Historic Pelham

Presenting the rich history of Pelham, NY in Westchester County: current historical research, descriptions of how to research Pelham history online and genealogy discussions of Pelham families.

Friday, March 30, 2007

Biographical Information for Philip Pell Published in 1895

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Philip Pell was one of Pelham's most distinguished citizens in the last three centuries. I have written about Pell on a number of occasions. See, e.g.:

Thur., August 24, 2006: Philip Pell of the Manor of Pelham: An Early Victim of the "Spoils System" in New York at the Turn of the 19th Century

Mon., July 17, 2006: 1780 Letter to George Clinton from American Patriot Philip Pell of Pelham Manor, Commissary of Prisoners of the State of New York

Thur., April 20, 2006: 1788 Campaign Broadside Urging Support for Candidate Opposing Philip Pell of Pelham Manor

Today's Historic Pelham Blog posting transcribes biographical data about Philip Pell published in the January 1895 issue of The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. The text appears immediately below, followed by a citation to its source.

"Philip Pell was born July 7, 1753. He was the eldest son of Philip and Gloriana (Treadwell) Pell, and grandson of Philip, who married, March 5, 1731, Hannah Mott, and was the son of Thomas Pell, who died in 1739. He inherited Pelham Manor from John Pell, his gather, the emigrant ancestor, to whom it was granted by Governor Dongan in 1687.

In 1776, Philip Pell was commissioned lieutenant and commissary of prisoners; but his name does not appear in the register of Continental officers.

Philip Pell married, July 26, 1777, Mary Ward, born June 6, 1754; she died August 15, 1781. She was daughter of Judge Stephen Ward and Ruth Gedney, his wife. After her death he married Ann Lewis. He had one son, Philip Pell, born in 1780; married Elizabeth, daughter of David Roberts. They had Ward, Philip and Mary. He died in 1826.

The graduate Philip Pell was elected member of New York Legislature, 1779 to 1781 and 1784 to 1786, from Westchester; Sheriff, 1787; Surrogate, Westchester, from March, 1787, to October, 1800; Delegate to Congress, 1788. He was also one of the first regents of the University, New York State, 1784, and died 1803."

Source: Greene, Richard H., King's (Now Columbia) College, and its Earliest Alumni in The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, Vol. XXVI, No. 1, p. 10 (NY, NY: The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, Jan. 1895).

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Thursday, March 29, 2007

Index to Transcripts of Wills and Abstracts of Wills Prepared by Early Pelham Residents


I have completed the transcription of 17th, 18th and early 19th century wills and abstracts of wills of residents of Pelham of which I currently am aware. Because those materials are scattered throughout the Historic Pelham Blog, I am providing an index to those materials in today's posting.

Wed. Mar. 7, 2007: Published Abstract of 1669 Will of Thomas Pell, Followed by Entire Text of Will of Thomas Pell

Tue. Mar. 6, 2007: Abstract of Will of William Kerke of Pelham Manor Prepared in 1713 and Proved in 1719

Thu. Mar. 8, 2007: Abstract of Will of Thomas Pearsall of Spectacle Island Prepared in 1723 and Proved in 1732

Mon. Feb. 5, 2007: Abstract of 1735 Will of David Pell of the Manor of Pelham

Fri. Mar. 9, 2007: Abstract of Will of Philip Pell, Sr. of the Manor of Pelham Prepared in 1751 and Proved in 1752

Mon. Mar. 12, 2007: Abstract of Will of Thomas Pell Sr. of the Manor of Pelham Prepared in 1739 and Proved in 1752

Tue. Nov. 28, 2006: Abstract of 1752 Will of Thomas Pell, Jr. of the Manor of Pelham

Tue. Mar. 13, 2007: Abstract of 1752 Will of Joseph Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Proved September 28, 1752

Wed. Nov. 29, 2006: Abstract of 1752 Will of Joseph Pell of the Manor of Pelham

Wed. Mar. 14, 2007: Abstract of Will of Andrew Allaire of the Manor of Pelham Prepared in 1752 and Proved in 1753

Thu. Mar. 15, 2007: Abstract of Will of Isaac Contine of the Manor of Pelham Prepared in 1752 and Proved in 1753

Fri. Mar. 16, 2007: Abstract of Will of Thomas Pell of Eastchester, Owner of Lands in Pelham Manor, Prepared in 1753 and Proved in 1754

Tue. Sep. 5, 2006: Will Prepared by Joshua Pell, Sr. in 1758 Included Disposition of Slaves

Mon. Mar. 19, 2007: Abstract of 1768 Will of Caleb Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Proved April 9, 1768

Thu. Nov. 30, 2006: Abstract of 1768 Will of Caleb Pell of the Manor of Pelham

Tue. Mar. 20, 2007: Abstract of 1768 Will of John Pugsley of the Manor of Pelham, Proved December 31, 1768

Mon. Dec. 4, 2006: Abstract of 1768 Will of John Pugsley of the Manor of Pelham

Wed. Feb. 14, 2007: Abstract of 1772 Will of Mary Pell of the Manor of Pelham

Wed. Mar. 21, 2007: Abstract of Will of Rebecca Palmer, Owner of Land on City Island in Pelham, Prepared in 1771 and Proved April 10, 1773

Tue. Feb. 13, 2007: Abstract of 1773 Will of John Pell of the Manor of Pelham

Thu. Mar. 22, 2007: Abstract of Will of John Hunt, Owner of Land on "Mineford's Island" in the Manor of Pelham Prepared in 1776 and Proved June 17, 1777

Fri. Dec. 1, 2006: Abstract of 1779 Will of John Pell of the Manor of Pelham

Wed. Sep. 27, 2006: Abstract of 1779 Will of Samuel Roman of the Manor of Pelham in Westchester County

Fri. Mar. 23, 2007: Abstract of Will of Samuel Rodman of the Manor of Pelham Prepared in 1779 and Proved May 8, 1780

Tue. Mar. 27, 2007: 1791 Will of Benjamin Guion of the Town of Pelham

Mon. Mar. 26, 2007: Will of Elizabeth Guion of the Town of Pelham Made in 1789 and Proved on October 5, 1791

Fri. Mar. 31, 2006: Text of 1804 Will of Alexander Henderson, Owner of the Island Later Known as Hunter's Island

Mon. Apr. 3, 2006: 1805 Will of William Bayley of Pelham Included Disposition of Slaves

Wed. Mar. 28, 2007: Will of Esaie Guion of the Town of Pelham Made in 1816 and Proved June 2, 1819

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Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Will of Esaie Guion of the Town of Pelham Made in 1816 and Proved June 2, 1819


As regular readers of the Historic Pelham Blog now know, I recently have been working to accumulate a large collection of wills and will abstracts for 17th, 18th and early 19th century residents of Pelham. I have been reviewing a publication prepared in 1951 by the New Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. That organization prepared and distributed a typewritten manuscript entitled "OLD WILLS OF NEW ROCHELLE Copies of Wills By Citizens of New Rochelle, N. Y. 1784-1830".

The manuscript includes transcriptions of a number of wills of early residents of the Town of Pelham. One such will was that of Esaie Guion of the Town of Pelham prepared on October 19, 1816 and proved on June 2, 1819. The text of that will appears below, followed by a citation to its source.

