Innovative Farmer & Community Leader
Rich Hill, the Charles County home of Col. Samuel Cox, played a quiet but pivotal role in the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, serving as a brief refuge point for John Wilkes Booth and David Herold in April 1865.
Samuel Cox was born November 22, 1819, to Hugh and Margaret Cox, who were first cousins. His mother’s father, Samuel Cox, and his father’s father, William Cox, were brothers.
Samuel Cox was educated at home until age 15 and then sent to the Charlotte Hall Military Academy in St. Mary’s County. He returned home three years later and followed in his father’s footsteps as a member of the wealthy planter class.
On December 6, 1842, Samuel Cox married his cousin, Wilmar Ann Cox, the daughter of Wilmar Cox, his mother’s brother. Wilmar Ann was named for her father, who died a few months before she was born.
Award Winning Farmer of Rich Hill
Samuel Cox inherited Rich Hill in 1849. Through his efforts and that of his father before him, Rich Hill farm prospered to 845 acres, larger than its initial 600 acres in 1666.
He was elected to the Executive Committee of the Charles County Agricultural Society in 1848 and both he and his wife received numerous accolades in a variety of categories each year from the Agricultural Exhibition, demonstrating their comprehensive wealth of Rich Hill farming activities.
The Friends of Rich Hill are grateful and happy to accept new members. Your support directly aids the preservation of this historic Maryland landmark.
Preserving the heritage of Southern Maryland
