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 26^th 1883 to May 6^th 1884

Lillian G., daughter of J.C. and Anna G. Hopkins – September 14^th 1875-February 9^th 1879

John F., son of J.C. and Anna G. Hopkins – July 24^th 1871 to January 24^th 1879

John R. Hopkins – May 23^rd 1820 to April 25^th 1886

Emily B., wife of John R. Hopkins – May 25^th 1820 to April 29^th 1886

William C., son of J.R. and Emily B. Hopkins – April 16^th 1849 to May 17^th 1851

Ida R., daughter of J.R. and Emily B. Hopkins – September 1^st 1850 to May 23^rd 1851

Benjamin E., son of J.R. and Emily B. Hopkins – April 16^th 1856 to October 14^th 1856

Samuel Wilson Hopkins – September 1^st 1846 to April 26^th 1924

Ella C., wife of S. Wilson Hopkins – died May 23^rd 1880 aged 28 years

Eva Wilson Hopkins, wife of Albert C. Thomas, daughter of S. Wilson and Ella C. Hopkins – October 18^th 1875 to March 3^rd 1908

Infant son of S.W. and Ella C. Hopkins 1872

Mary Julia Caroline Hopkins, his wife, July 17^th 1860 to September 12^th 1901 (2^nd wife of Samuel W.)

Mary Julia Caroline Hopkins wife of Alfred Bryan Covington – May 11^th 1891 to April 19^th 1930

Leta Ellen Hopkins – August 17^th 1894 to November 24^th 1913

J. Clarence Hopkins – June 1^st 1845 to March 15^th 1932

Anna Wilkins Hopkins – March 19^th 1847 to March 7^th 1901

Emily Welch Hopkins – August 14^th 1892 to January 25^th 1978

Thomas Black – 1849 to 1940

Emily B. Hopkins – July 11^th 1884 to June 9^th 1967

John R. Hopkins – February 8^th 1881 to February 11^th 1947

Florence M. Hopkins – November 24^th 1879 to December 3^rd 1919

George G. Hopkins – September 22^nd 1878 to October 9^th 1895

Magdeline Hopkins – December 25^th 1900 to May 19^th 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.