Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Robert Ridge
MSA SC 3520-16874

Biography:

The first known record of Robert Ridge in Annapolis occured on May 30, 1774. Ridge's name appeared alongside several other citizens of Annapolis in a written protest against a passed resolution against bringing suits to debts from persons from Great Britain.[1] Though nothing is known about his life before or after, Ridge's brief career as an Annapolis blacksmith in the 1770s is well-documented in state papers. Between 1775 and 1779, he worked on several projects including the James Brice house, the Annapolis Assembly Rooms, and sundry projects.[2/3] In 1776, Robert Ridge gave a deposition against Robert Eden, the last royal governor, who would be asked to leave Maryland only months later.[4]

By 1779, Robert Ridge entered a business partnership with Simon Retallick. The last known mention of him is made on August 25, 1779 in the Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland in which £551.19.6 is paid to Ridge & Retallick as per their account.[5]

[1] American Archives Series 4, Volume 1, Page 353. Last accessed: 30 December 2013.
[2] Ridout, Orlando IV. Building the James Brice House 1767-1774. Annapolis, MD: Friends of the Maryland State Archives, 2013, p.139.
[3] Maryland State Papers (Series A), MSA S1004-10-1882, MdHR 6636-9-63A.
[4] Maryland State Papers (Red Books), MSA S989-1, MdHR 4557-21, also MdHR 4557-33.
[5] Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, April 1, 1778 through October 26, 1779, vol. 21 p.503.

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