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Where did Richard I come from? |
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In early Maryland records, we find the first mention of a Richard Perkins, when in July of 1674, Richard Parkins was transported to Maryland.
(Ref: Patents. Liber 15-Folio 519) This is possibly the ancestor we know as Richard I, however that remains to be proven. Although we know nothing of his birth and parentage, we do have a few clues that bear further investigation. We have found there was a William Perkins living in this area at the same time as our ancestor, as shown in the following entries in the St. George's Parish Registers.
Page 10 William Perkins was joined in the Holy State of Marriage to Martha Miles 3 February 1703/04
Page 11 William Perkins died January 8th and was buried the 9th 1706
We know that a William Perkins, probably the above individual, was somehow connected to our family, as he was present when Richard I's widow posted administrative bond for his estate.
(Baltimore County Families 1659-1759 pg 500)
Another Richard Perkins enters the picture in the following document, dated four years after the death of Richard I.
Know all men by these presents that we John Belcher
Richard Perkins and Richard Smithers of Balt Coty do owe and stand firmly indebted unto
Richard Perkins Wm Perkins Elisha Perkins Mary Perkins Martha Perkins orphans of Richard Perkins late of this County dec'd for the sum of 108 pounds 15 shillings and 8 pence dated
9 Nov 1710…but the condition of the above obligation is such that if John Belcher
Richard Perkins and Richard Smithers or either of them or all of them shall pay the
Orphans 64 pounds 7 shillings and 10 pence so much being the balance of the above
Richard Perkins estate then the above obligation will be void. Dated
9 Nov 1710. Signed John Belcher (his X mark) Richard Perkins (his R mark) Rich'd Smithers (Ref: Baltimore County, MD Court Proceedings IS#A-Folio 203.(MdHR 5007)
It appears that these men had some type of control of Richard I's estate and are promising his heirs that they will get the remainder of the money due them. Since Richard I is the deceased and Richard II is one of the "orphans", that leaves us with an extra Richard Perkins who is obviously connected to our family in some way. As this is the only documentation we have found in Baltimore County on this individual, it's possible he lived in another county or another colony.
It's possible that the above-mentioned Richard Perkins and William Perkins are both related to Richard Perkins I, a likely scenario being that one of them is his father and the other his uncle or brother. This is a puzzle we're still working on, and any assistance is welcome.
Contact the PERKINS List and let us know your thoughts |
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