USA > Washington DC > Historic graves of Maryland and the District of Columbia : with the inscriptions appearing on the tombstones in most of the counties of the state and in Washington and Georgetown > Part 6
USA > Maryland > Historic graves of Maryland and the District of Columbia : with the inscriptions appearing on the tombstones in most of the counties of the state and in Washington and Georgetown > Part 6
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These six stones were found in an almost inaccessible spot back of Drum Point, on what was once a part of the " Mill Mount" property.
Sacred to the memory of John B. Tolley Who departed this life on the 25th March 1840 in the 40th year of his age.
He lived in peace with all mankind And died regretted by all who had his friendship. Ye living men come view the ground Where you must shortly lie.
Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth wife of John B. Tolley and daughter of John Willoughby who departed this life Jan 10th 1830 in the 26th year of her age.
Here where this silent marble weeps A friend, a wife, a mother sleeps
My Saviour shall my life restore
And raise me from my dead [dread] abode
My flesh and Soul shall part no more But dwell forever with my God.
Sacred to the memory of John Willoughby who departed this life on the 3rd April 1826 Aged 59.
A man sedate of sober mind To wife and children ever kind [Rest lost by break in stone.]
In memory of Rebecca Willoughby who departed this life March 15 1827 Aged 52 years.
Kind angels watch her sleeping dust Till Jesus comes to raise the just When may she wake, with sweet surprise And in her Saviour's image rise.
Sacred to the memory of Captain Alex Beard who departed this life the 31st of August 1821.
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Historic Graves of Maryland
In memory of Mary Cryer who was born May 29th 1792 and departed this life June 29th 1831 Aged 39 years and one month.
The Dare Place, now inhabited by Wallace Dalrymple, has a very old graveyard, all grown up with trees, briars and swamp. Only two tombs could be found. Nothing legible but the names of John Dare and Elizabeth Dare.
At Mr. Hellen's farm on Mill Creek, under some old gnarled trees in the orchard, are two stones:
In memory of Mrs Elizabeth Pattison who departed this life Febru- ary 20th 1808 Aged 60 years.
Affliction sore long time I bore Physicians were in vain
Till God alone he heard my moan And eased me of my pain.
In memory of John Pattison, who died in 1805, Aged 62.
In solemn silence let him lie
Nor dare disturb his dust
Till the archangel rends the sky
And wakes the sleeping just.
At the Preston place, below Mrs. Wilson's, may be seen these two inscriptions:
To my husband Richard J. Wells, born Feb. 24th 1823; died Sept 8th 1857. Aged 34 years 6 months and 25 days.
Elizabeth Gantt, daughter of Richard and Susannah Wells, born Janu- ary 10th 1851 departed this life August 12th 1852 19 months and 2 days.
On the old Duke place, between Mutual and Hellen's church and Battle Creek, known as "Dukes," now in posses- sion of Col. John Brooke, are a number of old stones, among which are:
James Duke, son of James and Rebecca Duke Born August 27th 1797, Died April 16 1843.
Ann Maria Duke, wife of James Duke, daughter of John Thomas and Ann Laveille. Born Sept 4th 1801 died August 28 1839.
Eliza Howard, daughter of James J. and Carrie Owen Duke, born Feb. 25th; Died Oct 28th 1862.
Dr. James J. Duke son of Ann Maria and James Duke Born Oct 22nd 183- died Sept 3rd 1876.
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Calvert County
Alexander Duke son of James and Rebecca Somervell Duke born Sept 13th 1788 died Feb. 7th 1885.
Mary Broome Duke his wife.
John J. Brooke born August 11th 1789 married Oct. 25th 1810 departed this life April 16th 1856.
Mrs Juliet Brooke wife of John J. Brooke Born 25th Sept 1791 died Oct 11th 1810.
Ann Rebecca Duke daughter of James and Ann Maria Duke, born Dec. 1822 died Dec. 1823.
Ann Maria Duke daughter of James and Ann Maria Laveille born 1832 died 1838.
Mrs Mary Bausman wife of the Rev John Bausman departed this life Jan. 29th 1826 in the 31st year of her age.
Basil Duke Bond Born April 4th 1817 died December 28th 1890.
Mary Wheeler wife of Basil Duke Bond born Oct 22nd 1820 married Nov. 15 1838 died March 13th 1853.
The old Laveille place, on Battle Creek, was bought of Moses Parran Duke. Here are buried:
Col. Uriah Laveille born 1800; died 1855.
Mary Laveille, daughter of Joseph and Mary Harris, born 1806; died 1877.
