Husband Ely Dorsey [son of Pautuxent John]
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1794
Buried:
Father: Capt. John "Patuxent John" Dorsey (Abt 1695-1761)
Mother: Elizabeth (Abt 1703-Abt 1777)
Marriage: After 1749
Other Spouse: Mary Crockett ( - ) - 24 Jan 1744
Noted events in his life were:
• Will, Signed will, 22 Oct 1789
• Codicil, Signed codicil to will, 9 Mar 1793
• Probate, Estate probated, 3 Feb 1794 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Wife Deborah Dorsey
Born: 25 Nov 1722 - St. Anne's Parish, Anne Arundel, Maryland, [United States]
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Caleb Dorsey of Hockley in the Hole [son of Capt. John] (1685-1742)
Mother: Elinor Warfield (1683-1752)
Noted events in her life were:
• Will, Signed will, 21 Mar 1796
• Probate, Estate probated, 21 May 1807 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Children
Research Notes (Husband)
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdannear/firstfam/dorsey/d17544.htm#P17544
"[The will of Elizabeth Dorsey] made January 25, 1775 and proved March 23, 1777 left:
To daughter Lucy Dorsey, 2 negroes and personalty
All personal estate to be sold and debts paid and remainder of money divided equally among nine children, Ely, Basil, Benjamin, John, Samuel, Deborah, and Lucy Dorsey, Ruth Talbot, and Rachel Ridgely
Exrs: daughter Lucy Dorsey and nephew John Dorsey
Test: Samuel Brown Jr., Sara Brown, Rachel Todd (Wills 41, f. 421)"
From the book Inhabitants of Baltimore County 1763-1774 by Henry C. Peden, Jr., Westminster, Maryland, 1989, pp. 27-41:
"JOPPA COURTHOUSE PETITION OF 1768
"The petitions for and against the removal of the county seat of Baltimore County from Joppa to Baltimore Town in 1768 are discussed at length in the Archives of Maryland, Vol. 61 (Appendix). Notices were posted in January, 1768 at the door of the courthouse in Joppa, at the church door of St. Paul's Parish, at the church door of St. Thomas' Parish, at the church door of St. John's Parish, at the church door of St. George's Parish, at the door of the chapel of St. George's Parish, at the door of the chapel of St. John's Parish, and at the house called St. Thomas' Chapel in St. Thomas' Parish, by Absalom Butler and sworn to before the Honorable Benjamin Rogers. Notices were printed in English and German. Tabulations indicate that 2,271 voted for the removal of the courthouse, and 901 voted against it. (It should be noted that some signatures are missing due to the disintegration of the paper, and there also appears to be some who signed more than once.) Five years later, Harford County separated from Baltimore County and set up its court house at Bush (Harford Town) in 1774 and at Bel Air in 1782.
"SIGNERS FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT TO BALTIMORE TOWN (1768)...
"...Thomas Cockey...Joshua Owings...Charles Ridgely... Samuel Owings... John Cockey... Benjamin Wells, Charles Wells... George Wells... Caleb Warfield, Nathaniel Stinchcomb... William Coale...Christopher Randall, Jr.... J. Cockey Owings... William Wells, Jr.... William Wells...Edward Talbott... Edward Cockey... Benjamin Talbott... Charles Ridgely (son William)... Elisha Dorsey... Alexander Wells, Nathaniel Owings...Nathaniel Stinchcomb, Sr....Lott Owings... Anthony Arnold... Richard Owings... William Cockey... John Talbott (son Edward)... Richard Owings... William Slade... Edward Talbot... Vachel Dorsey... Christopher Owings, Richard Owings... Edward Dorsey (son John)... Lancelott Dorsey, Charles Dorsey (son Nathan), Ely Dorsey... Henry Dorsey...Samuel Dorsey, Jr.... Joshua Owings, Jr.... Samuel Owings... John Wells... Thomas Owings... Henry Butler... George Dorsey...
"SIGNERS AGAINST THE REMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT TO BALTIMORE TOWN (1768)...
Greenbury Dorsey, Jr....William Wells..."
From the book Inhabitants of Baltimore County 1763-1774 by Henry C. Peden, Jr., Westminster, Maryland, 1989, pp. 57-60:
"A LIST OF TAXABLES IN DELAWARE HUNDRED, BALTIMORE COUNTY, 1773
"...Dorsey, Edward; Edward Dorsey; ... Dorsey, Basel (Qtr.)... Dorsey, John (Qtr.)... Dorsey, Ely (Qtr.)... Dorsey, Ely... Owings, Richard (son of Samuel)...
"On Reverse side: Delaware Hundred Taxes 462 examined by JSH. The Hole Amount of Taxes is 501: Richard Owings, son of Sam."
