Compton was patented in 1664 to James Elvard and acquired by William Stevens before 1700. William Stevens's grandson Samuel Stevens, Jr., served in the Legislature from 1808 to 1820 and was Governor of Maryland from 1822 to 1825. During his administration Jews were enfranchised. When Lafayette visited America in 1824–1825, Governor Stevens met him at Fort McHenry, Baltimore.