The Written History of the Upper Eastern Shore of Maryland for Talbot, Kent, Queen Anne's and Caroline Counties.







Sunday, September 30, 2012

Preserving the Past - Talbot County

The Miller’s House at Wye Mills
While working in the basement of the Queen Anne’s County courthouse, I was visited by Mr. William Hemsley who asked if I would determine the chain of ownership and history of the Wye Miller’s house in Wye Mills.  It was for sale and many had hopes of its restoration.  A beautiful old house that sits atop a hill, looking down on the Old Wye Mill.  A house I had admired for many years, and I am certain I wasn’t the only one.  I was thrilled it might be brought back to its former beauty. To make a long story short – William Hemsley supported the research, Historic Easton took charge of the house and its restoration, and William Hemsley so generously agreed to share parts of the research. 

A brief Chain of Ownership – Not always Resident

In 1749 Edward Lloyd (III) was made heir at law and executor of Richard Bennett and was devised his remaining land holdings after all bequests were fulfilled.  Edward Lloyd became owner of the property adjoining the Wye Mill where the Miller’s house stands. It has been determined to have been built circa 1750.
Had construction begun under Richard Bennett’s ownership? That seems possible considering his estate was most likely not completely settled and Edward Lloyd owner for a while after his death.  Richard Bennett was the largest land owner of his time, I’m sure his estate wasn’t settled quickly.   Or did Edward Lloyd order the construction immediately after the death of Richard Bennett? That is another part of the research.

Edward Lloyd III 1749 - 1770
Edward Lloyd IV 1770 - 1778
William Hemsley 1778 - 1812
Alexander Hemsley 1812 - 1823
Samuel Hopkins 1823 - 1836
Thomas Hopkins 1836 - 1845
Samuel Hopkins heirs 1845 - 1895
Robert B. Dixon 1895 - 1896
James and Mary M. Ahearn 1896 - 1932
Mary E. Wheatley, Rachel Collison 1932 - 1959
G. Edwin Eaton and W. Brown Eaton 1959 - 1962
Ann Covington Kidd and heirs 1962 - 2011

As the house appeared in 2011

The Hopkins Family Cemetery
In all conveyances of property, the Hopkins Family Cemetery was “excepted and reserved” beginning with Samuel Hopkins’ heirs through the purchase of Ann Covington Kidd.  It appears the exception of the family cemetery was ignored as the cemetery has been razed leaving little evidence of the old boxwoods and other plantings. In the past when you went down the steps to the entrance and walked through the gate and between the boxwoods you felt like you had entered a sacred, peaceful little spot, detached from the rest of the world. 

Anna M., daughter of J.C. and Anna G. Hopkins – May 26th 1883 to May 6th 1884
Lillian G., daughter of J.C. and Anna G. Hopkins – September 14th 1875-February 9th 1879
John F., son of J.C. and Anna G. Hopkins – July 24th 1871 to January 24th 1879

John R. Hopkins – May 23rd 1820 to April 25th 1886
Emily B., wife of John R. Hopkins – May 25th 1820 to April 29th 1886
William C., son of J.R. and Emily B. Hopkins – April 16th 1849 to May 17th 1851
Ida R., daughter of J.R. and Emily B. Hopkins – September 1st 1850 to May 23rd 1851
Benjamin E., son of J.R. and Emily B. Hopkins – April 16th 1856 to October 14th 1856

Samuel Wilson Hopkins – September 1st 1846 to April 26th 1924
Ella C., wife of S. Wilson Hopkins – died May 23rd 1880 aged 28 years
Eva Wilson Hopkins, wife of Albert C. Thomas, daughter of S. Wilson and Ella C. Hopkins – October 18th 1875 to March 3rd 1908
Infant son of S.W. and Ella C. Hopkins 1872
Mary Julia Caroline Hopkins, his wife, July 17th 1860 to September 12th 1901 (2nd wife of Samuel W.)

Mary Julia Caroline Hopkins wife of Alfred Bryan Covington – May 11th 1891 to April 19th 1930
Leta Ellen Hopkins – August 17th 1894 to November 24th 1913
J. Clarence Hopkins – June 1st 1845 to March 15th 1932
Anna Wilkins Hopkins – March 19th 1847 to March 7th 1901
Emily Welch Hopkins – August 14th 1892 to January 25th 1978
Thomas Black – 1849 to 1940
Emily B. Hopkins – July 11th 1884 to June 9th 1967
John R. Hopkins – February 8th 1881 to February 11th 1947
Florence M. Hopkins – November 24th 1879 to December 3rd 1919
George G. Hopkins – September 22nd 1878 to October 9th 1895
Magdeline Hopkins – December 25th 1900 to May 19th 1901

As the cemetery appears today

If you would like more detailed information on the ownership of the Wye Miller’s House, just let me know. If you have the opportunity, ride by and observe the restoration in progress. 

Friday, September 28, 2012

History's Mysteries - Kent County


Christ Church at I.U.

Just this past week, a group from the Kent County historical society visited the I.U. Church.  Jane Hukill was so kind to open the church for us and share her knowledge of the church and the cemetery.  The church shown here was built in 1858 to replace the old church house and has not been renovated or changed since other than a few modernizations such as heat, air and rest room.  The cemetery has had over 220 years of interments.  Right next door is the cemetery of the Union M.E. Church.  That cemetery also has burials of persons born in the 1600's. 

This stone is located just behind the church and was once in the shade of a really large oak tree. 
What still remains of the marker says _____ HINES, Age 38
Looking through the church burial records, there isn't a Hines burial recorded. The recordings of the Upper Shore Genealogical Society say that the stone isn't there, but refer to recordings in 1907 in The Maryland Original Research Society of Baltimore Bulletins by Wilbur W. Hubbard.  That publication states the stone reads "Eliza Hines, aged 88" and mentions the stone was to worn to read the dates. 
Well, the stone, or atleast this stone still stands, the name is clearly Hines, but the age is clearly 38.  Is this Eliza or another un-recorded Hines family member?  It is left to us to decide.



From the back of the church when the old oak shaded the cemetery.

Purpose

Having researched families and the land of the upper Eastern Shore for more than thirty years, I've come across many documents in the oddest of places and a lot of information that was just too interesting to pass by. 
We have an online bookshop of genealogical publications, but not all of our finds are enough for publication, but just as important. 
What to do with this collection of information?  I hope "Written History" is the answer.  And I really hope you will find our history interesting or even better, find some tidbit to help in your research!