Volume 16 , Issue 21

Robert Gwin, 1720-1785 (5th Great Grandfather)

Robert Gwin, who was an emigrant ca. 1738, from Wales, on the ship Walpole. In 1746 Robert Gwin was appointed constable at head of Great Calf Pasture River, Augusta county, Virginia. He served in the early Colonial Wars against the Indians in 1756 in Captain William Preston's company of Rangers.

The Gwin family originated in Wales and over the centuries established branches in Northern Ireland, in Virginia and throughout the United States. Many of the Gwins in America are descended from Robert Gwin who settled along the Great Calf Pasture River in Augusta County, Virginia sometime prior to 1745.

Much remains to be learned of Robert Gwin's origin. Neither his date of birth (between 1717 to 1720), place of birth, or death have not been conclusively established. He may have been born in Wales, Northern Ireland, Virginia, or even North Carolina. Other's theory is that he was born in Northern Ireland and may have come to Virginia in August, 1738 on the ship Walpole with Colonel James Patton.

As we know, Colonel Patton imported settlers from Northern Ireland in order to gain title to a large tract of land on the Calf Pasture River. With authorization from the Council of Virginia, Patton, John Lewis, and William Beverley had entered into a joint venture to obtain title to 30,000 acres on the Calf Pasture by settling at least one person upon each 1,000 acres of land.

The Orange County Deed Book 10, p. 104-106 records an Indenture 16 July 1745 between James Patton and John Lewis, both of Augusta County, and Robert Gwin of the Calf Pasture of the same county. witnesseth -- for five shillings -- sold 544 acres in Augusta County on west side of the Great River of the Calf Pasture. Witnesses were David Kincaid, Robert Bratton, and Loftis Pullin. The money was paid and the release date recorded 25 July 1745.

In 1758, Robert Gwin served in William Preston's company of Rangers in the French and Indian War. Augusta County deed records indicate that he was still living as late as 1785.

Although proof is lacking, it is traditionally held that Robert married a Jean (Jane) Kincaid (Kinkead) the daughter of David Kincaid of Albemarle and Augusta Counties. Their sons were Capt. David, Robert Jr., Joseph, James and Samuel. Daughters were Agnes and Nell.

My Gwin Connection

My Gwin connection begins with my great grandmother, Signora Belle Gwin (31 Aug 1861-16 Nov 1934), who married John Robert Warwick (1857-1938) in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 16 January 1882. John and Signora made their home in Virginia until the Spring of 1894, when they with their family (Constance & Robert Lee), settled on a homestead seven miles south of Alva, Woods county, Oklahoma. Signora's life was a living example of the golden rule, a sweet smile and kind word for all who crossed her path through life.

Great Grandmother Signora Belle Gwin was the daughter of Samuel Gwin (1825-1871) and Eleanor Dever (1830-1896). Samuel and Eleanor Gwin had three children: Walter P. (1856-),Reuhama (1857-1921) and Signora Belle ((1860-1934).

2nd Great Grand father Samuel Gwin (1825-1871) was born in 1825, Highland, Virginia, to James Gwin (1774-1844) and Rachel Stephenson (1780-1844). Samuel and Rachel Gwin had the following children: Eliza, Matthew, jan, David, Rachel, Anna, James, Alcinda, Hester, John.

3rd great grandfather James Gwin was born 27 June 1774, Augusta, Virginia, to Capt. David Gwin (1742-1822) and Jane Carlyle (1746-1787). James died July 1844, Virginia. He married 20 July 1799, Bath, Virginia to Rachel Stephenson.

4th Great Grandfather Capt. David Gwin was born in 1742, Orange County, Virginia (now North Carolina), to Robert Gwin (1720-1785) and Jean Kincaid (1720-1790). Capt David Gwin married in 1768, Augusta County, Virginia to 1) Jane Carlyle; and 2) 11 November 1790, Augusta, Virginia to Viola Jane Crawford.

5th Great Grandfather Robert Gwin (1720-1785) was born around ca. 1720, British Isles, Wales to Robert Edward Gwin, 6th Great Grandfather, (1695-1725) and mother unknown. Robert Gwin died in 1785, Calf Pasture, Augusta, Virginia.

This is as far back as I have researched my Gwin (Gwinn, Guinn) ancestors. If someone has information for my 6th great grandfather, Robert Edward Gwin and his spouse, I would love to hear from you. Thnx!   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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