A family with more uncertainties than anything else. One definitive item—the long Welsh line from Owain Gwynedd through Rhodri, Caradog, Gruffudd, Dafydd, Kywel, Maredudd, Ifan, and Morys et alia is not a connection. Words change meaning over time. In 1610, for example, adventurer meant investor. Most mentions in Virginia Company records were thus of investors. As to Hugh, the story is that Powhatan gave him Gwynn’s Island after he rescued Pocahontas when she became exhausted while swimming the Pianketank. Such stories are alas a requisite. Hugh did arrive in 1621, settling in what became York County. He was granted 1,700 acres in Gloucester in 1652. Was he father to the Reverend John? Was John in turn father to Edmund? At best a quasilogical surmise.
Sources: Dorman, Purse and Persons, pp. 118, 145, 273; du Bellet, Some Prominent Virginia Families, vol. 4, pp. 8, 12–13, 75–76; Hening's Statutes, vol. 1, p. 374; vol. 8, pp. 483–86; Tyler, "Historical and Genealogical Notes," pp. 60–61.
generation no. 1
Colonel Hugh Gwynn, died c 1657. Served in House of Burgesses for Charles River, York, and Gloucester Co. Acquired 600 acres on the Potomac as well as 1,700 in Gloucester Co. Married Elizabeth Fielding, his executrix.
generation no. 2
The Reverend John Gwynn. Rector of Ware Parish, Gloucester Co., 1672–74, and of Abingdon Parish, 1674–88. Married possibly a Margaret Keeble.
generation no. 3
Doctor Edmund Gwynn, will dated 22 March 1683. Married Lucy Bernard.
generation no. 4
Lucy Gwynn, born c 1670–75, not married at her father's death c 1683, died 22 November 1731. Married 4 January 1694 Thomas Reade (see p. 221).
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