William S. Logsdon, I

William Logsdon, Sr. and Honora O'Flynn have had their stories told in several places. This is the version per Father Homer Blubaugh. It may be the most reliable and contains few embelishments.

William was b. 9/13/1663 at Melchbourne England. He came to America at 1673 and entered indentured servantry at the age of 10, working on the tobacco plantations along the Patapsco river. At the end of this time, he bought a 300 acre tract along the Big Pipe Creek, naming it 'Brotherly Love'. He raised livestock and made tobacco his chief crop.

At the age of 39, and undoubtedly lonely and feeling time passing by, he noted a ship in in the river (not sure exactly where), bearing a cargo of women. The women were a mix of voluntary and involuntary women brought from Ireland and England to become sold as wives to colonists. Asking permission to board, he selected Honora O'Flynn, who had been kidnapped in Kerry County, Ireland.

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Arrived in Maryland from Ireland in 1673 with six other young me on a ship which landed near Baltimore. He paid for his passage over by working for four years with different tobacco planters living along the Patapsco River in Maryland. Purchased a 300 acre tract of land near the southern border of Pennsylvania at the end of his "endentured servitude."

Another reference says he arrived in 1674 with Capt. John Smith. Tammy Swingle

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There are several myths surrounding the birth of William Logsdon, which apparently began with published genealogies in the 1930's and have been since repeated . The first is whether he was born in Ireland or England. Arguments against an Irish birth are:

(1) Those saying he was born in Ireland site no sources for this conclusion.

(2) Some of his land was named "Bedford". It is thought that this supports a Bedford, England birth.

(3) According to Martin James Lugsdin, Logsdon GenForum post # 323 "I can find no trace of any Logsdons still living in Ireland (I have access to a database) whereas there are several living in England, along with close variants on the name, such as Lugsden, some of whom still live in the Bedfordshire area. "

The second controversy is the date of birth and parentage of the William born in England. The following comments with my own additions in brackets can be found at Gloria Logsdon Lucas at :

" It appears that definite proof is lacking for the naming of the WILLIAM LOGSDEN, baptized 13 Sep 1663, in Bedford, England, as one and the same person as our WILLIAM LOGSDON, the immigrant, who was transported to this country in 1674. Asking for proof to verify the theories written in Logsdon genealogies for naming this William Logsdon in Bedford, England, I received no answers of proof. One explanation was that the land that William Logsdon owned in Carroll Co., MD was named "Bedford". This could hardly be called proof. We have no proof that William Logsdon named this land, "Bedford", himself. When I asked several of these people where they received their information I was told that it had been taken from the written works of other Logsdon authors and that they had no documentary proof.

Another theory being repeated concerning the William of Bedford, England is that he was a lad of 11 years old at the time he was transported. There is no proof to substantiate that theory either. It is assumed that since the William Logsden of Bedford, England was baptized in 1663 and our William Logsden was transported in 1674 that proves he was 11 years old. [13 Sep 1663 Saint John, Bedford, Bedford, England; Father: James LOGSDEN; Mother: Jane JAMES (Patron) Joan (parish records); Bedfordshire parish registers Church of England. Parish Church of Elstow (Bedfordshire)] Actually it proves nothing since there is still no proof that he was the immigrant Logsdon. [It is also unlikely since England was in a depression at this time. They wanted to export many of their young men to the new world to work, especially clearing trees. They usually sent men about the age of 20, not 11 year old boys who still had living parents. Further, William Logsdon acquired 300 acres of land 4 years after his arrival, unlikely for a 15 year old.] The records say nothing about William Logsden being an indentured servant which is another theory being passed around in Logsdon genealogies. It is very possible that he could have been but does that give us the right to print it as fact without proof? [Hall of Records in Annapolis, Maryland--"Capt. Samuel Smith of Virginia proved his right to three hundred acres of land by Hanna his wife and attorney for transporting Robert Dewaberry, Thomas Humphrieds, George Yound, William Belcher, William Logsden, Jesiah Blockwell, and William Golder to this providence to inhibit." 1674 Jan. 21. To what would this refer if not an indenture?] Other points to dispute that our William Logsdon, the immigrant, was the same William Logsdon who was baptized in Bedford, England, who is claimed to be the son of James and Jane (James) Logsdon:

There are at least 3 other LOGSDEN/LODGHSDINE'S born at the right time to be our William Logsdon, all of Bedford, England.

Found in the IGI at the L.D.S. Library, Salt Lake City, Utah - Bedford County, England records:

WILLIAM LOGSDEN son of William Logsden christened 1637 Blunham, Bedford, England

[Bedfordshire parish registers Emmison, F. G. (Frederick George) , 1907-]

WILLIAM LOGSDEN son of Thomas Logsden christened [11 Nov]1650 Blunham, Bedford, England [Bedfordshire parish registers Emmison, F. G. (Frederick George) , 1907-]

WILLIAM LODGHSDIN son of Edward and Sarah Lodghsdin christened [14 Feb] 1658 Roxton, Bedford, England [Bedfordshire parish registers--Roxton, 1602-1812; Great Barford, 1559-1812; Renhold, 1602-1812 Emmison, F. G. (Frederick George) , 1907-] [ This William had a grandfather named John and a brother called Thomas who died young.]

WILLIAM LOGSDEN son of Edward Logsden christened [11 Oct]1663 Roxton, Bedford, England [No matching file found on source link]

According to one English theory, WILLIAM LOGSDEN was the son of JAMES LOGSDEN and JANE JAMES. WILLIAM LOGSDEN, the immigrant did not name one child James or Jane, which would be for his parents. One would think that surely he would have named a son James because of his father being James and his mother's maiden name being James. There is no such evidence of a child being named either James or Jane.

It appears there has been no research done in England to see if William Logsdon of Bedford ever migrated to our country. Every William Logsdon found in England should be traced to see if he married, had children, and died in England. In this way it would be possible to determine which William Logsdon was the immigrant by a process of elimination.

