Maryland Genealogical Records

Maryland Birth & Baptism Records

Maryland Births and Christenings (1650-1995)

Name index to birth, baptism and christening records from the state of Maryland. The index can be used to locate original records, which may contain further details.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Records (1875-1940)

An index to and images of Lutheran registers containing close to 3 million baptism, marriage and death records.

US Consular Reports of Births (1910-1945)

An index to and images of 36,000 birth records for children of US citizens registered abroad. Records contain child's name, date and place of birth, parents' names and ages, occupations, residence, passport numbers, consulate where registered, parents' naturalization dates, parents place of of birth and number of living children to the parents.

Foreign and Overseas Registers of British Subjects (1627-1965)

Registers of births/baptisms, marriages and deaths/burials containing over 160,000 entries from over 30 countries. These largely relate to British subjects.

Newspaper Birth, Marriage & Death Announcements (1851-2003)

An index to around 1.5 million birth, marriage and death announcements published in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Defender, The Chicago Tribune, The Hartford Courant, The Washington Post and The Atlanta Constitution.

Maryland Marriage & Divorce Records

Maryland Marriages (1655-1850)

An index to 125,000 marriages, including the name of the bride and groom, date and place of marriage, type of record and the source of the marriage.

Maryland Marriages (1666-1970)

An index to marriages registered in the state. The index can be used to locate original records, which may contain further information.

Maryland Marriage Index (1667-1899)

An index to over 40,000 marriages, including the names of the bride and groom, the date of marriage and the place of marriage.

Early Maryland Marriages (1634-1777)

Transcripts of over 11,000 early Maryland marriages, which may include the name of the bride and groom, the date and place of marriage, parents' names and other details.

Instant Checkmate (1980-Present)

A collection of billions of records on American citizens and residents. Includes records for addresses, phone numbers, voting, foreclosure, criminal activity and arrests, business affiliations, dates of birth, property, tax, weapon and hunting permits, vehicle ownership, marriages, divorces and more.

Maryland Death & Burial Records

Maryland Deaths and Burials (1877-1992)

Name index to death and burial records from the state of Maryland. The index can be used to locate original records, which may contain further details.

United States Social Security Death Index (1962-Present)

An index to over 93 million people whose death has been recorded by the Social Security Administration. It includes date of birth, date of death, last place of residence and other details. It can be used to located other records, such as death certificates, which will provide more information.

US Mortality Schedules (1849-1886)

Details of over 1.6 million people who died between 1849 and 1886. Entries may list name, gender, colour, marital status, place of birth, occupation, cause of death and more.

US Rosters of World War II Dead (1939-1945)

A list of over 350,000 US armed servicemen who lost their lives in WWII. Records contain name, place of internment, rank, service number, name of temporary interment site, religion, race and disposition.

US Mortality Schedule (1850)

Name index and images of mortality schedules listing inhabitants of the United States who died between June 1849 and May 1850. Includes name, age, gender, colour, whether a slave, marital status, place of birth, month of death, cause of death, number of days ill and occupation.

Maryland Census & Population Lists

Maryland Colonial Census (1776)

A transcription of records that include the names of over 17,000 heads of households, location of the household, age and number of residents in the house.

Maryland Census & Census Substitutes (1772-1890)

An index to over 330,000 names recorded in state censuses, an 1840 pensioner list, two slave censuses, a list of Naval veterans and other early records.

US WWII Old Man's Draft Registration (1942)

Records registering over 15 million men born between 1877 and 1897, including name, age, birth date and place, residence, employer, and physical description.

1940 United States Census (1940)

A name index and digital images of registers recording almost 135 million people living in the United States. The registers record age, place of birth, relationships, occupations and more.

1930 United States Census (1930)

An index to 125 million people living in the United States, linked to registers recording their age, place of birth, family relationships and more.

Newspapers Covering Maryland

Newspaper Archive: US (1753-Present)

Text-searchable editions of over 7,500 newspaper titles from the United States, containing 2 billion articles and over 100 million obituaries.

Newspapers.com (1728-Present)

A growing collection of text-searchable, digitalised newspapers from the United States of America. Contains thousands of titles and over 100 million pages.

Genealogy Bank Newspapers (1690-Present)

Text-searchable editions of and over 250 million obituaries and death notices extracted from over 7,500 United States newspaper titles.

US Quaker Periodicals (1828-1929)

This database contains digitized volumes of more than 60 Quaker publications, including some foreign-language periodicals. Names have been indexed from a variety of articles including births, marriage notices, obituaries, officers, missionaries, committee members, names of people who have moved, and other references to members of the Society of Friends.

Name Card Index to AP Stories (1905-1990)

An index to over 2.1 million people mentioned in Associated Press stories, including name, subject, location, date and a reference to the article.

Maryland Wills & Probate Records

Maryland Probate Estate & Guardianship Files (1796-1940)

Name index and images of probate estate files from the Register of Wills office in the county courthouse.

Maryland Wills & Probate Records (1604-1878)

An index to and images of 24,000 wills and probate documents. They typically record details of the deceased's relatives; and sometimes describe real and personal property, sentiments, convictions, intended places of burial and more.

British Inheritance Disputes Index (1574-1714)

An index to almost 78,000 wills that were disputed. The index can lead you to documents that may shed a great deal of genealogical information as disputes often arose between siblings and cousins.

Genealogical Gleanings in England Vol. I (1400-1650)

Abstracts of English wills that are connected to early American families. In addition, it contains genealogical notes and pedigrees, maps, tabular charts, illustrations, and an index of 30,000 names as well as a fifty-one page index of places, with details of where many of the early families settled.

