Henry Cary Jr. facts for kids

Henry Cary Jr. was an important builder and landowner in early America. He lived in the 1700s and helped construct many famous buildings in Colonial Virginia. He was known for his work on important public buildings.

Early Life and Family

Henry Cary Jr. was born in Colonial Virginia in the late 1600s. His parents were Henry Cary Sr. and Judith Lockey Cary. Henry likely learned about building from his father, who was also a contractor.

He married three times during his life. Henry Cary Jr. had seven children. Three children were with his first wife, Sarah Sclater. He had four more children with his second wife, Ann Edwards.

Building Projects in Colonial Virginia

Henry Cary Jr. started working in construction after his father retired around 1710. He took over many important building jobs. In 1720, he was given permission to work on the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg. His father had started this big project but could not finish it.

Cary worked on several other buildings in Williamsburg. In 1726, he was hired to build new gates for the Capitol building. He also oversaw the construction of St. John's Episcopal Church in Hampton in 1728.

He also built several structures at the College of William & Mary. This included a chapel wing in 1729. He also built the President's House in 1732. It is also thought that he built the Brafferton building in 1723.

Around 1733, Henry Cary Jr. moved to a large farm. This farm was located on the south side of the James River. It was near what is now Richmond in Chesterfield County. There, he built a home called Ampthill. This house became the Cary family home for many years.

See also

• List of people from Virginia