James Sewall

James Sewall (1778-1842) was a U.S. officer in the War of 1812, public servant, and early railroad executive.

Family Sewall was the scion of a prominent Maryland family. His great-great-grandfather was Henry Sewall, who immigrated to St. Mary's County, Maryland, in 1660; became Secretary of the Province and Counselor; and received numerous parcels of land from Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore.

On February 14, 1809, he married Anna Maria Rudulph, daughter of Tobias Rudulph, a large landowner. Together, they had at least four children: James Sewall (1823-1881 ), Martha, Caroline, and Mary.

In 1811, he was elected president of the first bank in Elkton, Maryland. From 1816 to 1840, Sewall served as Clerk of the Circuit Court in Elkton.

Sometime between 1810 and 1820, Sewall built Holly Hall on land inherited by his wife. The Elkton mansion was the family seat for some decades and in 1976 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. He helped found Trinity Episcopal Church in Elkton in 1832.