In the years following the English Civil War and the execution of Charles I, as England was disending into Anarchy, Dr. John Wynn emigrated to the North American colonies in 1658 landing in Accokeek, Maryland 17 miles south of the future site of Washington DC. Directly across the Potomac, 14 years later John Washington, George Washington's Great Grandfather would settle and begin construction on what would later become Mount Vernon. Dr. John Wynne was one of the first settlers in the Maryland Colony and lived in Maryland until his death in 1683.

Most of the incoming settlers established farms. The temperate, humid climate proved hospitable for tobacco. Initially, indentured servants toiled in the growing fields. But the intensive labor tobacco required prompted farmers to reconsider their labor force. By the 1690s, enslaved Africans first arrived in chains; their unpaid labor contributed to the planters' profits and became the basis for the success of America's first industries.

Dr. John Wynne was born on April 13, 1635, in Guisborough, Yorkshire, England. Dr John Wynne was the son of Richard and Ann (Colthurst) Wynne of Guisborough, Yorkshire, England. He apprenticed as an apothecary in London, Dec 19 1648. John was brought to America by Thomas Dent. Col. Thomas Dent Sr., Gent. (1630-1676), Justice, Sheriff, and member of the Lower House of the Maryland General Assembly.

Colonel Thomas Dent was born about 1630 in the Parish of Guisborough, Yorkshire, England making him slightly less than thirty years of age upon his arrival in America around 1658. He resided in Saint Mary's County, Maryland.

And on March 26, 1663, Thomas Dent entered his rights for transporting John Dent, John Wynne, Constant Stephensen, George Athley, John Venable and himself to be layed out for him by September 30, 1663

Dr. John Wynne died at 46 surviving only 23 years in the new world. His only son John being 3 at the time of his father's death. His son John would survive 71 years in this area increasing the size of the tobacco plantation. He is likely the first Wynn to use enslaved Africans increasing his land holdings.

In the mid to late 1600s it was a time of great conflict involving Protestant, Catholic and Puritans. As well as native groups, with French and Spanish forces as well.

John Wynn grew up fatherless during this time. A world war called Queen Anne's War was taking place that pitted England against the combined French and Spanish. The French founded Mobile (Alabama) in 1702 as the capitol of the French territory of Louisiana.

His son Josiah was born on February 1, 1726 in Piscataway Parish, Prince George Co, MD when John was 43. John died March 21,1751 a year before Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment.

The following is an excerpt from John Wynne's last Will and Testament.

"To dau, Anne Wynn, during her life, the land where I now live called The "Indian Field." and at her decease, ad. land shall immediately be in possession of my 2 sons, John and Josiah Wynn. To sd. dau. Anne Wynn, her equal pt, of movable estate. To son John Wynn, Jr., tract called "Indian Field" where he now lives; land In St, Mary's Co. called "Governor's Gift" ; pt. of my pews at Broad Creek Church. To son Josiah Wynn and my 6 daus., an equal share of both my pews at Broad Creek Church and Acakeek Church. 1 A. of land where the burying place is, be reserved for -the burying of my children. To other 5 daus,: Jemima, Joan, Mary, Martha and Susanna Wynn, residue of movables, equally divided. Wit: Richard Blew, Charles Willitt"

This point of land extending south of Washington DC bordered to the east by the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River to the west, south of St Mary's city is still known as Wynne, Maryland. Think, If the Wynn family maintained our slave holdings longer, like George Washington, America would've rewarded us with a larger city named after us maybe.

Later an entry in Prince George's County, Maryland Land Records 1763-1767 stated;

