Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore, Maryland

Born Oct. 15, 1736, Newry, Ireland, d. August 21, 1816, Baltimore County, Maryland

Forward

Hercules Courtenay was born in Newry, Ireland on October 15, 1736. In 1762 he emigrated from Ireland to Philadelphia, PA and later settled in Baltimore, MD circa 1765. Julia Courtenay Campbell's 1964 compilation of "The Courtenay Family - Some Branches in America" (Lib. of Congress #64-16058) discloses that "Hercules Courtenay, born Newry of Belfast, Ireland, born October 1736, came to America February 18, 1762. His brothers and one sister remained in Ireland: Their names were Conway, Conrad, Henry, William, and Edward."

The following paragraphs are reprinted from: Revolutionary Patriots of Baltimore Town and Baltimore County Maryland 1775-1783 by Henry C. Peden, Jr., M.A., published by Family Line Publications, Silver Spring, Maryland, 1988:

"COURTENAY HERCULES. (October 15, 1736, Newry, Ireland - August 21, 1816, Baltimore County, Maryland) Married Sarah DRURY (1753-1788) in 1774. A son, Henry COURTENAY (1776-1854) married Isabella PURVIANCE (1779-1804) in 1799, and their son, Edward Henry COURTENAY (1803-1853) married Virginia Pleasants HOWARD (1816-1852) in 1846.

Hercules Courtenay was one of the most prominent men of Baltimore in the Rev. War. He was a member of the Sons of Liberty from 1766 through at least 1776. He served on the Committee of Inspection, March 13, 1775; the Committee of Observation, on July 24, 1775; and the Committee of Correspondence, November 12, 1775. Also, he was authorized by the Continental Congress to assign all bills of credit or money for use of the Mechanical Volunteers and others, for military purposes, 1776-1782. He was a Justice of the Peace, 1777-1778, and a Judge of the Orphans Court, 1778, of Baltimore County, and a Baltimore County Magistrate who administered the Oath of Allegiance in 1778; he resigned that office on December 12, 1780. He was also a Captain-Lieutenant in the 4th MD Continental Artillery, and a Captain-Lieutenant in Proctor's Battalion of the PA Artillery; and a Captain in the MD Cont. Art. Co. He served as Baltimore Town Commissioner from 1781 to 1785."



Sources

Barnes, Robert, Marriages and Deaths from Baltimore Newspapers, 1796-1816. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1978.

Barnes, Robert, Maryland Marriages 1778-1800. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1978.

Barnes, Robert, Gleanings from Maryland Newspapers 1727-1775. Lutherville, MD, Published by Bettie Carothers, 1510 Cranwell Road, Lutherville, MD, 1976.

Barnes, Robert, The Green Spring Valley - Its History and Heritage, Vol. 2, Published by the Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore, MD, 1978, Library of Congress Catalog number LC 78-53033 [this book is still in print in 1995 and both volumes may be ordered for $35 from any book store - this book contains a genealogy on the Risteau family of Baltimore, MD, p. 87].

Campbell, Julia C., The Courtenay Family Some Branches in America. privately printed (Lib. of Congress #64-16058), 1964.

Courtenay, M.D., Thomas A., contributed papers and notes on the Hercules line. His 1993 address is: 7790 Brunerstown Rd., Shelbyville, KY 40065.

Courtenay, LL D., Edward H., A Treatise on the Differential and Integral Calculus, and on the Calculus of Variations. New York: A.S. Barnes & Co., 1855. (There is a biography of Professor Edward H. Courtenay as a preface to the book)

Crossle, Philip, et al. Newry Ireland, 1904, The Courtenay Family In Ireland. Reprinted by Courtenay Publications (Library of Congress #93-72992), 1993.

Ema, Mrs. Barbara Lindsay, contributed information on her line. Her June 1994 address is: 129 Stanley Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188.

Filby, William with Mary K. Meyer, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, Vol. 1 A-G, Gale Research Company, Detroit, 1981.

Helm, Mrs. Thomas Kennedy, contributed information on her line. Her 1993 address is: 420 Mockingbird Hill Rd., Louisville, KY 40207.

Hollowak, Thomas L., Index to Marriages and Deaths in The (Baltimore) Sun, 1837- 1850. Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 1978.

Peden, Jr., M.A., Henry C., Revolutionary Patriots of Baltimore Town and Baltimore County Maryland 1775-1783. Silver Spring, Maryland: Family Publications, 1988.

Pepys, M.A. (Oxon.), Lady Paulina, Powderham Castle An Illustrated Survey of the Historic Home of the Courtenay Family. Derby: English Life Publications LTD.

Powderham Records., Used by permission of Lord Courtenay of Powderham Castle. Compiled by Cedric Delforce, Lt. Col. (Retd.) & A. B. Rowland, 1993.

Reamy, Bill and Martha, Records of St. Pauls Parish. Family Line Publications [Rear 63 East Main Street, Westminster, MD 21057], 1988.