Research Notes (Wife)
Source: The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 155. Ely Dorsey's second wife.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdannear/firstfam/dorsey/d8040.htm#P8040
Husband Capt. Edward Dorsey
Born: Abt 1701
Christened:
Died: 1767 - Dorsey's Inheritance, Anne Arundel, Maryland, [United States]
Buried:
Father: Edward Dorsey (Abt 1678-1701)
Mother: Ruth Hill (1681-1747)
Marriage:
Wife Sarah Todd
Born:
Christened:
Died: After 1767
Buried:
Children
1 M Edward Dorsey Jr.
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1782
Buried:
Spouse: Deborah Macubbin ( - )
2 M Lancelot Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Deborah Ridgely ( - )
3 M John Dorsey [son of Capt. Edward]
Born: 1736
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Mary Hammond ( - )
4 M Charles Dorsey [son of Capt. Edward]
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Lydia Dorsey ( - )
5 M Capt. Richard Dorsey [son of Capt. Edward]
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
6 F Ruth Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1814
Buried:
Spouse: Vachel Dorsey ( - )
7 F Elizabeth Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1749
Buried:
Spouse: Henry Griffith ( - )
Marr: 9 Apr 1741
8 M Sarah Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Thomas Gassaway ( - )
9 M Ely Dorsey [son of Capt. Edward]
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Ruth Dorsey ( - )
Research Notes (Husband)
Source: The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 144
From http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdannear/firstfam/dorsey/d7946.htm#P7946
114. Edward DORSEY was born about 1701. He signed a will on 14 Apr 1764. He died in 1767 in Anne Arundel Co., MD. He had an estate probated on 11 Nov 1767 in Anne Arundel Co., MD.
From the book Inhabitants of Baltimore County 1763-1774 by Henry C. Peden, Jr., Westminster, Maryland, 1989, pp. 16-23:
"INDEX TO AQUILA HALL'S ASSESSMENT LEDGER, 1762-1765
Aquila Hall was High Sheriff of Baltimore County and after Harford County separated from Baltimore County in 1773 he was appointed Colonel of Militia and one of the Lord Justices of the new county of Harford from 1774 to 1779. While serving as Sheriff of Baltimore County he compiled a tax assessment ledger of 145 pages which named 1,380 persons, their land tracts, and their assessments... Its index contains the following names...
"William Cockey,... Joshua Cockey,... Edward Cockey,... John Hammond Dorsey,... Caleb Dorsey, Bazil Dorsey, Edward Dorsey,... Caleb Dorsey,... Richard Dorsey,...John Sorsey,...Samuel Owings,... John Owings, Joshua Owings,... Sarah Owings,... Stephen Owings,... Samuel Owings,... Elijah Owings,... Henry Owings,... Christopher Randell,... John Ridgley,... Charles Ridgley, Jr.,... Capt. John Stinchcombe,... Nathan Stinchcombe,... Edmund Talbott, Thomas Talbott,... Philip Thomas,... Edward Talbott,... Samuel Underwood,... Benjamin Wells,... James Wells,... William Wells, James Wells, Jr.,... Charles Wells,... Elex Wells..."
From the book The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 144-145:
"Edward Dorsey inherited from his grandfather Hon. John Dorsey in 1714, two tracts of land, Dorsey's Adventure and Whitaker's Purchase.
In 1732 two tracts of land, Dorsey's Inheritance and Belly Ache Thicket were surveyed for Edward Dorsey. (Patents B.C.& C.S. No. 13, f. 344; No. 21, f. 311)
Dorsey's Thicket, a tract of 655 acres was surveyed for him in 1758, and in 1764 Ely's Lot Enlarged was laid out. (Patents B.C.& G.S. No. 13, f. 344; No. 21, f. 311)
On December 5, 1745, Edward Dorsey gave 2 negro girls to his daughter Elizabeth Dorsey (Balt. Co. Deeds T.B. No. E, f. 3)
In the settlement of his estate, Edward Dorsey is called Captain, but no record of his miliatry services has been found.
The will of Edward Dorsey made April 14, 1764 and probated in 1767 left:
To son Edward Dorsey, 200 acres land part of Dorsey's Inheritance devised to wife Sarah, to be his after her death or marriage, and wearing apparell, and on condition that he discharge two bonds, one to Charles Carrol and the other to John Brice
To son Lancelot Dorsey, 50 acres, Baltimore County, which I had of his brother Edward
To son John Dorsey, 230 acres part of Dorsey's Inheritance including the plantation where he now lives and 79 acres before deeded to him which adjoins his plantation, his mother to have use of the small meadow and Tobacco house which is on the land
To son Charles Dorsey, 40 acres of land in Baltimore County, adjoining his plantation taken up in a survey made by his father (the testator), John Gillis and Edward Dorsey of John
To sons Ely Dorsey and Richard Dorsey, remainder of lands lying in Baltimore County being part of Ely's Lot and part of Belly Ache Thicket to be equally divided between them, appoint Vachel Dorsey to divide same
To daughter Ruth Dorsey, 1 shilling
To daughter Sarah Gassawy, 1 shilling
To Ely Dorsey, one negro boy named Will
To Richard Dorsey, one negro boy named Jem
To wife Sarah, personal estate, during widowhood, but if she should marry then to be equally divided between 3 youngest sons, Charles Ely, Richard.
