The Will of Thomas Pell, Oldest Son of John Pell of the Manor of Pelham

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John Pell, the nephew of Thomas Pell who founded what became the Manor of Pelham, came to America in 1670 to take control of the inheritance he received from his uncle who died in Fairfield, Colony of Connecticut, in late September, 1669.  John Pell, often referenced by Pell family members as "Second Lord of the Manor of Pelham," married Rachel Pinckney.  The couple named their first-born son Thomas after John's uncle and benefactor.  This son, Thomas Pell, was born in the Manor of Pelham in about 1675.  He died in 1752.

I have written before about Thomas Pell, so-called Third Lord, and his efforts to sell Minneford Island (today's City Island) in 1750 shortly before his death.  See Thu., May 11, 2006:  Thomas Pell Offers City Island, Then Known as Minneford Island, for Sale in the Mid-18th Century.  

Thomas Pell, so-called Third Lord, married a woman named Ann.  Pell family tradition holds that his wife was named "Anna" and that she was a daughter of Wampage, a supposed "Indian chief," who according to Pell family tradition, slew Anne Hutchinson.  According to that tradition, Wampage became known as Annhook, a name he supposedly took after slaying Anne Hutchinson and her family.  Thus, according to this tradition, the Anna that Thomas Pell married was an "Indian Princess."  

The story of Thomas Pell and his "Indian Princess" Anna is apochryphal.  Despite years of research by serious genealogists and this author, there is not a shred of reliable evidence to support this oft-told story.  While there is some reliable evidence that Thomas Pell married a woman named Anna other reliable evidence including Pell's will indicates that her name was "Ann."  In short, her first name is about all we know about Pell's wife and we are not even certain if her name was Ann or Anna.  Since Pell's will also identifies a widowed daughter named "Ann" Broadhurst, it seems most likely Thomas Pell's wife was named Ann -- not Anna.  For summaries of a few 18th century documents that refer to Thomas Pell and "Anna his wife," see Bolton, Robert, The History of The Several Towns, Manors, and Patents of the County of Westchester, From Its First Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, pp. 60-61 (NY, NY:  Chas F. Roper, 1881).  For images of Pell's will referring to his wife "Ann Pell," see below.  

Thomas Pell created his Last Will and Testament in 1739.  It was not probated, however, until shortly after his death in 1752.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog presents images of the archival record of the will of Thomas Pell, so-called Third Lord of the Manor of Pelham.  It also presents transcriptions of each page of the will.

First Page of Last Will and Testament of Thomas Pell

Dated Sep. 3, 1739, Admitted to Probate Aug. 18, 1752.

Source:  Ancestry.com New York County, New York, Wills

and Probate Records, 1658-1880 (New York State Archives):

Vol. 018, Fredrich Philipse, 14 Oct. 1751 - Samuel Leverich,

1 Mar 1754, p. 154 (NOTE: Paid subscription required to

access via this link).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"(154) . . . . 

In the name of God Amen this third day of September in the thirteenth Year of the Reign of King George the Second Anno Domi one thousand seven hundred and thirty nine I Thomas Pell Sen r. of the Manor of Pelham in the County of Westchester and province of New York being Sick and Weak in Body but of perfect mind and Memory thanks be given unto God therefore & calling into mind the mortality of my Body knowing it is appointed for all Men once to die doe make & ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner & form following To say principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it and my Body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a Christian like decent manner att the discretion of my Executors herein after named and touching such worldly estate it hath pleased God to bless me with all in this life after my just & lawfull debts are first satisfyed & paid out of my moveable estate as also my funeral charges by my Executors herein after name  I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner & form  Imp s. [i.e., "Imprimis"] I give unto my daughter Ann Broadhurst the use of"

Second Page of Last Will and Testament of Thomas Pell

Dated Sep. 3, 1739, Admitted to Probate Aug. 18, 1752.