Genealogical Gleanings in England Vol. II (1400-1650)

Abstracts of English wills that are connected to early American families. In addition, it contains genealogical notes and pedigrees, maps, tabular charts, illustrations, and an index of 30,000 names as well as a fifty-one page index of places, with details of where many of the early families settled.

Maryland Immigration & Travel Records

Baltimore Passenger Lists (1846-1851)

An index to 200 passengers who arrived at the port.

New York Passenger and Crew Lists (1909-1957)

Digital images of registers recording the arrival of passengers and crew at New York harbour. Varying details are included, such as name, age, gender, occupation, nationality, race, last place of residence, intended place of residence and more. The registers can be searched by a name index of over 28 million names.

Canada-US Border Crossings (1895-1956)

This database contains an index of aliens and citizens crossing into the U.S. from Canada via various ports of entry along the U.S.-Canadian border. It may include name, age, date and place of birth, gender, ethnicity/nationality, names of friends and relatives and more.

San Francisco Passenger Lists (1893-1953)

Name index and images from passenger lists of those arriving in San Francisco, California. Records details, such as place of birth and occupation of around 3 million people.

New York Passenger Arrival Lists (1892-Present)

Images of passenger and crew lists, searchable by an index of more than 51 million names. Lists may contain details such as age, gender, place of origin, occupation and much more.

Maryland Military Records

Maryland Census & Census Substitutes (1772-1890)

An index to over 330,000 names recorded in state censuses, an 1840 pensioner list, two slave censuses, a list of Naval veterans and other early records.

Maryland Military Men (1917-1918)

A database including the name, residence, date of birth or age and other details of around 70,000 Maryland army, navy and marine personnel.

World War II Young American Patriots (1941-1945)

Brief details of around 60,000 servicemen from Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Contains religious affiliation, photographs, education history, parents' names and more.

Antietam National Cemetery Gravestones (1866-2005)

Images of over 3,100 gravestones of Marylander military veterans and casualties.

Loudon Park National Cemetery Gravestones (1862-2010)

Digital images of over 6,000 gravestones of military casualties and veterans.

US Circuit Court Criminal Case Files (1790-1871)

An index to and digital images of indictment, presentments, please of defendants, recognizances, depositions, affidavits, subpoenas, writs, orders of the court, petitions, warrants, bonds, Presidential orders of pardon from imprisonment and other records detailing federal crimes in Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Louisiana.

Archives of Maryland (1658-1783)

Extracts from early government records from Maryland.

US Passport Applications (1795-1925)

Digital images of applications for passports, which list name, date and place of birth, father's particulars, immigration and naturalisation details, residence, occupation, photograph and more. Searchable by a name index.

US Social Security Applications & Claims Index (1936-2007)

An index to 49 million applications and claims for social security. The index includes name, SSN, date and place of birth, nation of citizenship, gender, father's name, mother's maiden name and race.

FBI Case Files (1908-1922)

Over 2.3 million records from investigations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Maryland Taxation Records

IRS Tax Assessment Lists (1862-1918)

An index to and digital images of registers recording 8.8 million instances of taxation. The records list the name of the person or business being taxed: their address and details tax assessed and paid.

Maryland Land & Property Records

Maryland Revolutionary War Records (1775-1783)

Details of over 5,000 pension and bounty land claims on the state for military service in the war.

County Land Ownership Maps (1860-1918)

Various maps and documents listing and delineating around 7 million land plots and their owners. Searchable by a name index.

Historic Land Ownership and Reference Atlases (1507-2000)

This database is a collection of maps and atlases detailing land areas that comprise the present-day United States and Canada, as well as various other parts of the world.

Union Army Provost Marshals' Papers (1861-1867)

Over 235,000 documents relating to Union prisoners, legal proceedings, oaths, land forfeitures and more.

Revolutionary War Pension & Bounty-Land Applications (1800-1900)

An index to and digital images of around 80,000 applications for pensions or grants to public lands in lieu of military service. Some applications may contain over 200 pages of information.

Maryland Directories & Gazetteers

Names & PO Addresses of Farmers in Maryland (1878)

A searchable book containing information relating to the area, its residents and businesses.

Boyd's Business Directory of the State of Maryland (1875)

Images from a book, searchable by a text index, that lists important information about the area and the names of residents and businesses.

Directory of Maryland by Post Office Address (1874)

A text index linked to digital images of a book that lists important information about the area and the names of its residents and businesses.

Maryland Gazetteer & Business Directory (1867)

Images from a book, searchable by a text index, that lists important information about the area and the names of residents and businesses.

The Maryland State Business Directory (1866)

A searchable book containing information relating to the area, its residents and businesses.

Maryland Cemeteries

Antietam National Cemetery Gravestones (1866-2005)

Images of over 3,100 gravestones of Marylander military veterans and casualties.

Loudon Park National Cemetery Gravestones (1862-2010)

Digital images of over 6,000 gravestones of military casualties and veterans.

Annapolis National Cemetery Gravestones (1862-2009)

Images of over 2,900 gravestones of Marylander military veterans and casualties.

Maryland Gravestones (1700-Present)

A growing database of over 7,000 gravestones, searchable by name and organised by cemetery.

US Veteran's Gravesites (1775-2008)

A database containing details of the burial of 7.6 million US military veterans. Entries may contain details of birth, next of kin and more.

Maryland Obituaries

Newspaper Archive: US (1753-Present)

Text-searchable editions of over 7,500 newspaper titles from the United States, containing 2 billion articles and over 100 million obituaries.

