TERRE HAUTE —
Land in Maryland was granted by King Charles I of England to the Calvert family in 1632. Maryland was a proprietary colony, meaning that the Crown granted individuals or companies commercial charters to establish and govern colonies in the name of the Crown. Between 1633 and 1680, the Calvert family allocated land grants to others in the form of headrights. This strategy rewarded those who would pay to import much-needed laborers (indentured servants) into the colony with 50 acres of land for each person brought over. (A headright refers to both the grant of land itself as well as the actual person, or “head,” through whom the land is claimed. The person who has the “right” to claim the land is the one who paid to transport that person to the colony).
Land patents granted to those who imported others into Maryland recorded the names of the persons who were the basis of the claim. For instance, a wealthy plantation owner might import 20 servants into the colony. They would have to work for him for a number of years and in addition he would get 50 acres per head (in this case 2,000 acres) as a headright land patent for importing the 20 servants.
There are three good sources that list these early settlers of Maryland, who first worked out their contract for the wealthy land owners; and then, if they survived those brutal years, were freed to go on and populate the land.
• Early Settlers of Maryland: An Index to Names of Immigrants Compiled from Records of Land Patents, 1633-1680, in the Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland, by Gust Skordas, Geneaological Publishing Company, Baltimore, MD, 1968.
• A Supplement to The Early Settlers of Maryland Comprising 8,680 Entries Correcting Omissions and Errors in Gust Skordas, by Carson Gibb, Maryland State Archives, 1997.
• Settlers of Maryland (1679-1783), 5 volumes, by Peter Wilson Coldham, Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, MD, 1995-6. This is a continuation of the first two books.
All of these works are available in book form at the Vigo County Public Library, Special Collections Department. The first two are also part of a free online index operated by the Maryland State Archives at www.msa.md.gov/. The third is indexed on ancestry.com.
Maryland, like the other early colonies that became states, is a “state land state” rather than a “federal land state.” This means that the original land was owned by the state rather than the federal government, and was granted or sold to others by the state. One characteristic of these state land states is that their land was surveyed by the metes and bounds method instead of the township and range method used by the federal government. A unique characteristic of Maryland land is that each tract was given a name.
My own ancestor, Nicholas Gassaway, as a 16-year-old boy, was transported from England to Maryland in 1649 by Richard Owen. Richard Owen received a land grant in 1659 for transporting both himself and Nicholas into Maryland. As a man, Nicholas rose to prominence in the colony and became a landowner, a colonel in the militia, and served as a Justice in the Provincial Court. His tracts of land in Ann Arundel County included Poplar Ridge, Addition to Poplar Ridge, Gassaway’s Ridge, Addition to Gassaway’s Ridge, Hall’s Inheritance, Wrighton, Love’s Neck, and Bessonton. Every Gassaway in the United States, regardless of how they spell their last name, is descended from this Nicholas. Pretty good for an indentured servant.
History
GENEALOGY: Three sources good lists of Maryland settlers
- History
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
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GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
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Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
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Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
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The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
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Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
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Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
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‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
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1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
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Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
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‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
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Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
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Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
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Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
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Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
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Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
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Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
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Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
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River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
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Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
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Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
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Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
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Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
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Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
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Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
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The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
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