At the Pardoe place, near the Wilson place, on the bay side, are buried :
Samuel Parran, born 1780; died 1845.
Elizabeth, his wife, born 1799; died 1850.
Another inscription here reads :
Here lies Interred the Body of Mr. John Rousby (only son of the Hon'ble JOHN ROUSBY Esq.) who departed this life the 28th day of January Anno Domini 1750 Aged 23 years and 10 mos.
Three miles from Prince Frederick, on the Huntingtown road, is the old Holdsworth house, owned of late by the Gaunt family. Three of the Gaunts are buried here:
Dr. Thomas C. Gaunt [Gantt] Died January 29th 1829 In the 43rd year of his age.
Dr. Thomas C. Gaunt Son of Dr. Thos. and Susan Gaunt Born Sept 18 1818 Died Jan. 4th 1844 Aged 25 years 3 months and 16 days.
James Edward son of Dr. Thos. C. and Susan Gaunt Born Nov. 26th 1826; Died Sept 3rd 1831, Aged 4 years and 9 months.
.
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Historic Graves of Maryland
James Truman in his will, dated 1672, mentions his daughters Martha, Mary and Elizabeth, whom he left to the care of his two brothers in case of his widow's marriage. This lady was named Anne, and her tomb, found after much diligent search, on a farm owned by Mr. Basil Duke, near Prince Frederick, Calvert county, shows that she consoled herself for her loss by becoming the wife of Robert Skinner, "Gent." The inscription is:
Here lyeth the Body of Mrs Ann Skinner, first the relict of James Truman, Gent., afterwards that of Robt. Skinner, Gent., who died the 3rd day of August 1717, about 75 years, having lived near half that time a widow.
This most elusive stone, incorrectly reported to members of the Memorial Committee as that of Robert Skinner, was found, after three years' search, in a thicket on top of a plateau, buried several inches below the surface of the ground.
On the Morton farm, at Hunting Creek, Stokely, near the stable, is a family burial place, all grown up with weeds. Some stones are down, others are standing. Some of the inscriptions we give:
Mrs Ann Somervell departed this life 28 1789 aged 22 years 10 months and 15 days.
Mr. John Somervell departed this life Dec. 24 1826 Aged 70 years 7 months and 9 days.
Mrs Sarah Ireland departed this life Sept 1st 1809 Aged 48 years 1 month and 29 days.
Mr. James Somervell departed this life Oct. 10th 1773 Aged 43 years 8 months and 6 days.
Susan Somervell departed this life May 15th 1840 Aged 66 years 10 months and 2 days.
Mr. Hone Somervell departed this life October 6th 1821 Aged 58 years 10 months and 27 days.
Ann Truman Somervell departed this life Sept 1st 1814.
Sacred To the memory of Mrs Susan Harris Consort of Alexander Harris and daughter of Hone and Susan Somervell Born March 20 1816 Died April 28 1857 Aged 31 years.
1
ero les Interrd the Bo MIJJOHN ROUSBY (ont He Hon: JOHN ROUSBY
the departed this Life the
day of January Anno Down JA33'O Aged 23 Years
and Jo Monthsy
TOP OF THE TOMB OF JOHN ROUSBY In the graveyard at "Rousby Hall," Patuxent River, Calvert County
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Calvert County
Nathaniel Aged 10 months Nathaniel D. Aged 15 days Children of Hone and Susan. Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Leonard Hollyday Somervell Departed this life April 15th 1814 Aged 12 months and 10 days.
Sacred To the memory of Sarah Jane, wife of James Somervell of Prince George's County and daughter of the Hon. Thos H. Williamson, of Calvert County, Died May 27th 1844 Aged 26 years.
She lived and died a Christian Her bright example inspired many hearts with love and her name is still uttered with praise by many lips.
In fond remembrance of Thomas Truman Son of James and Ann Ma- gruder Somervell who died July 26 1845 Aged 39 years one month and 7 days.
Mrs. Susannah Somervell departed this life August 5th 1787 Aged 55 years 3 months and 13 days.
Mrs. Elizabeth H. Somervell departed this life April 27th 1815 Aged 54 years 5 months and 21 days.
On a place formerly owned by the Dares and Allnutts, but now in the possession of Mr. Schemell, we find the fol- lowing:
Here lyeth the Body of Sarah Dare, who departed this life December the 7th 1787 Aged 58 years.
John Dare Ireland [dates illegible].