Saunders, Dorothy Courtney., Her excellent research on the Courtenay and Courtney lines is available through the LDS national genealogical database. Her 1993 address is 236 Via La Cumbre, Greenbrae, CA 94904.

Schmick, Mrs. Elizabeth M., contributed information on her line. Her Feb. 1994 address is: 8015 Glendale Rd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5902.

Thrift Abstract #3648, #3681, Dublin Public Records Office these records detail the line descended from Capt. Francis Courtenay and his second wife, Anne Lyndon. Thrift Abstract #3648 is 3 X 5 ft. in size. Getrude Thrift was a Dublin genealogist who researched the Courtenay family in 1910. She resided at 79 Crosbenor Square, Rathmines, Dublin in 1910.

Vivian, J. L., The Visitations of the County of Devon., 1895.

Wilson, Newton A., (2579 Madrid Way South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712) contributed information on the line of Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore which was printed on p. 93 of the April 1984 issue of the Courtney Chronicles, Vol. 2, No. 2 (published by Stanley G. Courtney, Rt. 1, Box 77A, Pawnee, IL 62558, Aug.1995 address).


REVOUTIONARY WAR VETERANS

HERCULES COURTENAY

The following information about Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore (and family) was submitted by Newton A. Wilson, 2579 Madrid Way South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 to the Courtney Chronicles and was printed on p. 93 of the April 1984 issue of the Courtney Chronicles, Vol. 2, No. 2 (published by Stanley G. Courtney, Rt. 1, Box 77A, Pawnee, IL 62558 - Aug.1995 address).

Taken from the records of the DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION:

Revolutionary War Service -

Elected a Member of the Committee of Safety, in Province of Maryland, November 12th 1774. Appointed 2nd Lieutenant of Proctor's Pennsylvania Artillery Company, October 21st 1775 - promoted to 1st Lieutenant in June 1776. Subsequently to Captain - Lieutenant, and March 3rd 1777 promoted to Captain of 3rd Company of Pennsylvania Artillery Regiment.

Personal background -

He landed in this country February 18th 1762, removing to Baltimore shortly after, say 1770, and became a prominent merchant there. The first ship built in Baltimore, was named "Hercules Courtenay", and owned by him.

In 1774, appointed "Justice of the Peace".
In 1776, authorized by Congress to issue "Bills of Credit, or Money"
In 1782, Elected "town Commissioner", (population 8000)

Upon the incorporation of the City of Baltimore, in 1797, he was elected a Member of the "First Board of City Council", and at its organization was elected President.

Authority for above statement - For military service: PENNSYLVANIA RECORDS.
For Civil Service - see "Scharf's Chronicles of Baltimore"

LINEAGE from Hercules Courtenay:

Courtenay, Hercules m. Sarah Drury
their son:
Courtenay, William m. Maria Weatherburne
their son:
Courtney, Hercules m. Mary Jane Mitchell
their daughter:
Courtney, Anna m. William Stickney Allen

-- o --

From the International Genealogical Index:

b = birth c = Christened m = married w = will

PENNSYLVANIA
Hercules Courtenay m 1774 Sarah Drury York Co.

MARYLAND

Ann B. Courtenay m 28 Jan 1824 Thos. C. Risteau, Baltimore Co.
Ann Boyd Courtenay c 23 Apr 1792 Hercules Courtenay & Mary, Baltimore Co.
David Courtenay c 12 Apr 1800 Henry Courtenay & Isabella, Baltimore Co.
Edward Courtenay c 01 May 1804 Henry Courtenay & Isabella, Baltimore Co.
Eliza Isabella Purviance Courtenay c 22 Feb 1816 Wm. Courtenay & Mary, Baltimore Co.
Hercules Courtenay c 31 Jan 1818 Wm. Courtenay & Mary,Baltimore Co.
John Skinner Courtenay c 07 Jun 1795 Hercules Courtenay & Mary, Baltimore Co.
Sarah Mary Courtenay c 18 Mar 1802 Henry Courtenay & Isabella, Baltimore Co.

-- o --

COURTENAY LINE FROM NEWRY, IRELAND TO PENNSYLVANIA

- Extracted from Colonial Families of the United States, edited by Nelson Osgood Rhodes
- Crossle Manuscripts of Newry, Ireland
- U.S.Census
- The following was published in the Courtney Chronicles, Vol. 9, No. 3, July 1991. pp. 82, 83