"ESAIE GUION

Liber I of Wills, page 221. Oct. 19, 1816

I, Esaie Guion, of the Town of Pelham, in the County of Westchester, being infirm in body, but of sound disposing mind and memory yet considering the uncertainty of life am therefore inclined by these presents to settle and adjust my worldly affairs in the following manner, meaning and designing this to be my last will and testament, and First of all I order and direct my Just debts and funeral Expenses to be paid by my Executors here in after named. Secondly, I give the possession use and enjoyment of all my land and buildings thereon situate in the Town of Pelham aforesaid to my stepdaughter, Elizabeth Joye, the daughter of my first wife for and during so long as she shall remain Single and unmarried without commitment of wast, but she is nevertheless to have and take off the Same her reasonable and necessary fire wood during the term aforesaid and I do hereby allow my said stepDaughter to Take and appropriate to her own use all the provision and provender for man and beast growing and being on the premises at the time of my decease. Thirdly: - I do give and bequeath to my said Stepdaughter Elizabeth all the moveables which which [sic] did belong to her Mother also the choice of two cows, one Horse, and two hogs out of my stock, and such farming utensills as she may think proper to take, and as many casks, tubs, Pails and Kellers, as she may want, also six chairs, one Tea Stand and one large Table, six puter Plates, one large Platter, the best builsted chest, one trammel, one pair shovel and tongs, one pair of bellows, two Iron kettles, one Brass Kettle, a half dozen Knives and foks and my warming Pan. Fourthly: - All my moveable Estate not before disposed of I order and direct my Executors to sell as soon as conveniently may be after my decease, and to collect my debts and out of the money arising therefrom and such of my money as then may be in my house I do authorize my Executors to pay to the aforesaid Elizabeth Joye one hundred pounds current money of New York if that sum can be raised, but if not, to be paid when a final division is made, also one sled. Fifthly: - That whenever my said Step daughter Elizabeth Joye shall marry or die whichever may happen first, I do order and direct my Executors or the Survivors or Survivor of them to sell and dispose of all my Real Estate in such manner as they shall Judge most beneficial and advantageous and do empower them to give a good and [Page 105 / Page 106] sufficient Title for the same to the purchaser thereof, and all the money arising of Real and Personal Estate to be given or paid as hereinafter mentioned, that is to say, my God child Esaie, son of Elias Guion, to be an equal Heir with all my brothers and Sisters children, Beginning with Susannahs Soulices children, First, William Landrine, Joshua Soulice, Elizabeth and Susannah, 2ndly, My brother Elias Guion's children Elias Guion, Magdalene and Mary Elizabeth, 3rdly My Brother Benjamin Guion's children Susannah and Phoebe, all the before named My god child, My brothers and Sister's children to them and their Heirs I give and bequeath to them Each an equal dividend or share and share alike, except Susannah, my brother Benjamin's daughter, her portion being to her only, if she is living and shall come forward to receive it her self when a final dividend is made or within two years after she shall receive the same - but if she does not appear within the time aforesaid I order the Same to be given or paid to her sister Phebe the same as her own Legacy and what ever of my wearing apparel remaineth shall be divided between William Landrine, Joshua Soulice and Elias Guion and Lastly I do nominate, constitute and appoint my aforesaid three Nephews, William Landrine, Joshua Soulice and Elias Guion and Elizabeth Joye to be the Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and disallowing all others by me before this time made. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the Nineteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred sixteen. 1816 Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Esaie Guion as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us the subscribing Witnesses in his presence and in the presence of each other.

Esaie Guion (L.S.)

Laban Russel
Thomas Shute
John Seacord

Proved June 2, 1819 by deposition of Thomas Shute of New Rochelle. Letters Testamentary issued June 2 1819 to Joshua Soulice and Elias Guion two of the Executors named in the will. Recorded in Liber I of Wills page 220.

..........................................

NOTE: Esaie Guion, the maker of the above will, (Liber I, page 221) was the son of Aman Guion and his wife, Elizabeth Samson. He was born August 26, 1736 and bap- [Page 106 / Page 107] tized in the Anglican Church (now Trinity) on September 19, 1736.

In his will Esaie Guion refers to his step-daughter Elizabeth Joye, the child of his first wife; but there is no record of either of his marriages nor is the name of either wife known. His second wife must have died before 1816, when the will of Esaie was made, for she is not mentioned in it.

The baptism record of Elizabeth Joye is found in the records of the Anglican Church as follows:

Baptized 'August 17, 1760, Elizabeth, daughter of James Joye.' The birth date is left blank and the name of the mother is not entered. The sponsors are 'The father and mother.' The entry is in English and the baptism was by the Rev. Mr. Barclay.

A James Joye was one of the witnesses to the will of James Perout, Jr., of New Rochelle, April 9, 1758, and he is given on the proving of the will as a blacksmith.

In the Old Huguenot Burying Ground is a stone marked 'E G 1785'. Presumably, this is the stone for Esaie Guion's wife, and not unlikely her name was Elizabeth. The stone can not be that of Elizabeth Guion, sister of Esaie, for her will is dated 1789. To that will Elizabeth Joye, the daughter, was a witness and proved the will on October 5, 1791.

Esaie Guion is said to have been a collector of cats. At one time he had 21, all told."

Source: ESAIE GUION in OLD WILLS OF NEW ROCHELLE Copies of Wills By Citizens of New Rochelle, N.Y. 1784-1830, pp. 105-07 (New Rochelle, NY: 1951) (typewritten manuscript prepared by New Rochelle Chapter, Daughts of the American Revolution).

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Tuesday, March 27, 2007

1791 Will of Benjamin Guion of the Town of Pelham


As previously noted, in 1951, the New Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution prepared and distributed a typewritten manuscript entitled "OLD WILLS OF NEW ROCHELLE Copies of Wills By Citizens of New Rochelle, N. Y. 1784-1830". The manuscript includes transcriptions of a number of wills of early residents of the Town of Pelham.

One such will was that of Benjamin Guion of the Town of Pelham prepared on August 15, 1791 and proved on September 24, 1791. The text of that will appears below, followed by a citation to its source.

"BENJAMIN GUION

Liber B of Wills, page 188 Aug. 15, 1791

In the name of God Amen, I Benjamin Guion of Pelham in the County of West Chester and State of New York, being sick and Weak of body but of a sound disposing mind memory and understanding Do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following: First I order my just debts and funeral charges to be paid by my Executors hereafter named. Secondly I give to my wife Sarah the One third of all my real Estate and the room in the south west end of my house during her Widowhood. Thirdly, I give to my sister Elisabeth Guion that part of my house where she now lives to-wit: The Northeast and thereof, her firewood and Victuals as long as she shall live. Fourthly, I give all the remainder of my real Estate (or all my real Estate) to be divided at the Death or re-marriage of my said wife to my daughters Elizabeth, Susanna, Phebe and Mary or the survivor or survivors of them to be sold or divided as they and my Executors hereafter named shall thin most adviseable. Fifthly, All my personal estate I give to my said daughters share and share alike to be divided to them respectively as they come of age or marry, by my Executors hereafter mentioned. Except the bed, bedding and furniture which at present belongs to and is claimed by my wife and also my Negro man named Pomp, who I hereby give her if he is contented to live with her in peace, if not she may dispose of him as she thinks proper. I think it would be best not to sell the real Estate if any of my daughters remain unmarried at the death or remarriage of my said Wife Though I am free and it is my will they use their discretion. And if they or the survivors of them or who of them shall take upon themselves the execution of this my will shall think it most advisable, I hereby impower them in any manner they may they may [sic] think fit to sell it and to give good and sufficient deeds in law to the purchaser or purchasers. It is also my wil that all my stock of cattle Horses, Hogs together with my farming utensils, remain this and the ensuing year on the farm for the use of my Wife Sister and Children and longer even as long as my Executors hereafter named shall observe my wife to manage with prudence & Discretion. Lastly I hereby nominate & appoint my brother Elias Guion & ye Revd Theodocius Bartow executors and my daughter Elizabeth executrix of this my last Will and Testament. In [Page 21 / Page 22] Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Ninety one.

Benjamin Guion (L. S.)

Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the said Benjamin Guion as & for his last will and testament In presence of us who subscribe our names as Witnesses thereto in the presence of the testator & in the presence of each other.

N.B. The word 'fourthly' wrote on the margin, the word 'to' interlined, the word 'my' interlined, the word 'manage' wrote over an erasure, the word 'Last' interlined before signed.

Philip Pell
Francis LeCont
Theos Bartow

Proved September 24, 1791 by deposition of Francis LeCont, carpenter.