D. [dates illegible].
Sarah E. daughter of Rich'd and Priscilla Dare departed this life 9th mo 5 1842. Aged 2 years and 9 days.
Thomas C. Dare Jr. departed this life 8th mo 7 1843 Aged 35 years 1 month and 29 days.
Gideon Allnutt son of Francis and Sarah Allnutt born Dec. 10th 1815 died Mar. 30 1879.
Priscilla D. wife of Richard S. Dare departed this life 12 mo 25 1858 Aged 49 years 3 months and 25 days.
Dr. George Dare Born August 19th 1795 died March 15th 1813.
Sally S. Dare Born April 2nd 1818 died March 5th 1851.
John Thomas Ireland, Mary Dare Ireland, M. S. D. 1821.
Thomas C. Dare Sr departed this life 9th month 29 183-8 Aged 59 years 9 months and 19 days.
Elizabeth Snowden The wife of Thomas C. Dare Sr. departed this life 3rd month 26 1851 Aged 75 years 7 months and 9 days.
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Historic Graves of Maryland
Richard S. Dare Son of Thomas C. and Eliza Dare Born Nov 16 1805 Died Jan. 6th 1868.
Also about six other stones with only the letter "D," no dates.
The last of the Calvert county inscriptions noted, are in an old cemetery on the farm of Mr. John G. Roberts, near the bay. They are:
Sarah Waters Born Oct. 27th 1779 Died December 30th 1848.
Mrs. Betty H. Beckett born August 31st 1764 died Oct 15 1831.
Mr. John Beckett husband of Mrs. Betty H. Beckett born March 16 1764 died Sept 2 1803.
Captain John Beckett died May 20th 1850 in the 59th year of his age. Richard Beckett born Sept 23 1802 died April 2 1855.
Mary Heighe Blake died March 24th 1840 in the 70th year of her age. Miss Mary H. Beckett born February 22 1788 died Feb. 19th 1852.
John Beckett son of Richard and Maria Beckett born Sept 30th 1835 died December 21st 1852.
In that portion of Charles county, which is indented by a bend of the Potomac river, lies Port Tobacco Creek, anglicized from "Pertafacca," an Indian name, descriptive of its position in the hollow of the hills. Port Tobacco was one of the original centers of the Church of England, estab- lished in 1692, as well as one of the oldest stations of the Jesuits in Maryland. On a bluff overlooking the creek, stands the venerable mansion of St. Thomas' Manor, which for years has been the home of the Jesuit Fathers, the corner- stone of the church attached to it having been laid about one hundred years ago. In the little graveyard repose some well-known sons of St. Ignatius, including Neales, Barbers and others who have labored in the missionary field. Un- fortunately, there are no stones here of a very early date, that of Rev. John H. Pile, who died in 1813, seeming to be the oldest.
Col. William Chandler directed in his will, executed about the year 1731, that he should be buried in old St. Thomas'
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Charles County
graveyard on Chapel Point. Here also we must look for the graves of his sister Mary, the wife of Boswell Neale, who died before him, and of his sister Jane, the wife of Henry Brent, who was living at the time his will was made. In "Chandler's Hope," a homestead on a steep hill overlooking Port Tobacco, the ancient county seat, and in Brentland post office, across the creek from Chapel Point, we have a survival of these names. One ancient tomb recorded as having been at St. Thomas' chapel, is that of Elizabeth, wife of Edward Diggs, Gent., who died on May 9, 1705. She was the daughter of Col. Henry Darnell, of "The Woodyard," and Ellinor (Hatton) Brooke, his wife.
We naturally ask, "Where are the ashes of those, who like the Jesuit Fathers, William Winter and Robert Brooke, and the Franciscan, Rev. Basil Hobart, labored as missionaries here, and suffered persecution during the period of transition from the government of a Catholic Lord Proprietary to that of a Protestant king?" All trace of these seems to be lost forever, and even Father William Hunter, Superior of the order in Maryland, who died in 1723, and to whom is ac- credited the founding of the Newport mission, in 1697, has ' no stone to mark his grave.
Newport is situated about six miles from Lothair, the nearest railroad station. In the shadow of its church, built in 1840, is a venerable burying ground, where a tombstone bearing the date 1790 is reported to be the oldest.
"Rose Hill," near Port Tobacco, is an old homestead associated with the name of Dr. Gustavus Richard Brown, one of the many physicians accredited to the "Father of his Country." He was born in 1748, graduated in Edinburgh in 1768, married Miss Graham of Prince William county, Va., was elected in 1774 to serve as representative of Charles county in the Legislature, was one of the judges of Charles county court in 1777, and died in 1804. He was enterprising
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Historic Graves of Maryland
and public-spirited, and is said to have founded a hospital for the inoculation of smallpox, which was opened about June 15, 1776.