1/1    Edward Courtenay bapt. 17 Jul 1631 Powderham Castle, Devon England
living in 1700 m Frances Moore of Drumbanagher, County Down, Ireland in
1661
2/3 John Courtenay of Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Ireland
d. bef Mar. 1722
m Miss Savage of Ardes
3/6 Hercules Courtenay b 15 Oct 1736 near Newry, Ireland d 20 Aug
1816 Baltimore Captain 1st PA Reg Artillery, Revolutionary War
m 2nd Mary Drury in 1790 (sisters)
4/1 Ann Boyd Courtenay b 17 Feb 1792 d 5 Jun 1878 Baltimore, Maryland
m Dr. Thomas Cradock Risteau issue
4/2 John Skinner Courtenay b 24 Nov 1793 d 9 Mar 1827
m 1st Sarah Drury in 1774 of Reading, PA
4/1 Henry Courtenay d early
4/2 Mary Courtenay b 20 Jan 1778
4/3 Edward Courtenay b 2 Jun 1780 lost at sea 1803
4/4 William Courtenay b 22 Nov 1782 d 30 Nov 1824
m Hannah Maria Weatherburn
5/1 Hercules Courtenay
m Mary Jane Mitchell
6/1 Anna Courtenay
m William Stickney Allen
4/5 Henry Courtenay b 20 Oct 1776 d 8 Jun 1854 in Baltimore, MD
m 1st Isabella Purviance 10 Jan 1799
m 2nd Elizabeth Isabella Purviance 20 Feb 1811 « sisters
5/1 David Stewart Courtenay b 10 Oct 1799 d 5 Feb 1880
Pennsylvania
m Elizabeth Dorsey Hawkins
6/1 Isabella Courtenay b 1832 Baltimore, Maryland d single
6/2 David Courtenay b 20 Nov 1833 Baltimore, Maryland
d 26 Jan 1899 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
m Frances C (Chappelle)? living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1880
7/1 Charles D Courtenay b 1864 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
7/2 David K Courtenay b 1866 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
7/3 Francis Chapelle Courtenay b 1875 Milwaukee, WI
m - Bentley in 1902
8/1 Bentley Courtenay b 1903
m Lenore Booth no issue
6/3 Henry Courtenay b 1836 Baltimore, Maryland
d ca. 1897
6/4 ? d before 1901
6/5 William Courtenay b 1838 Baltimore, Maryland, alive in 1901
m
7/1 George Laurance Courtenay
m
8/1 William Courtenay b Dec 1894
6/6 Elizabeth Courtenay b 1841 Baltimore, Maryland
d single
5/2 Sarah Jane Courtenay b 18 Nov 1800 d 18 Jan 1885
5/3 Professor Edward Henry Courtenay b 19 Nov 1803 in
Baltimore,Maryland d 21 Dec 1853 at Univ. of Virginia
Miliary Officer, engineer author
m 1st Harriet Whitehorne Rathbone
m 2nd Virginia Pleasants Howard 7 Jul 1846
children by 1st wife
6/1 Edward Henry Courtenay d young
6/2 Harriet Whitehorne Courtenay b 25 Nov 1832
d 4 Apr 1844
6/3 Harriet Whitehorne Courtenay 2nd d young
6/4 Alexander Dallas Bache Courtenay b 9 Aug 1838
d 17 Mar 1842
6/5 unnamed
6/6 unnamed
6/7 unnamed
6/8 Sarah Courtenay
m Gen. Henry Brewerton US Army Engineers
6/9 Catlyna Totten Courtenay
6/10 Mary Isabella Courtenay
m Gen. Chauncey B Reese US Army Engineers
7/1 Sally B Reese
m John Rutherford Jolly in 1903
6/11 Edward Henry Courtenay 3rd, b 11 Apr 1842
d 3 Jun 1902
by 2nd wife
6/1 Henry Howard Courtenay b 8 Jun 1847 d 1936
m Carrie Lillian Hitchcock
6/2 Alexander Dallas Bache Courtenay b 16 Dec 1848
m Emma Virginia Dushane 3 Sep 1881
7/1 Edward Henry Courtenay IV b 23 Feb 1883
m Elizabeth Cathcart Doon 18 Sep 1906
8/1 Hilda Doon Courtenay b 2 Jul 1907
8/2 Edward Henry Courtenay b 5 Dec 1909
6/3 David Stewart Courtenay b 24 May 1850
6/4 Marshall Howard Courtenay b 24 Apr 1853
d 7 Jun 1853
6/5 Hamilton Howard Courtenay b 24 Apr 1853
d 7 Jun 1853
-- o --

Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore, MD is buried in St. Paul's Cemetery, Baltimore

St. Paul's Cemetery is located at Martin Luther King Blvd. and Redwood Street, this being directly behind the University of Maryland Hospital which is located on Green Street. The cemetery is usually locked, but caretaker Mr. Rickheart is there on Tuesdays beginning at 10:00 AM. He stays there on Tuesdays for at least eight hours, weather permitting.

The Cemetery Committee does occasionally hold an "open house" on selected weekends. The cemetery was open on the Sunday before the Fourth of July [June 25, 1995] for the cemetery observance from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. The Sons of the Revolution were there for the Memorial Service. The Cemetery Committee periodically establishes a schedule of open house days [St.Paul's office is open Monday - Friday 9:00 - 4:30].

