James Semmes, second son of Marmaduke Semmes and Fortuna his wife, was born about 1670, being aged 50 in 1720.
Before September 28, 1701, he married Mary Goodrick, born March 13, 1673/4, daughter of Robert Goodrick, but then the widow of John Anderson, with one or more children. ...
... Not receiving any portion of the parental lands around Newport Hundred, but only the tract in Cecil County which he quickly disposed of upon his majority, he moved westward and established his seat in or near Chandler’s Town, later to be known as Charles Town and then Port Tobacco, at that time the center of commerce for Charles County as well as the county seat and social center. He purchased several plantations from the Chandlers who developed the port and gained much afluence in shipping as well as agricultural pursuits.
In 1712 his wife, Mary Semmes, received a legacy of 20 shillings from the will of her brother, Edmond Goodrick, to purchase a ring. In September 1721, his wife deposed in court that the mulatto called James, who belonged to Notley Rozer, was born sometime before her son, Edward Anderson, who was 31 years of age sometime in August next. In 1727 his wife, Mary Semmes, and her sister, Juliana Simpson, approved the appraisement of their brother’s, George Goodrick, estate, at which time, William, Robert, and Benjamin Goodrick were the executors.
He died in the spring of 1727/8, aged about 58 years. His will dated August 5, 1727, was proved in Charles County on March 12, 1727/8, by the Rev. Peter Attwood, Juliana Simpson, Robert Hanson, and James Nicoll.
To William Chandler title “ Burnt Quarter ” at Portobacco bought of the said Chandler.
To son Marmaduke “ Chandler’s Invention.”
To wife Mary the dwelling-plantation during life and residue of “ Chandler’s Invention at her decease to revert to sons Joseph Milburn Semmes and Ignatius Semmes.
To daughters Mary, Ann, Juliana and Susannah, personalty.
To son James personalty.
Residue of estate to aforesaid children.
Executors—wife and son Marmaduke.
By a codicil of August 7, 1727, he bequeathed to his son, James, the money in Liverpool which Gerard Slye was empowered to recover, but the legacy to James was not to exceed £70—any surplus was to go to his wife who was bequeathed one-third of the stock and household stuff.
His widow married as his second wife, John Speake, of Port Tobacco, by whom there were no issue. He died testate in 1731, leaving his town house at Port Tobacco to his widow during life, then to his grandson John Speake of Thomas. ...
