Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Richard Gresham (1704-1773)
MSA SC 3520-534

Biography
Born: Probably in Anne Arundel County, January 28, 1704; second son.
Native: Third generation.
Resided: In Kent County.
Died: Between December 4, 1772, and January 6, 1773, in Kent County.

Family Background
Father: John Gresham, Esq. (?-1723), of Annapolis; planter; sheriff of Anne Arundel County from 1722 until death; examiner general from 1722 until death; owned ca. 5,000 acres at death; son of John Gresham (?-1713), of Anne Arundel County.
Mother: Sarah (?-1756), owned real estate in England at time of death.
Brothers: John Gresham (ca. 1703-1752); Thomas (1706-ca. 1731/32), died without progeny.
Sisters: Priscilla (1702-?); Sarah (1709-?), who married Solomon Wooden, 1726; and Elizabeth (1710-?), who married Jacob Jones.
Nephew: Richard Gresham (?-1780).
Married: Martha (1712-?), daughter of Thomas Smith (1656-1719). Her brother was Thomas Smith (1710-ca. 1742). Her nephew was Thomas Smyth (1730-1819). Her niece was Martha Smith (?-1799), who married Emory Sudler (1725-ca. 1797).

Children
Possible Natural Son: Thomas Gresham (ca. 1772-?), son of Sophia Whalen and grandson of Edward Whalen, to whom Gresham devised a large part of his estate.
Daughter: Sarah, who married Thomas Smyth (1730-1819), of Chestertown, Kent County, merchant.

Private Career
Education: Literate.
Religious Affiliation: Anglican, Chester Parish, Kent County.
Social Status and Activities: Gent., 1743; Esq., 1748.
Occupational Profile: Merchant.

Public Career
Legislative Service: Lower House, Kent County, 1742-1744, 1745 (Aggrievances),  1745/46-1748 (Aggrievances Cv 1, 1-3, 4), 1752-1754 (elected to the 2nd session to fill vacancy), 1754-1757, 1758-1761, 1768- 1770, 1771.
Local Office: Justice, Kent County, 1760-at least 1769 (quorum, 1762-at least 1769).

Wealth During Lifetime
Land at First Election: 960 acres in Kent and Baltimore counties (150 acres in Baltimore County remaining from his inheritance from his father in 1723).
Significant Changes in Land Between First Election and Death: Patented 564 acres and purchased 965 acres, plus parts of 2 lots in Chestertown, all in Kent County, 1743-1773. Sold at least 351 acres in Kent and Baltimore counties, 1743-1773. Inherited land in England from his mother in 1756.

Wealth at Death
Personal Property: Total Estate Value at least £3,790.2.3 current money (including 45 slaves and 7 servants).
Land: ca. 2,193 acres in Kent County, plus lots in Chestertown, Kent County.

Source: Edward C. Papenfuse, et al., eds. A Biographical Dictionary of the Maryland Legislature, 1635-1789. Vol I. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1985, p. 376-77; Additional research by Owen Lourie
 

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