Below a Michael Branson bought land "Canterbury" in 1729 and sold it in 1744. The last line says his wife was Rebecca. Does anyone have a clue who this Rebecca might have been? Also a Michael Branson acquired 100 acres of "Beard's Choice in 1732 along with George Whitter who also is listed with 100 acres. Previously in 1705/1707 this land was owned by Robert Beard, John Cissell and William Meakin. Any insight about this is also appreciated. My direct line is the Bransons. It starts with Thomas the immigrant who died in 1683. His wife Ann - maiden name unknown. I strongly suspect that she was a Gerrard or a Garrett as their son John used this as a first name in 1706/7 and this is a common occurrence in the family. Charles County Land Records, Liber M#2 Page 153. At the request of Michal Branson of St Mary's County, the following deed was recorded this May 14, 1729. Apr 10, 1729 from James Husband of Cecil County, planter, to Michael Branson of St Mary's County, planter. Thomas Salmon of St Mary's County had surveyed and laid out for him, a tract of land in St Mary's County, but since the division of the counties, in CC, called Canterbury, bounded by a fresh run near the land of John Hunt called Hunts venture, containing about 200 acres, as by the patent thereof, dated Jun 10, 1671. Sd Salmon, on Jun 24, 1686, conveyed the same land and premises to William Husband of St Mary's County, by deed. Sd William Husband, by his will dated in Cecil County Mar 25, 1717, bequeathed sd land and premises to his eldest son, James Husband. Sd James Husband afterwards sold part of the sd land to Laurance Lant of St Marv's County, bounded by sd tract called Canterbury, containing about 100 acres. Now this deed further witnesses that the sd James Husband, for 6000 lbs of tobacco and for divers other good causes, does sell to sd Michael Branson all that tract of land called Canterbury (so much as is already conveyed to sd Lawrance Lant excepted). Signed - James Husband. Wit - Jno Briscoe*, Robt Yates*. === Charles County Land Record Book X No. 2, 1743-1744; Page 109. At the request of Lawrence Lent, the following deed was recorded on Jun 11, 1744. May 15, 1744 from Michael Branson of CC, planter, to Lawrence Lent of CC. Thomas Salmon of St Mary's County, had surveyed and laid out for him a tract of land then lying in St Mary's county, but since the division of the Counties in CC, called Canterbury, bounded by the north side of a Fresh Run near the land of John Hunt called Hunts Venture, containing about 200 acres, by the patent thereof dated Jun 10, 1671. Said Thomas Salmon, on Jun 24, 1686, conveyed the land to William Husband of St Mary's County. Said William Husband, by his will dated in afd county Mar 25, 1717, bequeathed the land to his elder son, James Husband. Said James Husband afterwards conveyed the land to the afd Lawrence Lent, containing about 100 acres. Now this deed further witnesses that Michael Branson, for 9000 lbs tobacco and 1 cow & calf, and for divers other good causes, has sold to sd Lent all that parcel of that tract of land called Canterbery. Signed - Michael (MB his mark) Branson. Wit - Allen Davies, Young Parran. Rebecca, the wife of the said Michael Branson, released her dower

The Maryland Calendar Of Wills Compiled And Edited By Jane Baldwin (Jane Baldwin Cotton) Wills From 1738 To 1743 Volume VIII. Family Line Publications Westminster, Maryland 1988; p. 260 Barber, Elias, St. Mary's Co., 24th Dec., 1743; 27th Dec., 1743. To bro. John, cousins Baptist, Cornelius, Edward son of Luke and Rebecca and Abram Branson and to Thomas Greenfield and Edward Barber, Sr., personalty including that now with Vincent Taylor. To sisters Elizabeth Power, Eleanor Sanders, Margaret Taylor, 1s. each. " cousin Baptist, residue of estate. Ex.: ---. Test: James Fysye, Peter Moran, John Elliott, Mevril Haulks. 23.458.