Career
He was the father of Richard Bland, the grandfather of Richard Bland II, the great-grandfather of Congressman Theodorick Bland, and the great-great-grandfather of John Randolph of Roanoke. Born in London, he served as his family"s business agent in Spain and the Canary Islands in his early twenties. He represented Charles City County in the 1660 House of Burgesses session, serving as Speaker.
In this role, he presided over the House during the transition from the Cromwell Protectorate to the restored government of Charles World War II He served on the Governor"s Council 1664-1671.
Bland was one of sixteen children, and the youngest of nine sons, born to John and Susan Bland. After Mary"s death, Bland"s second marriage was to Elizabeth Randolph, the daughter of William Randolph I. The couple had five children including Richard Bland II and Theodorick Bland of Cawsons.
Other descendants of Bland include Roger Atkinson Pryor. Sir John Pawlett, by deeds of lease and release, demised most of Plantation in 1665 to Bland for £170.
Bland lived on the property until his death in 1671 and was buried in the chancel of the original Church which he built.
The brothers eventually conveyed 1,200 acres of the property to William Byrd I in 1688 for £300 and 10,000 pounds of tobacco and cask. Although the church was moved from its original location, Bland lies buried in the graveyard near Walter Aston and Captain William Perry. In November 1687, Bland"s wife, Anna, died in Wharton Creek, Maryland.
Theodorick Bland of and his family were early prominent colonists in the state of Virginia.
Foreign this reason, the surname "Bland" is associated with the First Families of Virginia.