For years I have consulted and rehashed the theories with expert and long-time Logsdon researchers. They all agree that there is no conclusive evidence for William Logsdon, of Bedford, England and his parents James Logsdon and Jane James to be included in our Logsdon genealogy. There were other William Logsden's in other counties of England. [eg. Hertfordshire]. But for some reason researchers want to stick with the Bedford, England theory.

A second theory now is being reported that instead of William the immigrant being the son of James and Jane (James) Logsden, he is the son of James Logsden's brother Thomas and his wife Susan Bromshall. This William Logsden was christened in 1650 in Blunham, England (as per the list above). Again where is the proof that this William is the immigrant and even though William Logsdon and Honora named a son Thomas, they did not name a daughter Susan nor is there an Anthony or Ellen Logsdon through William and Honora or their children. Surely William would have named children after his parents and/or grandparents.

One would think if we want our Logsdon line of ancestors to be accurate then it would be wise to leave the English Logsdon's out completely until "actual proof" has been established as to the parentage of William Logsden the immigrant. [Anthony Logsdon and Ellen Mee had the sons James and Thomas. Thomas was baptised in 1632 and is very unlikely to have been the one who married Susan Bromsall as this marriage took place in 1644 when the Thomas, brother of James, was only twelve. It is more likely that the Thomas who married Susan was the one baptised in 1622 in Keysoe, the son of Charles, or Thomas baptised in Roxton in 1616, son of John.] ... I have yet to read one written genealogy of the Logsdon family that does not have several errors and theories included with no explanation that it is actually theory. ...

One last question remains and must be asked? Was William Logsden the immigrant who was transported in 1674 by Captain Samuel Smith actually our William Logsdon? ... Actually research is being done at this point to see if the immigrant William Logsden was in fact the William that was married to Honora. It would appear that there is a generation missing between the two men."

To summarize, the ancestry of William Logsdon is speculative and inconclusive at this time. He came to Maryland in 1674. [ or 1673. Source: SKORDAS, GUST, editor. The 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. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1968. 525p. Repr. 1986.

Source Annotation: Index from manuscript by Arthur Trader, Chief Clerk in the Maryland Land Commission, 1917. And see nos. 4507-4511, Land Notes. Page #:293] According to Harry Centennial Logsdon's "A Historical Sketch and A Genealogical Record of the Endless Line of the Logsdon and Kelly Families as Compiled and Published by Harry C. Logsdon of Millersburg, Ohio, 1965 [which does not mention sources other than the help of relatives], William came on a ship that was to sail to Virginia, but due to adverse winds ended up in Baltimore Md. He was hired to a planter who paid his fare across the ocean , to work for 4 years. After his time of service was up , he secured a 300 acre tract of land NW of Baltimore, which he began to improve and called" Brotherly Love". His chief crop was tobacco. Also like nearly all of the planters in Md, he had a few slaves. Most of Maryland planters were adventurous young men and married late in life, explaining the long marriage delay after arrival in America; however it is also possible that the immigrant William had a son William who married Honora O'Flynn in 1702."

In 1707, William purchased 100 acres called "Bedford" on the north side of the Patapsco River in what is now Carroll County and is about 8 miles SE of Westminster.

On 22 Sep 1730, William sold the tract of land called "Bedford" (100 acres) and part of "Logsdon's Addition" (150 acres). He died sometime between this date and 3 Mar 1742 when his sons William, John, and Edward sell "Brotherly Love" and Honora (their mother), and Ann, Sarah, and Margaret (their wives) relinquish dower.[ from "Logsdon: the Amazing Family", by Clarence Logsdon, p 11]

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Books: "The Maryland family of Logsdon", Edwin C. Welch Microreproduction of original published: Santa Barbara, Calif. : E.C. Welch, [1955?]. 61 leaves. At LDS Library.

Betty Jewell Durbin Carson on Durbin And Logsdon with related Genealogy, 4 to6 volumes.

"Logsdon: the Amazing Family", by Clarence Logsdon

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Brief History of Carroll County, Maryland

Carroll County, Maryland was formed in 1837 from the western part of Baltimore County and eastern part of Frederick County. Carroll County includes what were in 1800 the North Hundred, Pipe Creek Hundred, Delaware Upper Hundred and Delaware Lower Hundred of Baltimore County. It includes the Pipe Creek, Westminster, Unity, Burnt House, Piney Creek, and Taneytown Hundreds of Frederick County. William Logsdon lived in that part of Baltimore County which is now in Carroll County.

Baltimore County was formed by 1659. At that time it included parts of (or the whole of) todays: Harford Co., Cecil Co., Frederick Co. & Carroll Co. The original County Seat was at Spesutia Island , it was next located in Joppa Town. As a result of a popular referendum in 1768 (there is a large list of residents signing the petitions, which seems to be about the most complete list of men in the County at the time), the county seat was moved to Baltimore Town. When Baltimore was incorporated as a city, the county seat was moved to its present location in Towson. Since 1851 Baltimore City and Baltimore County have been two completely separate entities, each with their own records.

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Betty Ollar does not support the idea that William is a son of James Logsdon and Jane James in email of 27 Oct 2001. Joel Logsdon suggests that William was born November 11, 1652 in Blunham, England. He was a tobacco farmer in Maryland. William died before 1742 in Carroll Co., MD. Beverly Johnson Sweeney suggests that William's father was James, his grandfather was William and that his great grandfather may have been a Charles Loggsdon b. ca 1594-95 and d. ca. 1619 in Keysoe, Bedfordshire, England; and that William's great grandmother may have been Ann ? who may have been born ca. 1596. Debbie Raque's homepage suggests that Williams parents were Susan Bromshell and Thomas Logsdon based on the book "Logsdon The Amazing Family". She goes onto suggest that Thomas was the son of Anthony Logsdon and Ellen Mee. Debbie also suggests that William was born 11 NOV 1650, in Blunham, England.

