Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

BENJAMIN HARWOOD, 1751-1826

Treasurer of the Western Shore, 1804-1826

Upon his brother Thomas' death, Benjamin Harwood was appointed Treasurer of the Western Shore on September 27, 1804. He had served as deputy under his brother for over twenty years and held the treasurer's office himself until his death in 1826.

Benjamin Harwood was born on December 3, 1751, the ninth and last son of Capt. Richard and Ann (Watkins) Harwood. He resided on Northeast Street (now Maryland Avenue) in Annapolis, and was partner in his brother's store on the Dock selling imported goods from 1773 to about 1788. During the Revolution Harwood served as first lieutenant of an independent militia company in Annapolis, commissioned on July 18, 1776 and February 15, 1777, and later as captain of that company, commissioned on October 6, 1777. He was also a commissioner of the loan office, appointed in 1777, and the Continental Receiver of Taxes in Maryland during the 1780s.

Harwood was serving as Treasurer of St. John's College by 1786, a position he held until at least 1789, and was a manager of the lottery to raise money for the completion of St. Anne's Church, 1790.

During his long public career as treasurer or tax collector, Harwood also loaned money privately. Probably the greatest beneficiary of Benjamin Harwood's resources was his oldest brother, Richard, who owed Benjamin over $46,500 in 1826.

In addition to his house in Annapolis, Harwood owned land in Allegany County and about 500 acres in Anne Arundel County. His personal property at his death was appraised at over $57,000, including an extensive library, plus he was owed almost $88,000 in money loaned out at interest.

Benjamin Harwood died on January 27, 1826, and was interred in St. Anne's Cemetery, Annapolis. He had never married, and when his estate was settled over $130,000 was distributed among the heirs of his siblings. His obituary in the Maryland Gazette lamented "to say he had no enemy would leave half unsaid, for every man who knew him, loved and admired him."


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