Origins of the Burgwin Family
John Burgwin
Born on February 25th, 1731 in Hereford, England, John Burgwin first settled in Wilmington in the 1750’s and became a prominent merchant of the Cape Fear region. He purchased the property where Wilmington’s first city jail (gaol) stood and built his townhouse, which still stands today as the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens. His primary residence was the Hermitage, a plantation located in Castle Hayne. During his occupation of the house, John served Wilmington through various government positions. His roles included Magistrate, Clerk of the Superior Court of Justices, and Master of the High Court of Chancery.
On January 8, 1775, John fractured his leg in a game of Blind Man’s Bluff. The damage and pain was so severe, he sailed back to England to reset his leg and to heal.
While in England, he meets Elizabeth “Eliza” Bush. They were married on April 27th, 1782 at St. Mary’s Church in Thornbury, Gloucestershire.
Together, John and Eliza had three children:
- John Fanning Burgwin (1783-1864)
- Caroline Elizabeth “Eliza” Burgwin (1784-1863)
- George William Bush Burgwin (1787-1854)
The Burgwin Family and their Influence in the Cape Fear Region
John Burgwin was an enterprising English immigrant who settled in Wilmington in the 1750s to capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities in maritime commerce. Born into a family of wealthy merchants, he acquired the Burgwin-Wright House to accommodate and entertain his business associates. His strategic location in Wilmington provided proximity to local business partners and easy access to the Cape Fear River. Burgwin engaged in transatlantic trade, owning and chartering ships like the brig Thomas, which exported local commodities such as timber and turpentine.
Burgwin adeptly navigated the commercial landscape by investing in smaller ships for coasting, allowing him to trade efficiently with nearby colonial ports. His business ventures extended to importing essential and luxury goods, including enslaved people. However, his operations were disrupted by his broken leg and the Revolutionary War, during which he, a British loyalist, fled to England. Upon his return to Wilmington, he successfully reestablished his mercantile pursuits.
In addition to his shipping enterprise, Burgwin was a prominent planter, owning plantations like Castle Haynes and the Hermitage. He advertised the rental of these lands, which included rice fields and grazing areas, along with 30 enslaved individuals. His involvement in the lumber and naval stores industries further exemplified his integration into the colonial economy. Overall, John Burgwin’s endeavors contributed to the economic tapestry of the Lower Cape Fear region, demonstrating his adaptability and acumen in a dynamic colonial trade environment.
