The Whiddon Journey

About the Book

The Whiddon family was of longstanding in the county of Devon with the Whiddons of Chagford being the most prominent of the family branches. Their story is told from their rise to national prominence, beginning in the 13th century, until their descent into obscurity, after the restoration of the English monarchy. Included in their story is a father and son who were dedicated Puritan ministers. The three intrepid naval heroes whose stories are included sailed from Plymouth to serve England as adventurers, privateers, traders and warriors. The Whiddon story in America began in 1635 when sixteen year old John Whiddon crossed the Atlantic and stepped onto Virginia soil. The story covers six hundred years and follows the Whiddon family through time and place to give a clear picture of The Whiddon Journey. Sufficient historical background is given to place the story in context.

About the Author

Hayes L. Whiddon, Jr. (Lou) was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, where he grew up and spent most of his life. Lou had a forty year civilian career with the U.S. Navy. With the exception of two years in Washington, D.C., the time was spent in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. The worlds largest concentration of naval forces is located in Hampton Roads. Lou ended his career in 1999 and almost immediately began to research and write about the Whiddon family. This book is his second volume on the Whiddon family and it significantly broadens his earlier work, The Whiddon Heritage. Two of Lou’s articles previously published in Devon Historian have been expanded and are included in The Whiddon Journey.