I’ve found another fascinating part of my family tree recently that has me itching to take a road trip!

My 9th-great-grandfather, Colonel James wood, founded the town of Winchester, Virginia in the mid 1700s. He was born in Winchester, England, which is why he decided to name the town what he did.

He was a lieutenant in the English navy before becoming a colonel for the Frederick County militia, and even studied at Oxford University. He came to Virginia on a military trip, then bought land there and settled into life away from England.

One of the most fascinating parts of his story to me is that it is said he was friends with none other than George Washington himself! The two served alongside each other against the French in 1754.

Colonel Wood was also the first clerk of Frederick county court, and was said to have a large amount of political influence.

His son, James Jr., also went on to participate in political and government-related positions in Frederick county, and fought as a colonel in the revolutionary war.

I hope to uncover even more about this part of my family history, and I would love to take a trip to Virginia soon to do even further research.

One of my favorite parts of learning history are things like this; finding the most interesting and unexpected facts and information which lead me down rabbit holes to cure my curiosity.

Reference: https://www.handleyregional.org/services/departments/archives/manuscripts/w/173-WFCHS

– A.B.