The three records below show that Cornelius Maddock sued Dr. Edward Maddock – his presumptive father – for 1,000 pounds of tobacco in 1684.  These are the only known records that demonstrate an established relationship between the two men.

At first blush, these records indicated to me that Edward was not Cornelius’ father, since the father-son relationship probably would have prevented such a lawsuit.  But then it dawned on me that this suit actually supports a father-son relationship, if this suit is a result of Edward’s death (some believe he died around 1683, but others claim he died in 1690).  If he died in 1683 or thereabouts, Cornelius might have been suing to receive an expected payout or debt from Edward’s estate.

Very interestingly, this suit was settled on 11 March 1685.  Cornelius wed Mary Smallwood on 16 March 1685.

Oct. 28, 1684-Nov. 11, 1684 – Cornelius Maddocke vs. Edward Maddocke for 1000 lbs. tobacco. Edward Maddocke appears by his attorney Edmund Dennis. (Charles Co., Md. Circuit Court, Liber L, p. 15.)

Nov. 12, 1684-Jan. 13, 1684/5 – Cornelius Maddocke vs. Edward Maddocke for 1000 lbs. of tobacco. The said action is continued. (Charles Co., Md. Circuit Court, Liber L, p. 69.)

Mar. 11, 1684/5 – Cornelius Maddock, merchant vs. Edward Maddock, surgeon. Suit on Edward’s note to Cornelius of Sep. 17, 1684 for 1070 lbs. of tobacco. Edward admits that he owes Cornelius 1000 lbs. of tobacco. Judgment for Cornelius for 1000 lbs. of tobacco. (Charles Co., Md. Circuit Court, Liber L, pp. 106-7.)