Colonel Thomas Andrew Dew (10th great-grandfather)(c. 1625–1661) was a central political and military figure in 17th-century Virginia. Arriving in the colony during its formative decades, he rose to become one of the most powerful colonial officials of his era.
Political Rise & The Speaker's Chair
Dew established his landholdings in Nansemond County along the lower James River. His political career unfolded rapidly through the Virginia House of Burgesses:
- Burgess for Nansemond County: He served across multiple assemblies throughout the 1640s and 1650s, representing local planter interests.
- Speaker of the House of Burgesses (1652–1653): Elected Speaker during the English Commonwealth period, Dew led the assembly through delicate negotiations following the execution of King Charles I, ensuring Virginia retained legislative autonomy under Oliver Cromwell's rule.
- Member of the Governor's Council (1655–1660): Elevated to the colony's highest executive body, advising the Governor and serving on the General Court.
Expeditions & Land Holdings
As a militia colonel, Dew helped organize coastal defenses and expand trade routes:
- The Outer Banks Expedition (1656): Authorized by the General Assembly, Dew led an exploratory sea voyage along the coast between Cape Hatteras and Cape Fear to map navigational channels and establish trade alliances with indigenous nations.
- Plantation Estate: He accumulated thousands of acres in Nansemond and surrounding counties, helping pioneer the early tobacco export trade.
Key Historical & Family Timeline
Year | Milestone |
c. 1625 | Born in Kingston Lisle, Berkshire, England. |
c. 1642 | Arrived in Virginia; established seat in Nansemond County. |
1652 | Elected Speaker of the House of Burgesses at Jamestown. |
1655 | Appointed to the Governor's Council. |
1656 | Commissioned to explore the North Carolina coastal waters. |
1661 | Died in Jamestown, Virginia. |
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