Benjamin Grayson, born about 1684, may have arrived in Prince William as
early as 1715. In his eulogy, the Reverend Mr. Scott said of Benjamin, "He
had come into the county from the lower parts of Virginia, his broad ax on
his shoulder, that his industry and good management, his being executor to
some good estates and his marrying a rich widow, had enabled him to acquire
a large estate." Benjamin established himself as a successful merchant. He
acquired a large bakery at Occoquan from which "biscuits" were distributed
throughout the frontier, and he accumulated large land holdings. He served
as a colonel of local militia. Benjamin did marry a "rich" widow, in fact,
two of them. First, Susanna Monroe, the widow of William Linton and of
Charles Tyler. Susanna would be the aunt of James Monroe, fifth President of
the United States. After Susanna's death in 1752, Benjamin married the Widow
Ewell. There were four children, all by Susanna Monroe; Benjamin, Spence,
William and Susanna. Benjamin Grayson died in 1757 and was buried at "Belle
Air."