At the request of John Wynne & Josiah Wynne the following Deed of Division was recorded July 1, 1763 Indenture made June 4, 1763; between John Wynne of one part and Josiah Wynne. Whereas John Wynn, Sr., deceased by his last will and testament in writing bearing date on or about March 21, 1751 amongst other things devised to his 2 sons John Wynne & Josiah Wynne as follows that is to say, Item I give and bequeath unto my loving son John Wynne, Jr., All that part of a tract called "Indian Field" where he now dwells from the Spring Branch on the north side of my now dwelling plantation and his equal part of all my land after the decease of my daughter Ann Wynne he having the one half and my son Josiah having the other half; and did likewise further devise as following I give and bequeath unto my loving son Josiah Wynne all that part of a tract of land where he now dwells from the Ivy Hill Branch and over the fork to the line of "Friendship" by the walnut trees and at the decease of my daughter Ann Wynne to have one half of my land where I now dwell. And whereas the said John Wynn the testator and Ann Wynne are since dead and the said John Wynne being seized in fee at time of his death of and in the whole tract called "Indian Field" containing by patent 299 acres and whereas John Wynne & Josiah Wynne have agreed upon a division of the tract devised to the said Ann Wynne during her life and have settled the boundaries of such division between themselves; vizt; beginning at a mulberry post standing at the north side of the mouth of a Spring Branch which runs out of Wynne's dwelling plantation into Ivy Branch alias Mill Branch and the part that lies on the eastward and southward of the division line to be the property of John Wynne and all that part of this tract lying to the West and North of the said line to be the property of Josias Wynne. Signed John Wynne, Josiah Wynne in the presence of and acknowledged before George Gantt, John Stone Hawkins

When Josiah Wynn was born on February 1, 1726, his father, John, was 46 and his mother, Ann, was 26. A few months later Isaac Newton explains gravity. There was about 75,000 enslaved Africans in the colonies at this point.

Josiah had a son with Ann Dunning in 1762 also named Josiah. His son Josiah was born on 27 Mar 1762 in Piscataway, Prince George's, Maryland. One year before the French and Indian War ended resulting in the French losing all its territory in North America. Josiah Wynn, the father also died one year after the birth of his son in December 1763 at the age of 37.

Following is the last will and Testament of Josiah Wynn it contains direct evidence of slaves in the Wynn family.

"In the name of God Amen. I Josiah Wynn of Prince George's County in the Province of Maryland Planter being this --- Abundant Mercy and Goodness of God tho weak in body, yet of a sound and perfect understanding and memory do constitute this my last Will and testament and --- it may be received by all as such

Imprimis I most humbly bequeath my soul to God, my maker beseeching his most gracious acceptance of it, through the all sufficient merits and mediation of my most compassionate Redeemer Jesus Christ, who gave himself to be an atonement for my sins, and is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth do make ------ ssion for them and I who trust will not reject me a returning penitent Sinner, whom I came to him for mercy in this hope and Confidence I render up my soul with comfort humbly beseeching the most blessed and glorious Trinity, one God most holy, most merciful and gracious to prepare me for the time of my dissolution and then to take me to himself into that place and rest, and incomparable felicity which he has prepared for all that love and fear ----- name Amen blessed be God.

Impremis I give my body to the earth from whence it was taken in full assurance of its resurrection from whence at the last day to be buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter mentioned and as to my personal Estate I will that all my debts be justly paid. ---- I give unto my loving Wife for term of life the Plantation and Land where I now dwell and after her Death to be Equally Divided between my two Sons (---) William Wynn and Josiah Wynn to them and their Heirs forever the Settlement where I now live to be ------- and holden by my aforesaid Son Josiah Wynn and his Heirs forever. I likewise lend my said loving Wife for twenty years the labor of my negro women Cate and her son John Sharper and all her increase during the said term and after that time is expired the said negro Cate and her son John Sharper and all her increase to be equally Divided among all my Children. Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my loving Daughter Chloe Wynn one Mare call Snip and her increase forever and the rest of my Estate I give and bequeath unto my dear and loving Wife Anne Wynn during her natural life and at her decease to be Equally Divided amongst all my Children and I do hereby Constitute and ordain my Said loving Wife to be Executrix and John Downing Executor of this my last Will and Testament revoking and making null and void all other Will or Wills heretofore made or done by me but Declare this to be my last Will and testament in Witness where of I have hereunto Set my hand and affect my Seal this thirtieth day of September in the year of our Lord 1763."

When his son Josiah was not quite 3 years old people took to the streets to protest the Stamp Act in 1765. Twenty days shy of his 14th birthday Josiah joined the New Jersey Militia. He would later also enlist in the Continental Army.

Josiah Wynn served in the Revolutionary War in Captain Daniel Neil's Eastern Company of the New Jersey State troops as a matross with the artillery. He enlisted March 7, 1776 and was discharged January 1, 1777; he was at the battle of Trenton, N.J., Dec. 26, 1776. His unit was one of many that crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Day, 1776 as a part of Washington's Army. There were 4 officers and 59 enlisted men present in his company and they had two guns (cannons). On December 4, 1776, Neil's company was annexed to Colonel Thomas Proctor's regiment of artillery, and was assigned to General Knox's brigade. On the night of December 25, 1776, they crossed the Delaware River with Washington and 2400 Continentals; the following day, Knox posted his artillery so they could rake every open space. After Captain Daniel Neil was killed in the Battle of Princeton, Josiah served under his replacement, Captain Thomas Clark.