US Cemetery & Funeral Home Collection (1777-Present)

A growing collection of millions of funeral and cemetery record transcriptions, including obituaries and names of relatives.

US Obituary Collection (1700-Present)

A growing database containing 10s of millions of abstract obituaries with a reference to the publication it occurred in and a link to the full obituary if available online.

Genealogy Bank Newspapers (1690-Present)

Text-searchable editions of and over 250 million obituaries and death notices extracted from over 7,500 United States newspaper titles.

Daily Obituary Digest (1995-Present)

A growing index to more than 16 million obituaries, citing name, age, residence and source publication.

Maryland Histories & Books

History of Maryland (1634-1848)

A history of the state, covering settlement, rebellion, revolution, war, Indians, government and more.

Archives of Maryland (1658-1783)

Extracts from early government records from Maryland.

The American Gazetteer (1798)

One of the earliest attempt to form a comprehensive dictionary of places in The Americas.

Mary Evans Picture Library (2000 BC-Present)

A database of over 300,000 photos, etchings, engravings and other mediums depicting places and events in the British Isles and the rest of the world.

Ancestry Member Stories (6000 BC-Present)

Over 7 million remembrances and historic details submitted by Ancestry members. Useful for local historians.

Maryland School & Education Records

US School Yearbooks (1880-2012)

A growing index to over 300 million entries in middle school, junior high, high school, and college yearbooks linked to digital images of the yearbook pages. Yearbooks usually include name and photo, but may include biographical data, such as family relations, academic achievements and hobbies.

US School Yearbooks (1880-2012)

An index to and digital images of over 20,000 year books, listing details of schools, students and staff. Many contain photographs.

US School Catalogues (1765-1935)

A variety of publications listing names of students, faculty, alumni, and others associated with US universities, seminaries and theological institutes, normal schools, medical schools, academies, military schools, etc. Records include catalogues, obituary records and necrologies, class histories, speeches and addresses, commencement exercises, class reports, registers, prospectus, circulars, proceedings, annual reports, magazines and other documents.

High School Student Lists (1821-1923)

Digital images of a variety of publications listing the names of students, faculty, alumni, and others associated primarily with preparatory and similar schools, including academies, high schools, seminaries, reform schools, institutes, industrial schools, military academies, dance schools, grammar schools, Latin schools and others. Searchable by an index of around 650,000 names.

US College Student Lists (1763-1924)

Digital images of a variety of publications listing the names of college students, faculty, alumni, and others associated with places of learning. They include catalouges of students and officers, histories, biographical sketches, retrospectives, memorials, registers, anniversary books, annual reports, addresses and commencement exercises, alumni lists, lists of lectures and courses, board proceedings, catalogues of fraternity members, and other items.

Maryland Occupation & Business Records

FBI Case Files (1908-1922)

Over 2.3 million records from investigations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

US Federal Census Non-Population Schedules (1850-1880)

An index and digital images of schedules recording statistical data concerning agriculture, industry, social and other areas. Includes many people and businesses.

Register of Civil Military & Naval Service (1863-1959)

Registers include the name of each government employee, office held, where employed, where born, whence appointed, and pay received, as well as information regarding the Navy, such as names and conditions of all ships and vessels belonging to the United States and when and where they were built.

Appointments of US Postmasters (1832-1971)

Books recording over 1.5 million post office appointments. They contain name, appointment date, date and cause of vacancy and post office of appointment. Searchable by a name index.

Slave Voyages Database (1514-1866)

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database has information on more than 35,000 slave voyages that forcibly embarked over 12 million Africans for transport to the Americas between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Maryland

Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Books (1620-1938)

Pedigrees of women who were descendants of one or more servicemen of The American Revolutionary War. Contains 100,000s of names.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Colonial Families in the US (1600-1920)

Genealogical charts, and coats of arms where appropriate, of prominent families in America's early history.

Ancestry Member Family Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A compilation of lineage-linked family trees submitted by Ancestry users. The database contains over 2 billion individuals and is searchable by numerous metrics.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

Maryland Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

History of England Society & Government (56 BC-1867)

A lengthy history of England detailing the country's connection to the U.S.A. Includes much detail on royalty, nobility and other historical figures of note.

Maryland Church Records

US Quaker Meeting Records (1681-1935)

An index to and digital images of documents recording almost 6 million names. They include registers of births, marriages and deaths; lists of members; movement of members between congregations; records of discipline; disownment; burials and more.

US Quaker Periodicals (1828-1929)

This database contains digitized volumes of more than 60 Quaker publications, including some foreign-language periodicals. Names have been indexed from a variety of articles including births, marriage notices, obituaries, officers, missionaries, committee members, names of people who have moved, and other references to members of the Society of Friends.

Index to Quaker Records (1680-1940)

An index to close to 900,000 names occurring in Quaker meeting records. These cover items such as discipline, admittance, movement between meetings, some vital events and much more.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Records (1875-1940)

An index to and images of Lutheran registers containing close to 3 million baptism, marriage and death records.

US & Canada Quaker Annual Reports (1808-1930)

Digital images of records from the highest bodies in the Quaker church. The minutes contain names of representatives and committee members, memorials and obituary notices, along with business news.

Biographical Directories Covering Maryland

Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans (1904)

A ten volume work containing close to 20,000 biographies of notable Americans.

American Biographical Library (1774-1949)

Over 75,000 biographies covering congressmen, women, military and other notable individuals.

Biography & Genealogy Master Index (1600-Present)

An index to millions of biographies, listing names, dates of birth and death and the biography's source publication.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

American Genealogical-Biographical Index (1450-Present)

This database contains millions of records of people whose names have appeared in printed genealogical records and family histories.

