Notes on Christopher Gist

SOURCES: Sources were The Cromwell Family I Maryland Genealogies by Francis B. Culver. Baltimore Co. Families 1659-1759 done in 1989 by Robert W. Barnes in Baltimore and published by the Genealogical Publishing Co. Inc. Colonial Families of the United States pages 235-236 Vol. Vi by George Norbury MacKenzie and published by Genealogical Publishing Co. Inc. in Baltimore 1966. The Cromwells of Maryland, Kentucky, and Clay CO. Indiana 1667-1900 by Jean Cromwell Price done in 1989 in Clay Co. Indiana.

!NOTE: Christopher Gist, the immigrant ancestor of all the name in America, emigrated to America some time before 1682 and settle in Balt. Co. From land conveyances as early as 1682 he lived on the south side of Patapsco River and in the same is called "planter." He was a member of the Grand Jury for Baltimore County 6th March 1682; was commissioned one of the justices of the county. 4th SEPT, 1689 d; in Baltimore Co. in 1691, having married Edith Cromwell, died in Balt. Co. in 1694, credited with being a daughter of Richard Cromwell, of the family of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England? She had brothers William, John, and Richard Cromwell, who settled in Maryland, and was thrice married married secondly to Joseph Williams, died in 1692, and married thirdly to John Beecher, died in 1694. By Christopher Gist, Edith had only one child (MacKenzie 235-6).

!NOTE: Baltimore Co. Families 1659-1759 by Robert Barnes page 257. Christopher Gist progenitor wass in Balt. Co. by 1682 and died by 10 MARCH 1690-1; married Edith, sister of William, Richard, and John Cromwell; she married 2nd to Joseph Williams, and third to John Beecher; Christopher imm. to Maryland by 1679; and died leaving a will, 17 FEB. 1690-10 MARCH 1690, in which he named his wife as sole exec. mentioned his son, named John Robinson and the child of his brother, Richard Cromwell; the will of Edith Gist Williams, made 23 MAY 1694, named their son: Richard. 335

His will (http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdbaltim/wills/will066.htm)

Will of Christopher Gist of Baltimore Co., dated 17 Feb 1690 .

In the name of God -- the 17th day of February Anno Domo- 1690. I Christopher Guest of Baltemore County being weak in body--but of good and perfect memory- thanks to G. and calling to membrance the uncertain estate of this transitory life and that all of us must yield unto death, when it shall please God to call-- do make consitute fordaine and declare this my l.w. & t.-- Therefore I give my dearly beloved wife full power to receive all debts owing unto her and likewise to pay all debts -- and being paid I give her full power to dispose of all my lands and goods-- and when disposed, the same to be equally divided between my beloved wife and child, she being my only exr. in this my L.W.

Item: I give unto John Robinson a 2 yr old heifer

Item: I give my brother Richard Cromwell's child a 2 yr old heifer.

The Lord have mercy upon my soul, Amen! Item: I give unto my mother Guest the sum L5 stg. if she be alive.

So I bid the world farewell!

Christopher Guest

Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of: John Brown, John (X) Robinson, Richard Cromwell

Source: Baltimore Co. Deeds R.M. No. H.S. p. 331

Contributed by Donna Gist Moore


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