Thomas Wynter

Resident slave-owner in Jamaica, dying between 1788 and 1792. Shown as owner of Hampshire estate in 1788 and then as former owner 1792-1797, and 'in possession' then owner of Sandy Gutt 1780-1786 (both the estates were in St Thomas-in-the-Vale) while his executor was shown as in possession of Retreat in St John 1789-1798. The Hampshire estate was previously registered to Edward Hampson Wynter (q.v.), who was still alive in 1788, the son of William Wynter who in his will proved 08/05/1783 left Thomas Wynter of St Thomas-in-the-Vale £50 for mourning without further identification of him.

1. Thomas Wynter to settle his estate as he shall think fit notwithstanding the Act to "prevent exorbitant grants and devises to negroes". It is for William Rose Wynter and Mary Mede his natural children. 1.3.1783.

2. Thomas Wynter esq of Spanish Town was buried in the church [at St Thomas-in-the-East] on the left hand and second pew from So[uthern] front, 02/05/1789. Aged 60 years and 2 months. Died of a complaint in his liver at Montpelier. This record is immediately followed (26 days later) in the St Thomas-in-the-East register by entries for the baptisms of illegitimate children of Charlotte Wynter (by Nathaniel Phillips, q.v.) and Mary Wynter (no father identified), both mothers described as “free mulatta”. The juxtaposition probably has no significance.

1. CO139/37d (537), given in 'Individuals of part-African or African descent named in Acts of the Jamaican Assembly 1760-1810' by Edward Crawford, http://www.jamaicanfamilysearch.com/Samples/acts.htm [accessed 06/03/2017].

2. Familysearch.org, Jamaican parish registers, St Thomas-in-the-East, Baptisms, Marriage and Burials 1708-1821 p. 197.

We are grateful to Paul Hitchings for his assistance with compiling this entry.