William Paca

Ancestor Number

A085492 »

Date of Birth

October 31, 1740

Place of Birth

Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Date of Death

October 23,1799

Place of Death

Wye Plantation, Queen Anne’s County, Maryland

Spouse(s)

Mary Chew, Anna Harrison White

Children

John Philemon, Henry, William, Henrietta Maria, Henrietta Maria, Hester, Henrietta Maria, Henry

American Revolution Service

Signer of the Declaration of Independence

State of Service

Maryland

Donor

Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

In the words of Benjamin Rush, William Paca “was beloved and respected by all who knew him, and considered at all times as a sincere patriot and honest man.”

William Paca was born to John Paca and Elizabeth Smith, on October 31, 1740, near Baltimore, Maryland. As the second son, William was not entitled to his father’s estate; instead, he was educated at the College of Philadelphia, graduating with a Master’s degree. He subsequently studied law in Annapolis and at the Middle Temple, in London.

In 1763, Paca married Mary “Molly” Chew, the daughter of Samuel Chew and Henrietta Maria Lloyd. They would build a house on Wye Island, a property that came as part of Molly’s marriage dower. William and Mary had three children: Henrietta Maria (1764–1767), John Philemon (1771–1840) and William (1774–1779). In addition to their three children, they became the guardian of their niece, Henrietta Maria (1768–1770).

William Paca worked in a law office in Annapolis, where he formed a friendship with another young lawyer, Samuel Chase.

They were more than just colleagues; they shared an opposition to the Stamp Act (1765). This common thread inspired them to organize the Annapolis Sons of Liberty.

Paca was elected as a delegate to the 1st and 2nd Constitutional Conventions (1774–1776). He would sign the Declaration of Independence, pledging his life, his fortune and his sacred honor.

After the death of his wifein 1774, Paca fathered two children out of wedlock: Hester (1775–1793), whose mother Levina was a free woman of color, and Henrietta Maria (1777–1850) the daughter of Sarah Joice. His daughter Henrietta Maria became the third wife of Thomas Grafton Addison.

In 1777, Paca married Anna Harrison White and they had one child, Henry (1778–1781).

Paca served in the Maryland Senate (1777–1780) and as a judge on the Admiralty Court (1780–1782) and as Governor of Maryland (1782–1784).

He served on the U.S. District Court from 1789 until his death, on October 23, 1799. He was buried in the family graveyard on Wye Plantation, Queen Anne’s County, Maryland.