There is controversy that this William is the first Logsdon ancestor to immigrate from England. One source indicates that William of Thomas Logsden was the immigrant but this could not be for there is a burial record for William of Thomas.

Another source indicates that the William who married Honora O'Flynn was in fact the son of William the immigrant due to the fact that 1. He would have waited a long time to marry, despite the gender imbalance of more males to females in America at that time, 2. a record of Williams trip to America, 3. the land Captain Smith was to receive was 300 acres in Somerset County, Maryland, 4. William Laxtone was recorded as entitled to 50 acres for coming to America, 5. the will of William Langsden in 1709, with mention of his wife Izabell and son William existed. It is this William, it is suggested, that moved to Baltimore and married Honora O'Flynn. None of this has been proven.

Another candidate for William the immigrant is William of Blunham, son of William of John of Edmund of Edward of John. This William was married to Alice Kennert and would have been alive at the time; however his wife was not listed as a passenger on the ship that carried William. No death record in England exists for Alice. She would have to have died, either in England or America, to allow William to remarry Honora O'Flynn. William would have been very old for the time to have remarried and started a family in America. This makes him a less than prime candidate for William the immigrant. (See the notes of William of John of Edmund for more information on this issue).

It is William of John of Edmund of Edward who was probably William the laborer who died and was buried at St. John's.

Family legend has it that William Logsdon was picked up as a lad of 10 on the coast of England and brought to America as an indentured servant. The ship was headed for VA but a storm changed its course and it sailed into Baltimore Harbor instead. Records show that a William Logsdon was transported to America in 1673 (Book 18, Folio 38, Vol. 21, p.293, "The Early Settlers of Maryland. Index to Names of Immigrants Compiled from Records of Land Patents 1633-1680 in the Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland," Gust. Skordas, editor, Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore MD 1968).

In the Hall of Records, Patent of Land Records, in Annapolis, MD, Vol. 15, p.34, we find 16 Jan 1674: "Captain Samuel Smith of Virginia, proved his right to 300 acres of land, by Hanna, his wife, and Attorney, for transporting Robert Dewsberry, William Belcher, Thomas Humphries, William Logsdon, George Young, Jesiah Blackwell, and William Golden, to this Province to inhabit." The term, "indentured servant," refers to a person who did not have money to pay their passage so the Captain of the ship sold their services. In this case, William Logsdon was indentured to a tobacco planter who promised to release him when he worked out the right amount.

A statement from the Land Commissioner of MD at Annapolis gives us a location for Smith's land: "We beg to advise that the tract of land based on proof of rights, and recorded Liber 18, folio 38, was applied to Second Choice, 300 acres surveyed for Samuel Smith of Virginia, 4 (Apr), 23, 1675 and patented to 1 (Jan), 10, 79 (1679). Lying in Somerset County at the head of the main branch of the Wicomice River, on north side of said branch, in the neighborhood of Salisbury." Smith lived in Kings Neck, as he had land in Northumberland Co., VA on the mouth of the Potomac River.

About 24 years later a shipload of young girls was gathered from the Irish Coast and brought over to be wives of American settlers. One Irish lass was named Honora O'Flynn (from County Kerry, Ireland). Several documents state that Honora O'Flynn was kidnapped from Ireland and later was married to William in 1702 by a missionary priest from Fort Tobacco, MD.

His residences included tracts called "Brotherly Love", "Bedford", "Logsdon's Addition", and "Pleasant Green". On 9/22/1730, William and Honora sold Bedford.

See Rent Rolls of Baltimore Co., MD: "William Loftin is charged with rent for a tract called "Brotherly Love" on 28 Aug 1687." Records indicate that William was a free man and property owner by the time he met and married Honora in 1702. From the Hall of Records: Lib. DD-5, p. 430: "On 12 May 1707 William Logsdon purchased 100 acres that had been assigned earlier to Gregory Davis of Baltimore County, and called "Bedford" - situated on the north side of the Patapsco River and on north side of Middle Branch thereof...." This was located in what is now Carroll Co., MD and is about 8 miles S.E. of Westminster. Carroll Co. was formed in 1836 from a part of Baltimore and Frederick Counties.

"By virtue of assignment of 100 acres, warrant assigned by Gregory Davis of Baltimore Co. on the 19th of April last, unto William Logsdon of the said County, part of a warrent for 100 acres granted said Gregory Davis on the 17th day of April last, I, John Israel, deputy surveyor under Mr. Clement Hill, Jr., have laid out to the aforesaid William Logsdon that tract and parcel of land called Bedford, lying in Baltimore County on the north side of the POTZZAPPACE River...."

William Logsdon must have been a tobacco planter for on 31 Mar 1709 he sued Thomas Gwynn for breach of contract. Gwynn had signed a contract to build a 40-foot tobacco shed on the Island in Baltimore Co. (150-acre tract on Gunpowder River).

Liber IS-N, p. 336 (or 330): "I, William Logsdon, Baltimore County ... to my beloved daughter, Ann Durbin ... tract of land called Pleasant Green, being part of a tract called "Logsdon's Addition ... being 97-1/2 acres more or less ... the houses, outhouses, barns, stables, tobacco houses, orchards, etc. ... and after the death of her husband, Samuel Durbin, the land to return freely and quietly to the heirs of William Logsdon. Dated 19 September 1726, signed William [his mark] Logsdon." Honor Logsdon, his wife, released her dower rights to the property.

William probably died between 1730 and 1742, [see Patent of Land Records, Annapolis, Lib. AM-1, p.148] for on 22 Sep 1730 he and his wife, Honora, sold all that tract of land called "Bedford." "... 100 acres ... and a part of Logsdon's Addition ... 150 acres ... one line of the boundary is parallel to the line of Ann Durbin. Signed: William Logsdon."

And, on 3 Mar 1742 (Liber TB-C, p. 183), there is a "deed from William Logsdon II, John Logsdon, and Edward Logsdon, planters of Prince George's Co. who convey to George Conti of Little Conewage, a tract called "Brotherly Love" of 300 acres ... Logsdon, the mother: Ann, Sarah, and Margaret, wives of said William, John, and Edward release their dower rights."

