Henry Meese arrived in Virginia in the early 1600's seeking fortune through tobacco, but his story became much more. As a Lieutenant Colonel in the militia and a member of the House of Burgesses, he shaped early colonial governance while forging critical ties with Chief Wahanganoche.
Controversy surrounds his possible marriage to Ontonah, the Chief’s daughter, later known as Mary Meese. Though gaps remain, this union may fill missing pieces in his history. Such mysteries fuel what I call "Maverick Genealogy"—an investigative approach rejecting passive record-keeping in favor of bold conclusions based on the best available evidence. Instead of fearing uncertainty, genealogists must be willing to interpret history beyond a reasonable doubt.
We must break free from the safety net of "we may never know" and boldly reconstruct forgotten narratives. Without doing so, vital pieces of our identity and shared heritage risk fading into obscurity. History isn’t meant to be cataloged—it must be revived, questioned, and told with conviction.
Chief Wahanganoche: Injustice and Vindication
In 1662, Chief Wahanganoche, leader of the Patawomeck tribe, was falsely accused of murder and high treason by English settlers, including Captain Giles Brent. The House of Burgesses investigated and found the accusations baseless, acquitting Wahanganoche and penalizing his accusers. Captain Brent was ordered to compensate the chief with Roanoke shell currency and matchcoats, acknowledging the harm caused.
This case reflects the deep tensions between settlers and Indigenous tribes, but it also underscores the importance of allies like Henry Meese. As a Lieutenant Colonel and House of Burgesses member, Meese reportedly supported Wahanganoche, demonstrating his diplomatic skills and commitment to justice. His advocacy remains a vital piece of his legacy.
Henry Meese: A Shrewd Businessman
The precise date of Henry Meese’s arrival in America remains uncertain, though records suggest he was active by 1655. Initially settling in Maryland, he quickly became involved in court and land transactions, establishing himself as a key colonial figure.
His first major land acquisition came on October 20, 1665, when Governor William Berkeley granted him 1,000 acres in Stafford County, Virginia—land originally owned by Thomas Pettus, who sold his rights to Meese for £90 (about $20,000 today). With fertile land ideal for tobacco cultivation, Meese leveraged both his agricultural and trade expertise to build a profitable enterprise, maintaining strong business ties between America and England.
While no definitive records confirm land purchases from Chief Wahanganoche, evidence suggests Meese negotiated with the Patawomeck tribe, securing valuable alliances. During Wahanganoche’s murder trial, he testified about conducting land transactions with Meese and Peter Ashton—an acknowledgment that underscores Meese’s deep involvement in both political and economic colonial affairs.
The Edward Incident: A Maritime Dispute
In 1670, Henry Meese and a fellow businessman negotiated with shipowner Thomas Southin to transport tobacco aboard The Edward. Southin co-owned the vessel with William Justice, John Inions, and Richard Sperman, outfitting it for trade voyages. The plan was set: 300 hogsheads of tobacco for Gawyn Corbin and 50 for Meese.
But things went awry. While docked in the Downs, the crew neglected their duties, leading to accidents. Soon after, they mutinied, insisting on changing course to the Rappahannock River. Southin, unable to retrieve the waiting tobacco, lost control of the ship’s papers and cargo when the crew took possession and profited for themselves.
This incident highlights the complexities of colonial trade and maritime risks, with disputes over ownership, freight, and crew behavior shaping early commerce.
The Elephant in the Room: Henry Meese’s Native American Connection
Harry Wright Newman's To Maryland from Overseas traces the origins of early Maryland settlers, including a curious reference to Henry Meese. Newman notes that Lord Baltimore granted Meese seignorial honors in 1658 before he returned to Great Britain—believing he had left children in Virginia.
Meese’s legacy intertwines with controversy over his possible descendants. While Ancestral Records and Portraits claims Meese’s daughter Grace married Captain John Ashton, conflicting sources suggest Grace Ashton may have instead been the daughter of surgeon William Frizer, whose 1677 will left his estate to her and her children. Despite speculation, no document explicitly confirms their relationship.
Genealogical sources further complicate matters. History of Northampton County asserts Grace Meese married John Ashton, yet most records indicate her birth in 1640—before Meese’s first documented presence in America in 1655. This lack of definitive evidence underscores the challenge of reconstructing history with certainty.
The search for truth in genealogy requires careful investigation. Without deep scrutiny of historical sources, speculation risks distorting the past rather than illuminating it.
The Mystery of Anne: A Genealogical Puzzle
When Henry Meese returned to London, he married Anne Pert and had children, including Anne Meese—born in 1676. Yet records suggest Dr. Richard Thomas Bryant II married an "Anne Meese" in 1671 or 1670, five years before her birth. So, who did he really marry?
Many argue Bryant’s wife was Mary Anne Meese, daughter of Ontonah and Henry Meese. Some genealogists dismiss this theory, but historical records lean toward it.
As for Ontonah being “penniless”—far from it. Her father, Chief Wahanganoche, led the Patawomeck tribe, controlling fertile lands along the Potomac, rich in trade and resources. His influence made him a powerful figure in colonial diplomacy. Henry Meese, always in pursuit of wealth, had every reason to align himself with Wahanganoche. While this doesn’t confirm a marriage, it undermines the idea that Ontonah’s status would have been a deterrent.
Reasons Henry Meese Likely Married Ontonah
Henry Meese had multiple compelling reasons to marry Chief Wahanganoche’s daughter, Ontonah. His crops remained untouched despite unstable relations between colonists and Indigenous tribes—perhaps because no one wanted to destroy the Chief’s son-in-law’s fields.
Companionship may also have played a role. Meese lived in America for decades before returning to England, making a marriage to Ontonah a source of stability in his personal life.
Strategically, Meese needed fertile land for tobacco, and Wahanganoche testified to land transactions with him—an extraordinary feat given Indigenous distrust of colonists. Marriage could have strengthened these ties.
Trade was another motivator. The Patawomeck tribe crafted high-demand goods like jewelry, woven baskets, and dyes. As Wahanganoche’s son-in-law, Meese would have had access to these items, which London merchants eagerly sought.
Diplomacy was crucial, too. Just as Pocahontas' marriage to John Rolfe eased tensions, Meese’s ties to Wahanganoche could have helped de-escalate conflicts—especially during the Chief’s wrongful accusation of murder, which threatened colonial-Indigenous relations.
Closing Argument: A Case Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The absence of contradictory evidence strengthens the case for Meese’s marriage to Ontonah. While speculation surrounds Grace Meese’s lineage, Ancestral Records and Portraits clearly states she was Henry’s daughter. Strategic marriages were common, and marrying Wahanganoche’s daughter would have given Meese land, protection, and trade advantages.
Historical records, including tomb inscriptions and genealogical accounts, reinforce Grace’s identity as Meese’s daughter. Circumstantial evidence points overwhelmingly toward the union, making the marriage not just plausible—but likely.
Given the economic and diplomatic benefits and the lack of refuting evidence, the claim meets the burden of proof: Henry Meese married Ontonah Wahanganoche and fathered children, securing his lasting legacy.
This is a condensed version of the research paper I wrote. If you would like to have the entire paper, Download It Here
© 2025, Timothy Bowling. All Rights Reserved.
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