Maryland Maps

US Enumeration District Maps & Descriptions (1940)

Maps recording districts used to allot areas in which census takers would operate. Searchable by street name and more.

County Land Ownership Maps (1860-1918)

Various maps and documents listing and delineating around 7 million land plots and their owners. Searchable by a name index.

Historic Land Ownership and Reference Atlases (1507-2000)

This database is a collection of maps and atlases detailing land areas that comprise the present-day United States and Canada, as well as various other parts of the world.

Old Maps Online (1497-2010)

An interactive index to thousands of maps covering the world, continents, countries and regions. The majority of maps cover Britain and Ireland.

Civil War Maps (1861-1865)

A collection of around 2,000 reconnaissance, sketch, and theater-of-war maps.

Maryland Reference Works

Periodical Source Index (1825-Present)

An index to over 2.7 million articles published in various genealogical, historical and ethnographic publications.

US Free Genealogical Data Search Engine (1513-Present)

A search engine that covers over 2.5 million pages of vital records, family trees, biographies and other genealogical resources.

A Guide to the NARA Field Branches (1988)

Details of record collections held by numerous sub-branches of The National Archives.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

US Family Historian's Address Book (1997)

A directory of bodies that hold important collections of genealogical and historical records, ordered by state. As it was published in 1997, some contact details may be out of date, but the organizations' names can be used to locate updated information.

Historical Description

MARYLAND is one of the thirteen American states, which, after the close of the revolutionary war, became parties to the compact whereby they were united into one great national family. It is usually designated as the southernmost of the Middle States, lying on the Atlantic coast; it extends from 38° to 39° 44' north latitude, and between 75° 10' and 79° 20' west longitude; and its superficial area, of which about one fifth is water, is estimated as being 9,356 square miles. The present boundaries of the state are as follows: north by Pennsylvania, east by Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean, south and west by Virginia, from which it is divided by the River Potomac. Its form is extremely irregular. Chesapeake Bay, passing through the state from north to south, near its centre, separates it into two sections, which are known respectively as the Eastern Shore and the Western Shore.

It is generally understood that Maryland was comprised in the sweeping grant to the Virginia Company, prior to the year 1632; but in June of that year, the whole tract now constituting the state was conveyed by patent from Charles I. to George Calvert, Lord Baltimore; when out of compliment to the then queen, Henrietta Maria, the colony was named Maryland. The earliest settlement was effected by some 200 Catholics of high respectability, under Leonard Calvert, son of the original grantee, at a spot occupied as an Indian village, on the north side of the Potomac. The generous offer, by the proprietor, of 50 acres of land in fee to every permanent settler, and the adoption of a form of government upon liberal and humane principles, similar to those contained in the wise model furnished by Roger Williams, and afterwards enlarged upon by William Penn, soon attracted large numbers of valuable emigrants. Under this judicious policy, freely admitting associates from all countries, and assuring the enjoyment of equal privileges, including the utmost toleration of all Christian denominations, the colony rapidly increased in population, and continued to flourish, with some few interruptions, until the year 1652. Parliament then took forcible possession, and undertook to administer the affairs of the province through the agency of commissioners. But within ten years thereafter, the government reverted to the successors of Lord Baltimore. The first regularly arranged constitution was framed in 1650, two years prior to the act of Parliament above mentioned; its provisions contemplated a partition of the legislature, then composed of one body, into two branches, and a division of the territory into three distinct counties. At the outbreak, and during the continuance, of the war of the revolution, the men of Maryland were not behind their fellow-countrymen in patriotic efforts to secure the independence of the nation. In 1776, their first republican constitution was established, and the state formally joined the confederation in 1781. It adopted the constitution of the United States, at a convention held in April, 1788, by a vote of 63 to 12. A new state constitution was formed in 1851.

Government

By the state constitution in force at the date of this article, the governor is elected triennially by a plurality of the popular vote, and is ineligible for the next succeeding term. He is selected in turn from each of the three gubernatorial districts into which the state is divided. The legislature consists of a Senate and House of Delegates; the former, 21 in number, chosen (one third every second year) by the counties and by the city of Baltimore, to serve six years. Members of the House of Delegates are elected for two years, from the counties, in proportion to population, the city of Baltimore being entitled to a number equal to that chosen by the largest county. This body may act as a grand jury. In case of vacancy in the office of governor, the executive functions are exercised, first, by the secretary of state; next, by the president of the Senate; and, lastly, by the speaker of the house; or, if in session, the General Assembly may forthwith fill the vacancy by joint ballot; and in like manner at the next session, should the vacancy occur during a recess. Any bill to abolish slavery must unanimously pass both houses, be published three months prior to the ensuing election of delegates, and, at the following session, again pass unanimously: it shall also provide for a full compensation of the slave owners. No gift or devise of property to clergymen is valid without consent of the legislature, excepting land for a church or cemetery, not to exceed two acres. All civil officers must declare their belief in the Christian religion. The right of suffrage is extended to all free white males, after twelve months’ residence in the state, and six months in the county wherein they vote.

Judiciary

There are six judicial districts in the state, composed respectively of two, three, or four counties. Each has a chief judge and two assistants. The city and county of Baltimore constitute one of these districts. The justices of each district preside over the several County Courts, which are the common courts of original jurisdiction in the state. There is a State Court of Appeals, including the chief judges of the six districts; and a Court of Chancery, comprising chancellor, register, and auditor.