Other children included: John, Ann, Honora, and Prudence

He was married to Honora O'FLYNN in 1702 in Baltimore Co., MD.26 She and William were married by a missionary priest from Fort Tobacco, MD. He would have been 39 years of age, and she was 21.

From Tracy Logsdon: http://one-eleven.net/~tracydai/researc2.html

Young William Logsdon: Our Ancestor?

How reliable are the records that maintain that an eleven year old lad left the safety and security of his England home to venture forth to an unknown future in a faraway land? This question has troubled researchers for years. Some of them have solved the problem by inventing another senior Logsdon of about 60 years of age, then also giving him a son named William of about 28 years of age, then having him be the one to marry Honora O'Flynn. Unfortunately, after a careful look at the Maryland records, there is only one William Logsden mentioned in the 1680 to 1704

period. Others have been suggested, such as a William Langsden of Somerset County, Maryland. After checking in the book "The settlers of old Somerset County, Maryland" we found that William Langsden died in 1745, also leaving a will naming his survivors. All of which he located still in Somerset County. Then we came to the facts. When all else is ruled out, what remains must be our answer.

1. Only one William Logsden is listed on any early Maryland tax rolls.

2. William named his estate here in America, Bedford, after his home in

England. (Not Melchbourne, Roxton or Eaton Socon)

3. At age 10, in the 1600's, a young man was deemed "of working age" and

could be indentured out as an apprentice or laborer.

4. After looking at the waterway system, the rive Ouse flows through

Bedford and then directly into the Thames river, which in turn flows

to the ocean and to a river port. This journey would take only a few

days.

5. William's father, James, was a rope maker, and could have and probably

did have connections to the boatmen on the river.

6. Reviewing the records of St. John's parish of Bedford, home church of

the James Logsden family, we find no mention of a William, son of James,

being married or otherwise, but his other children are mentioned.

7. Then there is the terrible plague that gripped the area in the 1600-1700

era. Is it any wonder that a father would want to send his son as far

away as possible?

8. After reviewing the other William Logsden's of that time, in and around

Bedford, all have been ruled out, with the exception of one William who

was born in 1639, who married in 1668. Unless his young wife died, and

there is no record of this event, the William who came to America was

single, and accompanied by other men.

9. It is my view that a William from, say, the town of Roxton, would not

have named his home here in America, "Bedford".

We shall probably never prove who our ancestor William was, but I'll

put my money on young William of Bedford.

Tracy Logsdon

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Submitter: John Buckingham (jbuckngham@aol.com)

Subject: Logsdons

Message: I also have Ann and Samuel in my tree. William Logsdon, Sr. and Honora O'Flynn have had their stories told in several places. I will tell the version per Father Homer Blubaugh. I consider it the most reliable and contains few embelishments. If you would like William's tree to 1540,

view my tree at:

http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/b/u/c/John-L-Buckingham/

William was b. 9/13/1663 at Melchbourne England. He came to America at 1673 and entered indentured servantry at the age of 10, working on the tobacco plantations along the Patapsco river. At the end of this time, he bought a 300 acre tract along the Big Pipe Creek, naming it 'Brotherly Love'. He raised livestock and made tobacco his chief crop.

At the age of 39, and undoubtedly lonely and feeling time passing by, he noted a ship in in the river (not sure exactly where), bearing a cargo of women. The women were a mix of voluntary and involuntary women brought from Ireland and England to become sold as wives to colonists. Asking permission to board, he selected Honora O'Flynn, who had been kidnapped in Kerry County, Ireland.

That's basically their story, much of it derived from family traditions handed down through different branches. But the basics have been documented. There used to be copies of his baptism entry and his father's will posted on the Net, but that site seems to be gone now. I downloaded them, and may re-post them later.

Anything else anyone needs on them let me know, but there are others out there more expert than I.

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William the immigrant is said to have sailed to America, circa 1673-74 on

a sailing vessel commanded by Captain Samuel Smith. He sailed with six

other young men whose names were: Robert Dewsberry, William Belcher,

Thomas Humphries, George Young, Josiah Blackwell, and William Golden.

They were bound for the Virginia colony. The ship was blown off course

into the Chesapeake Bay. It finally cast anchor at the mouth of the

Patapsco river in Maryland, in Baltimore county. He then served 4 years

of indentureship. ®6 ®3 ®5

He was a tobacco planter. His residences included "Brotherly Love" tract

of land of around 300 acres in Somerset County, MD (near Baltimore) and

"Bedford". ®6

William, at one time owned tracts of land called: Bedford, Logsdon's

Addition, Pleasant Green, and others. ®3

William and Honora were married by a Missionary Catholic priest from

Fort Tobacco. ®3 ®5

Research:

From a christening record. ®2

From the work of Betty Carson. ®5

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On vessel commanded by Samuel Smith of Virginia to whom William had indentured himself. The Maryland Hall of Records, Liber 18-N, Folio 338 says William Logsden transported in 1673. Originally intent upon a landing in the Virginia colony, the captain, due to storms was forced to land at the mouth of the Wicomica river in Somerset county. William was there sold to a local planter for whom he worked tilling soil, building a cabin and working the operation of the plantation. The land where William worked was at the head of the main branch of the Wicomice River, on the north side of the branch, near present day Salisbury. William was accompanied on this journey by Robert Dewsberry, William Belcher, Thomas Humhries, George Young, Josiah Blackwell and William Golden.Melchbourne is located in the northern protion of Bedfordshire County, England. There is some controversy re. who this William's parents actually were. Betty Ollar does not support the idea that William is a son of James Logsdon and Jane James in email of 27 Oct 2001. Joel Logsdon suggests that William was born November 11, 1652 in Blunham, England. He was a tobacco farmer in Maryland. William died before 1742 in Carroll Co., MD. Beverly Johnson Sweeney suggests that William's father was James, his grandfather was William and that his great grandfather may have been a Charles Loggsdon b. ca 1594-95 and d. ca. 1619 in Keysoe, Bedfordshire, England; and that William's great grandmother may have been Ann ? who may have been born ca. 1596. Debbie Raque's homepage suggests that Williams parents were Susan Bromshell and Thomas Logsdon based on the book "Logsdon The Amazing Family". She goes onto suggest that Thomas was the son of Anthony Logsdon and Ellen Mee. Debbie also suggests that William was born 11 Nov 1650, in Blunham, England. Another candidate for William the immigrant is William ofBlunham, son of William of John of Edmund of Edward of John. This William was married to Alice Kennert and would have been alive at the time; however his wife was not listed as a passenger on the ship that carried William. No death record in England exists for Alice. She would have to have died, either in England or America, to allow William to remarry Honora O'Flynn. William would have been very old for the time to have remarried and started a family in America. This makes him a less than prime candidate for William the immigrant. (See the notes of William of John of Edmund for more information on this issue).

