His mother, Catherine, was the daughter of Major Robert Beverley, a British merchant who had emigrated to the Virginia Colony from Kinston on Hull in Yorkshire, served on the Governor's Council, and acquired significant landholdings by importing indentured servants, as well as by using his political connections and expertise. His maternal uncle Peter Beverley had served as speaker of the House of Burgesses, as well as on the Governor's Council and other offices in the colony.
His mother, Catherine, was the daughter of Major Robert Beverley, a British merchant who emigrated to Virginia from Kinston on Hull in Yorkshire. He held positions on the Governor's Council and acquired land through importing indentured servants and political connections. His maternal uncle Peter Beverley served as speaker of the House of Burgesses and other roles within the colony.