Capt. Henry Ridgely, III, the oldest son of Col. Henry and Elizabeth (Howard) Ridgely of Devonshire, England, was born October 3, 1669, in Wardridge, Anne Arundel County, Maryland. His father, an immigrant merchant, established the family in the United States. The Ridgelys became one of the most aristocratic of Maryland families with a long tradition of holding important civil and military offices. Henry married Catherine, eldest daughter of Col. Nicholas Greenberry and his wife. Children of Henry and Catherine Ridgely: 1. Charles Ridgely, born ca 1684. 2. Anne Ridgely Dorsey, born ca 1686-91. 3. Hon. Nicholas G. Ridgely, born 1694. 4. Henry Ridgely, IV, born ca 1695. 5. Elizabeth Ridgely Worthington, born 1696. By deed of gift from his father, Henry received "Broome," a portion of "Waldridge" and "Ridgely," all lying in Anne Arundel County where he established his dwelling plantation. In 1691, as Henry Ridgely, Jr., he bought from John Hammond, Sr., "Adventure," of 50 acres on the north side of South River adjoining the plantation of Nicholas Wyatt. Henry drew up his will on September 13, 1699, in the presence of Robert Goldsborough, Thomas Reynolds, and William Johnson. He had a short life, dying March 19, 1700, at the age of 30 years, according to his gravestone. Henry was buried upon his plantation where an impressive slab marked his remains. His will was proved in Anne Arundel County, April 26, 1700. "To wife Catherine, executrix, dwelling plantation during life and 200 A, part of 'Warren's Ridge'. To son Henry and hrs., dwelling plantation and 200 A. afsd. at death of wife; also 282 A., 'Ridgely's Beginning,' on n. side of Rogue Harbor Branch, Paturent R. To son Nicholas at 18 yrs. of age, and hrs., 275 A., 'My Quarter Plantation,' at hd. of Broad Ck., and 272 A., 'Ridgely's Lot,' on n. e. side of great branch of Patuxent R. To son Charles and hrs., money with which to buy land, at 21 yrs. of age. To dau. Ann and hrs., 1/2 of 'Huntington Quarter' taken up by testator's father (unnamed) and himself. To dau. Eliza: and hrs., 1/2 of 300 A. at Chester at hd. of Morgan's Ck. Sons to be of age at 21 yrs. and daus. at 16 yrs. Overseers: Henry Ridgely and brother Charles Greenbury. Test: Robt. Goldsborough, Thos. Reynolds, Wm. Johnson." The widow married as his second wife, Capt. John Howard, in 1701 and died soon after the birth of a daughter who was given the name of Catherine in 1703. The administration of the estate of Henry Ridgely passed to John Howard in December 1703. It was stated at court that Henry Ridgely of Anne Arundel, Gent., by his last will and testament left his wife, Catherine, the executrix of his estate and that he give his children legacies, thereupon his widow married John Howard who in right of his wife became possessed of the estates of the orphans and "soon after the said Katharine dyed leaving John Howard in possession of Ridgely's estate." The statement was signed by John Howard and his brothers, Samuel Howard and Philip Howard. In the 1890s an unappreciative owner disturbed the family burying ground, removed the tombstones and built a house over the family graveyard. Henry's tombstone was removed to St Anne's Churchyard in Annapolis where it remains today. The inscription reads "Here Lyeth the body of Mr. Henry Ridgley who was borne the 3d of October 1669 and departed this life on ye 19th day of March 1699." The name is spelled "Ridgley," as was used by the English generations. ~Anne Arundel Gentry