St. Paul's does have a plaque, a map of the cemetery, but not all of the names are listed in this map. The cemetery was moved from the church property to its present location in the year 1800. In the process some of the families were buried on top of each other, so some of the names are missing from the map. St.Paul's has church records of others who were buried there that are not listed on the map.

Ruth Mascari is in charge of the cemetery committee and she has all of the cemetery records [the burial records list].

St. Paul's Parish is located on North Charles St. at Saratoga Street in downtown Baltimore near the waterfront. St. Paul's was begun as a mission of the Church of England, established as a Parish in 1692, and is the mother church of Baltimore (Founded 1729). The present building (1856) is the sixth church. The church office telephone number is (410) 685-3404. The FAX number is (410) 385-0186.

-- o --

The Records of St. Paul's Parish, Baltimore, MD

There are several references to Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore [and his children] in the Records of St. Paul's Parish by Bill and Martha Reamy. Hercules Courtenay is buried in the burying ground of St. Paul's Parish in Baltimore, MD. This cemetery is the oldest in the city of Baltimore and is still in existence. St. Parish is listed as being of the Church of England (Episcopal) denomination. The listed references are repeated here:

p.61:[Christening] Ann Boyd, d/o Hercules & Mary Courtenay, b. 17 Feb., bapt. 23 April 1792.

p.88:[Christening] John Skinner s/o Hercules & Mary Courtenay, b. 24 November 1793, bapt. 7 June 1795.

p.138: [Christening] David Stewart s/o Henry & Isabella Courtenay b. 10 October 1799; bapt. 12 April 1800.

p. 149: Hercules Courtenay's name is listed in the contributor records of St. Paul's Parish.

p. 158: "Hercules Courtenay V [Vestryman] 1781 through 1785. A merchant in 1770; 1774 one of the Committee of Observation; a County Justice; 1782 Town Commissioner; 1796 a member of the City Council & President thereof."

p. 165: Henry Courtenay is listed as being a pewholder, 10 May, 1784.

-- o --

The following Courtenay records are taken from Maryland Marriages 1778-1800, compiled by Robert Barnes, Genealogical Publishing Co., 1978, Library of Congress 77-88843:

p. 46: Courtenay, Henry m. 10 Jan. 1799 Isabella Purviance [at the First Presbyterian Church in Baltimore].

p. 46: Courtenay, James m. 18 Nov. 1794 Mary Mitcheson [at the First Presbyterian Church in Baltimore].

p. 46: Courtenay, Robert m. 30 Sep. 1790 Eliza Burland [marriage note filed by Rev. William West, Rector, St. Paul's Parish on 21 Nov. 1790].

-- o --

The following Courtenay records are taken from Index of Obituaries and Marriages in The Baltimore Sun 1861-1865, compiled by Joseph C. Maguire, Jr., Pub. 1991 by Family Line Publications, Rear 63 East Main St., Westminster, MD, 21157.

p. 95: Courtenay, Sarah married Brewerton, Henry (USA) 4-20-64 [April 20, 1864].

-- o --

The following Courtenay records are taken from Maryland Marriages 1801 -1820, compiled by Robert Barnes, Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, MD, 1993.

p. 38: Courtenay, Henry, 20 Feb 1811 married Elizabeth Isabelle Purviance [First Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, MD].

p. 38: Courtenay, Mathew W. married 30 Nov. 1815 Susan Knott [St. Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church, Baltimore County].

-- o --

The following Courtenay records are taken from Marriages and Deaths from Baltimore Newspapers 1796-1816, compiled by Robert Barnes, Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, MD, 1978 [Lib. of Congress #78-61144].

p. 72: Courtenay, Henry and Miss Isabella Purviance were married last evening by Rev. Allison [from the 11 Jan 1799 issue of the Baltimore Telegraph, published 1796-1806, and also in 1815. Newspaper copies are located at the Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Maryland Historical Society, both locations in Baltimore, MD].

p. 72: Courtenay, Henry, and Miss Elizabeth I. Purviance, were wed on last evening by Rev. Inglis. [from the 21 Feb 1811 issue of the Baltimore Federal Gazette, published from 1796-1816. Newspaper copies are located at the Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Maryland Historical Society, both locations in Baltimore, MD].

p. 72: Courtenay, Hercules, died yesterday at his residence in Baltimore County in his 89th year [from the 22 Aug 1816 issue of the Baltimore Federal Gazette].

[It is noted that if Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore was 89 years of age at the time of his death that would mean that he was born in 1727 and not in 1736. If Hercules Courtenay was born on Oct. 15, 1736 in Newry, Ireland then he would have been 79 years, 10 months old at the time of his death.]

p. 72: Courtenay, Mrs. Isabella, died last Saturday, wife of Henry Courtenay of Baltimore [from the 12 July 1804 issue of the Baltimore Federal Gazette].

p. 72: Courtenay, William, and Miss Maria Weatherburn, were married Tues. evening by Rev. Mr. Wyatt [from the 15 March 1815 issue of the Baltimore Federal Gazette].

