Henry Bonner
Anne Arundel County Court Clerk, 1685
MSA SC 3520-13123
Biography:
The exact date and place of Henry Bonner's birth is not known, but the first public record mentioning him was a patent record for land in Charles County in 1670.1 His county of residency is also uncertain. He was issued patents for land in Charles County, Baltimore County, and in what is now Harford County.2 In his will, Bonner declared himself a resident of Prince George's County, but the inventory of his estate described him as "Henry Bonner in Charles County."3 Bonner married a woman named Elizabeth who was formerly married to Walter Story who died in 1667.4 As a result of this marriage, Bonner became the guardian of Elizabeth's son Walter.5 Most likely Henry and Elizabeth did not have any children together, for there is no mention of offspring in any documents found. Soon after their marriage, the Bonners came into some legal troubles. Suit was brought against them by Mr. John Long of London, England for debts owed to him by Elizabeth's former husband. Elizabeth, as executrix of her late husband's will, was responsible for paying his debts. Long charged that he had not been paid for goods shipped to Bonner from England and that he was due payment. Elizabeth claimed that her husband had not had any dealings with Mr. Long, thus she did not need to pay him. Other witnesses, however, acknowledged that there had been such an arrangement between the two men. The case was heard before the Chancery Court.6
Bonner served as Clerk of Anne Arundel County in 1685, but the exact dates are not known.7 In February of that year a dispute arose as to who was the official Clerk of Anne Arundel County. Francis Downs was appointed Clerk and given the official seal of the county, but Bonner kept the documents in his possession because Downs was not able to maintain them in a timely fashion. The Anne Arundel County Commissioners appealed to the Council of Maryland to have them declare an official Clerk. Downs was declared the Clerk of Anne Arundel County, and was subsequently given the county documents to keep in his possession.8 Bonner became Clerk of the Council of Maryland on April 10, 1685.9 Bonner was appointed Clerk again in 1689, but was removed in 1692 which lead to another dispute. Many felt that Bonner was unjustly released from his position as Clerk by Sir Lawrence and they petitioned to have him continue in office. Bonner told the Legislature about Secretary Lawrence's proposal in which Lawrence offered Bonner half the salary of the Clerk's position if he would simply resign. This way, Lawrence could appoint his relative Thomas Briscoe. When Bonner refused, Lawrence dismissed him and appointed Briscoe anyway. Those who petitioned to reinstate Bonner called Briscoe a "stranger" and praised Bonner for his accomplishments as Clerk.10 Briscoe continued to serve as Clerk, however, until 1694. Bonner was never reinstated. Bonner also served as Clerk in Charles County from 1670 until 1672 and also as Clerk in Prince George's County from November 28, 1699 until his death in October 1702.11
Bonner was issued five patents for land: 50 acres in Charles
County (None Such, 1670), 200 acres in Charles County (Bonners Retirement,
1678), 1000 acres in now Harford County (Bonners Camp, 1685), 500 acres
in Baltimore County (Bonners Interest, 1685), 500 acres in now Harford
County (Bonners Purchase, 1686).12
His inventory included one mulatto six-year-old boy with 26 years of service
remaining, a large pewter service set, some silver, two "very old" horses,
and many pieces of furniture. The total value of his personal estate
was L. 34, 12, 3.13
He left his estate to his wife and making her sole executrix of his will.
The cause of his death is not known, but in his will he does mention his
"sick and weak body."14
Return to list of Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Clerks
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