Education

The common school system, so deeply cherished in the Northern and Eastern States, has not yet attained a very great measure of public favor in Maryland. The schools, throughout the state, supported at public cost, do not, in the aggregate, contain so large a number of pupils as are contained in the common schools of the single city of Boston; and the whole state expenditure for educational purposes, including all that is applied for the support of colleges and academies, as well as for that of grammar and primary schools, does not exceed one half the amount expended by the same city upon the two latter grades of seminaries alone. Yet there are numerous private institutions of learning, some of great merit, and generally well sustained: among them are several Catholic colleges, and similar exclusive establishments. The number of white persons upwards of 20 years of age, in this state, at the census of 1850, who could neither read nor write, was upwards of ten thousand.

Finances

The net amount of the public debt in December, 1849, was somewhat over $10,500,000, the interest on which is annually met by means of taxation. Provision has been made for the gradual reduction of this debt, through the operation of a sinking fund, and other resources. The nominal liabilities of the state, at the above date, reached nearly $16,000,000; to meet which it had productive assets valued at about $5,300,000, and unproductive property estimated at near $15,500,000. The expenditures for the year ending December 1, 1849, were $1,146,492.16; and the income, from all sources, including the direct tax, amounted to $1,315,439.80.

Surface, Soil, &c.-The Eastern Shore of Maryland presents, in general, a low and flat surface, with frequent marshy tracts and stagnant ponds. The soil in this region, though not remarkably fertile, produces wheat of peculiar whiteness and excellence; also Indian corn, tobacco, sweet potatoes, and most of the ordinary descriptions of vegetables. The western section of the state is more elevated and protuberant, gradually rising towards the north-west, and becoming at that point quite mountainous, being crossed by a part of the Alleghany chain, reaching from Pennsylvania to Virginia. The land in the valleys between these eminences is of superior quality; and that of the entire section, indeed, is highly productive. The soil is composed mostly of a heavy red loam. The staple products are tobacco and wheat; but cotton, hemp, and flax are also raised in large quantities. Fruits of the finest kinds are abundant, particularly apples, pears, and the choicest varieties of stone fruit. The woodlands contain much valuable timber, and abound with nut-trees, the fruit of which affords subsistence to multitudes of swine. There are many tracts which furnish fine pasturage for cattle and sheep; and in addition to beef, mutton, wool, and the products of the dairy, vast quantities of poultry are raised in all parts of the state.

Rivers

The Potomac, forming the boundary between this state and Virginia; the Susquehanna, flowing through Pennsylvania, and emptying into the northerly extremity of Chesapeake Bay; the Patapsco, and Patuxent, both navigable, and affording good water power, are among the principal streams immediately connected with the trade and commerce of Maryland. There are also several smaller rivers running into the eastern margin of Chesapeake Bay.

Internal Improvements

Among the most important public works in the country are two which owe their origin to Maryland, viz., the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. They were both commenced in 1828; and by their aid the markets of the world may be readily supplied with the treasures of the immense coal regions in the west. A part of the chain of railroads, extending through most of the Atlantic states, crosses Maryland, taking Baltimore in its course. Other railroads, of considerable extent, diverge from Baltimore, Frenchtown, &c. A commodious canal, connecting the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, 42 miles in length, was completed in 1829, at a cost of $2,750,000.

Minerals

Copperas and chrome ores, red and yellow ochres, sulphuret of copper, alum earth, and porcelain clay are found in considerable quantities, chiefly in the eastern and northeastern parts of the state. Iron ore abounds in various localities; and the bog ore obtained in the southern quarter of the Eastern Shore is wrought to much advantage. But by far the most valuable mineral product of Maryland is the bituminous coal, of which there are exhaustless beds in the mountainous region near the western border of the state. One tract, in the vicinity of Cumberland, Alleghany county, is said to comprise an area of 400 square miles, the veins measuring from 5 to 15 feet in thickness; another, lying west of the Alleghany ridge, contains beds some 20 feet in depth.

Manufactures

Wool, cotton, hemp, and iron are manufactured in many parts of the state. There are also numerous tanneries, chandleries, breweries, distilleries, potteries, paper mills, powder mills, &c.; and a very large amount of capital is invested in the business of manufacturing wheat flour.

Indians. There are no organized tribes of the red races now extant in Maryland.

Population. During the last sixty years, the average increase of population in this state does not seem to have exceeded one per cent. per annum. Nearly one fifth of the inhabitants are slaves.

Climate

The elevated country of the Western Shore is blest with a delightful and salubrious climate; but in the low and moist lands of the opposite section, especially in summer and autumn, where the atmosphere is so often loaded with deleterious vapors exhaled from stagnant pools and unreclaimed marshes, the climate is decidedly unhealthy. This may be inferred even from the personal appearance of the people, who are subject, periodically, to severe agues, intermittent fevers, &c.

Religion

The descendants of the original settlers, like their progenitors, are Roman Catholics, and probably constitute the most numerous of the several Christian denominations within the state. The next in numerical order are the Episcopalians; then follow Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, German Reformers, and Lutherans; also a small number of Quakers and Unitarians.