-- o --

Other individuals named Hercules Courtenay in England and Ireland:

There were several Hercules Courtenays in England and Ireland. One Hercules is mentioned in Powderham Castle An Illustrated Survey of the Historic Home of the Courtenay Family by Lady Paulina Pepys, M.A. (Oxon.) page 30:

On the fourth wall, to the right of the window, is a picture of Hercules Courtenay, a descendant of the Courtenays of Upcott, whose family settled in Ireland in the reign of James I. Hercules went with a commission to the East Indies, and was a commander there in the reign of Queen Anne. When he died in 1740 he had no issue, and he left this picture of himself, and the shield that hangs beneath it, to the Courtenays of Powderham, desiring it to be kept as "a memorial to his courage and bravery."

Miss Emma Courtenay (of Louisville, KY) is the listed source of the names of the siblings of Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore as found within The Courtenay Family - Some Branches in America. Miss Emma Courtenay corresponded with Miss Isabella Courtenay of Baltimore, MD, circa 1900. It was Miss Isabella Courtenay (# 12 in this book) who gave Miss Emma Courtenay the information regarding the siblings of Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore:

Hercules Courtenay, born Newry of Belfast, Ireland, born October 1736, came to America February 18, 1762. His brothers and one sister remained in Ireland: Their names were Conway, Conrad, Henry, William, and Edward.

Miss Emma Courtenay later corresponded with Philip Crossle, a genealogist in Newry Ireland who researched the Courtenay family for William Ashmead Courtenay in 1904. In her letter she mentions the brothers of Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore by name. She also asks for the names of the father and grandfather of Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore:

Louisville, Ky.
June 7th, 1900

Dear Sir,

I am very much interested in tracing the Courtenay family and, learning that the family internment grounds was at St.Patricks Church, I thought that perhaps some information might be gained from the parish register.

I should like very much to know the name of the father of Charles Courtenay who inherited Courtenay Hill house and left it to his son John who squandered his estate. Also the names of the father and grandfather of Hercules Courtenay and his brothers Conway, Conrad, Henry, William, and Edward.

For if you can direct me where to apply in Newry for copies of Courtenay wills I will be very much indebted to you.

Hoping you will forgive me for troubling you and also indulging the hope that you can assist me,

Very respectfully,

(Miss) Emma Courtenay
1044 Fourth Ave.
Louisville, Kentucky
U.S.A.

From the preceding two references we can be reasonably certain of the names of the brothers of Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore, and also that he had only one sister.

The 1993 Powderham Records list several Hercules Courtenays:

[used with the permission of Lord Courtenay, Powderham Castle, Exeter, England]

Fifth Generation  

6. Francis Courtenay #1064 m. (1) in ?Devon. Susanna
Langford #1065, m. (2) Anne Lyndon #1086.
children by Susanna Langford:
7. i Hercules Courtenay #1066.
children by Anne Lyndon:
8. ii Conway Courtenay #1087.
9. iii Francis Courtenay #1088.
10. iv Edward Courtenay #1352.

Sixth Generation

7. Hercules Courtenay #1066 m. Mary Gilbert #1067.
children
i Margaret Courtenay #1068.
ii Hercules Courtenay #1069.
iii Sophia Courtenay #1070.
iv Mary Courtenay #1071.
v Letitia Courtenay #1072.



8. Conway Courtenay #1087 m. Elizabeth Burley #1090.
children
i Hercules Courtenay #1091.
ii William Courtenay #1092.

9. Francis Courtenay #1088 m. (1) Anne Gayer #1093,
m. (2) Mary James #1095.
children by Anne Gayer:
11. i John Courtenay #1094.
children by Mary James:
ii Francis Courtenay #1096.

10. Edward Courtenay #1352 m. Frances Moore #553.
children
12. i Charles Courtenay #556 b. 1689.


Seventh Generation

11. John Courtenay #1094 m. Jane Ogle #1097.
children
i Henry Courtenay #1098.
ii Francis Courtenay #1099.
iii Edward Courtenay #1100.
iv John Courtenay #1101.
v Clements Courtenay #1102.
vi Norres Courtenay #1103.
vii Conway Courtenay #1104.
viii William Courtenay #1105.
ix Hercules Courtenay #1106. [to Baltimore???]

Hercules Courtenay #1106 seems to be the most likely possibility for the Hercules who emigrated from Ireland to Philadelphia and later settled in Baltimore. Hercules #1106 has brothers with names which match those listed by Miss Emma Courtenay. Hercules #1106 also apparently has only one sister, Norres. Hercules #1069 cannot match because he has four sisters and no brothers.


Several references to a Hercules Courtenay are reprinted here from Philip Crossle's The Courtenay Family In Ireland, Newry, 1904 :

HERCULES COURTENAY, of KILRUSH, co. WEST MEATH.