Dr. Brown is buried in the family burying ground:
Sacred to the memory of Dr. Gustavus Richard Brown. This Tomb Stone is erected by his relict Margaret Brown in testimony of her respect and affection and as a Monument of his Skill as a Physician and his Learn- ing as a Scholar; of his Wisdom as a Philosopher and his Generosity as a Friend; of his Elegance as a Gentleman and his hospitality as a Neighbour; of his kindness as a Master and tenderness as a Husband;
His father, Dr. Gustavus Brown, the fourth of that name, was born in Scotland in 1689. He settled at Port Tobacco, was Justice of Charles county from 1726 to 1762, also chief justice from 1748 to the same period. He married Frances Fowke, who was buried at "Dipple," an estate of her son-in- law Rev. James Scott, on the Virginia side of the Potomac. Her tomb bore this record:
Here lyeth the body of Frances, wife of Dr Gustavus Brown, of Charles County, Md. By her he had twelve children, of whom one son and seven daughters survive her. She was a daughter of Mr Gerard Fowke, late of Md., and descended from the Fowkes of Gunston Hall in Staffordshire, England. She was born Feb. 2nd 1691 and died much lamented on the 8th of November 1744, in the 54th year of her age.
A third Dr. Gustavus Brown is buried in the Reeder family graveyard at Westfield, St. Mary's county. He died on July 3, 1801, at the age of 50.
To the west of Port Tobacco creek, is Nanjemoy, which has its associations also. The land granted by Lord Baltimore to William Stone, the first Protestant governor, 1649-54, is described as "lying west of Nanjemi Creek on the Poto- mac." Tradition says that he is buried on the manor (his portion of the tract going by the name of "Poynton Manor"), and a spot on the farm called "Cherry Field," is still pointed out as his grave. He had many children whose descendants lived on "Poynton Manor." Upon a portion of the estate known as "Equality" the founder of another family, well-
65
Charles County
known and honored in the annals of the state, is buried. This is Samuel Hanson, both father-in-law and grandfather- in-law of David Stone, a great-grandson of Gov. William Stone and the "inheritor of Poynton Manor, with Court Leet and Court Baron." Samuel Hanson's will, made in 1740, helps us to approximate the date of his death. He was a grandson of the Swedish colonel of the name who fought for and died with Gustavus Adolphus at Lützen, November 16, 1632. Samuel Hanson was prominent in county affairs, and his numerous descendants were more or less conspicuous in the public life of their times.
All that section of the county lying between the Nanjemoy creek and the Potomac river was included in "Durham," one of the four Church of England parishes, which after many mutations now remain. The others are, William and Mary, embracing its eastern portion and the peninsula between the Wicomico and the Potomac; Piscataway, or St. John's, ex- tending along the Potomac to the north, and now included in Prince George's county, and Port Tobacco parish. Charles county, during one of these changes, obtained a portion of St. Paul's parish, originally laid out in Calvert. Oldfields' chapel near Hughesville is a part of this later-acquired terri- tory. No eighteenth-century gravestones have been dis- covered in this churchyard, although the chapel has stood for more than a hundred years, and only one bearing an ancient date appears in the Catholic cemetery of St. Mary's church at Bryantown. It reads:
In memory of Raphael Boarman who died 19th May 1829 Aged 80 years Also Near this lies the remains of Mary, Consort of R. Boarman who died 15 Aug 1786 Aged 21.
The husband outlived the wife 43 years.
The rest of the names antedating the year 1850 are listed as follows:
Raphael Edelen died Sept 13, 1845 aged 33.
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Historic Graves of Maryland
Austin Miles died Sept. 19, 1840 aged 28.
And Thou, oh Heaven! keep what Thou has taken. And with my treasure, keep my heart on High The Spirit meek, and yet by pain unshaken The Faith, the Love, the lofty Constancy Guide me where these are, and with my loved one flown They were of Thee, and Thou Hast taken Thine own.
Alex. Johnson died June 13, 1816 aged 49.
Vain, vain the transient views of man !. Deaths stroke subverts each earthly plan
Oh dreadful . . . Yet all must come. You, Reader, too, must meet this doom. Reflect your own frail life must tend Revere your God, his laws attend Your sins wash out with timely tears. To God for me direct your prayers.
