William Byrd II (March 28 1674 – August 26 1744) was an colonial writer, lawyer and planter. His writings are remembered due to his excellent narratives while working as a surveyor, several of which have been published in both literature and historical textbooks.
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Fun Facts about William Byrd II:
- William Byrd was born in Henrico County, Virginia. His father, William Byrd I, was a planter, trader, and public official.
- His mother, Mary Horsmanden Filmer, took him to England around 1676 where he started school a few years later. The goal for his father was to make him an educated gentleman and be familiar with aristocrats.
- The plan succeeded; young Mr. Byrd even apprenticed in tobacco commerce for two years, learning about commerce and acquiring social graces.
- Eventually, William Byrd II graduated with a law degree and was admitted to the bar.
- 15 years after leaving, Mr. Byrd returned to Virginia and was elected to the House of Burgesses, but he withdrew to return to London and practice law. There, he became the London agent for the Virginal Governor’s Council.
- In 1705, after his father died, William Byrd returned to Virginia and inheriting his father’s fortune which made him one of the richest men in the colony.
- He married Lucy Parke Byrd due to her father’s aristocratic connections. However, he also accepted his debts in exchange for lands. The debt burdened him throughout his life.
- Despite treating Lucy as a subordinate and not being a warm father, he suffered greatly when she died in 1716. He married again to Jane Byrd, who was 25 years younger.
- The History of the Dividing Line was William Byrd II most influential work and is featured often in literature about Colonial America.
- William Byrd II is credited with establishing the cities of Petersburg and Richmond – both in Virginia.
More Books by William Byrd II*
Zohar – Man of la Book
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William Byrd (1674–1744) | Encyclopedia Virginia
William Byrd of Westover American: colonial diarist | Britannica
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Fun Facts Friday: William Byrd II
DescriptionWilliam Byrd II (March 28 1674 – August 26 1744) was an colonial writer, lawyer and planter. His writings are remembered due to his excellent narratives while working as a surveyor, several of which have been published in both literature and historical textbooks.
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