THE MARSHALLS OF CALVERT COUNTY, MARYLAND
WILLIAM MARSHALL
(16--1687)
The first definite record that we have of William Marshall was on Aug. 5, 1685, when he appeared before the Deputy Prerogative Court for Calvert County, and declared himself to be the greatest creditor of William Jenkins, deceased, of the same county.
William Marshall died in Calvert County during May of the year 1687, leaving a widow Elizabeth, and a young son Thomas. The widow soon afterwards married Samuel Clewly, a planter of Calvert County. Clewly was a connection of Thomas Tench, Gent., of Anne Arundel County.
In the course of the settlement of the estate of William Marshall, it developed that shortly before his death he had made a will giving all his land to his son Thomas, but the document could not be located. Cleuly and his wife, Elizabeth, who earlier had requested letters of administration upon the estate, now renounced the administration, stating that they had not "intermeddled with goods", and praying that Thomas Tench be appointed in their stead. This was done, and on Sept. 26, 1688, Tench exhibited an inventory of the personal effects before the court. (It should be noted that in the wording of the court William Marshall "died intestate.")
It seems probable that Samuel Clewly acquired the greater portion of the estate of William Marshall by marrying the widow. About the year 1700 Clewly was in possession of "Cox's Folly," containing 50 acres; also "Cox's Choice" of 400 acres, and 65 acres of "Defence."
Elizabeth, widow of William Marshall, died before her second husband, Samuel Clewly. (The name Clewly is sometimes Cleuly, Cluley, Chiley, Cleyly, or Ceely.)
The will of Samuel Cluley, dated Oct. 10, 1719, and probated Feb. 1, 1720, devised to Mary Marshall, daughter of Thomas Marshall by Margaret, his wife, his dwelling-plantation, being a part of the "Defence." In case she should die without heirs, then it is to be given to Thomas Marshall the Younger, the son of the said Thomas Marshall by the said Margaret his wife. He appointed his "well-beloved Friend and Son-in-law, Thomas Marshall," as whole and sole executor. (He means step-son.) Wills, Liber 15, folio 286.