Whereas I have reason to believe there is a great deal of iron ore on the 200 acres devised to son Edward, and if so, the profits of the ore are to be divided amonst the six sons
Exrs: sons John and Ely Dorsey (Wills, 36, f. 109)
The inventory of the estate of Capt. Edward Dorsey was taken November 30, 1767. The relations were Richard Dorsey and Thomas Dorsey. (Invts. 99, f. 155)
From The Founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland by J. D. Warfield (Baltimore, 1905), pp. 61-62:
[The will of Hon. John Dorsey reads in part:]
'I give to my grandson, Edward Dorsey, son of my son, Edward Dorsey, de ceased, "Dorsey's Advanture" and "Whitaker's Purchase" adjoining it. If he leave no issue, then to John, of Edward, and if he leave none, then as above, to Deborah's youngest three children....--JOHN DORSEY. (Seal).'
Research Notes (Wife)
Source: The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 144.
Also http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdannear/firstfam/dorsey/d7946.htm#P7946
From the book The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 145:
"Sarah Dorsey, widow of Edward, was the daughter of Lancelot and Elizabeth (Rockhould) Todd... In 1735 she received from her father a gift on one-haf of a tract of 500 acres called Altogether. (A.A. Co. Deeds R.D. No. 2, f. 268)"
Husband Edward Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Major Edward Dorsey of "Dorsey" (Abt 1640-After 1704)
Mother: Sarah Wyatt ( - )
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
Research Notes (Husband)
Source: Genealogical and Memorial Encyclopedia of the State of Maryland: A Record of the Achievements of Her People in the Making of a Commonwealth and the Founding of a Nation, edited by Richard Henry Spencer, New York, 1919. Died young.
Husband Major Edward Dorsey of "Dorsey"
AKA: Colonel Edward Dorsey Jr.
Born: Abt 1640 - Virginia, United States
Christened:
Died: After 26 Oct 1704 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Buried:
Father: Edward Darcy (Abt 1615-Abt 1664)
Mother: Ann (1609- )
Marriage: Bef Nov 1670 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Other Spouse: Margaret Larkin ( - )
Noted events in his life were:
• Transferred, his right in "Hockley-in-the-Hole" to his brother John Dorsey, 1681
• Served, as Judge of the High Court of Chancery, From 1694 to 1696 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, [United States]
Commissioned to hold the Great Seal
• Served, as a member of House of Burgesses for Anne Arundel, 1694
• Served, in House of Burgesses for Baltimore County (now Howard), From 1697 to 1705
Wife Sarah Wyatt
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Nicholas Wyatt ( -1673)
Mother: Damaris ( - )
Children
1 M Edward Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 M Samuel Dorsey [son of Major Edward]
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Jane Dorsey ( - )
3 M Joshua Dorsey
Born: 1686
Christened:
Died: 28 Nov 1747
Buried:
4 M John Dorsey [son of Major Edward]
Born: 1688
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Honor Elder ( - )
Marr: 8 Apr 1708
5 M Nicholas Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1718
Buried:
Spouse: Frances Hughes ( - )
Marr: 20 Dec 1709
6 M Benjamin Dorsey
Born: Bef 1715
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
7 F Hannah Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Samuel Howard ( - )
8 F Sarah Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: John Petticord ( - )
Research Notes (Husband)
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdannear/firstfam/dorsey/d4178.htm#P4178
Source: Side-Lights on Maryland History with Sketches of Early Maryland Families by Hester Dorsey Richardson, Vol. 2 (Baltimore, 1913), pp. 87-91:
"Hockley-in-the-Hole, originally taken up by Edward Darcy, was in 1664 patented to his sons Edward, Joshua and John, the original patent bearing date August 20, 1664, being still in the possession of the present owner of Hockley, Miss Anne Elizabeth Dorsey, lineal descendant of all three of the original patentees. In the year 1681 'Edward Dorsey, Gent. of Ann Arundell County, Son and heir of Edward Dorsey late of said County deceased' assigned his right to his brother John. The parchment document granting Hockley to the three Dorsey brothers bears the autograph of Charles, third Lord Baltimore, and was given under the Great Seal of the Province.
"Major Edward Dorsey, latter known as Colonel, Judge in the High Court of Chancery, and Keeper of the Great Seal, was active in military affairs, and was also a Gentleman Justice of Anne Arundel County. His house on Prince George's Street, Annapolis, was probably built when he disposed of his interest in Hockley to his youngest brother the 'Honorable John Dorsey.'
