architect and builder

birthplace per "Candace M. Wagner" <wagner182@worldnet.att.net> who
cited Nancy Leake Flack <nanflack@metro.net> 10-7-98

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"Richard Edelen (1671-1760) was the oldest surviving son of Richard
and Elizabeth (Banton) Edelen, the immigrants4. Rather than become a
planter, as did his brothers, he pursued the occupation of
"carpenter", which in that day meant architect, contractor, and
builder. Most likely he prospered in this endeavor, as evidenced by
his numerous land transactions recorded in Maryland deed records.
According to reference (ref 7), at least two examples of his
craftsmanship still exist. "St. Richard's Manor" near present-day
Pateuxant River Naval Air Station is reported to have been built by
Richard Edelen for Luke Gardiner in the late 1600s or early 1700s.
"Riverview", which overlooks the Potomac near St. Clements Island, is
believed to be another example of his work (see Places). Photographs
from reference 8 show both houses are well preserved to this day.

Henry W. Newman lists numerous land transactions conducted by Richard
Edelen in Charles, Prince George's, and St. Mary's Counties in his
book Charles County Gentry (ref 4). At least eighteen transactions
are recorded in deeds between 1687 and 1760. In the year 1753 he paid
quit rents (rent paid by freeman for the use of land as required by
feudal custom) on a total of 1,630 acres in the three counties. The
following is a summary of land holdings for which an approximate
location has been determined (ref 9). In 1714, he purchased from Luke
and Anne Gardiner of Prince George's County, "Frankland" adjoining
"Dublin", just north of the town of Piscataway and straddling the
Tinkers Creek (see map in Places).

Other purchases in Prince George's County near Piscataway were
"Friendship" in 1687 and "Irving" in 1714, lying about 5 and 8 miles
north of Piscataway respectively (near present-day Andrews Air Force
Base). In 1718, he purchased from John Baptist Boarman of Charles
County, the 635-acre property known as "Lanterman", lying on the
north side of the run into Zakiah Swamp (named for the Zachia Indian
tribe that lived in the area). Although I have not been able to
determine its exact location, this site was probably located just
north of Bryantown, Maryland. Today the southern portion of Zekiah
Swamp is a protected natural environment area.

Richard Edelen is believed to have had three wives. The first was
Sarah Hagan, daughter of Thomas and Mary Hagan of Charles County.
Sarah and Richard were married prior to 1713, and, since she lived at
least until 1727, is believed to be the mother of most of his
children. His second wife was reported to be Ann Neale, daughter of
Raphael Neale. His third wife, and widow, was Anne Gardiner (c. 1689-
1765), daughter of Ignatius and Sophia Craycroft, and widow of Luke
Gardiner
mentioned above. Eight children of Richard Edelen have been verified
(ref 4, 29, 31):

Richard Edelen married Margaret Neale, daughter of Lord Neale
of Wooleston Manor Mary Edelen married Benjamin Neale (Lord of
Wooleston Manor?)
Philip Edelen married Jane Gardiner*
Edward Edelen married Susannah Wathen
Thomas Edelen married Mary Blandford
Winifred Edelen married William Boarman
_____ Edelen married Bennett Neale
Jane Edelen married Thomas James Boarman

*they were step-brother & sister since Jane was the daughter
of Anne Gardiner, Richard Edelen's third wife.

In 1760, the son Philip Edelen was deeded the 635 acre plantation
"Lanterman" in Charles County , on which he resided. Richard Edelen
died shortly thereafter (ref 4). His will provided for his widow Anne
their dwelling plantation "Assington" lying on the east side of
Zekiah Swamp and located in the vicinity of the "Great Beaver Dam".
Several of his children and grandchildren were provided with land in
St. Mary's, Charles, and Prince George's Counties. A tantalizing
portion of the will of Richard Edelen reads as follows (ref 10):

"To Rev. George Hunter and his successors, in function or office, one
acre of land part of a tract called St. Thomas near Newport in
Charles Co., it being our family burying place and whereon our chapel
now stands."

I plan to search for this site on my next trip to Southern Maryland,
as this may be the burial location of several Edelen
ancestors."

Chris Edelen
http://www.ghgcorp.com/edelen/People1.html