Henry James Peyton (1725–1781), nicknamed "Colonel Harry Peyton" was a Virginia planter and military officer who served in the House of Burgesses representing Prince William County, as well as in local offices.
[1] He was born to the former Frances Linton and her planter husband, Valentine Peyton.
He had several siblings, of whom his younger brother Francis Peyton would become known as a patriot during the American Revolutionary War and follow family tradition by serving in the Virginia General Assembly.
Like his father and grandfather, Harry Peyton operated plantations using enslaved labor.
The other Prince William County burgess in 1756 was John Bell, and in 1758 through 1760, Harry Peyton served alongside Henry Lee.