
Civil War. Was a practicing attorney at law in Richmond City, Virginia, 
when appointed governor.

Gilbert C. Walker, born in Binghampton, New York, Aug. 1, 1832. 
Provisional Governor from April 21, 1869, to Jan. 1, 1870, appointed by 
General E. R. S. Canby of the Federal Army, who succeeded General 
Schofield as Commander First Military District of Virginia, under the 
Reconstruction Acts of the United States Congress. Walker was elected 
Governor by the Liberal, or Conservative Party, and served from Jan. 1, 
1870 to Jan. 1, 1874. Was subsequently elected to Congress from Virginia 
on the Conservative Party ticket. He removed to New York City where he 
died May 12, 1885.

James L. Kemper, born in Madison County, Virginia, June 12, 1823. Governor 
from Jan. 1, 1874, to Jan. 1, 1878. Served as a Captain in the Mexican War 
under General Zachary Taylor. Was Brigadier General in the Confederate 
Army during the Civil War. Died in Orange County, Virginia, April 7, 1895.

Frederick W. M. Holliday, born in Winchester, Va., Feb. 22, 1827. Governor 
from Jan. 1, 1878, to Jan. 1, 1882. Was Colonel of the 33rd. Virginia 
infantry of the famous "Stonewall Jackson" Brigade. Was also a member of 
the Confederate Congress. His ancestors were of Scotch Irish descent. Died 
in Winchester, Virginia, May 29, 1899.

William F. Cameron, born in Petersburg, Virginia, Nov. 29, 1842. Governor 
from Jan. 1, 1882, to Jan. 1, 1886. Was elected on the Readjuster ticket; 
his opponent was Hon. John W. Daniel, one of the present United States 
Senators from Virginia. Was Captain in the Confederate Army, and won fame 
as an editor at several respective periods, of the Index-Appeal, Norfolk 
Virginian, and Richmond Whig, of the public press, of Virginia. He is one 
of the living ex-governors of Virginia.

Fitzhugh Lee, born at Clermount, Fairfax County, Virginia, Nov. 19, 1835. 
Governor from Jan. 1, 1886 to Jan. 1, 1890. He was of the famous family of 
Lees in Virginia. Governor Henry Lee, 1791 to 1794, was his paternal 
grandfather, and George Mason, a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, was his great grandfather on the maternal side. Was a 
graduate of West Point U. S. Military Academy, and subsequently Lieutenant 
of the Second U. S. Cavalry, doing service in the West prior to the Civil 
War, during which latter period he entered the Confederate Army and was 
appointed Brigadier General. After the close of the Civil War he enjoyed 
the unique distinction of again being appointed an officer in the United 
States Army. This latter appointment as U. S. Brigadier General-was made 
by President McKinley, who served in the Federal Army daring the period of 
the Civil War, while Fitzhugh Lee was a Brigadier General in the 
Confederate Army. Died in Washington, D. C., April 28, 1905.

Philip W. McKinney, born in Buckingham County, Virginia, March 17, 1834. 
Governor from Jan. 1, 1890, to Jan. 1, 1894. Was Captain of the Buckingham 
Troop in the Confederate Army. Was member of State Legislature. His 
opponent in the election for Governor was the famous ex-Confederate 
General William Mahone. Died in Farmville, Prince Edward County, Virginia, 
March 1, 1899.

Charles T. O'Ferrall, born in Frederick County, Virginia, Oct. 21, 1840. 
Governor from Jan. 1, 1894, to Jan. 1, 1898. Enlisted as a private in the 
Confederate Army, and promoted to Colonel. Was elected several terms to 
the United States House of Representatives from his native State.

J. Hoge Tyler, born in Caroline County, Virginia, Aug. 11, 1846. Governor 
from Jan. 1, 1898, to Jan. 1, 1902. Like many of the famous men of 
Virginia he attended the "Old Field Schools." Was formerly Lieut. 
Governor, and member of the Virginia Legislature. He was the third Tyler 
to fill the exalted office of Governor, and noted as his predecessors as 
an exemplar of the unpretentious, thorough Virginia gentleman. Living.

Andrew J. Montague, born in Campbell Co., Virginia, Oct. 3, 1862. Governor 
from Jan. 1, 1902, to Feb. 1, 1906, the term extended under the new 
Constitution. His father, Robert L. Montague, a distinguished jurist and 
statesman of Middlesex County, Virginia, was familiarly nicknamed the "Red 
Fox of Middlesex" because of the color of his hair and the able manner in 
which he managed his cases in court. In 1893 was appointed by President 
Cleveland United States District Attorney for the Western District of 
Virginia. Was elected Attorney General of Virginia in 1888. Living.

Claude A. Swanson-The present incumbent-was elected Governor to serve from 
Feb. 1, 1906, to Feb. 1, 1910. Is one of the energetic men who rise by 
self effort. Taught school, clerked in store, and graduated in law. Was 
member of the United States House of Representatives for six terms. Born 
in Swansonville, Pittsylvania County, Virginia.