James Brice

James Brice (August 26, 1746 – July 11, 1801)[1] was an American planter, lawyer, and politician from Annapolis, Maryland.[2] He was Governor of Maryland in 1792, and one of the largest land owners on the east coast.

James Brice
portrait by Charles Willson Peale, 1788
Governor of Maryland
In office February 10, 1792 – April 5, 1792
Preceded by	George Plater
Succeeded by	Thomas S. Lee
Mayor of Annapolis, Maryland
In office 1782–1783
Preceded by	John Bullen
Succeeded by	Jeremiah Chase
In office 1787–1788
Preceded by	Allen Quynn
Succeeded by	John Bullen
Personal details
Born	August 26, 1746 Annapolis, Province of Maryland, British America
Died	July 11, 1801 (aged 54) Annapolis, Maryland, U.S.

James was born in Annapolis and was the son of John Brice, Jr. and Sarah Frisby Brice. He practiced law in Annapolis and married Juliana Jennings in 1781. The couple would have five children: Julia, Anne, Elizabeth, James, Thomas, John.

Brice began his political career as tax commissioner for the county and as an alderman in Annapolis. In 1777 he became a member of the Maryland Governor's Council, a post he held until 1799. As the senior member of the council, Brice became acting governor when Governor George Plater died on February 10, 1792. He stepped down after Thomas Sim Lee was elected and sworn in on April 2.

Brice also served as Mayor of Annapolis in 1782-1783 and again in 1787-1788. He represented Maryland as a Presidential Elector twice, both times voting for George Washington. He served as treasurer for the city of Annapolis from 1784 until his death.

James died in Annapolis, and was survived by his wife Juliana and all five children; who left and settled in Topping, Virginia. The last known family members are Judge James Brice and Jimmy Brice of Roanoke, Virginia. Jimmy Brice's son James Brice III is the last male in the Brice family residing in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

References

1. "James Brice (1746-1801)". Archives of Maryland. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
2. "Maryland Governor James Brice". National Governors Association. National Governors Association. Retrieved December 21, 2014.