Augustine Warner, Jr.

Augustine Warner Jr. (June 3, 1642 – June 19, 1681) was an American planter, military officer, and politician in colonial Virginia. He was the only son of Augustine Warner Sr. and Mary Townley. Warner Sr. settled in the Virginia Colony in 1628, establishing the plantation known as "Austin's Desire" in Gloucester County, where Warner Hall was built. Warner Sr. served on the Virginia Council from 1659 until shortly before his death in 1674.

Augustine Warner Jr. attended the Merchant Taylor's School in London in 1658. Upon completing his education, he returned to Virginia and married Mildred Reade, daughter of George Reade, who served as Secretary of the Virginia Colony.

Warner settled on a farm in Gloucester County, inheriting Warner Hall in 1674 upon his father's death. He assumed the role of Colonel of the Gloucester county militia. His early political career began with his service as a burgess representing Gloucester County, starting in 1672 during the so-called "Long Assembly," which was characterized by election replacements due to member deaths, likely including Warner's neighbor, Peter Jenings.

In 1676, Warner was elected Speaker of the Virginia House of Burgesses. The Assembly's session was disrupted when Governor Sir William Berkeley dissolved it amid the tensions leading to Bacon's Rebellion. Despite the conflict, Warner remained loyal to Berkeley, eventually serving on a court-martial convened on January 11, 1677, at which rebels were executed. Following Berkeley's recall to England, Warner was appointed to the Virginia Governor's Council in late September or early October 1677, a position he held until his death in 1681.

Warner was involved in legal actions related to the rebellion; notably, he sued William Byrd I for damages to Warner Hall caused during Bacon's Rebellion. Byrd defended himself by claiming that he was Bacon's captive and not a supporter.

In 1665, Warner married Mildred Reade. The couple had three sons, all of whom died unmarried, and three daughters, who inherited Warner Hall and extended Warner family lineage. Their daughters included Mary, who married John Smith of Purton; Mildred, who married Lawrence Washington (1659–1698); and Elizabeth, who married John Lewis.

Warner died on June 19, 1681, and was buried at Warner Hall. Warner Hall has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. Abingdon Church, built on land donated by Warner, remains active and is also on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970.

Notably, Warner is recognized as the last common ancestor of George Washington, the first President of the United States, and King Charles III of the United Kingdom, through his descendants. His lineage includes connections to Queen Elizabeth II, as his daughter Mary was an ancestor of the British monarchy. His daughter Mildred was the grandmother of George Washington, and Elizabeth's descendants include Captain Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.