John West (governor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John West
6th Crown Governor of Virginia
In office 1629–1630
Preceded by	John Pott
Succeeded by	Francis Wyatt
Member of the House of Burgesses for the Plantations over the Water
In office 1628–1630 Serving with John Burland, Robert Fellgate
Preceded by	Edward Blaney
Succeeded by	constituency abolished
Personal details
Born	December 14, 1590 Testwood, Hampshire, England
Died	c. 1659
Spouse	Anne Percy
Profession	Governor
Signature

John West (born December 14, 1590 – died around 1659) was an important early leader in the Virginia Colony. He was a member of the first elected government in America, the Virginia General Assembly. John West also served as the acting colonial Governor of Virginia from 1635 to 1637. He was the third of his brothers to become governor. His family, the West Family of Virginia, became very influential in politics.

Early Life and Family Connections

John West was born in Testwood, Hampshire, England. He was the fifth son and twelfth child of Thomas West, 2nd Baron De La Warr. His older brother, Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, was a major investor in the London Company. This company helped set up the first English settlements in the New World.

The London Company funded several trips that led to the founding of Jamestown in 1609. Thomas West, also known as Lord Delaware, was the first governor of what became the Virginia colony. He served from 1608 to 1618. John West received a good education, attending Magdalen College starting in 1609. He earned his degree in 1613.

Life in Virginia

John West arrived in Virginia in 1618. His brother, Francis West, had already been there for several years and was part of the Governor's Council. The colonists elected John West three times to be a member of the House of Burgesses. This was Virginia's first representative assembly. He served from 1628 to 1630, representing the "Plantations over the water."

Settling the York River Area

In 1630, leaders decided to establish a new settlement on the York River. This was done to secure land and protect against Native American attacks. John West received one of the first land grants for this purpose. He was given 600 acres of land. He later sold this land in 1650.

Serving as Governor

In 1635, the colonists removed Governor Sir John Harvey from his position. John West was chosen to be the temporary replacement. He served as acting governor until 1637, when Governor Harvey was returned to his post.

Later, in 1640, John West and three other leaders were ordered to return to England. They had to answer questions about their actions during the time Governor Harvey was removed. All four were eventually cleared of any wrongdoing and returned to Virginia.

Expanding Land Holdings

John West continued to be an important figure in Virginia. In 1651, he received a patent for 1,550 acres of land further up the York River. He later sold this land. In 1652, he received another patent for 850 acres on the York River. By 1654, he also owned 1,000 acres in Gloucester County.

In total, John West owned about 3,300 acres near where the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers meet to form the York River. This area eventually grew into a town. It was first named "West Point" to honor his family. Later, it was called "Delaware" to honor his brother, Lord Delaware. Today, it is known as West Point again. By 1655, West was living on his plantation near West Point, called Richmond West Plantation.

Family and Descendants

John West married Anne Percy. She was the daughter of George Percy and Anne Floyd.

Their oldest son, John, married Unity Croshaw. John and Anne's younger sons, Thomas West and Nathaniel West, also became members of the House of Burgesses. Many other relatives from the West family also served in Virginia's government.

Death and Lasting Impact

Former Governor John West passed away in the winter of 1659 or 1660. He was buried at the Jamestown church. In March 1660, the Virginia Assembly passed a special law to honor his family. This law recognized the many important services the West family had given to the Virginia colony.

The law stated that John West, as the last surviving member of this noble family, would not have to pay taxes for himself or his family for the rest of his life. This was a way to show gratitude for their contributions.

The 3,000-acre land grant that John West owned on the York River became the site of the modern town of West Point, Virginia. After his death, the land was passed down through his family. His son, John West (who also served in the House of Burgesses), inherited it. Then it went to his grandson, John West III, and later to his great-grandson, Charles West.