Caleb Dorsey (1710-1772)
Iron Founder of "Belmont" near Elkridge, Howard Co., Maryland
His father gifted him land amounting to just under 1,600-acres in 1732. On the land that was rich in iron ore he built mines, forges and furnaces, shipping the output from the port at Elk Ridge Landing. In 1735, he married Priscilla, daughter of Henry Hill, and they had ten children. In 1738, they built "Belmont" (see images), a rambling 2-story house that was still owned by their descendants in 2009, situated at Elkridge on the tract of land called Moore's Morning Choice. Built on an eminence overlooking the Patapsco Valley, on a clear day the view went as far as the bay.