There is controversy that this William is the first Logsdon ancestor to immigrate from England. Clarence Logsdon's 'Logsdon: the Amazing Family' indicates that William of Thomas Logsden was the immigrant but this could not be for there is a burial record for William of Thomas. Another source indicates that the William who married Honora O'Flynn was in fact the son of William the immigrant due to the fact that 1.) He would have waited a long time to marry, despite the gender imbalance of more males to females in America at that time, 2.) a record of Williams trip to America, 3.) the land Captain Smith was to receive was 300 acres in Somerset County, Maryland, 4.) William Laxtone was recorded as entitled to 50 acres for coming to America, 5.) the will of William Langsden in 1709, with mention of his wife Izabell and son William existed. It is this William, it is suggested, that moved to Baltimore and married Honora O'Flynn. None of this has been proven.

It is William of John of Edmund of Edward who was probably William the laborer who died and was buried at St. John's. Family legend has it that William Logsdon was picked up as a lad of 10 (in 1673) on the coast of England and brought to America as an indentured servant by the time he was eleven. The ship was headed for VA but a storm changed its course and it sailed into Baltimore Harbor instead. Records show that a William Logsdon was transported to America in 1673 ( Bk. 18, Folio 38, Vol. 21), p. 293 of "The Early Settlers of Maryland'. Index to Names of Immigrants Compiled from Records of Land Patents 1633-1680 in the Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland," Gust. Skordas, editor, Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore MD 1968).

In the Hall of Records, Patent of Land Records, in Annapolis, MD, Vol. 15, p.34, we find, 16 Jan 1674: "Captain (possibly Colonel) Samuel Smith of Virginia, proved his right to 300 acres of land, by Hanna, his wife, and Attorney, for transporting Robert Dewsberry, William Belcher, Thomas Humphries, William Logsdon (Dick Koch suggests not the instant William ?) , George Young, Jesiah Blackwell, and William Golden, to this Province to inhabit." The term, "indentured servant," refers to a person who did not have money to pay their passage so the Captain of the ship sold their services. In this case, William Logsdon was indentured to a tobacco planter who promised to release him when he worked out the right amount. It is reported that after his arrival near the area of the Patapasco River in Baltimore county, he served an indenture of four years. In the following years William was involved in a law suit against a Mr. Quinn over the construction of a tobacco shed on his property that Quinn had not completed in agreement to the contract specification.

A statement from the Land Commissioner of MD. at Annapolis gives us a location for Smith's land: "We beg to advise that the tract of land based on proof of rights, and recorded Liber 18, folio 38, was applied to Second Choice, 300 acres surveyed for Samuel Smith of Virginia, 4 (Apr), 23, 1675 and patented to 1 (Jan), 10, 79 (1679). Lying in Somerset County at the head of the main branch of the Wicomice River, on north side of said branch, in the neighborhood of Salisbury." Smith lived in Kings Neck, as he had land in Northumberland Co., VA on the mouth of the Potomac River.

According to John Buckingham in a message number 88 of February 01,1999 at Family Tree Maker at the Durbin Message board. " In 1702, while working his farm, William Logsdon spotted a British ship anchored in the river, and decided to inspect its "cargo," where he met Honora. Honora was born in 1678 in Kerry County, Ireland" Another source reported "About 24 years later(ca. 1702) a shipload of young girls was gathered from the Irish Coast and brought over to be wives of American settlers. One Irish lass was named Honora O'Flynn (from County Kerry, Ireland). Several documents state that Honora O'Flynn was kidnapped from Ireland and later was married to William in 1702 by a missionary priest from Fort Tobacco, MD.". It is believed that William may have been mentioned in the will of Thomas Sissell in St. Mary's County, Maryland.

William's residences included tracts called 1.) "Brotherly Love", located (bounded by a white oak standing in the fork of a branch which descends into Conewago) northeast of Westmister, Carrol, MD. on Big Pipe Creek off of the Patapsco River. There, with the help of negro servants, William began clearing the forest and engaged in raising tobacco which was the chief crop. 2.) "Bedford 100 acres ( on the north side of the Middle Branch of Patapsco River - this tract was subsequently conveyed to Matthew Coulter in 1730 and resurveyed as "Bedford Resurveyed" in 1732. It is located in the area of the center of the city of Baltimore.) on 10 October 1707" - Ref: Settlers of Maryland 1701 - 1739 by Peter Wilson Coldham, p. 99 - DD 5 / 430, 3.) "Logsdon's Addition 250 acres on 8 December 1722" - Ref: Settlers of Maryland 1701 - 1739 by Peter Wilson Coldham, p. 99 - PL 5 / 49, and 4.) "Pleasant Green", conveyed to Williams daughter Ann wife of Samuel Durbin.. On 9/22/1730 , William and Honora sold Bedford. See Rent Rolls of Baltimore Co., MD: "William Loftin is charged with rent for a tract called "Brotherly Love" on 28 Aug 1687." Records indicate that William was a free man and property owner by the time he met and married Honora in 1702. From the Hall of Records: Lib. DD-5, p. 430: "On 12 May 1707 William Logsdon purchased 100 acres that had been assigned earlier to Gregory Davis of Baltimore County, and called "Bedford" - situated on the north side of the Patapsco River and on north side of Middle Branch thereof...." This was located in what is now Carroll Co., MD and is about 8 miles S.E. of Westminster. Carroll Co. was formed in 1836 from a part of Baltimore and Frederick Counties.