"...It was at the house on Prince George's Street that Major Edward Dorsey lived during the lifetime of his first wife, Sarah Wyatt, while the Honorable John Dorsey, captain of the Baltimore County militia in later years, took possession of Hoskley, three miles from Annapolis, over which his wife, Madam Pleasance Ely, presided, of whom it has been noted--perhaps as a warning to her descendants, that her name was in no sense suggestive of her disposition.
Certain it is that the amiable Sarah, wife of Major Edward Dorsey, died, after bearing six sons and two daughters to her liege lord, while 'Pleasance,' of austere memory, buried the 'Honorable John,' and was led a second time to the altar by Thomas Wainwright. Upon the death of Sarah Wyatt, his wife, Major Edward Dorsey keeper of the Great Seal, wooed and won young Margarey Larkin, who became the mother of four sons and one daughter.
In the year 1692 Major Edward Dorsey was one of the committee appointed to read and inspect the laws of the Province, and a few years later we find him a commissioner in Chancery.
"He was one of the first to contribute to the fund for establishing free schools in Maryland, was a trustee of King William and Mary School, and was given authority to conduct the arrangements for the building of St. Anne's Church, of which he was a vestryman. On account of the inability to secure workmen he resigned the latter commission.
"Although referred to as Major in the Archives, the title of 'Colonel' is given Edward Dorsey in the settlement of his estate, indicating that he attained the higher military honor before his death.
"The inventory of Colonel Edward Dorsey's estate bears evidence of his manner of life, for the bequests of silver tankards and cordial cups, silver-hilted swords, chafing dish and other evidences of the convenience and elegancies, indicate that he kept up the dignity incident to a Prtovincial Justice and Keeper of the Great Seal and field officer of the Colonial troops in his county. His seal gold ring, which was left to his son, Edward, was probably the one used later by Edward and Joshua in sealing a joint deed. The impression of these seals has caused no little conuecture, because of the device and motto which must have belonged to a maternal line. The small shield has in the center a hand holding an upright unsheathed sword, with the motto 'An Por Peth' surrounding it. As both Breek scholars and those versed in old Gaelic have found this too hard a problem to solve, I give it as interesting study to the many who spring from the early Dorseys.
"...The Dorsey men have largely inclined to the law, and several of the descendants of the distinguished Judge of the High Court of Chancery, Major Edward Dorsey, have occupied seats on the Maryland bench..."
From the book Genealogical and Memorial Encyclopedia of the State of Maryland: A Record of the Achievements of Her People in the Making of a Commonwealth and the Founding of a Nation, edited by Richard Henry Spencer, New York, 1919, p. 610-611:
"In 1667, Edward Dorsey [Jr.] assigned to Cornelius Howard his right to land for transporting seven persons into the Province. 'Dorsey,' held by Edward Dorsey, gave the name to Dorsey's creek, upon which was located Thomas Gates, whose will of 1659 provided that 'Edward Dorsey's children shall have free outlet to the woods and spring, as formerly I have given them.' He therefore had children, although it is not known whether they followed him to the Province or traveled between the Province and England; but an early record read: 'Robert Bullen demands lands for bringing a number of passengers, amongst whom was Edward Dorsey, in 1661.' The record continues: 'August 24, 1664, patented to him (Edward Dorsey, Jr.) and to John and Josua Dorsey, a plantation called "Hockley-in-the-Hole," originally 400 acres (later resurvey, 842 acres), near the site of Annapolis.' Edward Dorsey died prior to 1681, for on December 6th of that year, Edward Dorsey of Anne Arundel county, Gent., son of Edward Dorsey, late of said county, deceased, conveys his interest in 'Hockley-in-the-Hole' to his brother John Dorsey..."Colonel Edward Dorsey, son of Edward Dorsey, the American ancestor, came to Maryland before 1664. He is doubtless the Edward Dorsey brought over by Robert Bullen in 1661; but whether this was his first trip across the sea is not known. He was a Justice for the County of Anne Arundel in 1679, again in 1686, and again in 1689; was styled 'Captain' in 1686, 'Major' in 1687; commissioned Major of Horse, of Anne Arundel county, September 4, 1689; Major of Anne Arundel county, October 9, 1694; was commissioned Associate Commissioner in Chancery, October 17, 1694; Burgess of Anne Arundel county in 1694, again in 1695, 1696, 1697, and for Baltimore county, 1701-1705. He was Commissioner, also Judge of High court of Chancery, March 2, 1695-96; and was styled 'Colonel' in 1702; was one of the committee in 1694 to lay out town lots and a common for Annapolis, Trustee of King William and Mary School in 1696, and a Commissioner for the erection of St. Anne's Church, Annapolis. The first session of the Legislature in Annapolis was held at the house of Major Edward Dorsey, commencing February 28, 1694-95. Prior to 1700, and after his marriage to his second wife, Margaret Larkin, Colonel Edward Dorsey removed from Annapolis to 'Major's Choice,' west of Waterloo, and north of the Old Brick Church. Colonel Dorsey's sons by Sarah Wyatt, his first wife, were located near him upon 'Long Beach' and Major's Choice.' Colonel Dorsey owned landed estates not only in Anne Arundel county, but also in Baltimore county. Colonel Edward Dorsey died at 'Major's Choice' (now Howard county), in 1705. His will is dated October 26, 1704, and was proved December 31, 1705...."
