Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Gustavus Weems (b. 1779 - d. 1852)
MSA SC 5496-050817
War of 1812 Claimant, Calvert County, Maryland

Biography:

    Gustavus Weems was born 1779 to David Weems and his wife Margaret Harrison. Gustavus Weems married Dorcas Gray October 28, 1806. Gustavus and Dorcas Weems had  the following children: Margaret, David, Jane, George, Rachel, and Theodore. Upon his father's death Gustavus Weems inherited the family property Marshes Seat in Anne Arundel County.

   Gustavus Weems like many Marylander's of his time was a slave holder. In July 1814, Gustavus Weems' negro man Henry Gross was carried off by the British in Huntingtown, Calvert County, MD. Harry, who was about eighteen or nineteen years of age, worked as a blacksmith and was worth $600. Weems later filed a claim to receive compensation for the loss of property during the War of 1812. He was awarded $280 for the loss of Henry Gross. 

    Dorcas Weems died in 1839 after suffering from an illness that lingered for 5 months. Two years later Weems was attacked by Jesse Garner while attending camp meeting in Anne Arundel County. Garner who was intoxicated struck Weems on the forehead with a horse whip. Weems who was severely injured survived the incident. Gustavus Weems died October 3, 1852 at Marshes Seat at the age of 74 and was buried at the St. James Parish Cemetery.


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