Henry Fitzhugh (January 15, 1706 – December 6, 1742) was an American planter and soldier who served two terms in the House of Burgesses representing then-vast Stafford County and was an unsuccessful candidate for Speaker.[1]
Henry Fitzhugh | |
|---|---|
| Member of the House of Burgesses from Stafford County | |
| In office 1736–1742 Serving with John Peyton | |
| Preceded by | John Fitzhugh |
| Succeeded by | James Waugh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 15, 1706 "Eagle's Nest", Stafford County, Virginia, British America |
| Died | December 16, 1742 (aged 36) "Eagle's Nest", King George County, Virginia, British America |
| Spouse | Lucy Carter |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford University |
Early and family life edit
The only son of William Fitzhugh of "Eagles' Nest" was born in what was then Stafford County (but became King George County, Virginia) and was a member of the First Families of Virginia. His grandfather, William Fitzhugh had acquired large estates in Virginia, operated them using indentured and enslaved labor, then divided them among his five sons. Young Henry was sent to England to be educated at Christ Church, Oxford University.
After returning to the Virginia colony, this Henry Fitzhugh married Lucy Carter, daughter of "King Carter" of Corotoman plantation and the largest landowner in Virginia of his day.
Career edit
Like other members of his family, Henry Fitzhugh operated large plantations acquired by his father and by using indentured and enslaved labor. When Stafford County reorganized and King George County, Virginia was created, most would be in King George County, Virginia.
Stafford County voters elected Fitzhugh as one of their representatives in the House of Burgesses in 1736, and he won re-election in 1742, although he died during that legislative term. He succeeded his cousin Major John Fitzhugh, who died in 1733, and served alongside fellow planter John Peyton. Planter John Hedgman succeeded to the seat following Fitzhugh's death.[2] Henry Fitzhugh also served as lieutenant colonel of the Stafford County militia and unsuccessfully campaigned to become speaker of the House of Burgesses.
References edit
- ^ Lyon Gardiner Tyler, Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography (1915) p. 235.
- ^ Cynthia Miller Leonard, The Virginia General Assembly 1619-1978 (Richmond: Virginia State Library 1978) pp. 77, 79