Robert Evelyn, of Godstone

http://www.kittybrewster.com/ancestry/evelyn.htm, Robert Evelyn of Godstone. Married Susan Young.

Robert Evelyn was a member of the Virginia Company in 1609 and was on the lists of "adventurers to Virginina" in 1618. A license had been granted to Robert and his brother John and others on August 14, 1599 to make saltpeter and gunpowder for 10 years. Their father, George Evelyn, was the first to perfect the art of making gunpowder in England. Unfortunately, this advantaged business position did not guarantee success and Robert ended up going to Virginia to try to salvage his estate and pay back his debts. In a letter he wrote to his widowed stepmother, Mrs. Joan Evelyn, around March 1610/11, he stated: "I am going to the sea, a long and dangerous voyage with other men, to make me able to pay my debts and to restore my decayed estate again..." (From Gateway Families).