...............................................................

NOTE: Benjamin Guion, the maker of the above will, (Liber B, page 188) was the son of Aman Guion of New Rochelle and his wife Elizabeth Samson. He was born February 8, 1731 and was baptized February 28, 1731 in the Anglican Church, (now Trinity) New Rochelle. He married Sarah Pell, daughter of Joshua Pell and settled in Pelham on a farm close to the New Rochelle Town line."

Source: BENJAMIN GUION in OLD WILLS OF NEW ROCHELLE Copies of Wills By Citizens of New Rochelle, N.Y. 1784-1830, pp. 21-22 (New Rochelle, NY: 1951) (typewritten manuscript prepared by New Rochelle Chapter, Daughts of the American Revolution).

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Monday, March 26, 2007

Will of Elizabeth Guion of the Town of Pelham Made in 1789 and Proved on October 5, 1791


In 1951, the New Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution prepared and distributed a typewritten manuscript entitled "OLD WILLS OF NEW ROCHELLE Copies of Wills By Citizens of New Rochelle, N. Y. 1784-1830". The manuscript includes transcriptions of a number of wills of early residents of the Town of Pelham.

One such will was that of Elizabeth Guion of the Town of Pelham prepared on August 12, 1789 and proved on October 5, 1791. The text of that will appears below, followed by a citation to its source.

"ELIZABETH GUION

Liber B of Wills, page 190 (Typewritten Liber) Aug. 12, 1789

In the Name of God Amen, I, Elizabeth Guion of the Town of Pelham in the County of Westchester being weak in body and in a low state of health but of sound disposing mind and memory - Do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament. In the first place I recommend my Soul into the hands of that merciful God who gave it to me and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my Executors here after mentioned. And as to the Worldly Estate with which it has pleased God to bless me, I dispose of th same in the manner following. After payment of my just Debts I give and bequeath to my sister Susanah Solice the sum of Fifteen Pounds to her and her Heirs and Assigns forever, also a pair of Hatchels and my light Callico gown. Secondly I give and bequeath to my Nephew William Landrine the sum of Five pounds. Thirdly, I give and bequeath to my Nephew Joshua Solice the sum of Five pounds. Fourthly I give and bequeath to my Niece Elizabeth Soulice the sum of Five pounds. Fifthly, I give and bequeath to my Niece Susannah Solice my builstead Cupboard being of the price of Five pounds. Sixthly I give and bequeath to my Niece Elizabeth daughter of my Brother Benjamin the sum of Ten pounds, and my bed and curtains and the furni- [Page 13 / Page 14] ture belonging to it. Also my brown India Chintz gown, brown Camblet gown, silk Cloak, blue quilted petticoat, half dozen of silver spoons and tea tongs, a gold stone ring and my builstead chest and a tea kettle. Seventhly I give and bequeath to my Niece Susannah daughter of my Brother Benjamin the sum of Ten pounds my striped callico gown and a plain gold ring. Eighthly I give and bequeath to my Niece Phoebe daughter of my brother Benjamin the sum of Ten pounds and one plain gold ring. Ninthly I give and bequeath to my Niece Mary daughter of my Brother Benjamin the sum of Ten pounds. Tenthly I give and bequeath to each of my Brother Elias's children the sum of Five pounds. Eleventhly I give and bequeath to my sister Susannah Solice and her two daughters and the daughters of my brother Benjamin all my linen china ware and tea table articles and pewter and earthern ware to be equally divided between them as equally as may be. And it is my Will that the several Sums of money hereby given to my nieces as well as the other Articles hereby given to them shall be paid and delivered to them as they respectively arrive to lawfull age or sooner if my Executors think proper And further that if my money when collected shall exceed the amount of the several Legacies hereby given that the same shall be encreased in proportion t the sum given, and if it shall fall short of the amount of the said Legacies that then the same shall abate in like proportion. And I do further direct that my Negroes be sold within some convenient time after my decease nevertheless allowing them an opportunity of looking for and choosing masters. Lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my loving Brothers Benjamin Guion and Esaie Guion Executors of this my Last Will and Testament hereby declaring this only to be my last Will. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seale this Twelfth day of August in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and Eighty nine.

Elizabeth Guion (L.S.)

Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the said Elizabeth Guoin as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who hereto set our hands as witnesses thereto in her presence.

Elizabeth Joy Philip Pell

Proved October 5, 1791 by deposition of Elizabeth Joy. Oath of office taken by Esaie Guion one of the Executors named in the will October 5, 1791. [Page 14 / Page 15]

No Letters Testamentary recorded.

......................................................................

NOTE: Elizabeth Guion, the maker of the above will, (Liber B, page 190) was the daughter of Aman Guion of New Rochelle and his wife, Elisabeth Samson. She appears to have been living with her brother, Esaie Guion, in Pelham, at the time of her death."

Source: ELIZABETH GUION in OLD WILLS OF NEW ROCHELLE Copies of Wills By Citizens of New Rochelle, N.Y. 1784-1830, pp. 13-15 (New Rochelle, NY: 1951) (typewritten manuscript prepared by New Rochelle Chapter, Daughts of the American Revolution).

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Friday, March 23, 2007

Abstract of Will of Samuel Rodman of the Manor of Pelham Prepared in 1779 and Proved May 8, 1780


The following is an abstract of the will of Samuel Rodman of the Manor of Pelham prepared in 1779 and proved May 8, 1780. A citation to the source of the abstract follows the text.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 32. . . .

Page 240. -- 'I, SAMUEL RODMAN, of the manor of Pelham, in Westchester County. I leave to my son Joseph one half of my island called Hart Island, lying in the Sound before the manor of Pelham; also £300, and my wearing apparell and one English mare. I leave to my sons, William and Samuel, all my Neck of land and meadow where I now live, with all buildings, which I bought of Thomas Pell; also my stock of horses and cattle. I leave to my daughter, Sarah Bleecker, £300. To Miriam Hicks, daughter of Deborah Hicks, £50; to her sister, Elizabeth Hicks, £25. To my granddaughter, Sarah Bertine, £100, and the money due me on a bond from Peter Bertine and his sons, Peter and John. To my grandson, Samuel Bertine, £200. To Joshua Hunt, Sr., £5. To Miriam Hicks the bed I lye on, with all bedding. To my son William a pair of silk stockings and a bosom Gold Buckell. To my son Samuel a pair of Gold sleeve buttons. To my granddaughter, Sarah Bertine, one good feather bed, with furniture. I leave to Richard Hicks my square of land on Miniford's Island where Deborah Baxter now lives. All the rest of my movable estate I leave to my three sons, Joseph, William, and Samuel, and my daughter, Sarah Bleecker. I appoint [Page 108 / Page 109] my sons, William and Samuel, and John Bartow, Sr., executors.'

Dated September 10, 1779. Witnesses, James Pell, Sr., Thomas Pell, Elizabeth Pell. Proved, May 8, 1780.

[NOTE. -- Minifords Island is now City Island.]"

Source: Pelletreau, William S., ed., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Volume IX. January 7, 1777 - February 7, 1783. With Letters of Administration, January 17, 1779 - February 18, 1783. in Collections of The New-York Historical Society for the Year 1900., pp. 108-09 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1901).

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Thursday, March 22, 2007

Abstract of Will of John Hunt, Owner of Land on "Mineford's Island" in the Manor of Peham Prepared in 1776 and Proved June 17, 1777


The following is an abstract of the will of John Hunt who owned land on "Minefords Island" (later, City Island) in the Manor of Pelham prepared in 1776 and proved June 17, 1777. A citation to the source of the abstract follows the text.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 31. . . .