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States (1854) by Thomas Baldwin

Most Common Surnames in Maryland

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in United States
1Smith94,9001:1053.29%1
2Johnson82,5061:1203.76%2
3Brown70,8871:1403.99%4
4Jones69,3751:1434.17%5
5Williams68,3061:1453.56%3
6Davis45,8041:2173.27%6
7Miller42,3161:2353.11%7
8Thomas36,0671:2764.14%12
9Jackson35,5991:2794.28%16
10Taylor34,1211:2913.81%11
11Wilson32,0991:3103.30%9
12Lee30,9431:3213.69%15
13Harris30,2531:3283.93%21
14Robinson28,1191:3534.47%27
15White28,0231:3553.45%18
16Thompson27,1311:3663.44%20
17Moore26,8971:3693.12%13
18Anderson24,6621:4032.43%8
19Lewis24,3571:4083.77%25
20Green22,4991:4424.19%37
21Martin22,3851:4442.73%17
22Hall21,4221:4643.46%30
23Carter21,2621:4674.38%42
24Scott20,0731:4953.74%38
25Young19,5501:5083.26%31
26Walker18,9021:5262.98%26
27Clark18,7391:5302.60%22
28Wright18,0051:5523.24%33
29Hill17,6791:5623.25%35
30Allen17,5031:5682.80%28
31King16,9701:5863.02%32
32Adams16,3911:6062.96%34
33Evans16,2021:6133.57%46
34Brooks15,9181:6244.86%73
35Parker15,6201:6363.75%51
36Baker15,3541:6472.84%36
37Mitchell14,4891:6863.17%45
38Campbell14,3151:6942.91%41
39Butler14,1361:7034.99%88
40Stewart13,8811:7163.45%54
41Turner13,8291:7193.23%48
42Edwards13,4851:7373.17%49
43Cooper13,4561:7393.70%61
44Bell13,0851:7593.62%62
45Gray12,9541:7674.04%75
46Richardson12,9201:7694.12%77
47Barnes12,9121:7704.60%89
48Myers12,6251:7874.31%84
49Washington12,5361:7936.11%146
50Kim12,4551:7984.46%91
51Jenkins12,4541:7984.54%100
52Murphy12,1311:8193.15%58
53Collins12,0951:8222.89%50
54Nelson12,0451:8252.24%39
55Phillips11,8151:8412.69%47
56Kelly11,7801:8443.58%72
57Morris11,5141:8632.87%55
58Howard11,4351:8693.43%70
59Coleman11,3921:8724.08%92
60Roberts11,3851:8732.41%43
61Powell11,2221:8864.08%97
62James11,0201:9023.66%79
63Cook11,0161:9022.78%56
64Bailey10,9971:9043.07%64
65Ward10,8951:9123.30%71
66Price10,8791:9133.73%86
67Ford10,6681:9324.53%121
68Harrison10,6031:9374.48%120
69Matthews10,4001:9566.18%211
70Morgan10,3841:9572.85%60
71Fisher10,1021:9843.65%94
72Bennett10,0511:9893.09%74
73Dorsey9,9931:99416.68%701
74Watson9,8231:1,0123.08%76
75Long9,8191:1,0123.43%87
76Reed9,7691:1,0172.81%66
77Rogers9,7411:1,0202.53%57
78Wood9,3261:1,0662.77%69
79Marshall9,2181:1,0784.05%128
79Wallace9,2181:1,0783.63%110
81Dixon9,2141:1,0794.50%148
82Ross9,1651:1,0843.10%80
83Owens9,0601:1,0973.98%127
84Snyder8,9521:1,1104.30%144
85Simmons8,9041:1,1163.49%106
86Hughes8,8381:1,1242.90%78
87Hawkins8,8351:1,1254.87%182
88Cole8,8031:1,1293.47%109
89Murray8,7951:1,1303.81%124
90Mason8,7741:1,1334.34%151
91Foster8,6661:1,1472.95%81
92Cox8,6571:1,1482.52%67
93Sullivan8,5381:1,1642.91%83
94Perry8,5131:1,1673.10%98
95Griffin8,2381:1,2063.26%111
96Alexander8,0911:1,2283.09%101
97Jordan7,9971:1,2433.15%108
98Gordon7,9211:1,2553.68%136
99Russell7,9111:1,2562.86%95
100Gibson7,8991:1,2583.29%117
101Greene7,8841:1,2604.68%210
102Cohen7,7601:1,2815.35%247
103Rice7,7391:1,2844.06%169
104Holmes7,6931:1,2924.01%168
105Henderson7,6031:1,3072.77%99
106Hamilton7,5601:1,3152.91%102
107Graham7,4931:1,3262.90%103
108Carroll7,4821:1,3284.13%184
109Bryant7,4301:1,3383.06%116
110Boyd7,4121:1,3413.68%154
111Patel7,3051:1,3603.16%123
112Henry7,2011:1,3803.42%138
113Rodriguez7,1331:1,3930.84%14
114Mills7,1111:1,3983.73%171
115Nguyen7,0521:1,4091.75%53
116Tucker7,0261:1,4143.35%140
117Watkins6,9821:1,4234.28%221
118Hoffman6,7681:1,4683.67%178
119Stevens6,7341:1,4762.85%119
120Patterson6,7081:1,4812.63%107
121Jacobs6,6781:1,4884.22%228
122Gross6,6571:1,4936.43%371
123Palmer6,5651:1,5143.32%159
124Kennedy6,4961:1,5302.86%129
125Ellis6,4801:1,5342.65%115
126Martinez6,4501:1,5410.80%19
127Hayes6,4491:1,5412.62%114
128West6,3921:1,5552.49%104
129Wagner6,3871:1,5563.04%139
130Peterson6,3711:1,5601.74%59