Having now followed out the descendants of Ensign Edward Courtenay of Lish, co. Armagh, I now turn to Lieut. Francis Courtenay (who had an only child, Hercules), who I believe to be closely connected with the former, but how I have not been able to find a record in this country.

. . .

This will was proved in the Prerogative Court by Mary Courtenay, the widow, 24 May, 1737. It however, appears to have been contested by Hercules Courtenay, the son, against whom judgment was given in Nov., 1737. [this date proves that this is not the Hercules Courtenay who immigrated to Philadelphia and settled in Baltimore. Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore was born in Oct. 1736]

The remarkable thing about the above is the beautiful seal which Hercules Courtenay uses. I have endeavoured to give a sketch of it, copied from the original will. The motto is obliterated and I was therefore unable to discern it. These arms are identical with those borne by the Courtenay House and suggest a close relationship.

. . .

The following particulars I gather about the children of Hercules and Mary Courtenay:-

I Francis Courtenay. Administration of his goods, he being a minor, having died intestate, was granted in the Prerogative Court, 15 August, 1720, to his father, Hercules Courtenay of Kilrush, senior.

II Hercules Courtenay, who was left heir by his father's will but disinherited in a codicil by the estates being charged with whatever his mother wished to bequeath to the other children. His mother by her will charged the estate with legacies for her daughters and their heirs till there was practically nothing left for him.

Hercules having quarreled with his parents, may have emigrated to new spheres --- for I can find no trace of him later than he is mentioned in his mother's will --- and may be the ancestor of "descendants of Hercules Courtenay who came to the U.S.A. about 1750," referred to by you [William Ashmead Courtenay] in letters addressed to me 25 Feb., 1902 and 6 April, 1902. [this assumption by Crossle appears to be inaccurate, unless TWO Hercules Courtenays emigrated from Ireland to America]

I Letitia Courtenay. Administration of her goods, she being a spinster and a minor, having died intestate, was granted in the Prerogative Court to Hercules Courtenay of Kilrush, senior, her father, on 15 Aug., 1720.

II Margaret Courtenay, unmarried and under age in Dec., 1726. Before July, 1733 she already had been married to Francis Courtenay and was deceased, evidently leaving no family. Who this Francis Courtenay was I do not know; perhaps he may be identified with the following:- 17 April, 1735, diocese of Dublin marriage license, between Francis Courtenay and Elizabeth Bourdon of the parish of St Andrews, Dublin, widow. Francis Courtenay of Dublin, merchant, in his will desires to be buried in St James', Dublin, and bequeaths to his daughter, Mary Delaney and Judith Phelan œ5 each, and the rest of his substance to his son, George Courtenay, whom

(p. 126)

he appoints sole executor; dated 28 Nov., 1754, and proved in the Prerogative Court by said George Courtenay, 8 Jan., 1755-6.

III Sophia Courtenay, already married before 1726 to Joseph Dobson, woolen draper. She was deceased before Oct., 1739, and left issue, three daughters:-
1. Mary Dobson
2. Sophia Dobson All alive in Oct., 1739,
3. Jane Dobson and under 21 years of age.

IV Mary Courtenay, already married before 1726 to Arthur Mullan of Dublin, merchant. She and her husband were both alive in Oct., 1739, and seem to have had an only child,
1. Courtenay Mullan, under 21 in Oct., 1739.

---: o :---

Mrs. Elizabeth M. Schmick writes in a Feb. 1994 letter about Hercules Courtenay:

My mother did not know as much about her ancestor Hercules Courtenay as the information provided by Dr. Thomas Courtenay of Louisville. It was handed down to me that Hercules came to Philadelphia in 1762 from England and that he was a cabinet maker of some renown, and later settled in Baltimore. Also after the Revolution he became a tavern owner. Now it is confirmed that he emigrated from Ireland. During the Revolutionary War he served as Captain of a Pa. Regiment at the Battle of Cowpens. In Baltimore he was President of a Branch of City Council. His daughter Ann Boyd Courtenay was my mother's grandmother. And I remember my mother speaking of her "little grandmother" in such loving terms.

My other daughter, Sarah Craik Dupree, visited Winterthur Museum of Art near Wilmington, Delaware, and found a book that attributed the carving of 12 exquisite chairs to Hercules Courtenay. The chairs, which are in the Philadelphia Museum of Fine Arts, were made by Benjamin Randolph. Sarah also went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. In the American Wing there is paneling carved by Hercules Courtenay that had been taken from a Philadelphia row house.

Finally, in a Sept. 1993 letter Dr. Thomas A. Courtenay states that:

Apparently there were at least two Hercules Courtenays. One was an apprentice wood carver to Thomas Chippendale and went to Philadelphia. His carving is represented in the Philadelphia Museum of Art as well as the Metropolitan in N.Y. The other one was in Maryland.

