Rumsey, Benjamin, 1734-1808

<p>Benjamin Rumsey (October 6, 1734 – March 7, 1808) was an American jurist from Joppa, Maryland. He served as a delegate for Maryland in the Continental Congress in 1776 and 1777.[1] He served for over twenty-five years, beginning in 1778 until his retirement in 1806 as the first the chief judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals. His record of longevity still stands today.</p>

<p>Benjamin Rumsey was born at Bohemia Manor in Cecil County Province of Maryland. After attending Princeton, he read law and was admitted to the bar. He settled in Joppa about 1768 and lived there the rest of his life.</p>

<p>Rumsey was first elected to Maryland's lower house in 1771 as a member for Cecil County. After Harford County was formed in 1773, he represented it. He also represented the county in the Maryland conventions held between 1774 and 1776. Maryland sent him as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776 and 1777.</p>

RUMSEY, Benjamin, a Delegate from Maryland; born in Bohemia Manor, Cecil County, Md., October 6, 1734; attended Princeton College; member of the Maryland convention of December 29, 1775; was appointed by the provincial convention colonel of the Lower Battalion of Harford County in 1776; member of the council of safety in 1776; Member of the Continental Congress 1776-1777; chief justice of the Maryland Court of Appeals from 1778 to 1805, when he resigned; died in Joppa, Harford County, Md., March 7, 1808; interment in the Old St. John's Cemetery.

<ul><b>RACES</b>
<li>12/31/1776 MD Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
</ul>