From The Founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland by J. D. Warfield (Baltimore, 1905), p. 57:
"From 1680 to 1705, Major Dorsey was in every movement looking to the development of the colony. From 1694 to 1696 he was Judge of the High Court of Chancery, during which time he was commissioned to holdthe Great Seal. In 1694, he was a member of the House of Burgesses for Anne Arundel, and from 1697 to his death, in 1705, was a member from Baltimore County (now Howard). He was one of the subscribers and treasurer of the fund for building St. Anne's church, and a free school for the province also received his aid. He signed the protestant address from Baltimore County to the King's most gracious Majestie, upon the succession of King William III--an appeal in behalf of Charles Lord Baron of Baltimore, whose proprietary government had been wrested from the family through the influence of Captain John Coode. Though a Protestant, he was found in support of a government which left religious faith untouched."
Research Notes (Wife)
From The Founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland. by J.D. Warfield, A.M., Baltimore, Maryland, 1905, pp. 57-58:
"Major Edward Dorsey married, first, Sarah, daughter of Nicholas Wyatt, the pioneer surveyor of the Severn, who had come up from Virginia with his wife, Damaris, and her daughter, Mary, afterward the wife of Major John Welsh. She was the half-sister of Sarah (Wyatt) Dorsey. Upon the death of Nicholas Wyatt, in 1673, he left a will made in 1671, in which Mrs. Wyatt was made executrix. Upon her subsequent marriage to Thomas Bland, the attorney, there was a contest in chancery, in which Major Edward Dorsey, as the representative of his wife, the heir, contended for the administration of the estate, on the ground of a subsequent revocation of the will of 1671. From that case in chancery, a view of Nicholas Wyatt's neighbors is given."
Husband Major Edward Dorsey of "Dorsey"
AKA: Colonel Edward Dorsey Jr.
Born: Abt 1640 - Virginia, United States
Christened:
Died: After 26 Oct 1704 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Buried:
Father: Edward Darcy (Abt 1615-Abt 1664)
Mother: Ann (1609- )
Marriage:
Other Spouse: Sarah Wyatt ( - ) - Bef Nov 1670 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Noted events in his life were:
• Transferred, his right in "Hockley-in-the-Hole" to his brother John Dorsey, 1681
• Served, as Judge of the High Court of Chancery, From 1694 to 1696 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, [United States]
Commissioned to hold the Great Seal
• Served, as a member of House of Burgesses for Anne Arundel, 1694
• Served, in House of Burgesses for Baltimore County (now Howard), From 1697 to 1705
Wife Margaret Larkin
AKA: Margarey Larkin
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Other Spouse: John Israel ( - )
Children
1 M Larkin Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 M Charles Dorsey [son of Major Edward]
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
3 M Francis Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1749
Buried:
4 M Edward Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
5 F Ann Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: John Hammond ( - )
Research Notes (Husband)
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdannear/firstfam/dorsey/d4178.htm#P4178
Source: Side-Lights on Maryland History with Sketches of Early Maryland Families by Hester Dorsey Richardson, Vol. 2 (Baltimore, 1913), pp. 87-91:
"Hockley-in-the-Hole, originally taken up by Edward Darcy, was in 1664 patented to his sons Edward, Joshua and John, the original patent bearing date August 20, 1664, being still in the possession of the present owner of Hockley, Miss Anne Elizabeth Dorsey, lineal descendant of all three of the original patentees. In the year 1681 'Edward Dorsey, Gent. of Ann Arundell County, Son and heir of Edward Dorsey late of said County deceased' assigned his right to his brother John. The parchment document granting Hockley to the three Dorsey brothers bears the autograph of Charles, third Lord Baltimore, and was given under the Great Seal of the Province.
"Major Edward Dorsey, latter known as Colonel, Judge in the High Court of Chancery, and Keeper of the Great Seal, was active in military affairs, and was also a Gentleman Justice of Anne Arundel County. His house on Prince George's Street, Annapolis, was probably built when he disposed of his interest in Hockley to his youngest brother the 'Honorable John Dorsey.'
"...It was at the house on Prince George's Street that Major Edward Dorsey lived during the lifetime of his first wife, Sarah Wyatt, while the Honorable John Dorsey, captain of the Baltimore County militia in later years, took possession of Hoskley, three miles from Annapolis, over which his wife, Madam Pleasance Ely, presided, of whom it has been noted--perhaps as a warning to her descendants, that her name was in no sense suggestive of her disposition.
