Francis Otwell ¹

Edward Bregenzer also writes: "From the 1650s through the 1700s the Otwells were some of the original pioneer families to populate the areas of Nanticoke, Pocomoke, Rehobeth and Dagsboro communities. Living on the Eastern shore in early Maryland were the families of William (1624-1690), Francis of Bashaw (1630-1645), Charles of Nanticoke (1675-1745), Francis Sr. of Pokomoke (1675-1775) and Solomon of Somerset (1715-1755).

On Mar 6 1711, James Train and his wife Temperance sold 200a land tract "Bashaw" to Francis Otwell for 3400 lbs of tobacco (SoLR-CD:609). On Mar 11 1754, Francis Otwell sold 57a of "Bashaw" to Darby Riggin (WoLR-C:116). "Bashaw" is located on the Worcester Co., MD side of Dividing Creek back in the Pocomoke Forest where Wildlife Lane and Whitesburg Road intersect in the modern day (2017).

Francis Otwell was named in the settlement of his wife's former husband's estate on Jan 19 1739 at Somerset Co, MD. The administration account of the estate of Thomas Gray was submitted by Mary Otwell, wife of Francis Otwell. Legatees: Mary Gary, wife of William Stevens; Jane wife of Ambrose Riggin; Rachel Gray. Payments to: John Henry, Jemima Townsend per her husband (unnamed). He sold land on Feb 13 1745 at Somerset Co, MD where it stated that in 1732 Thomas Gray willed 250 acres of this tract to son Solomon Gray and on this date Solomon Gray sold to Angelo Atkinson 113 acres of tracts "Labour" and "Moorfields." The deed was signed by Solomon Gray, Francis Ottwell and wife Mary Ottwell, widow of Thomas Gray and mother of Solomon. (WoLR-A:385, 388)

Francis Otwell wrote his will on May 19 1755 and it was proven in Worcester Co. on May 30 1757
- To son Charles, the plantation whereon he now lives divided from the plantation whereon I live by a line of trees to be quietly and peacefully used while he lives, then it to go to son James Otwell
- To son James, the rest of the land whereon I now live, he also to get my hand mill, plough and harrow, a pair of iron wedges, all the rest of my iron tools and two iron pots the largest
- To son James to be executor of this will
Witnesses: John Sheldon, Peter Corbin, P. Taylor (WoW-1742/59:166)

Francis married Mary (?) about 1733 in Somerset Co., MD. (Mary (?) was born about 1700 and died in 1745-1754 in Worcester Co., MD.)