Dinwiddie County Virginia USGenWeb Archives Biographies.....Pegram, John November 16, 1773 - April 8, 1883
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Ed Olsen edogenealogy@mail.com June 28, 2025, 4:53 pm

Author: Ed Olsen

Major General John Pegram (1773-1831): Military Moments
Featured Biographical Sketch – July 2025 | Dinwiddie County, Virginia USGenWeb

Early Life and Education
Born on November 16, 1773, at "Bonneville" plantation in Dinwiddie County, 
Virginia, John Pegram was the son of Edward Pegram Jr., a Revolutionary War 
militia captain, and Ann Lyle. Educated privately, Pegram held local offices 
early in life, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Dinwiddie. In 1800, 
he married Martha Ward Gregory and, according to family tradition, built the 
"Bonneville" plantation house for her, with the year "1800" inscribed on the 
chimney.1

Military Service
During the War of 1812, Pegram served as a major general in the Virginia 
militia, commanding state forces and playing a key role in Virginia’s defense 
efforts.2 His leadership exemplified Dinwiddie’s tradition of military service.

Political Career
Pegram served in the Virginia House of Delegates (1797–1801, 1813–1815) and the 
Virginia State Senate (1804–1808). In 1818, he filled a vacancy in the U.S. 
House of Representatives as a Democratic-Republican, serving until 1819. He 
later became U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia in 1821.3

Bonneville Plantation
""Bonneville" of late Georgian architecture and Flemish bond chimneys, features 
3880 sq. ft. living area including large rooms, high ceiling, spacious hallway 
used as a sitting room, 5 bedrooms, 4 fireplaces, 2 kitchens, pine floors, 
portions of which are original and English basement, partially finished..." — 
Old Virginia Houses Along the Fall Line, p. 506

Death and Legacy
Pegram died on April 8, 1831, at Bonneville and was buried on the family 
plantation. His grandsons, including Confederate officers John Pegram and 
William Ransom Johnson Pegram, continued his legacy of service.4

Additional Comments:
Sources
1. Pegram Family, USGenWeb Dinwiddie County, accessed 2025.
2. Wikipedia, “John Pegram (1773–1831),” accessed 2025.
3. Ibid.
4. Wikipedia, “John Pegram (1773–1831),” accessed 2025.

This biographical sketch was prepared by ChatGPT for Ed Olsen, Coordinator of 
the Dinwiddie County USGenWeb site. Ed Olsen has reviewed and verified the 
content for accuracy and relevance to the site's mission.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/dinwiddie/bios/pegram239gbs.txt

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