Source:  Ancestry.com New York County, New York, Wills

and Probate Records, 1658-1880 (New York State Archives):

Vol. 018, Fredrich Philipse, 14 Oct. 1751 - Samuel Leverich,

1 Mar 1754, p. 155 (NOTE: Paid subscription required to

access via this link).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"(155)

The Room she now lives in during the time she remains a single woman without a husband  but if in case after my decease my Son Joseph Pell doth not like or approve of her living in said room during the time aforesaid that then he shall build her a small house of about sixteen foot square and allow her that & the use of six acres of land out of his land during the time she remains a single Woman or without a Husband as aforesaid and I also give unto my said Daughter Ann Broadhurst the sum of sixty pounds Curr t. Money of New York to be levied and paid her out of my moveable estate by my Executors after my decease and to be enjoyed by her her [sic] heirs & assigns forever  Item  it is my further Will and mind that my Brother John Pell should have house Room lodging Victuals & Cloaths, Comfortable for him during his life time which I order my son Joseph Pell to provide  Item  I give and Bequeath unto my beloved Wife Ann Pell the use of the best Room in my house and timber in any part of my land and the use of Sixty Acres of Land and Chamber & Cellar Room in my house during the times she remains my Wid o. and I also give unto my said Wife the Sum of one hundred pounds Curr t. Money of New York by her if she sees cause to take it in Money out of my moveable estate after my decease to be enjoyed by her her heirs and Assigns forever and also I further give unto my said Wife the best bed & furniture in my house  Item  I give and bequeath unto my son John Pell the Sum of five pounds Curr t. Money of New York to be levied and paid him out of my moveable estate by my Executors after my decease to him his heirs and Assigns forever he having Rec d. the rest of his portion already  Item  I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Pell the sum of three pounds Curr t. Money of New York to be levied and paid him out of my moveable estate by my Executors after my decease to him his heirs and Assigns forever he having rec d. the rest of his portion already  Item  I give and Bequeath unto my son Joshua Pell the sum of three pounds Curr t. Money of New York to be levied and paid him out of my moveable estate by my Executors after my decease to him his heirs and Assigns forever he having rec d. the rest of his portion already  Item  I give and bequeath unto my Son Philip Pell the sum of three pounds Curr t. Money of New York to be levied and paid to him out of my moveable estate by my Executors after my decease to him his heirs & Assigns forever he having rec d. the rest of his portion already.  Item  I give and Bequeath unto my Son Caleb Pell the Sum of three pounds Current Money of New York to be levied and paid him out of my moveable estate by my Executors after my decease to him his heirs and Assigns for ever he having rec d. the rest of his portion already  Item  I give and Bequeath unto my son Joseph Pell all and Singular my Lands Meadows Houses Tenem ts. Buildings &c that now belongeth unto mee as also the houses Rooms & Land before reserved for my Daughter Ann att her having a husband or death as also all the Land & Rooms before reserved for my wife att her Marriage or decease to him, his heirs & Assigns to his and their own and only proper use benefit and behoof for ever after my decease  Item  I give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Sands the Sum of Seventy pounds Curr t. Money of New York to be levied and paid her out of my moveable estate by my Executors upon my decease to her her heirs & Assigns for ever.  Item  I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Palmer the Sum of five pounds Curr t. Money of New York to be Levied and paid her out of my moveable estate by my Executors after my decease to her her heirs and Assigns for ever.  Item  I give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Beersheba Pell the sum of one hundred & fifty pounds Curr t. Money of New York to be levied and paid her out of my moveable estate by my Executors"

Third Page of Last Will and Testament of Thomas Pell

Dated Sep. 3, 1739, Admitted to Probate Aug. 18, 1752.

Source:  Ancestry.com New York County, New York, Wills

and Probate Records, 1658-1880 (New York State Archives):

Vol. 018, Fredrich Philipse, 14 Oct. 1751 - Samuel Leverich,

1 Mar 1754, p. 156 (NOTE: Paid subscription required to

access via this link).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"(156)

After my decease to her her heirs and Assigns for ever  Item  it is my Will and mind that all my moveable estate excepting what I have before reserved to my wife should by my Executors after my decease be sold and the aforesaid Legacies (after my just and lawfull debts & funeral charges are Satisfied & paid) to be paid and out of the overplus thereof I give and bequeath unto my grandson Samuel Broadhurst the Sum of Ten pounds Curr:t Money of New York to him his heirs and Assigns for ever and the Remainder thereof it is my Will & mind should be equally divided among my four daughters Mary Sands Ann Broadhurst Sarah Palmer and Beersheba Pell and be enjoyed by them their heirs & Assigns forever and for Executors of this my last Will and Testament  I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my two Sons Philip Pell and Joseph Pell sole Executors of this my last Will and Testament and I do hereby utterly dissolve Revoke and disannul all and every other former Wills Testaments Legacies & Executors whatsoever by me before this time named Willed or Bequeathed Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and Seal the day & year first above written. 

