Edward Dorsey (shipwright) facts for kids

Edward Dorsey (born around 1615 – died 1659) was an important person in early Maryland. He was a boat builder, also known as a boat-wright. He is considered the first important member of the Dorsey family in colonial Maryland. Sometimes his name was written as D'arcy.

Edward Dorsey's Life Story

Where Did Edward Dorsey Come From?

We don't know exactly where Edward Dorsey was born. Some people think he might have come from County Cork in Ireland. However, a better clue is the name of a place his sons settled: "Hockley in the Hole". This name suggests that Edward Dorsey and his family were English.

Moving to America

Edward Dorsey first arrived in Virginia around 1642. He settled on a piece of land called 'Shepbush'. A few years later, in 1649, he moved to Maryland. He made his new home near the Severn River.

His Faith and Death

In 1658, Edward Dorsey became a Quaker. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs. Sadly, Edward Dorsey died in 1659. He drowned off the coast of Kent Island in Maryland.

Edward Dorsey's Family

Edward Dorsey had many descendants, meaning people who came from his family. His family grew very large and spread out.

Family in the Civil War

Many years after Edward Dorsey lived, some of his descendants fought in the American Civil War. This was a big war in America between 1861 and 1865. Some of his family members fought for the Confederacy. Others fought for the Union side. This shows how his family was involved in important parts of American history.