Humphrey Harwood
Humphrey Harwood (c. 1649 – c. 1700) was a Virginia planter, soldier, and politician from Warwick County. He inherited about 3,644 acres at Queen Hith Plantation and, like many planters of his day, used enslaved labor to work the land.
He was the son of Thomas Harwood, a former speaker of the House of Burgesses. After his father’s death, his guardian was William Whitaker. Humphrey served as a justice of the peace for Warwick County and was sheriff in 1691.
Harwood was elected to the House of Burgesses representing Warwick County twice. His first term was 1685–1686, serving with Richard Whittaker. He was elected again in 1693, alongside William Cary, but that election was contested and William Roscow was seated instead.
His last public duties included acting as a judge in a pirate trial at Elizabeth City in May 1700 and listing tithables in upper Mulberry Island Parish in June 1700. He died around 1700.
Humphrey married Ann Needler, and they had several children, including Humphrey Harwood Jr., who became Warwick County sheriff in 1710. The family continued to be involved in Virginia politics for generations, including his great‑grandson Col. Humphrey Harwood, a Williamsburg militia officer.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 14:36 (CET).