Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

William Polk (1752-1812)
MSA SC 3520-999

Biography:

Born in 1752 in Somerset County.  Son of David Polk (c. 1705-1778) and Elizabeth (Gillis) Polk.  Probably resided at "White Hall," Somerset County.  Married first wife Esther Winder Handy (d. 1790), sister of Levin Winder, by January 2, 1776; married second wife Ann Dennis (d. by 1800) by 1793; married third wife Mary by 1810.  Children by Esther were Josiah, William Winder, Elizabeth, Esther (Hester), and Gertrude; child by Ann was James (1792-1868); child by Mary was Ann Fromentin (b. probably after 1800).  Died in Somerset County, December 2, 1812.

Attorney and planter.  Admitted to practice law in the Somerset County Court, 1774.  Trustee, Washington Academy, Somerset County, 1779-1812.  Member, House of Delegates, Somerset County, 1797.  Member, Maryland Senate, Eastern Shore, 1801-06 (did not attend).  Chief judge, county courts of Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, and Worcester counties (4th Judicial District), 1802-05.  Chief judge, 4th District Court, Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, and Worcester counties, 1806-12.  Judge, Maryland Court of Appeals, 1806-12.  Member, Manokin Presbyterian Church, Somerset County.

Return to William Polk's Introductory Page


This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user.

Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!
© Copyright Wednesday, 23-Oct-2002 20:30:33 EDT Maryland State Archives