Josiah Wynn enlisted Dec. 21, 1776 for the war (regulars) and joined Captain Noadiah Wade's Company, third in the 4th Battalion, second establishment, New Jersey Continental Line; then, after Wade resigned or was dismissed, Josiah was transferred to Captain Alexander Mitchell's Company, also part of the 4th Battalion. The 4th New Jersey was a support unit under the command of Colonel Ephraim Martin and was part of BG William Maxell's Brigade, which entered Valley Forge as part of John Sullivan's Division. A Josiah Wynn was in camp every month from December, 1777 through April 12, 1778. In April, the NJ Brigade was sent from Valley Forge to NJ to keep an eye on British moves from Philadelphia, but Josiah Wynn deserted on April 12, 1778.

Probably after accepting some form of punishment or being pardoned, he was able to rejoin the army, but was eventually discharged at the General Hospital at Philadelphia, PA on Dec. 4, 1778 by order of General Benedict Arnold as unfit for military duty at 16 years old (probably injured or ill).

Josiah Wynn did militia duty after his service in the regulars. He became a private in the Lancaster County Militia in 1781, 10th Battalion, 5th Class, under Captain Andrew Stuart and went on a tour of duty to Bucks Co., PA.. He then signed up as a private with the militia., sixth class, tenth battalion in Captain James Murray's company on April 12, 1781 in Upper Paxton, Lancaster County. Colonel Robert Elder was the commander of this battalion.3 Josiah married Susanna Fortenbaugh in the Fall of 1781 at Shoop's Meeting House in Dauphin Co. (then Lancaster Co.), PA. Then, on May 10, 1782, Josiah Winn was on Inactive Duty with the Lancaster Co. Militia in the 1st Company, 10th Battalion, 6th Class, again under Captain James Murray. He is listed in the tax records as living in Upper Paxton Township, Lancaster County in 1782. For returns and valuations, Josiah was listed as owning no acres, but as having 1 cow which was taxed at 6.6.4 He paid supply taxes in Upper Paxton Township (Lower District) in 1785, 1786, and 1787. Josiah was listed as a freeholder in Dauphin County in 1794 (landowner), along with his brothers-in-law, Philip Fortenbaugh and Michael Bohl. When Dauphin Co. was formed, the name of this township became Middle Paxton Township and then the eastern part of the township (where the Wynn's lived) became Rush Township.

I include here a short biography of the service of Captain Neil under which Josiah Served while in the New Jersey Militia during the Revolutionary War.

Little is known about Captain Daniel Neil other than his Revolutionary War service. Neil enlisted in the Eastern Company of the New Jersey Artillery on February 18, 1776 with the rank of Captain Lieutenant (first lieutenant). He was promoted to Captain on May 9 of the same year. Neil and his company were active in New Jersey throughout 1776, and crossed the Delaware with Washington on December 26.

During the Battle of Trenton, Neil and the East Jersey Artillery were attached to General John Sullivan's division, attacking Trenton from the west. His guns supported Sullivan's attack on the Knyphausen Regiment and then helped secure Assunpink Bridge. Neil's finest hour, however, was to come a week later.

On January 3, 1777 as the Continental Army approached Princeton, Neil and his company were reassigned to General Hugh Mercer's brigade. When Mercer was detached by General Nathaniel Greene to engage the British, Neil and his two cannon advanced in support. Mercer ran headlong into elements of the 17th Foot and a pitched battle erupted. Neil's battery began throwing round shot at the approaching British lines as quickly as they could load and fire.

Mercer's men could not withstand the onslaught, and began to waver. When Mercer attempted to rally his men, his horse was shot from under him, and he was bayoneted and left for dead. His second in command, Colonel John Haslet attempted to restore order, but was killed instantly, leaving the Continentals leaderless. Neil ordered one cannon to withdraw with the infantry, staying behind to help cover the retreat with his second gun. Neil was unable to withdraw the second cannon, and was killed while he worked his gun. His sacrifice helped cover the withdraw of the remainder of Mercer's men. Captain Neil's final resting place is unknown, and it is possible that he lies buried in the mass grave located on Princeton Battlefield.

