Henry Ridgely
Henry Ridgely emigrated to Maryland in June 1659. He was married to Elizabeth Howard. He had spent some time in Virginia before coming to Maryland. Apparently, he was a man of some affluence, for he financed the passage for himself, his betrothed, and four servants. He and Elizabeth had three children, the youngest being Sarah Ridgely who married John Brewer.
From a manuscript of Judge Nicholas Ridgely, the following is recorded: "Hon. Henry Ridgely, of Devonshire, England, who settled in Maryland, in 1659, upon a royal grant of 6,000 acres. He became a Colonel of Militia, member of the Assembly of the Governmental Council, Justice of the Peace, and Vestryman of the Parish Church of St. Ann's."
Col. Ridgely was commissioned a Justice of the Peace for Ann Arundel County. He received his first appointment of officer of the Provincial Forces, as captain, in 1689. Later he was promoted to "Major of the foot", and in 1697 Major Henry Ridgely was commissioned "Lieutenant Collonell for Ann Arundell County". In 1692, he was elected as a delegate to the General Assembly and sat in the House of the Legislative body through 1695.
His son-in-law, John Brewer, died young leaving children behind. His will of April 5, 1690, devised that his son, John, be given 700 acres, except for 150 acres to be taken for the child "which my wife goes with be it male or female". Son Joseph was given the plantation "Brewington". His wife Sarah, was given the personal estate. He commanded his family to "my Loving father Henry
Ridgely".
The inventory taken of his property included a home with a hall, middle room, porch,
parlor and kitchen. The second floor had a porch chamber, parlour chamber and a hall chamber. There was a chamber over the kitchen. Also, there was a cellar and a cellar room, probably the length and width of the house. An arbour was in the garden. The out buildings consisted of a store house, a wash house, a pantry, milk house, quarter, small house, hill house and barn. There were also two other quarters: one for Mingo and one for Dick. (I assume they were servants). His estate also included 31
Negro slaves.
Sources: Founders of Anne Arundel And Howard Counties; Anne Arundel Gen
picture: Evelyn Knapp,
7th great granddaughter