Richard Shipley Deputy Surveyor of Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Here are more details regarding Richard Shipley (1709-1782), Deputy Surveyor of Maryland for those interested:Richard was commissioned Deputy Surveyor on September 3, 1746, and appeared on surveys in that capacity until July 25, 1757. In September 1757, he lost 100 acres of his tract in Elk Ridge Hundred called Adam The First to Phillip Hammond.On December 24, 1757, Richard mortgaged all of his household goods, farm animals and equipment, and his theodolite compass, staff, and chain, and lost all these items when he failed to pay the mortgage by January 1, 1758.On January 21, 1761, Richard made a deposition, stating he was the bookkeeper of Phillip Hammond deceased.
Richard appears to have had lingering financial concerns.On June 20, 1763, John Hammond (son of Phillip Hammond deceased) deeded Richard's son, Benjamin Shipley 100 acres of the tract, the Meadow for 5 shillings and “remuneration of good and friendly services done unto him by said Richard Shipley, father of said Benjamin Shipley as aforesaid and out of the regard he beareth unto said Richard”.Although Richard's son, Benjamin was only 12, I believe this transaction was made to shield the land from Richard's financial difficulties.Richard received an additional 150 acres of the Meadow from John Hammond on March 5, 1768 for 5 shillings.Three days later, Richard mortgaged the land to Charles Carroll.In August/September 1771, Richard was behind on his mortgage, and Carroll was considering taking the land.Richard must have caught up on the payments since he was still in possession of the tract, when he sold it to sons, Benjamin and John on October 19, 1779.John died before 1784, and Benjamin had to sell the land in 1784 to pay off the mortgage.
Richard had sons Joshua (ca1730-aft.1778) and Nathan (ca1740-1800) by his first marriage to Keturah Barnes, and children Benjamin (1751-1828), John (ca1753-1779), Richard (ca1756), Adam (1759-1840), Henry (1759-1828), and Mary Ann (1767-1848) by his second wife, Mary.
Still looking for the identity of Richard's second wife, Mary.
Keith