Page 45. -- 'In the name of God, Amen. I, JOHN HUNT, of the Borrough town of Westchester, Esq., being in good health. I leave to my wife Mary the use of my dwelling house and homestead and salt meadow adjoining on the west side of the road leading to Whitestone Ferry; Also the use of two fields on the east side of said road adjoining John Hunt, Jr.; Also the privilege of pasturing a piece of land lying between Benjamin Ferris and James Lewis, on Throggs Neck, and the privilege to cut firewood and timber on the land lying southward of my orchard, and no where else. I leave to my wife my best bed and a negro girl, also her riding mare, and 1/2 of my pewter and her household linnen and £300. I leave to my son William my two lots of land and meadow adjoining commonly called and known by the name of Shepperds Fields, lying on the west side of the road to Whitestone ferry, on Throggs Neck. I leave to my granddaughter, Tamer Pell, Wife of Gilbert Pell, all my lands and buildings at Minefords Island in the Manor of Pelham. I leave to my grandson, John Palmer, son of Philip Palmer, £50. I leave to my son John all the rest of my real estate and all household goods, and he is to pay to my grandson, John Hunt, son of my son William, £100. My executors are to sell all personal property, but my daughters, Tamar and Anna, are to have part of the furniture. I leave to my sons, John and William, my wearing apparell. I make my son John, and my son-in-law, Robert Hunt, Jr., and my son-in-law, Gilbert Pell, executors.'

Dated February 23, 1776. Witnesses, John Bartow, Stephen Ryder, Thomas Fisher. Proved, June 17, 1777."

Source: Pelletreau, William S., ed., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Volume IX. January 7, 1777 - February 7, 1783. With Letters of Administration, January 17, 1779 - February 18, 1783. in Collections of The New-York Historical Society for the Year 1900., p. 10 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1901).

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Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Abstract of Will of Rebecca Palmer, Owner of Land on City Island in Pelham, Prepared in 1771 and Proved April 10, 1773


The following is an abstract of the will of Rebecca Palmer who owned land on "Minifords Island" (later, City Island) in the Manor of Pelham prepared in 1771 and proved April 10, 1773. A citation to the source of the abstract follows the text.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 28. . . .

Page 475. -- In the name of God, Amen. I, REBECCA PALMER, of the Borrough Town of Westchester, widow, being advanced in years. I leave to John Palmer, son of my eldest son, £3. I leave to my granddaughters, Rebecca, Easter, and Rachel, the children of my son, John Palmer, £4. To Sarah, daughter of Joshua Pell, 'one silver table spoon, of the value of 21 shillings.' To my daughter Martha, wife of Benjamin Morell, I leave all that my dwelling house and lots situate upon Minifords Island in the Manor of Pelham, which I bought of Enoch Hunt and Joseph Mullinex, during her life and then to her daughter Mary. If she dies without issue, then to Ann, daughter of Benjamin Palmer. I leave to my daughter Martha 'one small Iron Pot, and one hog and my Poultry, and the bed I commonly lie on.' My executors are to put on good security £50 for my daughter Martha, and all my wearing apparell. My executors are to sell all the rest and divide among my children. I make my sons, Philip and Benjamin, and my grandson, Joshua Pell, Jr., executors.

Dated October 18, 1771. Witnesses, Samuel Seabury, James Lewis, Enoch Hunt. Proved, April 10, 1773."

Source: Pelletreau, William S., ed., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Volume VIII. 1771 - 1776. With Letters of Administration, 1773 - 1779. in Collections of The New-York Historical Society for the Year 1899., p. 119 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1900).

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Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Abstract of 1768 Will of John Pugsley of the Manor of Pelham, Proved December 31, 1768


On Monday, December 4, 2006, I posted to the Historic Pelham Blog an abstract of the 1768 Will of John Pugsley. See Monday, December 4, 2006: Abstract of 1768 Will of John Pugsley of the Manor of Pelham.

I since have located a more extensive abstract of the same will. Below is the text of an abstract of the will of John Pugsley of the Manor of Pelham. The will was proved December 31, 1768. A citation to its source follows the text of the abstract.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 26. . . .

Page 482. -- "In the name of God, Amen. I, JOHN PUGSLEY, of the Manor of Pelham, in Westchester County, Gent., being sick. My executors are to sell all my lands, tenements, and fresh and salt meadows in the Manor of Pelham, and all my lands, tenements, and meadows in the Borrough Town of Westchester, commonly called Cow Neck, and all my right in the Sheep Pasture; Also all my movable estate is to be sold, and my negroes are to have the liberty of choosing their masters, 'and shall not be sold to any one contrary to [Page 228 / Page 299] their inclination.' After all debts are paid, I leave all the rest to my children, James, William, Samuel, Stephen, Gilbert, Israel, John, and David, and to my daughter, Sarah Oakley, And one share is to be deposited in the hands of my executors for the relief and support of my daughter Phebe, wife of Bartholemew Hadden. I leave to Elizabeth Bugby a feather bed and £20; To Elizabeth Taylor, of the White Plains, and to Mary Weeks, of Hunttington, £20 each. £100 are to be placed in the hands of my son James for the support of my daughter-in-law Elizabeth, wife of Israel Pugsley. I made my sons, James, William, Gilbert, and David, executors.

Dated December 20, 1768. Witnesses, William Adams, Peter Bertram, Jr., Thomas Wright.

Codicil. -- 'Whereas in my will I left a share of my estate to my son John, and now calling to mind, to my great grief, that for a long time past he has led a dissolute and idle life, and has made a very bad use of what I have heretofore given him: my executors shall take his share and carefully lay it out for him in purchasing a farm, but not to be at his disposal, but he may live upon it during his life, and then to his children.'

Dated December 24, 1768. Witnesses, Samuel Pugsley, Sarah Wright, Thomas Wright, Physician. Proved, December 31, 1768."

Source: Pelletreau, William S., ed., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Vol. VII. June 6, 1766 - November 29, 1771. With Letters of Administration, January 6, 1767 - January 11, 1773. in Collections of The New-York Historical Society For the Year 1898., pp. 228-29 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1899).

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Monday, March 19, 2007

Abstract of 1768 Will of Caleb Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Proved April 9, 1768


On Thursday, November 30, 2006, I posted to the Historic Pelham Blog an abstract of the 1768 Will of Caleb Pell. See Thursday, November 30, 2006: Abstract of 1768 Will of Caleb Pell of the Manor of Pelham.

I since have located a more extensive abstract of the same will. Below is the text of an abstract of the will of Caleb Pell of the Manor of Pelham. The will was proved April 9, 1768. A citation to its source follows the text of the abstract.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 26. . . .

Page 259. -- In the name of God, Amen. I, CALEB PELL, of the Manor of Pelham, farmer, being indisposed. I leave to my son, Caleb Pell, all that my farm and plantation of lands and salt meadows lying in East Chester town ship, and formerly belonging to my father, Thomas Pell, and where my son Caleb now lives, with all appurtenances, Reserving all the lands that lye to the west of the fence, that runs across the said farm, from the Boston road to the land now, or late, of Jonathan Archer, the use of which I give to my son, James Pell, for the space of one year, and then to my son Caleb, on condition that he pay to my executors £125, when my younger son Elijah is 18 years old, for his use. I also give to my son Caleb a negro boy and my silver watch, 'and my large China Punch Bowl.' I leave to my wife Mary a negro boy and woman and child, 'also my stocks of Bees and all my Poultry,' and all the wool that shall be sheared off my sheep this year, also my two best beds with furniture, and a mahogany tea table, and one dozen best chairs, and all linnen and kitchen utensils, and my silver plate, Looking glass, and China. I leave to my daughter, Ann Laurence, a negro girl, and a Mahogany Chest of Drawers, and a dining table and a tea table to be made [Page 162 / Page 163] for her. I leave to my daughter, Mary Rodman, a negro girl. To my daughter Bathsheba a bed and furniture; To my daughters, Euphemia and Fila [Phila], each a bed; To my son Elijah my large chest; To my wife Mary my riding chair and horse. I leave to my son James all that my farm or Plantation lands and meadows, lying in the Manor of Pelham, where I now live, and the rest of my movable estate, and he is to pay all debts, and he is to pay to my wife £150, and he is to furnish my wife 12 good cows and sheep, and he is to provide for my daughter Phila till married. And he is to provide for my wife 30 bushels of wheat, 50 of corn, 25 pounds of 'good swingled flax,' a number of swine, 'and cyder for herself, children, and servants that shall live with her.' And she is to have the use of the west great room in my house, and two bedrooms, and chamber and garret, and use of kitchen 'and the shed where the cheese press stands.' And the use of the hen house, mill house, Barracks, and Smoke house, and provisino for the unmarried daughters, and he is to pay to each of my daughters £100, and to my son Elijah £500 when of age, and he is to be supported till of age. And my son James is to pay for his schooling, 'and give him learning, as reading, writing and common Arithmetick, Navigation, Surveying, and bookkeeping.' 'In case it will suit my son Elijah to go to a Latin School, and my executors think fit to let him learn Latin, they may let him go.' And my son James is to pay for his learning till he is 16, and then bind him out to a merchant. My son James is to give a bond for the performance of all these conditions. My wife is to have the use of the rest of my estate during her widowhood. My executors are to sell 5 negroes and my riding horse, and the money to be paid to my son James to help him pay legacies. I leave to my son James all my rights and improvements which I have in Phillips Upper Patent.

Dated March 24, 1768. Witnesesses, Joshua Pell, Jr., Gilbert Lawrence, John Bartow. I make my wife and [Page 163 / Page 164] my brother-in-law, James Ferris and John Ferris, of Westchester, executors. Proved April 9, 1768. (James and John Ferris were Quakers.)

[NOTE. -- This will is of great length, and contains very minute directions as to support of wife and daughters.]"

Source: Pelletreau, William S., ed., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Vol. VII. June 6, 1766 - November 29, 1771. With Letters of Administration, January 6, 1767 - January 11, 1773. in Collections of The New-York Historical Society For the Year 1898., pp. 162-64 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1899).

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Friday, March 16, 2007

Abstract of Will of Thomas Pell of Eastchester, Owner of Lands in Pelham Manor, Prepared in 1753 and Proved in 1754


Below is the text of an abstract of the will of Thomas Pell of Eastchester who owned lands in the Manor of Pelham. The will, prepared in 1753, was proved February 12, 1754. A citation to its source follows the text of the abstract.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 18. . . .

Page 463. -- In the name of God, Amen, I, THOMAS PELL, of Eastchester, in the County of Westchester, Esq., being somewhat indisposed in body. 'I will that £100 to my beloved wife Dorothy and to divide with the young children, Samuel, James, Dorothy and Rachel, and in portion what I gave to these four children.' (The foregoing is copied exactly from the will and may have been incorrectly recorded.) I leave to my son Thomas, 5 shillings. To my son Roger, 5s. To my son John, 1s. To Sarah Dodge, wife of Emans Dodge, 1s. To Mary, wife of John Ward, Jr., £5. To my son David, £500, or 1/2 of my farm in Eastchester, and 1/2 the salt meadow; Also my silver tankard and tumbler, that formerly belonged to my grand father, John Pell. I leave to my wife Dorothy, the best dwelling room in my house, and a bed and 6 chairs, and a negro wench to wait upon her. I leave to my son David a negro man. To Keziah, wife of James Laurence, £50. To my son David, my Great Bible. If my son David takes 1/2 of my farm, he shall take it [Page 476 / Page 477] where the buildings stand. I leave to my wife Dorothy 9 silver spoons. I leave my wearing clothes to my sons. My executors are to sell 1/2 of my farm in Eastchester, and my lands lying in the manor of Pelham, an my right in lands in the Patent at the north end of New Rochelle lands, and my lands in Fairfield, Connecticutt, and my rights in the Nine Pastures in Duchess County. I make Caleb Pell, Dorothy Pell, and David Pell, executors.

Dated September 11, 1753. Witnesses, Nathan Palmer, Joseph Drake, Jonathan Archer, Joseph Stanton. Proved, February 12, 1754."

Source: Pelletreau, William S., ed., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Vol. IV. 1744-1753. With Letters of Administration Granted 1745-1753. in Collections of The New-York Historical Society For the Year 1895., pp. 476-77 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1896).

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Thursday, March 15, 2007

Abstract of Will of Isaac Contine of the Manor of Pelham Prepared in 1752 and Proved in 1753


Below is the text of an abstract of the will of Isaac Contine of the Manor of Pelham. The will, prepared in 1752, was proved December 1, 1753. A citation to its source follows the text of the abstract.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 18. . . .

Page 444. -- In the name of God, Amen, June 6, 1752, I, ISAAC CONTINE, of the Manor of Pelham, in Westchester County, being in perfect health. I leave to my wife Frances a feather bed and furniture, and 1 Great Brass kettle, an iron pot, and all the pewter that is used in the house; I also leave her the use of my house and lot which I bought of Daniel Benett, Jr., lying in New Rochelle, during her widowhood and no longer. If at the death or marriage of my wife, my daughters Jane and Susanah shall be unmarried, they shall enjoy the use of the house until married. My executors are to sell all houses and lands and meadows in the Manor of Pelham and in East Chester; and from the proceeds £300 are to be put at interest for my wife. I leave to my daughters, Jane and Susanah, each £60. To my daughter Jane, a feather bed and a cupboard. All the rest I leave to my 4 daughters, Jude Quereau, Elizabeth Cortrecht (Kortright), Jane, and Susanah. I make my daughter Jane, and my friends, Amos Guion and Bernard Rynlander, executors.

Witnesses, John Haddem, Daniel Deain, Samuel Sneden. Proved, December 1, 1753."

Source: Pelletreau, William S., ed., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Vol. IV. 1744-1753. With Letters of Administration Granted 1745-1753. in Collections of The New-York Historical Society For the Year 1895., p. 471 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1896).

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Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Abstract of Will of Andrew Allaire of the Manor of Pelham Prepared in 1752 and Proved in 1753


Below is the text of an abstract of the will of Andrew Allaire of the Manor of Pelham. The will, prepared in 1752, was proved May 29, 1753. A citation to its source follows the text of the abstract.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 18. . . .

Page 301. -- In the name of God, Amen, March 18, 1752, I, ANDREW ALLAIRE, of the Manor of Pelham, Gent., 'finding myself low and weak in body.' I leave to my loving sister, Catharine Barbarie, £30 and my negro 'Robin.' I leave to Thomas Pennewall, of New Rochelle, £10 'and all my every day clothes.' I leave to my wife Elizabeth, whom I make executor, all the rest of my estate.

Witnesses, Bernard Rynlander, Nicholas Belly. Proved, May 29, 1753."

Source: Pelletreau, William S., ed., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Vol. IV. 1744-1753. With Letters of Administration Granted 1745-1753. in Collections of The New-York Historical Society For the Year 1895., p. 435 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1896).

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Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Abstract of 1752 Will of Joseph Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Proved September 28, 1752


On Wednesday, November 29, 2006, I provided a transcription of a brief abstract of the 1752 will of Joseph Pell of the Manor of Pelham. See Wed., November 29, 2006: Abstract of 1752 Will of Joseph Pell of the Manor of Pelham. Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog provides a more detailed abstract of that same will. A transcription of the abstract appears below, followed by a citation to its source.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 18. . . .

Page 170. -- In the name of God, Amen, August 31, 1752, I, JOSEPH PELL, Esq., of the manor of Pelham, being very sick and weak. All my just debts are to be paid. I leave to my well-beloved son, Philip Pell, all my neck or tract of land, with 1/2 my meadows lying in the manor of Pelham, commonly known by the name of the Upper Neck, joining to the west end of Ann Hook's Neck, now belonging to Samuel Rodman, To him my said son, Philip, his heirs and assigns, when he shall arrive at the age of 21, and he shall pay to my executors £225, in installments, and my executors shall divide the same among my three daughters, Susannah, Sarah, and Ann. I leave to my son, Thomas Pell, all that tract of land or plantation whereon I now live, and the other half of my meadows, when he is 21; and he is to pay to my executors the sum of £225, and my executors are to divide the same among my said three daughters. I leave to my wife Phebe, £400, and a good bed and furniture, and 6 chairs, a looking-glass, a trunk and a table, and the use of all lands until my sons, Joseph and Thomas, are of age. The income of my estate is to be used for maintaining and bringing up my children to good learning. If my two eldest daughters, Susannah and Sarah, should marry before my sons are of age, they are each to have £37, 10s. If any of my lands and meadows should be recovered out of my right, I leave the remainder to my two sons, Joseph and Thomas. I make my wife, Phebe, and my loving friends, John Bartow, Esq., of Westchester, Samuel Sneden, Esq., of East Chester, and John Bleecker, of New Rochelle, executors.

Witnesses, Daniel Deain, Rachel Deain, Robert Rolf. Proved, before Israel Honey, Esq., September 28, 1752."

Source: Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Vol. IV. 1744-1753. With Letters of Administration Granted 1745-1753. in Collections of The New-York Historical Society For the Year 1895. p. 405 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1896).

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Monday, March 12, 2007

Abstract of Will of Thomas Pell Sr. of the Manor of Pelham Prepared in 1739 and Proved in 1752


I have been collecting abstracts of 17th and 18th century wills of residents of the Manor of Pelham. Today's Historic Pelham blog posting transcribes the text of an abstract of the will of Thomas Pell, Sr. of the Manor of Pelham prepared in 1739 and proved in 1752. A citation to the source follows the quoted material.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 18. . . .

Page 154. -- In the name of God, Amen, September 3, 1739, I, THOMAS PELL, SR., of the Manor of Pel- [Page 400 / Page 401] ham, in Westchester County, being sick and weak. I leave to my daughter, Anne Broadhurst, the use of the room she now lives in, 'while she remains a single woman without a husband,' but in case my son Joseph shall not like or approve of her living in said room, then he shall build her a small house of about 16 feet square, and allow her this and the use of 6 acres of land; I also give her £60. It is my will and mind that my brother, John Pell, shall have house room, lodging, victuals, and clothes, comfortable for him during his life, and which I order my son Joseph to provide for him. I leave to my wife Ann the use of the best room in my house, and timber in any part of my woodland, and the use of 60 acres of land, and chamber and cellar room, while she remains my widow, also £100, and my best bed and furniture. I leave to my son John £5; to my son Thomas £3; to my sons Joshua and Philip each £3, they all having had their portions already. I leave to my son Joseph all lands, meadows, and houses, and all else that belongeth to me, except as above reserved. I leave to my daughter, Mary Sands, £70; to my daughter, Sarah Palmer, £5; to my daughter, Beersheba Pell, £150; to my grandson, Samuel Broadhurst, £10, and all the rest to my 4 daughters. I make my sons Philip and Joseph executors.

Witnesses, S. Lawrence, John Coutant, John Curie. Proved, August 18, 1752. Philip Pell was then dead."

Source: Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Vol. IV. 1744 - 1753. With Letters of Administration Granted 1745-1753 in Collections of the New-York Historical Society for the Year 1895, pp. 400-01 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1896).

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Friday, March 09, 2007

Abstract of Will of Philip Pell I of the Manor of Pelham Prepared in 1751 and Proved in 1752



Below is an abstract of the will of Philip Pell I prepared in 1751 and proved in 1752.  Philip Pell I was the grandfather of Col. Philip Pell, American Patriot during the Revolutionary War.  The abstract is followed by a full citation to its source.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 18. . . .

Page 80. -- I, PHILLIP PELL, of the Manor of Pelham, yeoman, being indisposed in body. I leave to my present wife, Phebe Pell, all the plate which now remains [Page 379 / Page 380] which she brought with her when we were married, and a negro boy and a feather bed and furniture, 'and the use of one of the rooms in my house which she may choose.' And I order my son Philip to maintain her in an honorable manner, 'and to furnish her a good horse and chair to go abroad with.' And if any difference should arise between her and my son Philip concerning her living, he is to pay her £200 more than I have given her. All the valuable goods and plate which I had by my first wife Hannah, are to be divided between my two daughters, Hannah and Martha Pell. I leave to my daughter Hannah my 3 negro children and £300, and at the day of her marriage she shall have 6 cows; Also half a dozen silver spoons which I had made last winter.' I leave to my daughter Martha 3 negro children and £300, and 6 cows when she marries. All the rest of my estate, real and personal, I leave to my only son, Philip Pell. I make my wife Phebe, and my son Philip, and my brother in law, William Mott, executors.

Dated December 1, 1751. Witnesses, Joseph Rodman, Joseph Pell, John Bartow. Proved, March 14, 1752."

Source: Pelletreau, William S., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Vol. IV. 1744-1753. With Letters of Administration Gratned 1745-1753. in Collections of the New-York Historical Society For the Year 1895, pp. 379-80 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1896).


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Thursday, March 08, 2007

Abstract of Will of Thomas Pearsall of Spectacle Island Prepared in 1723 and Proved in 1732


On Thursday, December 21, 2006, I published to the Historic Pelham Blog an abstract of the will of Thomas Pearsall of Spectacle Island prepared in 1723 and proved in 1732. See Thurs., December 21, 2006: Thomas Pearsall, Owner in 1723 of Harts Island, Also Known as Spectacle Island, Bequeaths it To His Son, Henry Pearsall.

Today's posting provides a more detailed abstract of the same will, followed by a full citation to the source of the abstract.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 11 . . . .

Page 238. -- In the name of God, Amen. 'I, THOMAS PEARSALL, of Spectacle Island, otherwise called Harts Island, in the county of Westchester,' being in poor health. I leave to my wife, Christian Pearsall, the use and profits of all the real and personal estate 'towards her support in her decripet age and during her life.' 'I leave to my son, Nicholas Pearsall, £5, as his sole and only right, and not to claim or make any disturbance in law or equity as my heir at law' [Page 51 / Page 52] I leave to my son Henry one certain island named Spectacle or Harts Island, lying within the manor of Pelham in Westchester County. And he is to pay £300 in installments to my estate. I leave to my daughter, Eda Dobbs, £15. I leave all the rest of my estate to my children Nicholas, John, Henry, Hannah and Eda. I make Thomas Pell, Esq., Hermanus Rutsen, and my son, John Pearsall, executors.

Dated April 20, 1723. Witnesses, Johanes Roelofsen, Jane Francis, Edward Fitgerald. Proved, April 6, 1732. And the executors having refused, Letters of administration are granted to his son, Henry Pearsall. The widow was also dead. The daughter Eda married Walter Dobbs, the daughter Hannah married John Lanyon.

[NOTE. -- Harts Island is now owned by the city of New York, and a large part of it is the city cemetery, better known as 'Potter's Field.' -- W. S. P.]"

Source: Pelletreau, William S., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Vol. III. 1730 - 1744 with Appendix and Miscellaneous Documents in Collections of the New-York Historical Society for the Year 1894, pp. 51-52 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1895).

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Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Published Abstract of 1669 Will of Thomas Pell, Followed by Entire Text of Will of Thomas Pell


Thomas Pell, often decribed as "First Lord of the Manor of Pelham", died in late September 1669. Below is a published abstract of his will, followed by the full text of the same will. An extensive inventory of his estate, taken only weeks after his death, may be found by clicking here.

Immediately below is an abstract of Pell's will published in 1893. It is followed by a full citation to its source.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 1-2.

