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Benjamin Ricketts |
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“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves,
and, under a just God cannot retain it." ― Abraham Lincoln |
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which became Montgomery County, Maryland |
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Benjamin Ricketts, Sr. was born on May 7, 1708 in Maryland. His birth was recorded at Queen Anne Parish in Prince George's County, Maryland. He was the son of Thomas Ricketts, Jr. and Rebecca Nicholson. The identity of Benjamin's wife is uncertain. Many researchers believe that he married Eliza Maxwell. She was the daughter of James Maxwell and Mary Harmer. Eliza Maxwell married another Benjamin Ricketts who lived in Harford County, Maryland. Their daughters, Elizabeth Strong and Hannah Wilmer inherited her shares in Maxwell's Conclusion. Some reseachers believe that Benjamin married Elizabeth McDougal, daughter of Hugh McDougal. If the birth dates for Benjamin, Sr. and Benjamin, Jr. are correct, then Benjamin, Sr. was only 16 years old when Benjamin, Jr. was born. It isn't clear which of their plantations was their home plantation. Jacob inherited "the home plantation." Benjamin and Ann Eliza's children probably included: In 1736, Benjamin Ricketts was the administrator of Hugh McDugal's estate in Prince George's County. About 1742 Benjamin, Jr. came of age so it is difficult to tell which Benjamin is mentioned after that date. In 1744, Elizabeth Ricketts, wife of Benjamin Ricketts was listed as the executrix of Hugh McDugal's estate. A Benjamin Ricketts patented (certificate 1728) Green Marsh, a plantation of 78 acres, on September 7, 1750. In 1753, Elizabeth Ricketts, wife of Benjamin Ricketts was again listed as the executrix of Hugh McDugal's estate. On December 13, 1756, John Banks of Frederick County, Maryland sold Benjamin Ricketts of Prince Georges County a tract called Banks Venture in Frederick County on the branches of Rock Creek for 3£ 10s. John's wife Martha gave consent. Montgomery County, Maryland was established in 1776 from parts of Charles, Prince George's and Frederick Counties. Benjamin signed the Oath of Fidelity to the state of Maryland in March, 1778 at Montgomery County, Maryland. On May 20, 1778 Benjamin sold the 31 acres of Round Marsh and 5.5 acres of Green Marsh in Montgomery County, Maryland to John Cooke (Cook), Jr. for 35£ sterling. Later that year, John Cooke, Jr. died and left his entire estate to his siblings. Nathan Holland declined to be executor and guardian of the minor siblings, Benjamin Ricketts was appointed in his place. In the Assessment of 1783 of Montgomery County, Maryland, Benjamin Ricketts, Sr. had a number of plantations. In the Seneca Hundred he had Granby which was 15 acres, Needwood which was 19 acres, Rattlesnake Den which was 150 acres and Ricketts Folly which was 52 acres. He left a will dated on November 16, 1787. The will was witnessed by Colonel Zadok Magruder, Benjamin Mcdugle, and Thomas Read (Zadok's son-in-law). He left Benjamin, Jr. Banker's Venture and Green Marsh. Jacob received the home plantation. Martha received Rickett's Folly. He died before August 13, 1788 in Montgomery County when his will was proved. At the time of the 1790 census, his sons Benjamin and Jacob were in Montgomery County, Maryland.
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