"By virtue of assignment of 100 acres, warrant assigned by Gregory Davis of Baltimore Co. on the 19th of April last, unto William Logsdon of the said County, part of a warrent for 100 acres granted said Gregory Davis on the 17th day of April last, I, John Israel, deputy surveyor under Mr. Clement Hill, Jr., have laid out to the aforesaid William Logsdon that tract and parcel of land called Bedford, lying in Baltimore County on the north side of the Potassco River...."

William Logsdon must have been a tobacco planter for on 31 Mar 1709 he sued Thomas Gwynn for breach of contract. Gwynn had signed a contract to build a 40-foot tobacco shed on the Island in Baltimore Co. (150-acre tract on Gunpowder River).

Liber IS-N, p. 336 (or 330): "I, William Logsdon, Baltimore County ... to my beloved daughter, Ann Durbin ... tract of land called Pleasant Green, being part of a tract called "Logsdon's Addition ... being 97-1/2 acres more or less ... the houses, outhouses, barns, stables, tobacco houses, orchards, etc. ... and after the death of her husband, Samuel Durbin, the land to return freely and quietly to the heirs of William Logsdon. Dated 19 September 1726, signed William [his mark] Logsdon." Honor Logsdon, his wife, released her dower rights to the property.

William probably died between 1730 and 1742, [see Patent of Land Records, Annapolis, Lib. AM-1, p.148] for on 22 Sep 1730 he and his wife, Honora, sold all that tract of land called "Bedford." "... 100 acres ... and a part of Logsdon's Addition ... 150 acres ... one line of the boundary is parallel to the line of Ann Durbin. Signed: William Logsdon."

And, on 3 Mar 1742 (Liber TB-C, p. 183), there is a "deed from William Logsdon II, John Logsdon, and Edward Logsdon, planters of Prince George's Co. who convey to George Conti of Little Conewage, a tract called "Brotherly Love" of 300 acres ... Logsdon, the mother: Ann, Sarah, and Margaret, wives of said William, John, and Edward release their dower rights."

Other children included: John, Ann, Honora, and Prudence

He was married to Honora O'FLYNN in 1702 in Baltimore Co., MD.26 Sheand William were married by a missionary priest from Fort Tobacco, MD. He would have been 39 years of age, and she was 21.

From Tracy Logsdon: http://one-eleven.net/~tracydai/researc2.html
Young William Logsdon: Our Ancestor?

How reliable are the records that maintain that an eleven year old lad left the safety and security of his England home to venture forth to an unknown future in a faraway land? This question has troubled researchers for years. Some of them have solved the problem by inventing another senior Logsdon of about 60 years of age, then also giving him a son named William of about 28 years of age, then having him be the one to marry Honora O'Flynn. Unfortunately, after a careful look at the Maryland records, there is only one William Logsden mentioned in the 1680 to 1704 period. Others have been suggested, such as a William Langsden of Somerset County, Maryland. After checking in the book"The settlers of old Somerset County, Maryland" we found that WilliamLangsden died in 1745, also leaving a will naming his survivors. All of which he located still in Somerset County. Then we came to the facts. When all else is ruled out, what remains must be our answer.

1. Only one William Logsden is listed on any early Maryland tax rolls.

2. William named his estate here in America, Bedford, after his home in England. (Not Melchbourne, Roxton or Eaton Socon)

3. At age 10, in the 1600's, a young man was deemed "of working age" and could be indentured out as an apprentice or laborer.

4. After looking at the waterway system, the rive Ouse flows through Bedford and then directly into the Thames river, which in turn flows to the ocean and to a river port. This journey would take only a few days.

5. William's father, James, was a rope maker, and could have and probably did have connections to the boatmen on the river.

6. Reviewing the records of St. John's parish of Bedford, home churchof the James Logsden family, we find no mention of a William, son of James, being married or otherwise, but his other children are mentioned.

7. Then there is the terrible plague that gripped the area in the 1600-1700 era. Is it any wonder that a father would want to send his sonas far away as possible?

8. After reviewing the other William Logsden's of that time, in and around Bedford, all have been ruled out, with the exception of one William who was born in 1639, who married in 1668. Unless his young wife died, and there is no record of this event, the William who came to America was single, and accompanied by other men.

9. It is my view that a William from, say, the town of Roxton, would not have named his home here in America, "Bedford".

We shall probably never prove who our ancestor William was, but I'll put my money on young William of Bedford. Tracy Logsdon Married: 19 SEP 1702 in Chapel Point, St. Thomas Manor, Port Tobacco, MD. - St. Ignatius Catholic Church Note: One source suggests that William may have bought or liberated Honora from the a ship's captain, for a "hogshead" of tobacco (barrel)Several sources also indicate that the marriage occured in Baltimore county (?). Others suggest that the marriage was performed by a 'missionary Catholic priest' from Port Tobacco, but occured in Baltimore County (?). It is likley that the marriage was performed in the Catholic right at the insistance of Honora. 19 10 20 Note: William and Honora were married by a Missionary Catholic priest from Fort Tobacco. One internet resource suggests that the marriage occured Fort Tobacco, Maryland.

Children:

Ann Logsdon b: 1703 in Baltimore (now Carroll) Co., MD.

Joseph Logsdon b: AFT 1703 in Baltimore (now Carroll) Co., MD.

William J. Logsdon b: BET 1705 AND 1711 in Baltimore (now Carroll) Co., MD.

