Colonial Somerset County, Maryland - 1

Our Scots-Irish Miller’s arrived in Somerset County, Maryland in the latter part of the 1600s. The following description could be very similar to what they experienced:

“In the 17th century, most Marylanders lived in rough conditions on small family farms. While they raised a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and livestock, the cash crop was tobacco, which soon came to dominate the provincial economy. Tobacco was used as money, and the colonial legislature was obliged to pass a law requiring tobacco planters to raise a certain amount of corn as well, in order to ensure that the colonists would not go hungry. By 1730 there were public tobacco warehouses every fourteen miles. Bonded at £1,000 sterling, each inspector received from £25 to £60 as annual salary. Four hogsheads of 950 pounds were considered a ton for London shipment. Ships from English ports did not need port cities; they called at the wharves of warehouses or plantations along the rivers for tobacco and the next year returned with goods the planters had ordered from the shops of London.

Outside the plantations, much land was operated by independent farmers who rented from the proprietors, or owned it outright. They emphasized subsistence farming to grow food for their large families. Many of the Irish and Scottish immigrants specialized in rye-whiskey making, which they sold to obtain cash.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Province_of_Maryland)

Bradford's of Adams County, Ohio

Below is an old letter (possibly written between 1998-2000) found at the Rootsweb. It concerns different Bradford families in Adams County, Ohio.  I cannot vouch for the accuracy of all the information, especially of any connection to Governor William Bradford of the Plymouth Colony, but it is for certain that the David Bradford below (in bold) who married Barbara Grimes), was for sure the brother of our Rebecca Bradford Miller (it is important not to confuse this David with his cousin David Bradford of Whiskey Rebellion fame).  The William Braford mentioned below was also a brother to our Rebecca and was married to Margaret Parkinson. Perhaps more research is needed into this branch of the family who went to Adams County. If any of you followers or new readers descend through this branch, or if any knows of the writer of this letter, Joe Bradford of Justin, Texas, please do let me know.   Sincerely, Donna Snider

                                                                                                                                               OHADAMS-L@rootsweb.com

County Hall, West Union, Adams County, Ohio

“[William Bradford] came to Adams Co. and is buried on Lick Skillet Road. William is the father of this branch in Adams Co. His children were: Eveline b. 1801, Clarinda 1803, Benjamin 1804 See Note #1, David 1806, Samuel 1808 your query, Sophia 1809, Eliza 1811, Sarah 1813, Jane 1815, Rebecca 1818, Mary 1820, Margaret 1824.  Note #1 Benjamin married Nancy Ann Burbage. The Burbage family came to Adams County from Berlin, Worcester Co. Maryland in 1816. ZadakiahBradford married into the Burbage family (Tabitha Burbage) in Worcester Co. Maryland.

Family of Samuel Bradford 1808-1877:  Samuel married Eliza N. Chase Dec 3, 1837. Eliza was b. Oct 22, 1822 d. Dec30 1894. Buried in the Bradford family lot "A". Children were; William 1841-1912 married Naomi Brookover, Martin 1843-1869 was a doctor Parkison 1845-1919 married Lizzy Marvin Marshall 1849-1877, Amos 1850-1904 married Kate H. Power, Samuel Case 1853-1937 married Naomi Tinkler, John 1854-1855, Benjamin Cyrus 1857-1950 married Gertrude Davis.

Adams County, Ohio

There is another Samuel Bradford near his age in Adams County. He is Samuel Grimes Bradford b. Dec 3 1813. His parents were Samuel G. Bradford who married Ruth Shoemaker in Aug 11, 1811 in Adams Co. Capt Samuel G. Bradford was the son of General David Bradford and Barbara Grimes. Capt Samuel Bradford died Aug 13, 1813 (War 1812). General David Bradford 1765-1854 who married Barbara Grimes was the son of Samuel Bradford 1727-1782 and Brother to William Bradford 1770-1862. Most of this family us buried in West Union Twp. Adams Co. This Samuel Bradford 1727-1782 married a Sarah Bradford (daughter of Samuel Bradford of Red Lyons, PA)"

In another e-mail from Dean (Jul 97) he says: "I know of at least 3 different Bradford families who lived in the Adams Co(town of Manchester) and Brown Co. (town of Aberdeen) Ohio. One family if (sic) Gov. William Bradford. Many of them are buried in Aberdeen (across the river from Maysville KY). The government once relocated a cemetery, and during the relocation the Bradford family was researched. This is the family of Samuel Bradford who came from Red Lyons, PA. He served in the Delaware army during the Revolutionary War. I also know of 3 different Bradford families in Scioto Co. which is adjacent to Adams and Brown County.

Another Bradford I want to place is Samuel Bradford of Worcester Co. He has many descendents. Samuel's family migrated to Marion Co. KY and established the town of Bradfordville…

 Happy New Year! Joe Bradford

Justin, Texas”

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

 Dear family - I hope that these 4 quick *videos bring you joy and excitement about getting going on your own family history. If you can dedicate even 5 minutes a day on the computer, you, too, will find miracles!   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHgh5D76EjU&feature=share

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KLea_DPxb4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FNyqX1aAAU 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YR47QOcmQ0



(*sorry these aren't hot links, but they are worth the few extra seconds to cut and paste 
into your URL address box - thank!