#52 Ancestors 2023 Week 45 War and Peace: Col. Alexander Somervell

 My 6X great grandfather, Colonel Alexander Somervell, made a mark on his community both in war and in peace. 

Alexander Somervell was born in Christ Church Parish, Port Republic, Calvert County MD in 1734, the son of the immigrant, Dr. James Somervell  (about whom I have previously written) and Sarah Howe Somervell, the youngest of their four children. 

MD State House

Somervell was an ensign in the county militia by 1757 and later served in the Continental Army as a
colonel. The legislature rewarded him in 1765 for his service in the French and Indian War. He served as the High Sheriff of Calvert County from 1769 to 1772.  He was a member of the Maryland Assembly in 1774 and served in the Continental Congress in 1775.

In 1762, Alexander inherited land in Calvert County and a warehouse from his brother John, so he was probably engaged in farming and some kind of merchant activity.

Col. Somervell was also active in his Christ Church parish at Port Republic, helping to build a new church on the site in 1772, a building which is still in use today. 

On the south wall of the present edifice is a tablet to the memory of Col. Alexander Somervell, the builder of the church. The name of Somervell, spelled in different ways, is found in many of the private burial grounds of the county, and it represents a family known for its attachment to the traditions of the Episcopal Church. The inscription is: In memory of Col. Alexander Somerville and Rebecca his wife Decessus 1783 AEtatis 49 Decessa 1812 AEtatis 72.

Alexander Somervell married Rebecca Dawkins, the daughter of William Dawkins and Dorcas Mackall, in December 1759 at Christ Church.  Alexander and Rebecca had two sons and two daughters:

Thomas Somervell 1760 (no further information)

Dr. William Dawkins Somervell (my 5X great Grandfather) 1763-1816; he married Elizabeth Wilson Ireland in 1795 in Calvert County and had four daughters and two sons with her, including my 4x great grandfather, Alexander Somervell. 

Rebecca Somervell 1765-1837; she married James Duke in 1786 in Calvert County and had four sons and three daughters with him. 

Sarah Somervell 1770; she married Joseph Leonard and moved to Kentucky, where she died sometime after the 1850 Census. 

Col. Alexander Somervell died in Calvert County in 1783, leaving a considerable estate: 490 acres of land in Calvert County plus a lot and warehouse in St. Leonard's Creek town. His personal property was more than L1000 including 27 slaves. 

Rebecca Dawkins Somervell died in Calvert County MD in November 1812.