Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Lot 52

Brookeville, Montgomery County, Maryland
Owned by James and Margaret Parsley, c. 1813-1879

Information:

Lot 52 on High Street in Brookeville was the home of James Parsley, his wife Margaret Parsley, and their children.1 James was the first Constable of Brookeville, appointed in 1813. That same year, the house and property on lot 52 were valued at $140.2 After James's death, Margaret and her children inherited the house and property on lot 52.3 Margaret lived in the house until her death in 1879. Lot 52 is now owned by the Salem United Methodist Church, where Margaret Parsley is buried.4

Kyle Bacon, DAR Research Fellow, 2012

Notes:

  1. Although no official document exists regarding the purchase of the property, it must be assumed that the Parsley family was living at this location in Brookeville by the time of James's appointment as constable. However, the following tax document from 1813 indicates that James owned one improved lot ( meaning it contained a building) worth $140: MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE TAX (Assessment Record), 1813 Tax Assessment (District 4), Lots and Houses in Brookeville, MdHR 20,115-3-1 [MSA C1110-3, 01/18/14/019]. The values stated in tax assessments do not necessarily represent true property values, and likely understate values significantly.
  2. Ibid.
  3. MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE TAX (Assessment Record), 1831 and 1834 Tax Assessments (District 5), MdHR 20,115-4-1 [MSA C1110-4, 01/18/14/020].
  4. Burial Record for Margaret Parsley, Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery, Brookeville, Maryland. Accessed at findagrave.com.



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