William Ridgely

     William was born circa 1645 in England. This Ridgely family may have originated in Leicestershire. On the 27th of June 1672, William immigrated to America. William married Elizabeth Clarke, daughter of Neale Clarke and Rachel Beard, circa 1677 in Maryland. He settled in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Because he provided his own passage to this country, he was entitled to 50 acres of land which was granted to him. His first residence was on the property appropriately named "Ridgely's Beginnings" which was on the north side of the South River. This property contained about 40 acres. In 1700, he purchased 200 acres from James Finely, at the head of the South River known as "Abingdon". He was also the owner of 305 acres of land known as "Ridgely's Chance". William also conveyed "Ridgley's Beginnings" to Mr. Garrett. On October 3 of 1712, William, his wife Elizabeth, son William Jr. & his wife Jane deeded to Mary Ridgely, Widow of Prince George's County, the 200 acres of "Abingdon" for consideration of 200 pounds. Mary was the widow of William's brother Henry who had died in 1710. William and his son signed the deed and their wives made their marks. William died intestate in Anne Arundel County. Letters of Administration of his estate were granted on 16 November 1716. His widow Elizabeth was named administrator of the estate while William and Jehosophat were noted as next of kin.