The first European settlements in Maryland were made in 1634 when English settlers created a permanent colony.
Susanna Nicholson Hopper was born on November 22, 1690 in Anne Arundel, County, Maryland. She was the daughter of John Nicholson and Rebecca Beard.
She married Thomas Hopper. He was born on February 18, 1684/85 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He was the son of Robert and Mary Hopper. In 1705, Thomas Hopper and his brother, James were called orphans of Robert Hopper and bound to Mary Davis, Charles Harrison and Walter Phelps.
Their son, John Hopper, was born in 1711. John married Rachel Nicholson and was murdered in 1757 by Rachel's brother, Richard Nicholson.
Old Style Calendar
Before 1752 the year began on Lady Day, March 25th,. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year. Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) are used to indicate whether the year has been adjusted. Often both dates are used.
Bound children were indentured servants whose master provided training in a craft, board, lodging, and clothes for seven years or until the child came of age.
A society's legal system reveals much about it. A broad spectrum of behavior was considered criminal in Colonial Maryland and punishment was harsh.
Provincial Court Judgments, 1757-9. Liber B. T. No. 3, v. 43 SE 4/1758 (269-526) Murder (269): Richard Nicholson, true bill
293-4: [Murder] Richard Nicholson of Ann Arundel Co., planter – malice forethought – 10/3/1757 at Ann Arundel Co. a. John Hopper – "with both his Fists in and upon the Face head and Stomach" of John Hopper. "several Mortal Bruises" "instantly died." True bill.
Witnesses: Elizabeth Nicholson, John Nicholson, Aaron Rawlings, Richard Disney, John Short, Joseph Brewer, Margaret Hunter, and Jane Hunter.
manslaughter.
To be burnt in the brawn of the left thumb with a letter M.
Ordered to give security for the fees of several officers
Zachariah Jacobs, Hugh Jones, and John Nicholson of Ann Arundel Co., securities.
Sworn to grand jury (270-1): Samuel Chapman, Elizabeth Nicholson, John Nicholson, Aaron Rawlings, Richard Disney, John Short, Joseph Brewer, Margaret Hunter, and Jane Hunter vs. Richard Nicholson
Planter is an archaic term for a settler. Plantation was a method of colonization where settlers were "planted" abroad. A plantation is also the kind of large farm that was the economical basis of many American Colonies and owners of these farms were also called planters.
All Hallows Church (The Brick Church), Anne Arundel County, Maryland records date back to 1682. It was an Anglican church. The building was constructed about 1710. The cemetery surrounds the church.
Mary Davis, Charles Harrison, & Walter Phelps, Ann Arundel Co., 7 Apr. 1705, are bound to James and Thomas Hopper, Ann Arundel, orphans of Robert Hopper.
Mary Davis shall pay to James and Thomas when each arrives at age 21.
from The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, Volume 40
Robert Hopper was a witness to several wills proved in Anne Arundel County in 1686, 1694, 1696, 1697 and 1698. The will of apparently the same man was proved in 1700, viz.:
Robert Hopper, of All Hallows Parish, Anne Arundel County, proved Aug. 17, 1700, wife Mary, sons Thomas and James, son-in-law Ralph Bassiel and brother-in-law David Bell.
Hopper, Robert,
All Hallows Parish,
Anne Arundel. Co.,
17th Aug., 1700; 4th Jan., 1700.
To wife Mary, extx., life interest in plantation.
To son Thomas and hrs., plantation at death of his mother.
To son-in-law Ralph Bassill, use of land. on which he now lives.
To wife and 2 sons, Thomas and James, personal estate. In event of death of wife Mary during minority of child., testator's brother-in-law, David Bell to have charge of estate.
Test: Eliza [Jones] Duvall, Catherine Howe, Wm. Warner. 11. 2.
Testis (Test) is latin for witness. Testes is the plural.