THO: PELL.  (Ls).

Be it Remembered that on the eighteenth day of August Annoq e. Domini one Thousand seven hundred and fifty two personally appeared before me Israel Honeywell Esq r. being thereunto delegated and appointed Stephen Lawrence one of the Subscribing Witnesses to the within written Instrument (purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Thomas Pell deceased) and being duely Sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God on his Oath declared that he saw the said Thomas Pell deceased Sign and Seale the said Instrument and heard him publish and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament that at the time thereof the said Thomas Pell was of sound and disposing mind and memory to the best of his knowledge and Belief that he signed his name as a Witness thereunto in the presence of the Testator and saw John Coutant & John Cure the other subscribing Witnesses to the said Will sign their names as Witnesses thereto in his presence and in the presence of the Testator.

Israel Honeywell
Surrogate"

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More About Reid's Mill Built in 1739 on Eastchester Creek Adjacent to Pelham

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One of the earliest technological developments that contributed to the growth of the region in and around the Manor of Pelham before the area became a Town in 1788 was the construction of a tidal mill along Rattlesnake Brook, a small creek that once emptied into Eastchester Creek (i.e., the Hutchinson River) in an area that is part of today's Co-Op City.  Although efforts to construct a mill along Rattlesnake Brook began in the 1690's, the tidal mill that later became known as "Reid's Mill" seems to have been built in 1739.  

Generations of farmers from Pelham, Eastchester and nearby communities carted their grain to that tidal mill, the remnants of which stood until about 1900 when the remainder of the original mill structure was blown down in a storm.  

The tidal mill eventually came to be known as Reid's Mill, named after the family that took it over and operated it from 1790 until the time of the Civil War.  The mill was such a landmark (and was so famous and well-known throughout the northeast) that it was the subject of a delightfully-quaint short story published in Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly Magazine in August, 1888 entitled "The Miller's Daughter."  The short story was about the owner of the mill during the Revolutionary War, a notorious Tory (and his rebel daughter) who continued to operate the mill in the midst of the Neutral Ground during the war.  See Seton, William, The Miller's Daughter, Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly, Vol. 26, No. 2, p. 177 (Aug. 1888). 

Illustration from "The Miller's Daughter" that

Appeared with the Following Caption in August, 1888:

"Again the sentinel bade her give the countersign; and now,

to her surprise and delight she recognized the voice.  'Why,

it's Polly.  Don't you know Polly?' she answered."

Source:  Seton, William, The Miller's Daughter, 

Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly, Vol. 26, No. 2, p. 177 (Aug. 1888).

I have written about efforts to construct a mill in this area on a number of occasions.  For examples, see:  

Tue., Aug. 01, 2006:  Reid's Mill Built in 1739 on Eastchester Creek Adjacent to Pelham.

Wed., Sep. 13, 2006:  Early Efforts of the Town of Eastchester To Obtain Cooperation of John Pell For Construction of a Saw Mill.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog provides further information about Reid's Mill, an important early gathering place for local farmers.  Several important images of the remnants of the mill before it was blown down in 1900, as well as images of the Reid home that no longer stands, are included.  In addition, at the end of this posting is a detail from a map published in 1868 showing the location of the mill.

Detail from Photogravure Entitled "OLD MILL-WEST CHESTER"

Showing Remnants of Reid's Mill in About 1894.  Source:  eBay

Listing Describing the Full Item as "Orig 1894 Photogravure 10.5 x

13.5 Old Mill Westchester Lake Boat New York NY" and "Vintage

and Original High-Quality Photogravure Published by Parish in 1894.

