Henry Seawell (alternatively spelled Sewell) (c. 1610 – c. 1644)[1] was an English merchant who became a landowner and politician in the Colony of Virginia and thrice served in the House of Burgesses.
[2][3][4] Voters in the then vast upper (or westernmost) parish of Elizabeth City first elected Henry Seawell as one of the men representing them in the House of Burgesses in 1632.
In 1642, while this man was one of the justices of the peace, Elizabeth Mills accused Sewell's wife Alice as a thief, was found guilty of defamation, and was forced to apologize as well as received 10 lashes.
[4] His relationship with the 18 year old English servant named Thomas Seawell (Saywell, Seywell) who emigrated to Virginia aboard the Tiger in 1623 is unclear.
[6] Two years later Thomas Seawell was working for ancient planter Reynold Booth in Elizabeth City County, and in 1635 he patented 400 acres on his own (and for importing people).