Henry Fitzhugh (burgess)

Henry Fitzhugh (1706 – December 6, 1742) was an American planter and soldier who served two terms in the House of Burgesses representing then-vast Stafford County and was an unsuccessful candidate for Speaker.^[1]

Early and family life[]

The only son of William Fitzhugh of "Eagles' Nest" was born in what was then Stafford County (but became King George County, Virginia) and a member of the First Families of Virginia. His grandfather, had acquired large estates in Virginia, operated them using enslaved labor and divided them among his five sons. Young Henry was sent to England to be educated at Christ Church, Oxford University.

After returning to the Virginia colony, this Henry Fitzhugh married Lucy Carter, daughter of "King Carter" of Corotoman plantation and the largest landowner in Virginia of his day.

Career[]

Like other members of his family, Henry Fitzhugh operated large plantations acquired by his father and by using enslaved labor. When Stafford County reorganized and King George County, Virginia was created, most would be in King George County, Virginia.

Stafford County voters elected him as one of their representatives in the House of Burgesses in 1736, and he won re-election in 1742, although he died during that legislative term. He succeeded his cousin Major John Fitzhugh, who died in 1733, and served alongside fellow planter John Peyton. Planter John Hedgman succeeded to the seat following Fitzhugh's death.^[2] Henry Fitzhugh had served as lieutenant colonel of the Stafford County militia and unsuccessfully campaigned to become speaker of the House of Burgesses.

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