Ancient Archives Among the Cornstalks by John A. Ward

The relationship between SETH WARD and JOHN WARD has not been established. Mention of the plantation ceased after that date although CAPTAIN WARD received a new grant or reaffirmation of his old one in June 1623. Most likely the twelve people killed at Lieutenant Gibbs' 'Dividend' referred to the Ward Plantation. 'The people there, are said, to have dealt falsely with him, so he took 800 bushels of corne per force.' Such acts probably had a bearing on the massacre of 1622, which may have ended the Ward Plantation story as it did the story of other settlements in early Virginia. In the fall of 1620 Captain Ward was again trading on the Potomas.

Perhaps he fulfilled his obligation when his old indenture was passed again under the seal on in the name of 'CAPT JOHN WARDE and his associates.' He was allowed to take his seat with the cavea that he agree to a lawful commission. They did recognize his support of the Colony and that he had adventured his person. His Lieutenant, JOHN GIBBS, attended and CAPTAIN WARD served on the Assembly committee that examined the first and third books of the 'Great Charter.' Initially the Burgesses challened his representation on the grounds that he had seated in Virginia without authority or commission. When he returned in July he made his contribution to the general store.Ĭaptain Ward's plantation was among those that sent representatives to the first Assembly of Jamestown in July and August 1619. Soon after arriving in the Colony, CAPTAIN WARD found himself on the New England coast fishing in order to aid Virginia's food supply. They were included in the eleven people 'Who had undertaken to transport to Virginia great multitudes of people, with store of cattell.'

CAPTAIN BARGRAVE in 1622 claimed the distinction of having 'undertaken to be the first planter of a private colony in Virginia.' īoth CAPTAIN WARD and CAPTAIN BARGRAVE were among those granted patents in the year 1619. Several members of the Bargrave family were with Captain Ward. He was in some sort of association with CAPTAIN JOHN BARGRAVE who was involved in Virginia trade and colonization. He selected 1,200 acres west of Martin's Brandon, adjoining a creek on the south side of the James River which still bears his name. Samuel Argall later placed the date as 1618. in his book, The First Seventeen Years Virginia 1607-1624 (pp 73-74) writes that CAPTAIN JOHN WARD arrived in the Colony of Virginia on Apaboard the ship Sampson with about 50 emigrants to establish a private plantation.

Ancient Archives Among the Cornstalks by John A. Ward