Prudence Logsdon b: 1707 in Baltimore (now Carroll) Co., MD.

Lawrence Logsdon b: ABT 1709 in Baltimore (now Carroll) Co., MD.

Edward Logsdon b: 1709 in Baltimore (now Carroll) Co., MD.

Honora Logsdon b: 1711 in Baltimore (now Carroll) Co., MD.

Thomas S. Logsdon b: BET 1713 AND 1716 in Baltimore (now Carroll) Co., MD.

John Logsdon b: BET 1715 AND 1716 in Baltimore (now Carroll) Co., MD.

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William was "transported" as an indentured servant to Maryland in 1674 by Capt. Samule Smith of Virginia., where he took up land in Baltimore County. In 1707, William purchased 100 acres called "Bedford" on the north side of the Potappsco River in what in now Carroll County and is about 8 miles SE of Westminster

 -From http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=pfox&id=I672

Melchbourne is located in the northern protion of Bedfordshire County,England. There is some controvery re. who this William's parentsactually were. Betty Ollar does not support the idea that William is ason of James Logsdon and Jane James in email of 27 Oct 2001. JoelLogsdon suggests that William was born November 11, 1652 in Blunham,England. He was a tobacco farmer in Maryland. William died before 1742in Carroll Co., MD. Beverly Johnson Sweeney suggests that William'sfather was James, his grandfather was William and that his greatgrandfather may have been a Charles Loggsdon b. ca 1594-95 and d. ca.1619 in Keysoe, Bedfordshire, England; and that William's greatgrandmother may have been Ann ? who may have been born ca. 1596. DebbieRaque's homepage suggests that Williams parents were Susan Bromshell andThomas Logsdon based on the book "Logsdon The Amazing Family". She goesonto suggest that Thomas was the son of Anthony Logsdon and Ellen Mee.Debbie also suggests that William was born 11 NOV 1650, in Blunham,England. Another candidate for William the immigrant is William ofBlunham, son of William of John of Edmund of Edward of John. ThisWilliam was married to Alice Kennert and would have been alive at thetime; however his wife was not listed as a passenger on the ship thatcarried William. No death record in England exists for Alice. Shewould have to have died, either in England or America, to allow Williamto remarry Honora O'Flynn. William would have been very old for the timeto have remarried and started a family in America. This makes him aless than prime candidate for William the immigrant. (See the notes ofWilliam of John of Edmund for more information on this issue).

There is controversy that this William is the first Logsdon ancestor toimmigrate from England. One source indicates that William of ThomasLogsden was the immigrant but this could not be for there is a burialrecord for William of Thomas.

Another source indicates that the William who married Honora O'Flynn wasin fact the son of William the immigrant due to the fact that 1. He wouldhave waited a long time to marry, despite the gender imbalance of moremales to females in America at that time, 2. a record of Williams trip toAmerica, 3. the land Captain Smith was to receive was 300 acres inSomerset County, Maryland, 4. William Laxtone was recorded as entitled to50 acres for coming to America, 5. the will of William Langsden in 1709,with mention of his wife Izabell and son William existed. It is thisWilliam, it is suggested, that moved to Baltimore and married HonoraO'Flynn. None of this has been proven.

It is William of John of Edmund of Edward who was probably William thelaborer who died and was buried at St. John's.

Family legend has it that William Logsdon was picked up as a lad of 10(in 1673) on the coast of England and brought to America as an indenturedservant. The ship was headed for VA but a storm changed its course and itsailed into Baltimore Harbor instead. Records show that a William Logsdonwas transported to America in 1673 ( Bk. 18, Folio 38, Vol. 21), p.293 of"The Early Settlers of Maryland'. Index to Names of Immigrants Compiledfrom Records of Land Patents 1633-1680 in the Hall of Records, Annapolis,Maryland," Gust. Skordas, editor, Genealogical Publishing Co., BaltimoreMD 1968).

In the Hall of Records, Patent of Land Records, in Annapolis, MD, Vol.15, p.34, we find, 16 Jan 1674: "Captain Samuel Smith of Virginia,proved his right to 300 acres of land, by Hanna, his wife, and Attorney,for transporting Robert Dewsberry, William Belcher, Thomas Humphries,William Logsdon, George Young, Jesiah Blackwell, and William Golden, tothis Province to inhabit." The term, "indentured servant," refers to aperson who did not have money to pay their passage so the Captain of theship sold their services. In this case, William Logsdon was indentured toa tobacco planter who promised to release him when he worked out theright amount.

A statement from the Land Commissioner of MD. at Annapolis gives us alocation for Smith's land: "We beg to advise that the tract of land basedon proof of rights, and recorded Liber 18, folio 38, was applied toSecond Choice, 300 acres surveyed for Samuel Smith of Virginia, 4 (Apr),23, 1675 and patented to 1 (Jan), 10, 79 (1679). Lying in Somerset Countyat the head of the main branch of the Wicomice River, on north side ofsaid branch, in the neighborhood of Salisbury." Smith lived in KingsNeck, as he had land in Northumberland Co., VA on the mouth of thePotomac River.

According to John Buckingham in a message number 88 of February 01,1999 at Family Tree Maker at the Durbin Message board. " In 1702, whileworking his farm, William Logsdon spotted a British ship anchored in theriver, and decided to inspect its "cargo", where he met Honora. Honorawas born in 1678 in Kerry County, Ireland" Another source reported"About 24 years later a shipload of young girls was gathered from theIrish Coast and brought over to be wives of American settlers. One Irishlass was named Honora O'Flynn (from County Kerry, Ireland). Severaldocuments state that Honora O'Flynn was kidnapped from Ireland and laterwas married to William in 1702 by a missionary priest from Fort Tobacco,MD.". It is believed that William may have been mentioned in the will ofThomas Sissell in St. Mary's County, Maryland.

