William Churchill of North Aston (1649 - 1710)

William Churchill was baptised in North Aston (roughly 9 miles from Bicester) in 1649 - the youngest of eleven children born to John and Dorothy Churchill. His father came from a long line of Oxfordshire yeomen and farmers.

As a young man, William emigrated to Virginia, USA, probably in the capacity of an agent for a tobacco merchant. His name first appears in Virginia records on 1st February 1675, when he witnessed the signing of a document in Middlesex County. Later that same year, William was appointed as an 'under-Sheriff'.

William practiced law in the colony, but mostly dealt in importing merchandise and servants, and exporting tobacco. He became very successful, and was appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 1687. By 1704, he owned 1,900 acres of land in Middlesex County, and later acquired 2,280 acres in Richmond County.

His plantation in Middlesex County was known as 'Bushy Park', and sadly, he owned 64 slaves; however, he was one of very few owners who allowed slaves to have their children baptised.

William married at least twice, and fathered several children (some of whom left behind descendents that still reside in Virginia to this day).

By 1706, William was a colonel in the County Militia. He died in 1710, and in his will, he bequeathed £20 to the poor of his native North Aston.

The map below shows Virginia, and was produced during the late 17th century.

As far as I can tell, this branch of Churchills had no connection to Winston Churchill.