Ancient planter

[4][5] In 1616, at the end of the administration of Sir Thomas Dale, the first dividend became due and payable to all who had invested, whether by the purchase of shares or by "personal adventure".

Colonists who had paid their own passage to Virginia received a "first dividend" of 100 acres (0.40 km2), free of quit-rent, for their "personal adventure", and an additional hundred acres for each share they owned in the London Company: ...the ancient adventurers and Planters which were transported thither with Intent to Inhabit at their own costs and charges before the coming away of Sir Thomas Dale, Knight, and have so continued during the space of three years, shall have upon a first Division to be afterwards by us augmented one hundred acres of Land for their personal adventure and as much for every single share of twelve pounds ten shillings paid for such share allotted and set out to be held by them their Heirs and assigns forever.

The London Company reasoned that "... by the singular Industry and virtue of the said Sir Thomas Dale the former Difficulties and Dangers were in greatest part overcome to the great ease and security of such as have been since that time transported thither",.

[7] According to a letter from John Rolfe dated January 1619/20: All the Ancient Planters being sett free have chosen places for their dividends according to the Comyssion.

The database of Colonial Land Office Patents at the Library of Virginia is the principal source of information as to the identities of those who received grants as ancient planters.