... 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. William Champ who had been transported by Bulmer Mitford died testate and without issue in 1667 and had made Madam Mitford the residuary heir. After his marriage with Madam Mitford, Marmaduke Semme completed the administration of the estate of Champ and thus acquired the greater portion of his estate. ...
... [Semmes'] will, dated August 17, 1690, was admitted to probate in St. Mary’s County on March 20, 1692/3 ...
... To wife Fortuna the dwelling-plantation during life with all the remaining land except that given son Anthony. ... Personal estate to be divided equally among wife and sons Anthony, James, John, and Marmaduke.
Executrix—wife Fortuna Simms. ...
... His widow completed the administration of his estate and lived until 1701. Her will, dated May 1, 1699, was proved in Charles County on December 8, 1701, by her sons, John and Marmaduke Semme. She signed the instrument as Fortuna Semme.
To son John 319 acres being part of tract of 838 acres called “ St. George’s ” which deceased husband bought of Mr. Thomas Sympson.
To son Marmaduke 319 acres being another portion of “ St. George’s ” containing the houses, etc . . , son Anthony already in possession of 200 acres of same tract.
To son Thomas Medford 20 shillings to buy a ring.
To grandson Thomas Medford, son of Thomas, a heifer.
To son Anthony 10 shillings for a mourning ring.
To son James 10 shillings for a mourning ring.
To grandson Marmaduke Semme of Anthony a colt.
Residue to be divided between sons John and Marmaduke.
Executors—sons John and Marmaduke.
An account filed in 1702 showed 428 lbs. tob. paid to Mr. Jonathan White for “ ye Furneral Sermon.”
