The First Virginia Militia
Genealogy Tips by Jeannette Holland Austin
The first militia in Virginia was form in 1607, upon the arrival of new settlers from England. After the all-out-war during 1623 of Chief Powhatan against all Virginians and the massacre of a great number of colonists, the Virginia General Assembly gave its command, viz: " that men go not to work in the ground without their arms; That no man go or send abroad without a sufficient partie well armed." Further, during 1661 Governor William Berkeley stated that "All our freemen are bound to be trained every month in their particular counties." Thus, from the very earliest of days, it became necessary to carry guns and protect the colonists and this was done by forming Militia Companies in every inhabited area. The free land grants helped to populate the colony, however, even up unto the 19th century, the Militia was protecting citizens against Indians. It is always a good idea to research the history and time-frame of a given area to understand the situation.
Index to Virginia Wills and Estates. See Names
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