In the local history and genealogy reading room (Thomas Jefferson Building) of the Library of Congress in Washington, DC there is a book entitled Gleanings from Maryland Newspapers 1727-1775, by Robert Barnes. On page 14 of this book there is the following reference to the above Hercules Courtenay who emigrated from England to Philadelphia and who was a wood carver:
COURTENAY, Hercules, carver and gilder from London, has opened a shop in Philadelphia. (AMG, 27 Dec. 1749).

"AMG" in the above reference refers to the (Annapolis) Maryland Gazette. The sources where a copy of this newspaper may be found are listed as follows:

The Maryland Historical Society located in Baltimore, MD

The Enoch Pratt Free Library located in Baltimore, MD

The above references seem to indicate that there were two Hercules Courtenays who came to America, one from England (the wood carver and furniture maker) and one from Ireland - Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore. There was also a third American Hercules the grandson of Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore.

In a letter dated June 24, 1994, Mrs. Lindsay Ema (a descendant of Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore, MD) provided a copy of a genealogical chart entitled: A Genealogical Table of the Noble Family of Courtenay, Viscount Courtenay. This chart details the English lines as well as the Redvers line. At the bottom of the chart there is a notation added in pencil: Hercules Courtenay b. Oct. 15, 1736 at Newry, Ireland, 1st wife Sarah Drury, d. Baltimore, Aug. 20, 1816. Significantly, the father of Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore is shown as being John Courtenay, married to a Miss Savage. John Courtenay is further shown as having the following siblings: Alice, Catherine, Henry, and Charles. John Courtenay is also shown as being the son of Edward Courtenay and Frances Moore. The date 1661 is penciled by the name Frances Moore [presumably her birthdate]. It is not known who penciled this information on the chart or when it was added. If this information is accurate it would identify Hercules Courtenay of Baltimore as being #51 listed below. It is noted that this information conflicts with other information that connects Hercules #51 (of Dublin) with a wife named Maria.

   FIRST GENERATION

1. Richard COURTENAY of Co. Antrim was born in Powderham
Castle, Devon, England; died in Co. Antrim, Aghagallon,
Ireland. [see Thrift Abstract #3681 Dublin PRO]

He married Mary MACDONALD Lady.

They had the following children:

2 i. John COURTENAY d.s.p.
3 ii. William COURTENAY d.s.p.
+4 iii. Francis COURTENAY Captain


SECOND GENERATION

4. Francis COURTENAY Captain(Lt?), died before 1687/1688.

He married 1st Susannah LANGFORD, daughter of Arthur Langford
of Killmakerrick, co Antrim. Susannah was the sister of Sir
Hercules Langford of Summerhill, Co. Meath. Crossle states
that Francis Courtenay most probably married Susannah
Langford in Devonshire before they came to Ireland. He also
states that the Langford family is originally from
Devonshire. [see also Thrift Abstracts #3681, #3648 Dublin
PRO]

They had the following children:

+5 i. Hercules COURTENAY Esq. (Kilrush Co. Westmeath)

He also married Anne LYNDON (2nd wife) of Carrickfergus.
Anne Lyndon was the daughter of Hugh Lyndon of Carrickfergus,
third son of Robert Lyndon of same place.

They had the following children:

+6 i. Conway COURTENAY
+7 ii. Francis COURTENAY
+8 iii. Edward COURTENAY of Lish Co. Armagh


THIRD GENERATION

5. Hercules COURTENAY Esq. (Kilrush Co. Westmeath)

He married Mary GILBERT. Mary GILBERT, died about
1739/1740 (she was a widow later in Dublin).

They had the following children:

+9 i. Hercules COURTENAY to East Indies
10 ii. Letitia COURTENAY, died about Aug 1720.
+11 iii. Margaret COURTENAY
+12 iv. Sophia COURTENAY
13 v. Francis COURTENAY, died about 1720.
+14 vi. Mary COURTENAY


6. Conway COURTENAY.

He married Elizabeth BURLEIGH of Mackeralin.

They had the following children:

15 i. Clements COURTENAY d.s.p.
16 ii. Conway COURTENAY d.s.p.
17 iii. Hercules COURTENAY d.s.p.
+18 iv. William COURTENAY to Ireland


7. Francis COURTENAY, died in 1713; buried in 1713 in
Shankhill Church.

He married Mary JONES of Killarmagill.

They had the following children:

19 i. Francis COURTENAY.

He also married Anne GUYAN of Killaloe.

They had the following children:

+20 i. John COURTENAY


8. Edward COURTENAY of Lish, Co. Armagh
died before Mar 1707; buried in Killaloe Church, Co.
Antrim, Ireland.

He married Frances MOORE of Co. Armagh in 1681. Frances
MOORE of Co. Armagh, died on Mar 1 1707/1708.

They had the following children:

+21 i. John COURTENAY
22 ii. Alicia COURTENAY was born in 1687.
+23 iii. Charles COURTENAY
+24 iv. Henry COURTENAY
25 v. Catherine COURTENAY was born in 1695.


