William Fitzhugh
William Fitzhugh was a notable figure in colonial Virginia, born in 1651 in Bedford, England, to a wealthy wool draper. He immigrated to the American colonies around 1670, settling in Stafford and King George County, where he became a lawyer and a respected member of the community. Fitzhugh married Sarah Tucker around 1674, potentially acquiring land as part of her dowry, and he raised a family that would become influential in American history. His literary contributions primarily consist of personal letters written between 1679 and 1699, which provide insightful glimpses into everyday life during that era. Although he supported the Stuart monarchy and was a Catholic, which compelled him to take the Oath of Allegiance in 1693, Fitzhugh remained an active participant in the colonial economy as a merchant, planter, and shipper. He engaged in various agricultural ventures, including attempts to cultivate olives, to diversify his plantation’s output beyond tobacco. Fitzhugh continued to practice law and manage his business interests until his death in 1701.
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William Fitzhugh
Lawyer
- Born: June 9, 1651
- Birthplace: Bedford, England
- Died: October 21, 1701
- Place of death: Stafford County, Virginia
Biography
The youngest son of a wealthy wool draper, William Fitzhugh was born in Bedford, England in 1651. Fitzhugh’s literary contributions consist of personal letters and correspondence written between 1679 and 1699. This collection of letters offers valuable historical information about everyday life in colonial Virginia. Fitzhugh lived his life as a lawyer. Around 1670, when Fitzhugh came to the United States, he helped settle Stafford and King George County in Virginia. Fitzhugh married Sarah Tucker around 1674 and may have acquired his land as partial dowry for her. It is here that Fitzhugh would raise his family. He descendants would become members of prominent family in American history. In 1693, Fitzhugh was forced to take the Oath of Allegiance because he supported the Stuarts and was a papist. That same year he also finished writing a brief history of Virginia to serve as preface to his edition of the colony’s law. The history was never published, however, and the manuscript no longer exists.
Aside from working as a lawyer, Fitzhugh held positions as a merchant, planter and shipper. His letters show that he was a busy, practical man who was well respected in the law profession. He also participated in speculative farming ventures, such as growing olives, in attempts to reduce his plantation’s dependence on tobacco. Fitzhugh continued to live in Virginia, where he practiced law and pursued other business interests, until his death in 1701.