Mary Carrico died Dec. 11 1849 aged 53. May the Lord be merciful to her.
Augustine Burch died Aug. 6, 1834 aged 56.
Susanna D. Burch " Feb. 25, 1846 63.
John H. Hardy Mar. 25, 1827
27.
Igns F. Gardiner 66 Apr. 26, 1841 66
52.
Cath. Oct. 24, 1864
65.
Mary Rose 66
June, 24, 1838 17.
John F. Gardiner
Sept. 12, 1831 78.
Cath.
17, 1823 52.
Benj D. 66
66 27,1832 . 23.
Benj Franklin
May 10, 1831 66
11.
Marsham Bowling 66
Aug. 2,1847 66
75.
Margt.
June 15, 1819
56.
Aloysius
Jan. 1,1850
40.
John H.
July 17,1837
5 days [?].
Thomas
Sept. 17, 1829
27.
Mary A.
1829 66 24.
Elizabeth Boswell " Sept. 24, 1852
26. My fraim only lies here in the deep My soul is with my God above My dearest William, why do you weep ? May you meet me there to love.
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Charles County
Mrs. Susan Spaulding died Mar. 1, 1850 aged 54.
Thomas Semmes
Sept. 2, 1829 56.
Elizabeth Semmes July 18, 1853 78.
Dr. Geo W. Jameson 66 Oct. 5, 1827 66 23.
Georgianna
4,1827
5 y 6m.
Sophia Dyer died Sunday
2, 1831 66 31.
Rev. Edwin M. Southgate, who furnished this list, remarks that the custom of raising stones to the dead was less common before the war than now. With some few exceptions it is still difficult to get the parishioners to look after their burial lots. This curious neglect prevails in spite of the fact that most of them are of the old colonial stock, and very much attached to the memories of their ancestors. An old register of Upper and Lower Zachaiah and Mattawoman congrega- tions is preserved at this church and from it Rev. Ed. South- gate has made the following extracts:
1794.
Ann Johnson, wife to John Johnson died June 28, born 1729. Martha Morice, wife to Joseph Morice died Aug. 6 1707. Susanna Neale wife to Jeremias Neale died Aug. 10 66 1711.
Martha Hagon
Oct. 29 66 1730.
Oct. 25 66 1730 Jas. O'Brien
The widow Ann Sanders.
Dec. 23 1725.
1795.
The widow Sarah Jameson, died April 9 born 1710. The widow Elizabeth Simpson, 18 1719. John Harbin . 66 May 1 1702.
Henry Osbourn. May 15 1716.
Catherine Harbin June 8 1709.
The record is missing up to the year when it continues.
1816-1820.
Patsy Beavin; Joseph Carricoe; Sally Dyer; Ann Gardener; Nancy Mid- dleton; Walter Edelen; Green Dyer; Franc Edelen; Sam Berry; Teresa Berry; Margt. Mudd; Benj. N. Mudd; Mrs. Geo. Edelen; John Boswell; Mrs. Worthing; Ed. Stewart; Julia Boone; Philip Edelen; Julia Mudd; Pres. Langley; Mrs. Hill; Mrs. Jos. Montgomery; Mrs. Leond. Mudd; Willm. Cooke; Eliz. Queen; Eliz. Simms; Tom Jameson; Mrs. Hill; Polly Middleton; Eliz. Smith; Tom Langley; Jas. Montgomery; Mrs. J. Smith;
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Historic Graves of Maryland
Jas. Smith; Ally Montgomery; L. Boarman; Margt. Bowling; Walter Mudd; Nic. Langley; Th. Stansberry; Mary A. Gardiner.
1821.
Nancy Jameson; Polly Bowling; Robt. Young; Polly Richard; Teresa Gardiner; Charlotte Gardiner; Sally Boarman; Eliza Dyer; Harriet Jameson; Wm. Stewart; George Jameson; Sally Gardiner; Mrs. Hardy; Monica Reeves; Henry Parker.
1822.
Philip Gardiner; Mrs. Stonestreet; Mary Fenwick; Mrs. F. Diggs; Leonard Mudd; Mrs. Schell; Ann Langley; Hilary Burch; Adeline Harbin; Mary Harbin; Josiah Hamilton; Abel Carricoe; Raphael Jameson; Oswald Dyer,
1823.
Theodore Dyer; Ned Jenkins; Josh Montgomery; Ann Wright; Mrs. Miles; Jeremiah Dyer; Jas. Fenwick; Cath. Gardiner; Rev. Mr. Heath; George Dyer; Rosella Middleton; Sally Jameson; R. L. Edelen.
