September 10th is Wathen Day, an opportunity for Wathen-descendants around the country to celebrate the journey of our ancestor John Wathen to America. As I said last year when I announced this day, "If greeting card companies can make up holidays, then so can I!"
On September 10, 1670, the young carpenter John Wathen signed an indenture in Bristol, England to travel to Southern Maryland, trading three years of his skilled labor for passage to the New World aboard the Francis & Mary. After weeks at sea, John almost certainly spent his time of indentured servitude in Charles County at Rich Hill, a property that was owned by Hugh Thomas. Today, most of the Wathens across the United States trace their roots back to John, making September 10th a special anniversary for all of us.
In celebration, I’m happy to offer two big discounts:
- $5 off (plus free shipping) of each copy of The Wathens of Southern Maryland: Their Genealogy & History through 4th of July weekend!
- $5 off (plus free shipping) of each pre-ordered copy of Wathen’s Adventure: The Genealogy and History of John Wathen of Southern Maryland, which is scheduled to ship in time for Christmas 2025! Each pre-ordered hardcover book includes a free Memorial Page Listing (also available separately).
I'd especially like to highlight my upcoming book, Wathen’s Adventure: The Genealogy & History of John Wathen of Southern Maryland, which will tell the story of the first five generations of Wathens in Southern Maryland, Kentucky, and beyond. While The Wathens of Southern Maryland focuses on the Wathens who remained in St. Mary's and Charles Counties, Wathen's Adventure will include the stories of many who moved westward from Southern Maryland. I've been hard at work finalizing the book, and it will be shipping in time for Christmas! Pre-order your copy with a Memorial Page Listing!
So how should we celebrate Wathen Day? A stuffed ham sandwich or a crab cake sounds just right — after all, what better way to honor our Southern Maryland heritage? Raise a glass of Wathen's Bourbon — a contribution of the Kentucky Wathens — in tribute to John, the man who brought our family to these shores. And for those who share our Catholic Faith, I invite you to remember our forefather John Wathen at Mass or offer a prayer for the repose of his soul and the souls of his many descendants.
Happy Wathen Day, everyone!