131Sanders6,3681:1,5612.27%90
132Garcia6,3491:1,5650.70%10
133Hernandez6,2161:1,5990.87%23
134Holland6,2131:1,5994.56%269
135Ferguson6,2021:1,6023.22%166
136Gardner6,2011:1,6033.29%173
137Knight6,1461:1,6173.58%206
138Freeman6,1281:1,6222.83%133
139Hopkins6,0871:1,6334.98%297
140Hunter6,0691:1,6373.06%158
141Grant6,0521:1,6423.34%183
142Carr6,0401:1,6453.84%230
143Wells6,0351:1,6472.71%130
144Banks6,0061:1,6554.53%278
145Shaw5,9701:1,6652.86%143
146Crawford5,9491:1,6702.76%134
146Hicks5,9491:1,6703.03%161
148Burke5,9411:1,6733.55%214
149Lopez5,9361:1,6740.89%24
150Elliott5,9251:1,6773.31%189
151Payne5,9241:1,6783.33%191
152Chen5,8871:1,6883.15%176
152McDonald5,8871:1,6882.51%122
154Lynch5,8481:1,6993.82%236
155Porter5,8371:1,7032.90%153
156Webb5,8311:1,7042.75%137
157Fox5,8201:1,7072.84%147
158Reid5,7931:1,7154.05%252
159Harvey5,7891:1,7173.88%240
160Reynolds5,7621:1,7252.25%105
161Saunders5,6961:1,7456.14%424
162Spencer5,6891:1,7473.28%201
163Rose5,6741:1,7512.83%156
164Miles5,6551:1,7575.17%343
165Simpson5,5681:1,7852.74%149
166Cunningham5,4581:1,8213.11%197
167Ryan5,4551:1,8222.86%170
168Fields5,4231:1,8324.08%277
169Riley5,4141:1,8363.20%209
170Black5,3991:1,8412.63%145
170Lawrence5,3991:1,8413.36%227
172Burns5,3431:1,8602.41%131
173Daniels5,3331:1,8632.89%179
174Bowman5,3281:1,8653.88%267
175Byrd5,3111:1,8714.38%299
176Weaver5,2471:1,8942.98%195
176Wheeler5,2471:1,8943.25%225
178Lawson5,2271:1,9013.57%245
179Hunt5,2251:1,9022.59%152
180Robertson5,1931:1,9142.69%163
181Woods5,1561:1,9272.33%132
182Franklin5,1501:1,9303.42%238
183Andrews5,1321:1,9362.88%190
184Lucas5,1261:1,9393.97%284
185Alston5,0961:1,95013.18%1,137
186Oliver5,0811:1,9563.58%255
187McCoy5,0581:1,9653.58%260
188Wang5,0431:1,9713.53%254
189Norris5,0401:1,9724.36%317
190Warren5,0291:1,9762.61%165
191Berry5,0191:1,9802.84%192
192George5,0181:1,9803.10%222
193Stone4,9481:2,0082.49%157
194Parks4,9411:2,0114.40%330
195Little4,9401:2,0123.71%276
196Bradley4,9361:2,0132.75%188
197Waters4,9271:2,0175.27%421
198Schwartz4,8921:2,0313.97%296
199Day4,8631:2,0443.43%256
200Hudson4,8451:2,0512.81%203
RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in United States
1Smith12,4751:751.98%1
2Johnson9,7431:962.55%2
3Brown9,5791:982.70%3
4Jones8,5421:1102.69%5
5Thomas5,6621:1653.87%16
5Miller5,6621:1652.02%6
7Williams5,1091:1831.60%4
8Wilson4,9421:1892.63%8
9Davis4,7011:1991.85%7
10Taylor3,7531:2492.21%9
11Jackson3,6961:2532.51%14
12Green3,3971:2752.79%19
13Thompson3,2961:2842.09%13
14Hall3,2241:2902.66%20
15White3,2081:2921.99%11
16Dorsey2,7121:34523.08%524
17Young2,6701:3502.32%24
18Harris2,6431:3542.06%18
19Moore2,5821:3621.62%12
20Baker2,4411:3832.19%25
21Robinson2,4081:3892.32%30
22Clark2,3821:3931.42%10
23Butler2,3221:4034.42%71
24Wright2,3111:4052.17%26
25Martin2,2961:4081.56%15
26Anderson2,2261:4201.52%17
27Myers2,1731:4313.75%65
28King2,1531:4352.03%27
29Adams2,1451:4362.20%31
30Scott2,1201:4412.03%29
31Price2,0661:4533.76%67
32Lee2,0581:4552.49%35
33Stewart2,0341:4602.84%45
34Lewis2,0141:4651.70%22
35Cook1,9651:4762.24%33
36Fisher1,9551:4792.92%49
37Ward1,8991:4932.84%50
38Brooks1,8741:4993.42%68
39Collins1,8351:5102.42%41
40Turner1,8291:5122.32%40
41Parker1,7721:5282.21%37
42Bell1,6541:5662.49%51
43Carter1,6411:5702.00%36
44Howard1,6311:5742.63%56
45Kelly1,6291:5742.24%44
46Hawkins1,6021:5844.73%153
47Hill1,5981:5861.51%28
48Cooper1,5941:5872.67%60
49Murphy1,5901:5881.68%32
50Barnes1,5811:5923.35%83
51Gray1,5201:6162.56%61
52Waters1,5011:6238.30%312
53Evans1,4961:6252.03%43
54Richardson1,4701:6372.51%64
55Mitchell1,4561:6432.28%54
56Ford1,4411:6493.19%96
57Long1,4231:6582.37%58
58Roberts1,4191:6591.78%39
59Norris1,4011:6686.99%265
60Snyder1,3961:6702.97%84
61Carroll1,3631:6864.55%169
62Hopkins1,3461:6954.67%177
63Gross1,3421:6979.43%420
64Cole1,3061:7162.51%73
65Holland1,2831:7295.03%202
66Harrison1,2711:7362.89%100
67Walker1,2521:7471.07%23
68Jenkins1,2411:7542.79%99
69Mason1,2191:7682.80%101
70Morris1,2141:7711.74%46
71Ross1,2131:7712.42%76
72Reed1,2111:7731.61%42
73Gibson1,1891:7872.88%111
74Shipley1,1731:79823.10%1,272
75Powell1,1361:8242.66%106
76Hoffman1,1351:8243.51%158
77Morgan1,1321:8271.76%53
78Allen1,1261:8310.93%21
79Hughes1,1101:8432.40%89
79Phillips1,1101:8431.85%59
81Washington1,1071:8452.90%126
82Mills1,1021:8493.01%138
83Marshall1,1001:8512.87%125
84Bond1,0961:8547.34%400
85Bailey1,0931:8561.98%66
86Nelson1,0791:8671.56%47
87Porter1,0661:8782.36%95
88Wood1,0571:8851.32%38
89Henry1,0291:9092.42%107
90Murray1,0171:9202.68%128
91Wolf1,0111:9253.48%173
92Mathews1,0091:9273.43%171
93Hammond1,0011:9355.40%295
94Bennett1,0001:9361.88%70
95Bowen9841:9514.60%246
95James9841:9511.99%78
97Campbell9811:9541.14%34
98West9611:9742.08%90
99Owens9521:9832.75%150
100Rice9481:9872.06%91
101Coleman9411:9942.05%93
101Burns9411:9941.83%74
103Watkins9301:1,0063.66%204
104Miles9211:1,0164.36%247
105Hamilton9151:1,0231.87%80
106Warner9111:1,0273.15%175
107Wheeler9101:1,0282.32%120
108Wallace9001:1,0402.01%97
109Dixon8951:1,0453.42%193
110Stevens8941:1,0471.91%85
110Griffith8941:1,0474.52%274
112Dennis8861:1,0565.29%343
113Griffin8851:1,0571.98%98
114Wagner8841:1,0582.86%166
115Chase8601:1,0883.69%228
116Matthews8591:1,0895.74%399
117Reynolds8551:1,0941.76%81
118Russell8541:1,0961.83%86
119Bowers8531:1,0974.54%291
120Cox8471:1,1051.41%57
121Gardner8401:1,1142.29%136
122Fowler8351:1,1213.21%196
122Blake8351:1,1214.17%268
124Riley8271:1,1311.92%104
125Watts8201:1,1414.49%304
126Berry8181:1,1442.22%135
127Wells7991:1,1711.74%92
128Webster7901:1,1843.40%230
129Simpson7851:1,1922.06%127
130Kelley7711:1,2141.63%82
131Carr7691:1,2172.25%152
132Sullivan7631:1,2261.14%48
133Lynch7591:1,2332.07%137
134Tyler7551:1,2394.35%326
135Watson7451:1,2561.26%63
136Banks7401:1,2643.50%248
137Nichols7361:1,2712.10%146
138Sanders7311:1,2801.72%108
139Cornish7291:1,28325.81%2,266
140Schmidt7241:1,2922.96%214
141Parsons7201:1,3003.95%308
142Duvall7131:1,31217.61%1,605
142Warfield7131:1,31224.60%2,201
144Tucker7061:1,3251.84%124
145Elliott7001:1,3372.46%180
146Sterling6911:1,35412.01%1,117
147Webb6871:1,3621.90%141
148Purnell6801:1,37630.29%2,805
149Arnold6781:1,3801.87%140
150Beall6691:1,39919.25%1,844
151Edwards6651:1,4071.02%52
152Reese6581:1,4224.05%360
152Zimmerman6581:1,4224.03%356
154Parks6571:1,4243.11%248
155Day6531:1,4332.07%163
155Shaw6531:1,4331.51%103
157Little6521:1,4352.57%206
158Benson6511:1,4373.62%315
159Weaver6491:1,4421.76%131
160Perry6481:1,4441.39%87
161Hooper6461:1,4486.57%641
162Shaffer6371:1,4694.23%396
163Graham6361:1,4711.37%88
164Bishop6341:1,4762.26%184
164Robertson6341:1,4761.76%142
166Harvey6331:1,4782.48%203
167Diggs6221:1,50415.04%1,570
168Dean6201:1,5092.23%189
169Brady6161:1,5192.68%232
170Chambers6131:1,5262.83%243
171Todd6081:1,5393.43%319
172Henderson6071:1,5411.21%77
172Crawford6071:1,5411.52%117
174Kane6061:1,5443.28%299
175Spencer6051:1,5471.79%155
176Bradley5961:1,5701.88%162
177Keller5941:1,5752.54%227
178Patterson5891:1,5891.17%75
179Armstrong5841:1,6021.54%129
180Foster5811:1,6100.98%62
181Frank5801:1,6133.38%332
182Dunn5771:1,6221.37%109
183Fox5761:1,6241.45%118
184Palmer5751:1,6271.38%110
185Queen5741:1,63018.22%2,032
185Franklin5741:1,6302.40%220
187Bowman5721:1,6362.20%197
188Handy5711:1,63912.56%1,438
189Wise5651:1,6563.05%297
189Hubbard5651:1,6562.84%272
191Peters5631:1,6622.06%191
192Boyd5621:1,6651.58%144
193Black5601:1,6711.44%121
194Beck5591:1,6742.50%238
195Knight5561:1,6831.98%185
196Simms5531:1,6926.72%771
197Gilbert5511:1,6981.91%176
197Henson5511:1,6987.34%841
199Hudson5501:1,7011.98%190
200Bryan5491:1,7043.56%386
200Snowden5491:1,70418.69%2,174