1824.
Mrs. W. Beaven; Francis Boarman; Wm. Holton; Mrs. L. Smith; Eliz. Jenkins; Theod. Hardy; Rev. Mr. Vergnes; Alex. Langley; Nancy Thomp- son; Jerry Dyer; R. T. Wilson; R. Willet; Cecilia Gardiner; R. Harbin.
1825.
Thos. C. Reaves Nov. 29th; Louisa Carricoe Dec. 21st; Dr. Donatus Middleton, Dec. 15th.
1826.
Clemintina Queen Jan. 9; Mary Grey, Jan. 20th; Ann Middleton, Mar. 11; Sally Mudd, March 12; Matilda Boarman died May 13, buried 15; Alex. Smith, July 23rd; James Gates; Harriet Gardiner; Susan Murray, Sept. 13. Cath Baker, Sept. 14; Mary A. Bowling Oct. 12, buried 14.
1827.
John H. Hardy, May 21.
1833.
Benj. Dominic Gardiner, Sept. 10; Jas. Boarman, Aug. 5. 1836.
Mary Rose Dyer, wife of Horatio Dyer, Aug. 30th, 1836. 1837.
Ann Boarman, widow of James Boarman, May 23rd; Mary Emily Mont- gomery, June 24th; Maria Jameson, Sept. 13.
1838. Mary Rose Gardiner, June 23rd; Rose Langley, July 10th. 1839.
George Boarman, May 25th.
1840.
Ann Middleton, Feb. 18, buried 20th; Cath. Simpson, Apr. 4, buried 6th;
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Charles County
Sarah Jenkins, April 18-19; Elizabeth Reeves, Aged 85, April 22-23; Maria Green, daughter of Cath. Simpson, April 22-23; Ann Queen, Mother of Dr. Queen, Aug. 11; Augustine Miles, Sept. 18-20; Anne Boarman, widow of Raphael, about 90 years of age, Nov. 17-18; Alexius Boarman, died suddenly Dec. 15.
1841.
Henry Montgomery, Jan. 23-25; Mary Bowling, wife of Richard Bowling, April 1-2; Francis Gardiner, April 27-28.
The record from 1841 to 1850 is missing.
We thus occasionally come across in out of the way places, surnames well known in the early history of the Province, and many a name, which in these old graveyards fails to arouse an interest among the present generation, takes a new significance when it appears in the quaintly worded proceedings of Council or Assembly, sometimes directing a captain of a troop to range with his men in one direction, sometimes sending a second in another, in order to be on the lookout for hostile Indians, and when found, to treat with them in a way to win their friendship; or to investigate cruelty and injustice, on the part of either race. It is thus that the personages in a drama long since enacted on Mary- land soil are brought before us once more, with suggestions of the picturesque, the pathetic and the tragic. Charles county and Prince George's are both rich in names con- nected with our early struggles with the Indians, and the discovery of old tombstones within this territory, would furnish materials for a hitherto unwritten chapter of romance.
William Smallwood was the last male representative of a Maryland family that was always prominent in colonial history. His grandfather, Maj. James Smallwood, settled in Charles county at an early date, being a delegate to the General Assembly in 1696. His father, Bayne Smallwood, Esq., was both a merchant and a planter on a large scale, and filled various public offices, among them that of justice of the peace besides being a member of the House of Delegates
70
Historic Graves of Maryland
for a number of years. His mother was Miss Priscilla Hea- herd of Virginia, a lady of birth and fortune. She outlived her husband, who died before the Revolution. Like so many of the sons of the affluent in colonial times, William Small- wood was sent to England to be educated. He never married, but, excepting when in the field, fighting for his country, lived with his mother until her death in 1783.
In a letter written by William Smallwood to Governor Paca in 1784, he speaks of his home "Mattawoman." This may be the place known as "Smallwood's Retreat," for this old mansion, about which cluster the traditions of his occupancy, is in the Chickamuxon district, which is near Mattawoman creek. The Smallwoods had a road cut from their place down to the Durham church, which to this day is known as "Small- wood's Church Road."
The Sons of the American Revolution have won glory by erecting a monument in the private burying ground at "Smallwood's Retreat," where General Smallwood lived the greater part of his life, and where it is supposed he is buried. The benighted later generation of this locality will no longer have to consult the Century Dictionary or the Encyclopedia Brittanica for a record of him and his deeds, as one of our correspondents confesses having done. The inscription on his monument, tells the story thus:
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