FOURTH GENERATION

9. Hercules COURTENAY to East Indies.

He married Dorothy Van der Helic of Vandersheld, Holland.


11. Margaret COURTENAY, died before Jul 1733.

She married Francis COURTENAY.


12. Sophia COURTENAY, died before Oct 1739.

She married Joseph DOBSON before 1726.

They had the following children:

26 i. Mary DOBSON.
27 ii. Sophia DOBSON.
28 iii. Jane DOBSON.


14. Mary COURTENAY.

She married Arthur MULLAN.

They had the following children:

29 i. Courtenay MULLAN.


18. William COURTENAY to Ireland.

He married Jane STUART Lady.

They had the following children:

30 i. ? COURTENAY d.s.p. d. inf.
31 ii. ? COURTENAY d.s.p. d. inf.
32 iii. ? COURTENAY d.s.p. d. inf.
33 iv. ? COURTENAY d.s.p. d. inf.
34 v. ? COURTENAY d.s.p. d. inf.
35 vi. ? COURTENAY d.s.p. d. inf.
+36 vii. George COURTENAY Capt.
37 viii. Montague COURTENAY.
+38 ix. Ann COURTENAY
39 x. Conway COURTENAY d.s.p.
40 xi. John COURTENAY was born in 1741 in Ireland;
died on Mar 24 1816.
+41 xii. Clement COURTENAY d.s.p.


20. John COURTENAY.

He married Jane OGLE of Co. Armagh.

They had the following children:

42 i. Henry COURTENAY.
43 ii. Francis COURTENAY.
44 iii. Edward COURTENAY.
45 iv. John COURTENAY.
46 v. Clements COURTENAY.
47 vi. Norres COURTENAY.
48 vii. Conway COURTENAY.
49 viii. William COURTENAY.
+50 ix. Hercules COURTENAY to Baltimore???


21. John COURTENAY, died on Mar 8 1721/1722.

He married Mary SAVAGE. Mary SAVAGE, died about 1755.

They had the following children:

+51 i. Hercules COURTENAY of Dublin,Ireland ***
52 ii. Savage COURTENAY.
53 iii. Rowland COURTENAY.
54 iv. John COURTENAY.
+55 v. Anne COURTENAY
56 vi. Catherine COURTENAY.
+57 vii. Edward COURTENAY of Dublin,Ireland


23. Charles COURTENAY was born in 1689 in Newry, Co. Down,
Ireland; died on Aug 20 1763.

He married Mary UNKNOWN on Jan 13 1730 in Ireland (Newry?).
Mary UNKNOWN was born on Jan 13 1730; died on May 8 1757.

They had the following children:

58 i. Charles COURTENAY.
+59 ii. Anna Maria COURTENAY
60 iii. Frances COURTENAY was born on Aug 22 1732.
+61 iv. John COURTENAY
62 v. Margaret COURTENAY was born on Jul 16 1734.
63 vi. Elizabeth COURTENAY was born on Oct 20 1736.
64 vii. Chichester COURTENAY was born on Feb 22 1737
in Newry, Ireland.
65 viii. Robert COURTENAY was born in 1740.
+66 ix. Edward COURTENAY
67 x. Henry COURTENAY was born in 1742.
68 xi. Fortescue COURTENAY was born on Sep 28 1849
in Newry, Ireland.


24. Henry COURTENAY was born on Sep 14 1691.

He married Mary MAJOR on Nov 13 1735 in Carlingford.

They had the following children:

69 i. William Major COURTENAY Capt.
+70 ii. Edward COURTENAY
71 iii. John COURTENAY Rt. Hon. was born on Aug 20
1738 in Ireland; died on Mar 24 1816 in
London, England.


FIFTH GENERATION

36. George COURTENAY Capt..

He married Frances OGLE.

They had the following children:

72 i. Frances COURTENAY.
73 ii. Mary COURTENAY.


38. Ann COURTENAY.

She married George MONTAGUE.


41. Clement COURTENAY d.s.p. was born in 1756.

He married Elizabeth in 1782.


50. Hercules COURTENAY was born on Oct 15 1736 in Newry,
Ireland; died on Aug 21 1816 in Baltimore, MD; immigrated
on Feb 18 1762 in Phildelphia, PA, USA.

He married Sarah DRURY in 1774. Sarah DRURY was born in
Sep 1753 in Exeter Berks Co., PA; died on Sep 24 1785.

They had the following children:

+74 i. William COURTENAY
75 ii. Edward COURTENAY.
+76 iii. Henry COURTENAY

He also married Mary Maugridge DRURY. Mary Maugridge DRURY
was born on Sep 19 1748 in Exeter Berks Co., PA; died on
Jun 3 1826 in Baltimore, MD.

They had the following children:

+77 i. Ann Boyd COURTENAY


51. Hercules COURTENAY of Dublin, Ireland.

He married Maria UNKNOWN.

---: o :---

This page was last updated on August 17, 2017.
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE