Col. Charles Ridgely II, "Charles The Merchant" (1702–1772), of "Ridgely's Whim", was a Justice, planter, merchant, ironmaster, and member of the General Assembly of Maryland's lower chamber, House of Delegates and one of Baltimore County's commissioners. Charles II was the son of Charles Ridgely I, (known as "Charles the Planter"), (c. 1670 – 1705), and Deborah Dorsey (c. 1685 – 1752), daughter of Hon. John Dorsey.