After serving in the Pennsylvania Militia during the Revolutionary War Josiah moved to Dauphin County Pennsylvania. At this point there were no more enslaved Africans in my line of the Wynn family. Josiah Wynn married Susannah Fortinbough in 1781 when he was 19 years old at Shoops Meeting House in Dauphine County.

His son Joseph was born on May 24, 1788, in Dauphin, Pennsylvania 2 weeks before the Ohio Company settled Marietta Ohio. Josiah Wynn died on January 27, 1815, when he was 52 years in Dauphin, Pennsylvania the day after Andrew Jackson was victorious at the Battle of New Orleans.

Josiah Wynn died in the same county that one of his commanding officers in the Pennsylvania Militia, Captain James Murray lived in. His widow Susanna was approved for Josiah's Revolutionary War pension of $20 a year in 1815.

When Joseph Wynn was born on May 24, 1788, in Dauphin, Pennsylvania, his father, Josiah, was 26 and his mother, Susannah, was 26. He had two sons with Sarah Yocum between 1827 and 1835. He moved from Pennsylvania to Watertown Ohio in 1843. The same year Santa Ana declared the annexation of Texas by the US would be an act of war. Three years later in 1846 the Mexican/American War begins. Joseph Wynn died on June 23, 1873 Watertown, Ohio, when he was 85 years old. You can find his grave at the cemetery there.

When Joseph D. Wynn was born in 1827 in Dauphin, Pennsylvania, his father, Joseph, was 39 and his mother, Sarah, was 33. He had a son with Mary A Anderson in 1867. His son Leonard Franklin was born on February 26, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Joseph D Wynn served in the Ohio 36th infantry during the Civil War. The 36th Ohio was raised at Marietta, Ohio, between July 30 and August 31, 1861. After training and drilling, the new regiment moved to Summersville, Virginia, in what is now West Virginia, on September 10. It engaged in several raids and operations in the region and helped win a decisive victory at the Battle of Lewisburg. In August 1862 the regiment moved into the defenses of Washington, D.C. Shortly thereafter, the 36th participated in the Northern Virginia Campaign and in the Second Battle of Bull Run. During the subsequent Maryland Campaign, the 36th, as part of the Army of the Potomac, attacked Confederate forces on South Mountain and then took part in the Battle of Antietam on September 17.

In 1863, the regiment moved to Eastern Tennessee and participated in several actions, including the Battle of Hoover's Gap and smaller engagements near the Cumberland Gap. It then fought at Chickamauga in northern Georgia in September. It also was in action during the Chattanooga Campaign(Brown's Ferry and Missionary Ridge). Where Joseph D Wynn was wounded in the head. He returned to action shortly after that.

Joseph D. Wynn died in 1892 in Washington County, Ohio, when he was 65 years old. His grave can be found in Warren Chapel Cemetery on Ohio state route 550. His family lived near Warren Elementary on state route 550 and Wynncrest drive is named after them.

When Leonard Franklin Wynn, my grandfather was born on February 26, 1867 after the end of the Civil War, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father Joseph was 40 and his mother Mary Anderson was 26. He married Mary Migley in June 1913 when she was 17 years old and Leonard was 49. They married roughly two years after The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City on March 25, 1911. One of the deadliest industrial disaster in the history of the U.S. The fire caused the deaths of 146 garment workers.

His son Norman Gene Wynn was born on December 9, 1931, in Marietta, Ohio during the early years of the Great Depression. Leonard Franklin Wynn died on October 26, 1950, when he was 83 years old at the start of the Korean War. His grave is at Tunnel Cemetery, Warren Township, Ohio

When Norman G Wynn was born in Marietta, Ohio, his father, Leonard, was 64 and his mother, Mary, was 36. He had four sons with Alice June Cross.

His son Mark Adventure Wynn was born on January 28, 1972, in Marietta, Ohio two years after the Kent State Massacre during the war in Viet Nam. He was born a year before an American backed coup installed the Dictator Pinochet in Chile, South America. He served in no wars and neither was he married. He moved to Chile in 2015 refusing to participate in the mandated support of industrial interests and bought a half a hectare taking up residence near Antuco, Chile.

Norman G Wynn died on January 2, 2018, in Marietta, Ohio, when he was 86 years old.