Captain Henry Ridgely III ^{1 2 3}

  Research Notes:

First husband of Catherine Greenberry.

From http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GScid=640841&GRid=12216778&CScn=st.+anne's&CScntry=4&CSst=22&CScnty=1188& :

Capt Henry Ridgely III, the oldest son of Col Henry and Elizabeth (Howard) Ridgely of Devonshire, England, was born 3 October 1669, in Wardridge, Maryland. His father, an immigrant merchant, established the family in the United States. The Ridgelys became one of the most aristocratic of Maryland families with a long tradition of holding important civil and military offices.

Henry married Catherine Greenberry, eldest daughter of Col Nicholas Greenberry, ca 1689. They had five children: Ann, Nicholas Greenberry, Henry IV, Elizabeth, and Charles Ridgely (who died young). Nicholas became Judge of the Supreme Court of Delaware, Maryland, and was the founder of the important Ridgely family of Delaware.

By deed of gift from his father, Henry received "Broome", a portion of "Waldridge" and "Ridgely", all lying in Anne Arundel County where he established his dwelling plantation. In 1691, he bought from John Hammond "Adventure", 50 acres on the north side of South River adjoining the plantation of Nicholas Wyatt.

Henry drew up his will, 13 September 1699. He had a short life, dying 19 March 1700, at the age of 30 years, according to his gravestone, and his will was proved in Anne Arundel County, 26 April 1700.

To wife Catherine, executrix, dwelling plantation during life and 200 acres, part of "Warren's Ridge". To son Henry and heirs, dwelling plantation and 200 acres aforesaid at death of wife, also 282 acres "Ridgely's Beginning" on north side of Rogue Harbour Branch, Patuxent River. To son Nicholas at 18 years of age, 275 acres "My Quarter Plantation" at head of Broad Creek, and 272 acres "My Ridgely's Lot" on northeast side of great branch of Patuxent River. To son Charles and heirs, money with which to buy land, at 21 years of age. To daughter Ann and heirs, 1/2 of "Huntington's Quarter" taken up by testator's father and himself. To daughter Elizabeth and heirs, 1/2 of 300 acres at Chester at head of Morgan's Creek. Sons to be of age at 21 years and daughters at 16 years. Overseers: father Henry Ridgely and brother-in-law Charles Greenberry. Test: Robert Goldsborough, Thomas Reynolds, and William Johnson

Henry was buried upon his plantation where an impressive slab marked his remains. In the 1890s an unappreciative owner disturbed the family burying ground, removed the tombstones and built a house over the family graveyard. Henry's tombstone was removed to St Anne's Churchyard in Annapolis where it remains today.

The widow married Capt John Howard. Soon after the birth of a daughter, Catherine died, leaving her new husband in possession of the Ridgely estate.
--Anne Arundel Gentry

  Burial Notes:

Inscription:
Here Lyeth the body of Mr Henry Ridgley who was borne the 3d of October 1669 and departed this life on ye 19th day of March 1699.

Note: Marker only. Body is buried on the old Ridgely plantation.

Henry married Catherine Greenberry, daughter of Col. Nicholas Greenberry and Ann Newman, about 1689.