Rumsey, Benjamin, 1734-1808

Benjamin Rumsey (October 6, 1734 – March 7, 1808) was an American lawyer, jurist, and statesman from Joppa, Maryland.

Born at Bohemia Manor in Cecil County in the Province of Maryland, Rumsey attended Princeton College, read law, and was admitted to the bar. Rumsey was first elected to Maryland's lower house in 1771 as a member for Cecil County. Following the organization of Harford County in 1773, he represented it. Rumsey 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. Following the creation of the Maryland Court of Appeals, Rumsey was appointed as its first chief justice; he held that post until his retirement in 1806. He died in Joppa and was buried in the Old St. John's Church Cemetery there.