Certain it is that the amiable Sarah, wife of Major Edward Dorsey, died, after bearing six sons and two daughters to her liege lord, while 'Pleasance,' of austere memory, buried the 'Honorable John,' and was led a second time to the altar by Thomas Wainwright. Upon the death of Sarah Wyatt, his wife, Major Edward Dorsey keeper of the Great Seal, wooed and won young Margarey Larkin, who became the mother of four sons and one daughter.
In the year 1692 Major Edward Dorsey was one of the committee appointed to read and inspect the laws of the Province, and a few years later we find him a commissioner in Chancery.
"He was one of the first to contribute to the fund for establishing free schools in Maryland, was a trustee of King William and Mary School, and was given authority to conduct the arrangements for the building of St. Anne's Church, of which he was a vestryman. On account of the inability to secure workmen he resigned the latter commission.
"Although referred to as Major in the Archives, the title of 'Colonel' is given Edward Dorsey in the settlement of his estate, indicating that he attained the higher military honor before his death.
"The inventory of Colonel Edward Dorsey's estate bears evidence of his manner of life, for the bequests of silver tankards and cordial cups, silver-hilted swords, chafing dish and other evidences of the convenience and elegancies, indicate that he kept up the dignity incident to a Prtovincial Justice and Keeper of the Great Seal and field officer of the Colonial troops in his county. His seal gold ring, which was left to his son, Edward, was probably the one used later by Edward and Joshua in sealing a joint deed. The impression of these seals has caused no little conuecture, because of the device and motto which must have belonged to a maternal line. The small shield has in the center a hand holding an upright unsheathed sword, with the motto 'An Por Peth' surrounding it. As both Breek scholars and those versed in old Gaelic have found this too hard a problem to solve, I give it as interesting study to the many who spring from the early Dorseys.
"...The Dorsey men have largely inclined to the law, and several of the descendants of the distinguished Judge of the High Court of Chancery, Major Edward Dorsey, have occupied seats on the Maryland bench..."
From the book Genealogical and Memorial Encyclopedia of the State of Maryland: A Record of the Achievements of Her People in the Making of a Commonwealth and the Founding of a Nation, edited by Richard Henry Spencer, New York, 1919, p. 610-611:
"In 1667, Edward Dorsey [Jr.] assigned to Cornelius Howard his right to land for transporting seven persons into the Province. 'Dorsey,' held by Edward Dorsey, gave the name to Dorsey's creek, upon which was located Thomas Gates, whose will of 1659 provided that 'Edward Dorsey's children shall have free outlet to the woods and spring, as formerly I have given them.' He therefore had children, although it is not known whether they followed him to the Province or traveled between the Province and England; but an early record read: 'Robert Bullen demands lands for bringing a number of passengers, amongst whom was Edward Dorsey, in 1661.' The record continues: 'August 24, 1664, patented to him (Edward Dorsey, Jr.) and to John and Josua Dorsey, a plantation called "Hockley-in-the-Hole," originally 400 acres (later resurvey, 842 acres), near the site of Annapolis.' Edward Dorsey died prior to 1681, for on December 6th of that year, Edward Dorsey of Anne Arundel county, Gent., son of Edward Dorsey, late of said county, deceased, conveys his interest in 'Hockley-in-the-Hole' to his brother John Dorsey..."Colonel Edward Dorsey, son of Edward Dorsey, the American ancestor, came to Maryland before 1664. He is doubtless the Edward Dorsey brought over by Robert Bullen in 1661; but whether this was his first trip across the sea is not known. He was a Justice for the County of Anne Arundel in 1679, again in 1686, and again in 1689; was styled 'Captain' in 1686, 'Major' in 1687; commissioned Major of Horse, of Anne Arundel county, September 4, 1689; Major of Anne Arundel county, October 9, 1694; was commissioned Associate Commissioner in Chancery, October 17, 1694; Burgess of Anne Arundel county in 1694, again in 1695, 1696, 1697, and for Baltimore county, 1701-1705. He was Commissioner, also Judge of High court of Chancery, March 2, 1695-96; and was styled 'Colonel' in 1702; was one of the committee in 1694 to lay out town lots and a common for Annapolis, Trustee of King William and Mary School in 1696, and a Commissioner for the erection of St. Anne's Church, Annapolis. The first session of the Legislature in Annapolis was held at the house of Major Edward Dorsey, commencing February 28, 1694-95. Prior to 1700, and after his marriage to his second wife, Margaret Larkin, Colonel Edward Dorsey removed from Annapolis to 'Major's Choice,' west of Waterloo, and north of the Old Brick Church. Colonel Dorsey's sons by Sarah Wyatt, his first wife, were located near him upon 'Long Beach' and Major's Choice.' Colonel Dorsey owned landed estates not only in Anne Arundel county, but also in Baltimore county. Colonel Edward Dorsey died at 'Major's Choice' (now Howard county), in 1705. His will is dated October 26, 1704, and was proved December 31, 1705...."
