Marmaduke Semme, the progenitor of the Semmes family of Southern Maryland, was in the Province as early as April 2, 1662, when he was sworn in as door keeper to the Council or Upper House of the General Assembly. It was not until April 7, 1666, however, that he proved his rights to 50 acres of land for his emigration into the Province, thus proving that he financed his own passage.
He was single upon his arrival, so it can be assumed that he was yet in his twenties. By July 7, 1668, however, he was courting Madam Fortuna Mitford,* the widow of Bulmer Mitford ...
... 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. ...
... He settled first in St. George’s Hundred on the west side of St. George’s [now St. Mary’s] River and then moved later to the settlements north of the Wicomico River then in St. Mary’s County, but which by a readjustment of the boundaries fell into present Charles County. His seat was known as “ St. George’s ” which he purchased from his neighbor Thomas Simpson.
On February 23, 1674/5, as Marmaduke Semme, of St. Mary's County, Innholder, he bought from Andrew Woodberry, of Salem in New England, Mariner, for 5,000 lbs. tobacco the tract “ Middle Plantation ” of 300 acres lying on the Sassafras River in Cecil County. On November 14, 1685, he was granted by Lord Baltimore 400 acres of land lying on the Elk River in Cecil County which he named “ Symmes Forrest.”
His will, dated August 17, 1690, was admitted to probate in St. Mary’s County on March 20, 1692/3, by John Cornish. Thomas Simpson, Sarah Graves, Richard Edelen, and Thomas Cullum. It gave
To son Anthony 200 acres of land out of a tract bought of Mr. Thomas [Sympson] in St. Mary’s Co., adjoining Westwood Manor and land of Major Boarman; 400 acres of land in Cecil Co. called “ Simms Forrest.”
To wife Fortuna the dwelling-plantation during life with all the remaining land except that given son Anthony.
To son James 300 acres of land in Cecil Co. called “ Middle Plantation.”
To sons John and Marmaduke the dwelling-plantation after the death of their mother to be divided equally between them upon their coming of age, John to have the first choice.
Personal estate to be divided equally among wife and sons Anthony, James, John, and Marmaduke.
Executrix—wife Fortuna Simms.
By a codicil added August 17, 1690, he revoked Anthony’s participation in the personal estate.
His widow completed the administration of his estate and lived until 1701. ...
