Christopher Reynolds (politician) facts for kids

Christopher Reynolds was an important person in early Virginia Colony. He was a farmer who became a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses for a short time in 1652. He was chosen to speak out against problems caused by the person who held the position before him.

Christopher Reynolds is also known for being an ancestor of famous people like R. J. Reynolds (who started a tobacco company) and Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as "Mark Twain," the famous writer.

Early Life in England and Virginia

Christopher Reynolds was born in 1611 in Gravesend, England. His parents were George Reynolds and Thomasyn Church.

Journey to the New World

In 1622, when he was just eleven years old, Christopher traveled to the Virginia Colony. He sailed on a ship called the John & Francis with other family members, including his brother Thomas. They arrived during a difficult time for the colonists.

At first, Christopher and his family lived in Jamestown. Later, they moved across the James River to an area called Warrascoyack County. This area is now known as Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Christopher worked there as an indentured servant. This meant he agreed to work for someone for a certain number of years to pay for his trip to America. He lived and worked on Edward Bennett's Plantation until at least 1625.

Life as a Settler and Family Man

By 1636, Christopher Reynolds had started his own farm. He settled on about 450 acres (182 hectares) of land in what became Isle of Wight County. His land was close to a place called Pagan Creek.

Family Life

Christopher married a woman named Elizabeth. She was a widow and already had two children. Together, Christopher and Elizabeth raised seven children. Some of their children were mentioned in Christopher's will, a legal document made before he died in 1654. These children included his sons Christopher, John, and Richard, and his daughters Abbasha and Jane. Elizabeth also had a stepson named George Rivers. Another son, Thomas, was born after Christopher wrote his will.

Serving in the House of Burgesses

In 1652, Christopher Reynolds was chosen to be a representative in the Virginia House of Burgesses. This was an important group of people who made laws for the Virginia Colony. Even though he was a farmer, he served in this role for one session.