William's residences included tracts called "Brotherly Love", "Bedford100 acres on 10 October 1707" - Ref: Settlers of Maryland 1701 - 1739 byPeter Wilson Coldham, p. 99 - DD 5 / 430, "Logsdon's Addition 250 acreson 8 December 1722" - Ref: Settlers of Maryland 1701 - 1739 by PeterWilson Coldham, p. 99 - PL 5 / 49, and "Pleasant Green". On 9/22/1730,William and Honora sold Bedford. See Rent Rolls of Baltimore Co., MD:"William Loftin is charged with rent for a tract called "Brotherly Love"on 28 Aug 1687." Records indicate that William was a free man andproperty owner by the time he met and married Honora in 1702. From theHall of Records: Lib. DD-5, p. 430: "On 12 May 1707 William Logsdonpurchased 100 acres that had been assigned earlier to Gregory Davis ofBaltimore County, and called "Bedford" - situated on the north side ofthe Patapsco River and on north side of Middle Branch thereof...." Thiswas located in what is now Carroll Co., MD and is about 8 miles S.E. ofWestminster. Carroll Co. was formed in 1836 from a part of Baltimore andFrederick Counties.

"By virtue of assignment of 100 acres, warrant assigned by Gregory Davisof Baltimore Co. on the 19th of April last, unto William Logsdon of thesaid County, part of a warrent for 100 acres granted said Gregory Davison the 17th day of April last, I, John Israel, deputy surveyor under Mr.Clement Hill, Jr., have laid out to the aforesaid William Logsdon thattract and parcel of land called Bedford, lying in Baltimore County on thenorth side of the Potassco River...."

William Logsdon must have been a tobacco planter for on 31 Mar 1709 hesued Thomas Gwynn for breach of contract. Gwynn had signed a contract tobuild a 40-foot tobacco shed on the Island in Baltimore Co. (150-acretract on Gunpowder River).

Liber IS-N, p. 336 (or 330): "I, William Logsdon, Baltimore County ... tomy beloved daughter, Ann Durbin ... tract of land called Pleasant Green,being part of a tract called "Logsdon's Addition ... being 97-1/2 acresmore or less ... the houses, outhouses, barns, stables, tobacco houses,orchards, etc. ... and after the death of her husband, Samuel Durbin, theland to return freely and quietly to the heirs of William Logsdon. Dated19 September 1726, signed William [his mark] Logsdon." Honor Logsdon, hiswife, released her dower rights to the property.

William probably died between 1730 and 1742, [see Patent of Land Records,Annapolis, Lib. AM-1, p.148] for on 22 Sep 1730 he and his wife, Honora,sold all that tract of land called "Bedford." "... 100 acres ... and apart of Logsdon's Addition ... 150 acres ... one line of the boundary isparallel to the line of Ann Durbin. Signed: William Logsdon."

And, on 3 Mar 1742 (Liber TB-C, p. 183), there is a "deed from WilliamLogsdon II, John Logsdon, and Edward Logsdon, planters of Prince George'sCo. who convey to George Conti of Little Conewage, a tract called"Brotherly Love" of 300 acres ... Logsdon, the mother: Ann, Sarah, andMargaret, wives of said William, John, and Edward release their dowerrights."

Other children included: John, Ann, Honora, and Prudence

He was married to Honora O'FLYNN in 1702 in Baltimore Co., MD.26 She andWilliam were married by a missionary priest from Fort Tobacco, MD. Hewould have been 39 years of age, and she was 21.

From Tracy Logsdon: http://one-eleven.net/~tracydai/researc2.html

Young William Logsdon: Our Ancestor?

How reliable are the records that maintain that an eleven year old ladleft the safety and security of his England home to venture forth to anunknown future in a faraway land? This question has troubled researchersfor years. Some of them have solved the problem by inventing anothersenior Logsdon of about 60 years of age, then also giving him a son namedWilliam of about 28 years of age, then having him be the one to marryHonora O'Flynn. Unfortunately, after a careful look at the Marylandrecords, there is only one William Logsden mentioned in the 1680 to 1704period. Others have been suggested, such as a William Langsden ofSomerset County, Maryland. After checking in the book "The settlers ofold Somerset County, Maryland" we found that William Langsden died in1745, also leaving a will naming his survivors. All of which he locatedstill in Somerset County. Then we came to the facts. When all else isruled out, what remains must be our answer.

1. Only one William Logsden is listed on any early Maryland tax rolls.

2. William named his estate here in America, Bedford, after his home inEngland. (Not Melchbourne, Roxton or Eaton Socon)

3. At age 10, in the 1600's, a young man was deemed "of working age" andcould be indentured out as an apprentice or laborer.

4. After looking at the waterway system, the rive Ouse flows throughBedford and then directly into the Thames river, which in turn flows tothe ocean and to a river port. This journey would take only a few

days.

5. William's father, James, was a rope maker, and could have and probablydid have connections to the boatmen on the river.

6. Reviewing the records of St. John's parish of Bedford, home church ofthe James Logsden family, we find no mention of a William, son of James,being married or otherwise, but his other children are mentioned.

7. Then there is the terrible plague that gripped the area in the1600-1700 era. Is it any wonder that a father would want to send his sonas far away as possible?

8. After reviewing the other William Logsden's of that time, in andaround Bedford, all have been ruled out, with the exception of oneWilliam who was born in 1639, who married in 1668. Unless his young wifedied, and there is no record of this event, the William who came toAmerica was single, and accompanied by other men.

9. It is my view that a William from, say, the town of Roxton, would nothave named his home here in America, "Bedford".

We shall probably never prove who our ancestor William was, but I'll putmy money on young William of Bedford. Tracy Logsdon

 -From http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:2986225&id=I1361

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William Logsdon migrated from England to American Colonies.William Logsdon was a Maryland colonist.This profile is part of the Logsdon Name Study.

• Reference: WikiTree Genealogy - SmartCopy: Feb 12 2022, 14:56:17 UTC
• Immigration: Jan 21 1674
  • Reference: Filae Family Trees - SmartCopy: Mar 13 2022, 0:55:47 UTC