An American Family History

Godfrey Harmer was born about 1598. He was the son of Hans Willem Harmer of Worms, and a nephew of Pieter Minuiet.

He went with Pieter Minuiet to Goteborg in Sweden, from there to South River.

The land on which the town of Havre de Grace now stands was laid out for Godfrey Harmer on July 19, 1658. He called it Harmer's Town and Powdersby. Harmer's Swan Town was laid out for him in partnership with James Robinson on April 15, 1658, at the mouth of Swan Creek

He was naturalized as a citizen of Maryland in 1661. He transfered his allegiance from the King of Sweden to Lord Baltimore. He was an Indian trader and interpreter in New Sweden and Maryland.

Godfrey and his father-in-law, Oliver Spry, built a fort at Ford (or Fort) Point.

He married Mary Sprye on June 20, 1663. Samson was deeded to Mary Harmer by her father that year, probably as a wedding present.

Sarah Harmer,
Elizabeth Harmer, and
Mary Hamer Gundry Maxwell was born about 1686.

He assigned Powdersby to Nathaniel Stiles some time before 1664, when Stiles resurveyed it under the name of Warrington.

Mary's Banks was surveyed for Godfrey Harmer in 1674;

Harmer's Addition in 1667.

Godfrey died on June 2, 1674.

After he died, Mary married Dr. John Stansby. John immigrated to Maryland in 1858 as an indentured servant of Francis Stockett. His first wife was Ann Wells.

Island Point was laid out in 1683 for Mary Stansby.

Lord Baltimore, Cecil Calvert (1605 -1675), 2nd Baron Baltimore was the first governor of Maryland. Phillip Calvert (1626–1682), was the 5th governor from 1660 to1665. Charles Calvert (1637 – 1715), 3rd Baron Baltimore inherited the colony in 1675.