Thomas Wynne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Wynne
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| Born | July 20, 1627 Caerwys, Wales
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| Died | January 16, 1692 (aged 64) |
| Occupation | Physician, politician |
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Thomas Wynne (born July 20, 1627 – died January 16, 1692) was a doctor who worked for William Penn. He was also one of the first people to settle in Philadelphia, which was part of the Province of Pennsylvania back then. Thomas Wynne was born in Ysceifiog, Wales. His family had lived there for many generations. He traveled to America with William Penn on a ship called Welcome.
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Early Life and Learning
Thomas Wynne was the fourth of five sons. He lost his father when he was only 11 years old. Thomas was interested in studying medicine from a young age. However, his family had to pay a lot of taxes. This made it hard for him to get the books and materials he needed to learn.
He first worked as a cooper, making barrels. Later, he met a skilled surgeon named Richard Moore. Thomas became an apprentice to Dr. Moore, learning how to be a doctor. He worked hard until he was good enough to get his own license. He received his license in Shropshire from several doctors. After Dr. Moore passed away, Thomas Wynne even helped train Dr. Moore's son, Mordecai, as an apprentice.
Moving to Pennsylvania
Thomas Wynne was born into the Anglican Church. In 1655, he married Martha Buttall (1627–1670), who was a Quaker. He became a strong believer in the Quaker faith himself. He even wrote several pamphlets explaining Quaker ideas.
Because he was a devout Quaker, Wynne faced difficulties in England. In the 1680s, he was even put in prison for six years. After Martha died, he married Elizabeth Rowden Maude (born 1637) on July 20, 1676. She had been married twice before. Elizabeth traveled with him to America. They left England on August 30 and arrived on October 27, 1682.
Career and Public Service
Thomas Wynne built the very first brick house in the new colony of Philadelphia. It was on his "Liberty Lot" at Front and Chestnut Streets. This area was known as Wynne Street until William Penn renamed it in 1684.
In 1690, he built a home called "Wynnestay" at 52nd Street and Woodbine Avenue. This name was a nod to the famous Wynnstay estate in Wales. Several towns near Philadelphia today are named after him.
Thomas Wynne returned to England with William Penn in 1684. He was an important leader in the new colony. He served as the speaker for the first two Pennsylvania Assemblies in Philadelphia in 1687 and 1688. He also worked as a Justice in Sussex County, which is now part of Delaware, from 1687 to 1691. In January 1690, he became a justice of the peace. He also served as a justice of the provincial court from September 1690 until he passed away.
Death
Thomas Wynne lived in America for only nine years. His death is recorded by the Radnor Friends Meetinghouse. He was buried at the Ducketts Farm Burial Ground in Philadelphia.
Family Connections
Thomas Wynne had many descendants. Through his daughter Mary Wynne and Dr. Edward Jones, some notable family members include: John Cadwalader, Lambert Cadwalader, John Dickinson, and Sally Wister. Through his daughter Rebecca, came Charles Dickinson. Through his daughter Hannah, came Joshua Humphreys and Charles Humphreys.
His great-grandsons, Thomas and Warner Wynne, through his son Jonathan, fought in the Pennsylvania "Flying Camp" during the Revolutionary War. They were captured by the British at the Battle of Fort Washington. Thomas was held on prison ships in New York Harbor. Another great-grandson, also named Thomas (through his son Jonathan), died shortly after Washington's crossing of the Delaware. This Thomas is remembered on the Lower Merion Revolutionary War Memorial.
See also
