Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

THOMAS HARWOOD, 1743-1804

Treasurer of the Western Shore, 1775-1804

The first Treasurer of the Western Shore was Thomas Harwood, third generation descendent of a large and prosperous Anne Arundel County family, and the first of three Harwoods who would hold the office for a total of 53 years.

Thomas Harwood was born on April 24, 1743, the fourth son of Capt. Richard Harwood (1707-1754) of West River and his wife Ann Watkins (1719-1804). Thomas' brothers were Richard (1738-1826), a member of the Maryland House and Senate and president of the Senate from 1801 to 1805, Joseph, Gassaway, John, Samuel, Nicholas, William, and Benjamin, who succeeded his brother as Treasurer. His sisters were Mary and Elizabeth.

In 1772, Harwood married Margaret Strachan (1747-1821), daughter of Capt. William and Mary (Simpson) Strachan of Londontown. They had two sons, William (1772-1788) and Richard (1775-1835), Adjutant General of Maryland.

Thomas Harwood was a merchant in Annapolis in partnership with John Price and, later, with his brother Benjamin Harwood selling imported goods at a store on the Dock from 1773 until about 1788. He was appointed Treasurer of the Western Shore in 1775, a position he held until his death. Harwood was active in local affairs, serving as a manager for lotteries to make improvements to the Dock in 1772 and complete St. Anne's church in 1790. He was also a member of a committee to superintend the building and the hiring of instructors for St. John's College, 1789.

In addition to his duties as Treasurer of the Western Shore during the Revolution, Harwood served as commissioner of the Continental Loan Office in Maryland from 1777 until at least 1781. Later he was agent for the Maryland Line in the Continental Army.

By 1798 the Harwood family lived in Annapolis in a 2 story brick house fronting on the dock, but also maintained several hundred acres in the county.

Thomas Harwood died on Sunday, September 23, 1804, in Annapolis, just a few hours after his mother had died at her home on South River. His body was interred at South River churchyard, All Hallows Parish.


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 May 18, 1999 Maryland State Archives