... By July 7, 1668, however, he was courting Madam Fortuna Mitford,* the widow of Bulmer Mitford who had emigrated to Maryland about 1664 and who died within the next few years. On the former date Marmaduke Semme gave bond to the widow for a deed of trust, stating in the instrument that a marriage between them was about to be consummated. Accordingly, Fortuna Mitford, widow, negotiated a deed of gift to her two sons, Thomas and Joseph Mitford, for 100 acres of land on the west side of St. George’s River, but the land was to be held in trust by Henry Hide, George Macall, and Marmaduke Simms (sic) , reserving to herself the use of the plantation during her natural life.
Her husband, Bulmer Mitford, of St. Mary’s County, had drawn up his will on July 23, 1665, and bequeathed his entire estate real and personal to his wife, Fortuna. No date of probate was noted. He was deceased by March 20, 1665/6, for on that date his widow bought for 7,000 lbs. tobacco the plantation of 100 acres which she subsequently deeded in trust for her two sons.
After his death the widow applied for his rights to land as follows:
Fortune Metford administratrix of Bulmer Mettford demands land due to Bulmer Metford her deceased Husband for his the said Bulmer’s transporting himself into this Province as also for the transporting her the said Fortune his then wife, Thomas his son, John Brothers, James Young, and Elizabeth Waddy their servants and further for transporting William Champ all in the year 1664. Fortune Metford above named made oath to this rights in usuall this 11 feb. 1666/7.
By his marriage to the Widow Mitford, Marmaduke Semme acquired in 1669 the patent for 250 acres of land, above applied for, which had been due Bulmer Mitford before his death. ...
