Bland was born in England and entered Emmanuel College on February 26, 1613. In the Spring of 1647 on June 10, Bland along with Francis Yeardley, the son of the former governor of Virginia George Yeardley, Doctor Edward Hall and current burgess Richard Eyers spent the night at the widow Sarah Gookin"s estate.
Emmanuel College.
In about 1635 he was transported to Virginia. He was elected a Burgess to represent Charles River county for 1639 to 1640 term. In 1642 Bland was granted 1000 acres of land in the Deltaville area of Virginia.
Bland Point is named after him.
Death
Francis Yeardley described the incident that took place the next morning at breakfast. He stated that they, "fedd hartily," and recorded that they, "healthfully and cheerfully," passed the morning.
During the conversation Burgess Richard Eyers and Bland realized that they were related. They drank alcoholic beverages freely and after breakfast Yeardley, Doctor Hall, Bland and Eyers decided to set out for Eyers" plantation by foot.
Although Yeardley suggested to wait until the heat of the day had subsided Bland decided not to heed the warning and set briskly for the plantation.
Eyers quickly realized that he did not know how to get there and asked Edward Windham for directions. Windham led them as far as Little Creek. A bit beyond there they saw Bland sleeping in the shade of Mistress
Gookin"s "barne fort." Bland asked Eyers to wait with him for he needed to rest and suggested that the others continue.
Eyers joined Bland on the ground and both napped feet to feet. Only about a half hour later when Eyers awoke he found Bland dead having suffocated in his own vomit.
Bland died as one of the participants of this incident said while, "purging at the mouth bloody froth."
The coroner"s inquest was held the next day on June 12, 1647 in Lower Norfolk Company, Virginia. His death was attributed to natural causes.
Bland"s will was proved on January 19, 1650.
He is known to have had one daughter Hope Bland who is said to have married a William Beaumont.
