William Ward (11)

Freeholder and planter in Cecil County, Maryland

Third of "Woodlawn". Sassafras Neck.

Index for Ward and Associated Families of Sassafras Neck, Cecil County, Maryland

William Ward "Third of Woodlawn" was the son of John Ward and Susanna Veazey Ward. Born March 19, 1727, (Page 99 St. Stephen's Register). He lived at "Woodlawn" and held other tracts of land. 

Positions held:

  • He was commissioned one of the Justices of the County (not the Quorum) Feb. 2, 1769 - Aug. 5, 1769, Feb. 20, 1774, and was commissioned one f the justices of the Quorum of the County Court for Cecil county Mar. 3, 1772 - April 29, 1773 - Aug. 24, 1773 - June 2, 1774. (see Archives of Md. at Md. Historical Society Volume marked "Commissions 1726 to 1786).

  • Member of house of Burgess from Cecil county 1762-1763-1765-1766-1768-1769-1770-1771 and 1773. 

  • One of the Deputies from Cecil County to the Convention of Provincial Deputies which met at Annapolis June 22, 1774 (see Proceedings of the Assembly)

He married March 11, 1757, Rebecca Davis born Dec. 17, 1737, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Gregory Davis of Cecil County (page 26. copy of St. Stephen's Register)

He died in May or June 1776 and his will is dated Feb. 29, 1776, was proved June 6, 1776 and is recorded in the office of the Register in Elkton. Volume BB page 439. His brother John and his son William were made executors. The will describes him as "William Ward Gentleman" and mentions children: William, to whom he devised "Woodlawn", Thomas, Susanna, Rebecca, Sarah, and Elizabeth.

The children of William and Rebecca Davis Ward as mentioned in the will and as dated in St. Stephen's Register (page 148) are as follows:

  • Susanna (12), born Dec. 28, 1757

  • William(13), styled the "Fourth of Woodlawn"; born Sep. 28, 1760

  • Rebecca (36), born May 2, 1762

  • Thomas (37)

  • Sarah (38)

  • Elizabeth (39)

Note: Thomas Davis and his wife Rebecca Gregory/MacGregor were parents of Rebecca Davis who married William Ward "Third of Woodlawn", born 1727/8. Thomas and Rebecca were also parents of William Davis, an ancestor of Presidents Bush.

Last Updated: March 20, 2002.


Ellen Ward
ellen@bcpl.net

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