The Diaries of George Washington, vol. 1 (Founders Online)

The Washington Papers edition of George Washington’s diaries, read online. His journal of the 1748 survey of Lord Fairfax’s lands beyond the Blue Ridge has, under 12 March 1748: “This Morning Mr. James Genn the surveyor came to us.” The editors say the party “was led by experienced surveyor James Genn,” that “James Genn was a prominent surveyor of Prince William County. His home was on the Falmouth Road near present-day Catlett,” and that “It is probable that he received some instruction in surveying, possibly from James Genn, before the journey over the mountains.”

Used for the Genn family (Thomas Genn of the Choptank and his son Capt. James Ginn): the surveyor was at most a relative of theirs, and his place in the Genn family is unproven.