From The Founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland by J. D. Warfield (Baltimore, 1905), p. 57:
"From 1680 to 1705, Major Dorsey was in every movement looking to the development of the colony. From 1694 to 1696 he was Judge of the High Court of Chancery, during which time he was commissioned to holdthe Great Seal. In 1694, he was a member of the House of Burgesses for Anne Arundel, and from 1697 to his death, in 1705, was a member from Baltimore County (now Howard). He was one of the subscribers and treasurer of the fund for building St. Anne's church, and a free school for the province also received his aid. He signed the protestant address from Baltimore County to the King's most gracious Majestie, upon the succession of King William III--an appeal in behalf of Charles Lord Baron of Baltimore, whose proprietary government had been wrested from the family through the influence of Captain John Coode. Though a Protestant, he was found in support of a government which left religious faith untouched."
Research Notes (Wife)
2nd wife of Colonel Edward Dorsey (don and heir of Edward Dorsey, the immigrant).
From The Founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland by J. D. Warfield (Baltimore, 1905), p. 56:
"Colonel Edward Dorsey, son and heir of Edward Dorsey, the immigrant, held [the] tract of 'Dorsey' during life. It was sold by his widow, Margaret, the wife of John Israel, in 1706, to Wm. Bladen, of Annapolis."
Husband Edward Dorsey
Born: Abt 1678 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Christened:
Died: 1701 - South Patapsco Hundred, Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Buried:
Father: Honorable Capt. John Dorsey (Abt 1645-1715)
Mother: Pleasance Ely (Abt 1660-1733)
Marriage: 1698 - Maryland, United States
Noted events in his life were:
• Mariner, upon 'The Good Hope' under Capt. Richard Hill, 1694
Wife Ruth Hill
Born: 1681 ? - Maryland, United States
Christened:
Died: 1747 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Buried:
Father: Captain Richard Hill ( - )
Mother:
Children
1 M Capt. John "Patuxent John" Dorsey
AKA: John Dorsey Jr, Patuxent John Dorsey
Born: Abt 1695 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Christened:
Died: 1761 - Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Buried:
Spouse: Elizabeth (Abt 1703-Abt 1777)
Marr: 1720 ? - Maryland, United States
2 M Capt. Edward Dorsey
Born: Abt 1701
Christened:
Died: 1767 - Dorsey's Inheritance, Anne Arundel, Maryland, [United States]
Buried:
Spouse: Sarah Todd ( -After 1767)
Research Notes (Husband)
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdannear/firstfam/dorsey/d4313.htm#P4313 has d. 1701 in South Patapsco Hundred of Baltimore/Anne Arundel Co MD.
http://www.srdunn.net/Steve%20Dunn.pdf has b. Anne Arundel Co. but no year, d. abt 1700.
Research Notes (Wife)
http://www.srdunn.net/Steve%20Dunn.pdf has d. Aug 1747 in Anne Arundel Co., MD.
From The Founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland. by J.D. Warfield, A.M., Baltimore, Maryland, 1905, p. 400:
"Patuxent John Dorsey's father was Edward Dorsey, oldest son of Hon. John and Pleasance Ely. In 1694 he was a mariner upon board of 'The Good Hope,' under the command of Captain Richard Hill. His wife Ruth was unknown, but she may have been the traditional 'Lady Hill'--daughter of Captain Richard. Edward and Ruth had only two sons."
Husband Edward Dorsey
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Major Edward Dorsey of "Dorsey" (Abt 1640-After 1704)
Mother: Margaret Larkin ( - )
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
Research Notes (Husband)
Source: Genealogical and Memorial Encyclopedia of the State of Maryland: A Record of the Achievements of Her People in the Making of a Commonwealth and the Founding of a Nation, edited by Richard Henry Spencer, New York, 1919, p. 612.
Husband Edward Dorsey Jr.
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1782
Buried:
Father: Capt. Edward Dorsey (Abt 1701-1767)
Mother: Sarah Todd ( -After 1767)
Marriage:
Wife Deborah Macubbin
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Zachariah Macubbin ( - )
Mother:
Children
Death Notes (Husband)
Source: The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 145 "d. 1762 (Balt. Co. Wills 3, f. 483)"
Research Notes (Husband)
Source: The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, pp. 144-145
From the book The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 144-145:
"On December 5, 1745, Edward Dorsey gave 2 negro girls to his daughter Elizabeth Dorsey (Balt. Co. Deeds T.B. No. E, f. 3)...
