An American Family History

Mary Sprye Harmer was the daughter of Oliver Sprye.

Mary's Banks on Watson's (originally Waterton's) Creek was named in her honor.

She married Godfrey Harmer on June 20, 1663. Her father gave her the plantation, Sampson that year.

Their children and life together are described in detail in the section on Godfrey and Mary Harmer.

Godfrey died on June 2, 1674.

After he died, Mary, married Dr. John Stansby (Strandsby), chirurgeon. John was born about 1635. John came to Maryland by 1658,as an indentured servant to Francis Stockett (ca. 1634-1687), from whom he undoubtedly acquired some medical skills. He served in the Lower House, Baltimore County, 1676-1678. He was justice, Baltimore County, 1675/76-1679. He was sheriff, Baltimore County, 1679-1682. He was captain,
by 1676/77.

John Stansby had been married before to Ann Wells. Ann was born on July 2, 1643i n Virginia. Her parents were Richard Wells and Frances White The marriage which was about 1659 was against her father's orders. His will written in 1667 said:

. . . To my daughter Anne, supposed wife unto Mr. John Stansby, Chirurgeon, twelve pence as a reward for her disobedience.. . .

The executors of Richard Wells' estate would not pay Dr. John Stansby's bill for attending him in his last illness and John sued the estate. 

John died between November 1682 and February 6, 1682/83
in Baltimore County. His estate was valued at 47,835 pounds of tobacco and included surgical instruments, drugs and medicines, and debts due him of 40,671 pounds of tobacco.

Island Point was laid out in 1683 for Mary Stansby.

In May of 1684, the probate of Captain John Stansby mentioned John Fisher, John Yoe, John Bromfield and others.

Mary died in 1685.