Dandridge of New Kent and Hanover Counties
"ARMS: Azure, a lion's head erased or, between three mascles argent.
CREST: A lion's head erased charged with a mascle argent.
MOTTO: In Adversis Etiam Fide."
Colonel John Dandridge came to Virginia with his brother, Colonel William Dandridge, and settled on the opposite sides of the Pamunkey River. Colonel John was the father of Martha Washington. He settled in New Kent County while his brother settled near West Point in King William County. In a deed dated 1719 William Dandridge is mentioned as "late of Hampton, now of King William, Gentleman." In 1717 Governor Spottswood and William Dandridge signed a charter, as being parties for a vessel belonging to Dandridge in which the latter engaged to transport 20 men to South Carolina. On 11 July 1719 William Dandridge and Thomas Wythe obtained a grant of a water-front lot. In 1727 William was a member of the Colonial Council and one of the commissioners appointed with Colonel William Byrd to settle the dividing line between Virginia and North Carolina. The Virginia Gazette wrote in 1737 that William Dandridge, Esq. would be given command of one of his majesty's ships. In 1741 he commanded the "Wolf", a 12 gunner, at Virginia station; and in November was transferred to the South Sea. He served with General Oglethorpe on his attack against St. Augustine, and with Admiral Vernon on his siege of Cartagena. William Dandridge died in 1743 while visiting his Hanover estates. He was married to Unity West (2nd wife) and they had two sons and two daughters. Issue:
- Nathaniel West Dandridge, Captain in the British Navy, born 1729 in King and Queen County, died 10 Jan 1786 in Hanover County. He served as Burgess of Hanover County 1758-1765. He was married to Dorothea (1733-1778) a daughter of General Alexander Spottswood. Issue:
- Martha Dandridge, born 20 Sept 1748 Hanover County, died 28 Sept 1791, married Mr. Payne.
- William Alexander Dandridge, born 6 Dec 1750, died 1801 in Hanover County. He was married to Anne Bolling, a daughter of Major John Bolling. William served as a Major of the Militia during the Revolutionary War. Issue:
- William Alexander Dandridge of Little Dover was born 1812 in Hanover County and died Nov 1865 in Henry County.
- Alexander Spottswood Dandridge, born 1 Aug 1751 Hanover County, died 1785.
- John Dandridge, born 1 April 1756, Hanover County, died 20 Jul 1804.
- Dorothea Spottswood Dandridge, born 25 Sept 1757 Hanover County, died 14 Feb 1831 Red Hill, Charlotte County, Virginia.
- Robert Ambler Dandridge, born 21 June 1760 Hanover County, died 20 Sept 1799.
- Nathaniel West Dandridge, born 20 Oct 1762 Hanover County, died 26 Jul 1847.
- Elizabeth Dandridge, born 12 Sept 1764 Hanover County, died 26 April 1833, married Mr. Payne.
- Anne Katherine Dandridge, born 27 Jul 1767 Hanover County.
- Agnes Dandridge, born 1769 Hanover County.
- Mary Catherine Dandridge, born 14 Jan 1771, died 26 Jul 1847 Hanover County.