The will of Edward Dorsey made April 14, 1764 and probated in 1767 left:
To son Edward Dorsey, 200 acres land part of Dorsey's Inheritance devised to wife Sarah, to be his after her death or marriage, and wearing apparell, and on condition that he discharge two bonds, one to Charles Carrol and the other to John Brice
To son Lancelot Dorsey, 50 acres, Baltimore County, which I had of his brother Edward
To son John Dorsey, 230 acres part of Dorsey's Inheritance including the plantation where he now lives and 79 acres before deeded to him which adjoins his plantation, his mother to have use of the small meadow and Tobacco house which is on the land
To son Charles Dorsey, 40 acres of land in Baltimore County, adjoining his plantation taken up in a survey made by his father (the testator), John Gillis and Edward Dorsey of John
To sons Ely Dorsey and Richard Dorsey, remainder of lands lying in Baltimore County being part of Ely's Lot and part of Belly Ache Thicket to be equally divided between them, appoint Vachel Dorsey to divide same
To daughter Ruth Dorsey, 1 shilling
To daughter Sarah Gassawy, 1 shilling
To Ely Dorsey, one negro boy named Will
To Richard Dorsey, one negro boy named Jem
To wife Sarah, personal estate, during widowhood, but if she should marry then to be equally divided between 3 youngest sons, Charles Ely, Richard.
Whereas I have reason to believe there is a great deal of iron ore on the 200 acres devised to son Edward, and if so, the profits of the ore are to be divided amonst the six sons
Exrs: sons John and Ely Dorsey (Wills, 36, f. 109)
The inventory of the estate of Capt. Edward Dorsey was taken November 30, 1767. The relations were Richard Dorsey and Thomas Dorsey. (Invts. 99, f. 155)..."
Research Notes (Wife)
Source: The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 145
Husband Richard Stringer
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage: 16 Dec 1762
Wife Eleanor Dorsey
AKA: Elinor Dorsey
Born: 5 Sep 1743 - Queen Caroline Parish, Anne Arundel, Maryland, [United States]
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: John Dorsey [son of Caleb] (1708-1765)
Mother: Elizabeth Dorsey (1720-1803)
Children
1 F Mary Stringer
Born: Bef 1765
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 F Ellen Stringer
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Research Notes (Husband)
Source: The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 158.
Research Notes (Wife)
Source: The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 158.
Also http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdannear/firstfam/dorsey/d8035.htm#P8035
From the book The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 158:
"The will of John Dorsey made April 8, 1765 and proved in 1765 left:
To sons John Dorsey, Richard Dorsey and their heirs to be equally divided, the tracts Dorsey's Range, the Addition to Dorsey's Range, Duvall's Range, the Defendant, Mineral Hill, and part of a tract What's Left, and also a parcel of land that Philemon Dorsey is to convey to me, and if either die without heirs, the whole to go to survivor and if both should die without heirs to be divided among other children
To son Caleb Dorsey, 3 negroes
To daughters Elinor Stringer, Achsah Dorsey, Ann Dorsey, Elizabeth Dorsey, and sons John Dorsey and Richard Dorsey, 150 pounds Sterling and 1 negro each
To granddaughters Elizabeth Dorsey and Mary Stringer, 1 negro each
To wife Elizabeth, 200 pounds Sterling, 8 negroes, one-third of estate
Exrs: wife Elizabeth and son Caleb Dorsey, empowered to sell house and lot in Frederick Town (Wiulls 35, f 258)
...The will of Elizabeth Dorsey made May 3, 1802 and proved December 10, 1803 left:
To son Richard Dorsey, one-half of a tract of land in Anne Arundel County
To orphan children of son John, remainder of tract of land
To son Richard Dorsey in trust, all lands in Montgomery County, which I derive from my brother Joshua Dorsey, to be held by said Richard for the use and benefit of daughter Elizabeth Boggess during her natural life and after her death to granddaughter Elizabeth Dorsey Boggess
To grandchildren Mortimer and Eliza Anne, children of son Richard, Caleb and Peggy Dorsey, children of son John, and Ellen stringer, daughter of daughter Eleanor, personalty
To son Richard Dorsey, all other property
Exr: son Richard Dorsey (A.A. Co. Wills J.C. No. 2, f. 259)"
Husband Thomas Todd
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Elinor Dorsey
Born: 4 Mar 1715 - St. Anne's Parish, Anne Arundel, Maryland, United States
Christened:
Died: 6 Oct 1760
Buried:
Father: Caleb Dorsey of Hockley in the Hole [son of Capt. John] (1685-1742)
Mother: Elinor Warfield (1683-1752)
Other Spouse: William Lynch ( - )
Children
Research Notes (Husband)
Source: The Dorsey Family by Maxwell J. Dorsey, Jean Muir Dorsey and Nannie Ball Nimmo,2006, p. 155. Elinor Dorsey's first husband.
Research Notes (Wife)
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdannear/firstfam/dorsey/d7433.htm#P7433