Nicholas Greenberry facts for kids

Colonel Nicholas Greenberry (around 1627–December 17, 1697) was an important leader in early Maryland. He served as the 4th Royal Governor of Maryland. He also led the military forces in Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties.

Early Life and Family History

Nicholas Greenberry was born in England around 1627. We don't know much about his parents. Some historians have looked at the special seal he used. This seal had a design that looked like the Carrington family's symbol. This might mean he was related to that old English noble family.

There was also a Nicholas Greenberry baptized in 1640 in England. He was the son of Nicholas and Catherine Greeneberrie.

Nicholas Greenberry married a woman named Anne. Her last name is unknown. They had at least four children. Two were born in England: Charles (in 1672) and Katherine (in 1674). Two more were born in Maryland: Anne (in 1676) and Elizabeth (in 1678).

Journey to Maryland

Nicholas Greenberry and his family came to the Maryland Colony in 1674. They sailed on a ship called the Constant Friendship. They arrived at Patuxent, Maryland. He traveled with his wife, two children, and three servants. The ship's captain claimed rights for bringing 43 passengers. This included "Mr Greenberry his wife & two Children."

Land Ownership and Home

Nicholas Greenberry quickly started buying land in Maryland. On July 29, 1674, he received a warrant for about 350 acres of land. This land was in an area called "Providence," which is now the city of Annapolis.

In 1680, he bought more land near Annapolis. This land was called "Fuller." He had it surveyed again and renamed it "Greenberry Forest." He built a home on this land and called it "Whitehall." This house is still called Whitehall today. Later, another Maryland governor, Horatio Sharpe, lived there.

In 1685, Colonel Greenberry bought 250 acres of land called "Towne Neck." This land was located at the mouth of the Severn River. It became known as "Greenberry Point."

Important Role in the Colony

Nicholas Greenberry became an important figure in Maryland. In 1689, a group called the Protestant Association took control of St. Marys. This was the capital of the colony at the time. Nicholas Greenberry was a captain in the Anne Arundel County Militia. He was promoted to Major in 1690. Soon after, he became a Colonel. He was put in charge of the military forces in Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties.

In 1691, the King of England took direct control of Maryland. Sir Lionel Copley became the new governor. He quickly made Greenberry a member of his council. Governor Copley passed away in September 1693. After Copley's death, Nicholas Greenberry was chosen to lead the council. He became the Acting Governor of Maryland. He also held the Great Seal of Maryland. Greenberry served as acting governor until July 26, 1694. He was then replaced by Francis Nicholson, who was appointed by the King.

High Court Appointment

On March 2, 1695, Nicholas Greenberry was appointed to a high court. This was the Court of Chancery in Maryland. He became one of the judges. This court handled important legal cases. He was chosen because the chief judge was ill. Greenberry helped make sure that important cases could still be heard and decided.

Later Life and Passing

Nicholas Greenberry passed away at his home, "Whitehall," on December 17, 1697. He was about 70 years old. His wife, Anne, passed away a few months later, on April 27, 1698. She was 50 years old. Both Nicholas and Anne are buried in St. Anne's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.

His tombstone has an inscription that reads:

Here Lyeth Interred The Body Of Col Nicholas Greenberry Esq Who Departed This Life The 17th Day Of December 1697 Aetatis Suae 70

Nicholas Greenberry's will mentioned his wife Anne and his four children: Charles, Katherine, Anne, and Elizabeth.