Page 39. -- THOMAS PELL, Westchester. 'It hath pleased ye all wise God many years to exercise me with much weakness of body, and having lately taken to Himself my beloved wife Lucy,' 'I give my body to a comely burial, that it may be decently buried in such a comely manner, that God may not be dishonored.' Leaves all real estate to 'my nephew John Pell, living in ould England, the only son of my only brother John Pell, Doctor of Divinity, he had by his first wife.' Legacies to Abigail, wife of Daniel Burr, Nathaniel French, Elizabeth White, Mary White, and Nathaniel White. Leaves 'to my son Francis French all my Tobacco, growing or not growing.' Remits debts due him from 'these four poor men, Joseph Patton, James Evens, Thomas Bassett, Roger Percy.' Makes Daniel Burr and John Bankes, executors.

Dated Septebmer 21, 1669. Witnesses, Nathan Gould, John Cabell. Proved September 30, 1669. Inventory mentions 'The housing, lands, barnes, and Islands adjoining, from Hutchinson's river westward, as so far eastward as were Mr. Thomas Pell's just and lawful right.' £500. The inventory, very extensive, amounts to £1,294 14s. 4 1/2 d, and taken by John Richbell, Wm. Haydon, Samuel Drake.

Page 46. -- Daniel Burr and John Bankes of Fairfield, Conn., admitted as executors of the will of 'MR. THOMAS PELL, of Ann Hook's Neck,' October 13, 1669."

Pelletreau, William S., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York, 1665-1707 in Collections of the New-York Historical Society For the Year 1892, p. 11 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1893).

Robert Bolton, Jr. first published the complete text of Thomas Pell's will in the first edition of his two-volume "History of Westchester County" in 1848. The text appears immediately below, followed by a citation.

"The last will of Thomas Pell.

In ye name of God, Amen -- It hath pleased ye all wise God many years to exercise me with much weakness of body, and having lately taken to himselfe my beloved wife Lucy, it being ye good pleasure of God to deny me natural issue of my owne body, his good hand of mercy continueing unto me to keep me in perfect memory and my understanding in a comfortable measure, according to proportion of wisdom and knowledge, where he saw meet to proportion to me, I desire in faith to give up my soule to God which gave it, my body to a . . . [Page 522 / Page 523] comely burial, that I may be decently buryed in such a comely manner that God may not be dishonored. It beinge my desire that peace may be attended in enjoyment of what God hath been pleased to give to me -- this being my last will and testament -- I doe make my nephew, John Pell, living in ould England, the only sonne of my only brother John Pell, Doctor of Divinity, which he had by hsi first wife, my whole and sole heire of all my lands and houses in any parte of New England, or in ye territoryes of ye Duke of Yorke. I also give to my nephew John Pell (my whole and sole heire) all my goods, moveable or immoveable whatsoever -- money, plate, chattells and cattle of all kinde -- except such parcells and legacyes which I give and bequeath to persons as followeth, my just debts being first paid : and if my nephew, John Pell, be deceased, and hath left a sonne or sonnes surviving him, then what I have above given to my nephew, John Pell, I give to such issue of his ; and in ye default of such issue, it's my will that my brother John Pell's daughter shall enjoy ye abovesaid portion ; and in case they or any of them be deceased, then it is my will that the children of my brother's daughters shall inherit the abovesaid portion, to be equally divided amongst them. It is my will, that in case my nephew, John Pell, my brother's sonne by his first wife, be deceased, and hath left no male issue, if my brother hath a sonne or sonnes by his last wife, he or they shall enjoy ye above said portion ; and in ye default of them or their male issue, then my brother's daughters, or their children, shall enjoy ye above portion as is above expressed. I give to Abigail Burr, ye wife of Daniell Burr, ye best bed in my house in Fairfield, and boulstis, with two blancoates, a rug and dormink suit of curtains, six cushions, two paire of sheets, six chairs, the brewing kettle in use, two new keelers, a brewing tub, six silver spoons, with ye use of all ye plate in the house, if she desire of my executors of trust, till my heirs or heires come or send his or their order how or whcih way all things shall be disposed of. Item -- I give to Daniell Burr all my horses and horse colts which I have in New England, and in ye territoryes of ye Duke of Yorke : I except my mares and mare colts, which I do not give him ; I except my saddle gelding, which my heire is to have if he come over -- otherwise, Daniel Burr is to have him, Daniell Burr is to take ye horse flesh as they run ; without any further dehinery, lett the mares be disposed of according to ye understanding of my executors of trust. Item -- I give to my sonne, Francis French, all my tobacco, grwoing or not growing, in casks, or otherways made u in rolls or twist. Item -- I give to Nathaniell French two young cowes and one young bull. Item -- To Elizabeth White I give the worst feather bed and boulster, one iron pott, six porringers, six spoons of alcamy, six pewter platters, one brass skellet, and fifteen pounds more in goods or cattle, current pay, and two comely suits of apparel, one for working days, another for Sabbath dayes, with two paire of shoes. Item -- to Mary White I give six pounds and one suite of aparell of serge, with two shifts, and wool for stockings. I give to Nathaniell White, an apprentice to some handicraft trade ; and if it be for his advantage, to give tenne pounds [Page 523 / Page 524] with him out of my estate, not diminishing his twenty pounds, which is to be improved for his use. I give to Barbary, my servant -- I sett her at liberty to be a free woman a month after my burial, except my nephew, John Pell, come in person ; she then to attend his occasions whilst he is there, not exceeding three months. Further, I do gibve to Barbary, my servant, one flock bed and boulster, and two blancoats, a pair of sheets, and cotton rug, one iron pott, an iron skellett, six trays and chest, with a lock and key to it, six porringers, two pewter platters, six pewter sppons or ye value of them, two cowes or the value of them. I give to my ancient maid, Katharine Rysten, five pounds in cattle or county pay. I make, ordain, constitute and appoint Daniell Burr and John Bankes to be my executors of trust, and order them to pay, after my burial, all my just debts and legacyes, and to make sale of any utensils which are subject to decay -- old cattle -- and to be accountable to my heire or heires and to keep up housing and fencesupon my heires' charge, that the estate may not suffer. I give to my said executors of trust twenty pounds apiece, and to be paid what first charge they are at upon any incumbrances. Item -- I give those poor men their debts upon my booke, whose names follow -- Joseph Pathon, James Evers, Thomas Bassett, Roger Percy : and that this is my last will. In witness whereof, I have hereunto sett my hand this twenty and one yeare of the raigne of our sovereigne lorde, King Charles, and the twenty first of September, 1669.

Me, THOMAS PELL.

Signed in the presence of us, Nathan Gould, John Cabell.

John Cabell gives oath that he was witness to Mr. Pell signing this will, with Mr. Gould, as he hath entered his hand. Taken upon oath before me,

Nathan Gould, Assistant,

This 3d of -------------, in his Majestie's Colony of Connecticut, September, 1669."

Source: Bolton, Jr., Robert, A History of the County of Westchester From Its First Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. I, pp. 522-24 (NY, NY: Alexander S. Gould 1848).

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Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Abstract of Will of William Kerke of Pelham Manor Prepared in 1713 and Proved in 1719


The following is an abstract of another early will prepared by an early 18th century resident of the Manor of Pelham. It is an abstract of the will of William Kerke prepared on April 14, 1713 and proved June 6, 1719. Beneath the abstract is a citation to its source.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS - LIBER 9. . . .

Page 143. - WILLIAM KERKE. In the name of God, Amen, April 14, 1713. I, William Kerke, of the manor of Pelham, in the County of Westchester, yeoman, being sick. I leave to my wife Billaise one cow, three sheep and two lambs. To my daughter Judith, two heifers, three sheep and one lamb. To my son William, my cane and rapier and four pairs of silver shirt buttons and one pair of silver buckles. To my son Thomas, one heifer, two cows, two lambs and one gun. I appoint Isaac Contire [sic, probably Contine], of Pelham, and Jonathan Odell, of Eastchester, executors, to take care of all my lands, messsuages and tenements until my children are of age, and then to dispose of it to them. Signed, William Kerke.

Witnesses, William Ward, William Fowler, John Cuer. Proved before Caleb Heathcote, June 6, 1719."

Source: Pelletreau, William S., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office. City of New York. Vol. II 1708 - 1728 with Appendix and Miscellaneous Documents in Collections of the New-York Historical Society For the Year 1893, p. 210 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1894).

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Monday, March 05, 2007

An Ode to the Toonerville Trolley and its Skipper Published in 1921


Occasionally I have written about the "Toonerville Trolley" and its ties to Pelham. For a few examples, see:

Wed., November 15, 2006: Another Letter by Fontaine Fox Describing How the Pelham Manor Trolley Inspired Him to Create the Toonerville Trolley.

Tue., September 19, 2006: Toonerville Trolley Cartoons Available For Free Viewing Online

Wed., August 9, 2006: The Saddest Day in the History of Pelham Manor's "Toonerville Trolley"

Tues., October 11, 2005: The Toonerville Trolley Pays its Bills -- Late!

Tues., September 20, 2005: Pelham's "Toonerville Trolley" Goes To War

Fri., June 17, 2005: "Skipper Louie" of Pelham Manor's Toonerville Trolley

Tue., April 19, 2005: Pelham Manor Residents Fight Construction of the Toonerville Trolley Line

Today's Historic Pelham Blog posting transcribes a short poem about the trolley and its skipper written by humorist Don Marquis published in 1921. The poem appears below, followed by a full citation to its source.

"The Toonerville Trolley

To F. Fox

WHEN I get a little bit older
I'd like to be done with hard knocks,
And I think I'll apply for a job to
The well-known cartooner, F. Fox;
For I want to hire out as the Skipper
(Who dodges life's stress and its strains)
Of the Trolley, the Toonerville Trolly,
The Trolley that Meets all the Trains.

It runs (when its humor's for running)
Through a country that's sweetly at rest --
Through a country that loafs with its coat off
And three buttons gone from its vest.
And I want to hire out as the Skipper
Who, whether it shines or it rains,
Runs the Trolley, the Toonerville Trolley,
The Trolley that Meets all the Trains.

Unhurried, unflurried, unworried.
By Chronos completely unvext,
If I should miss a train I would murmur:
'Perhaps I'll connect with the next!'

[Page 68 / Page 69]

If I then missed the next one, no matter!
I shouldn't go blow out my brains
If the Trolley, the Toonerville Trolley,
Should fail to meet some of the trains.

In the end, when I met up with Charon,
Waiting there by the Stygian bank,
I'd remark to him, 'Oarsman immortal,
You can't impress me with your swank!
You treat me as Skipper to Skipper --
My corpse is no common remains! --
For I ran the Trolley, the Toonerville Trolley,
The Trolley that Met all the Trains!'"

Source: Marquis, Don, Noah An' Jonah An' Cap'n John Smith A Book of Humorous Verse, pp. 68-69 (NY, NY & London: D. Appleton and Company 1921).

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Friday, March 02, 2007

A Brief Account by American Author Margaret Deland of Her Education at Pelham Priory in the 19th Century


Noted 19th century American author Margaret Wade Campbell Deland attended school at Pelham Priory (also known as Bolton Priory). Bolton Priory, built by Rev. Robert Bolton and his family in 1838 still stands and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Margaret Deland was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania on February 23, 1857. She married Lorin F. Deland in 1880. According to some sources, shortly after their marriage, the couple provided shelter and support for unmarried mothers. At about this time she began to write. She wrote novels, short stories and poetry (as well as a two-volume autobiography.

Her best known work is the novel entitled John Ward, Preacher published in 1888. She lived much of her life in Boston and continued to write until shortly before her death on January 13, 1945.

Portions of an interview with Margaret Deland appeared in a book published in 1903. During that interview, Ms. Deland described her education at Pelham Priory in the 19th century. The pertinent excerpt of that interview appears immediately below, followed by a full citation to its source.

"In answer to a question as to the influence college life had had upon her intellectual development, the writer was told that she had never been to college. 'When I was seventeen I went to Pelham Priory to boarding-school -- a delightful old school kept by English ladies. In those days the girls had no examinations, and they studied or not, as they wanted to. They were instructed in deportment and religion, to respect their elders and betters, to enter and leave the room with dignity, to fear God, and to disregard man as much as possible, for, as the housekeeper remarked to me once, 'The hactions of the young ladies in regard to young gentlemen are so hexceedingly silly.' Other things were incidental, and might or might not be acquired, according to the inclination of the pupils. My inclination, I suppose, was neither for religion nor deportment, and certainly not for the ordinary branches of education. The result is that I am a very ill-educated woman to-day. After this episode I studied at the Cooper Institute for a year, and then taught mechanical and industrial drawing at the New York Normal College.'"

Source: Halsey, Francis Whiting, ed., Women Authors of Our Day in Their Homes - Personal Descriptions & Interviews, p. 56 (NY, NY: James Pott & Company 1903).

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Thursday, March 01, 2007

Biographical Data Regarding Frederick Hobbes Allen, President of Pelham Manor and Owner of Bolton Priory in the Early 20th Century


I previously have written about Frederick Hobbes Allen, an owner of Bolton Priory during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. See Tuesday, May 3, 2005: Colonel Frederick Hobbes Allen, An Owner of Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor.

Frederick H. Allen's wife was given the Priory as a wedding gift and the couple lived in the home for many years. Frederick H. Allen served as President (i.e., Mayor) of the Village of Pelham Manor from 1904 to 1906. He was an internationally famous and colorful character. Below are two more biographical sketches about him, each followed by a citation to its source.

"FREDERICK HOBBES ALLEN
United States Diplomat.

Was born May 30, 1858, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is a son of the late Hon. Elisha Hunt Allen, the eminent diplomat and congressman. He studied in Germany and Switzerland and under private tutors. In 1880 he graduated with the degree of A.B. from Harvard university; and in 1893 graduated with the degrees of A.M. and LL. B. from that institution of learning. In 1882 he was secretary to the Hawaiian legation. He resigned; and in 1883 was admitted to the bar. He has been corporation counsel of the village of Pelham Manor; and also served as president of the village. He is chairman of the democratic county committee of Westchester county, N.Y.; and is the senior member of the law firm of Allen and Camman of New York City."

Source: Distinguished Successful Americans of Our Day Containing Biographies of Prominent Americans Now Living, p. 184 (Chicago, IL: Successful Americans 1912).

"Allen, Frederick Hobbes, lawyer, of 63 Wall St., New York City; was born in Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands; son of Hon. Elisha Hunt Allen, M.C. (also chief justice Hawaiian Islands and minister plenipotentiary to U.S.), and Mary Harrod (Hobbes) Allen; graduate A.B., 1880 (A.M.), LL.B., 1883, Harvard University; married, New York City, 1892, Adele Livingston Stevens; children: Frederic Stevens, Mary Dorothy Adele, Barbara Frances Gallatin, Joan Livingston, Julian Broome Livingston, Priscilla Alden Sampson. Studied law in office of Holmes & Adams; admitted to bar, 1884; became managing clerk Miller, Peckham & Dixon; later practiced alone ; in 1894 formed firm of Adams & Allen, and on death of senior partner, 1900, formed firm of Allen & Cammann. Secretary Hawaiian legation, 1882, charge d'affaires; resigned 1883; has been corporation counsel, also president Village of Pelham Manor. Chairman Democratic county committee, Westchester county, N.Y.; has been delegate at various state conventions; delegate to Democratic national convention at Denver, 1908; twice member executive committee of Democratic state committee of N.Y. (in last campaign member general finance committee of Democratic national committee).

Member permanent American commission that went abroad to study agricultural finance, production, distribution and rural life. Member Sons of Revolution, Society Colonial Wars. Recreations: Hunting, polo. Clubs: Knickerbocker, Union, Manhattan, City."

Source: Builders of Our Nation, Men of 1914 (Chicago, IL: Men of Nineteen-Fourteen 1915).

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