Rare. Excellent Condition"  Brought to Author's Attention by Jorge

Santiago of the East Bronx History Forum.

Reid's Mill in an Undated Photograph Taken Prior to 1900.

Source:  Courtesy of The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham.

Undated Photograph of Remnants of Reid's Mill, Taken from

an Unusual Angle.  Source:  Courtesy of Mike Virgintino Collection /
Bronx Historical Society.  This Image May Be A Detail from the
Image Immediately Below Published in 1913.

"OLD REID'S MILL, EASTCHESTER" in Undated Photograph.

Source:  Cook, Harry T., The Borough of The Bronx 1639 - 1913 Its

Marvelous Development and Historical Surroundings, p. 139

(NY, NY:  Harry T. Cook, 1913).

"Reid's Mill, Eastchester.  From a Water-Color by Mrs. Lascelles."

Source:  Jenkins, ,Stephen, The Story of The Bronx From the Purchase

Made by the Dutch from the Indians in 1639 to the Present Day, 

Opposite p. 424 (G.P. Putnam's Sons, NY and London, The

Knickerbocker Press, 1912).  Note:  The Westchester County

Historical Society Has a Glass Negative with an Image of This

Lascelles Watercolor.



This Seems to Be the Photograph Published in The Story of the Bronx
by Stephen Jenkins Shown in the Immediately Preceding Image.
The Image is "Embedded" within this Blog (Not Copied To This Blog),
Directly from the Online Collections of The Museum of the City of
New York and, Thus, Cannot Be Resized.  Source:  "[Watercolor of Reid's Mill]
DATE: ca. 1900 gelatin silver print" and
"X2010.11.14008"

"The Old House Near Reid's Mill, About 1665-1670, Eastchester."

Source:  Jenkins, ,Stephen, The Story of The Bronx From the Purchase

Made by the Dutch from the Indians in 1639 to the Present Day, 

Opposite p. 424 (G.P. Putnam's Sons, NY and London, The

Knickerbocker Press, 1912).



This Seems to Be the Photograph Published in The Story of the Bronx
by Stephen Jenkins Shown in the Immediately Preceding Image.
The Image is "Embedded" within this Blog (Not Copied To This Blog),
Directly from the Online Collections of The Museum of the City of
New York and, Thus, Cannot Be Resized.  Source:  "[Eastchester,
Old House Near Reid's Mill]  DATE:  ca. 1900 gelatin silver print" and
"X2010.11.13997"

Undated Photograph Purporting to Show the Reid Homestead
Once Located Near Reid's Mill.  Home Was Said to Include a 
Portion That Dated from 1668, But It No Longer Exists.  
Source:  Office Of The Historian of The Town of Pelham.

Undated Photograph Believed to Show Members of the Reid
Family Who Were the Last Operators of Reid's Mill Before It
Was Abandoned After the Civil War.  Source:  Courtesy of 
Mike Virgintino Collection / Bronx Historical Society.

Below are transcriptions of various resources that touch on the history of Reid's Mill.  Each is followed by a citation to its source.  These research resources are in addition to the ones collected in previous Historic Pelham Blog postings about Reid's Mill and its predecessor(s) (see above).

"But perhaps the greatest advantage obtained in this part of the town was the construction of the mill since called 'Bartow's' and 'Reid's Mill,' at Sanders' Landing, by Thomas Shute and Joseph Stanton, in 1739.  The articles of agreement between these persons represent them as having meadow lying on each side of Rattlesnake Creek, and bind them jointly for the expenses of construction, repair and care of the mill, and guarantee to each an equal share in the profits; and in case of the determination of either party to sell his share, give the other party the first right of purchasing it.  Mr. Shute, in 1742, disposed of his share to Henry Tippitt. [Footnote '1']  [Footnote 1 reads:  '1 Book of Westchester County Deeds, vol. G, p. 388.']  In 1759 the mill and other buildings were the property of Dr. Thomas Wright, who sold them to Adolph Waldron 'Boulter,' who, in 1766, sold to John Bartow, and he, in 1790, to John Reid, [Footnote '2']  [Footnote 2 reads:  'Book of Deeds:  Book H, p. 162 and 166, and L, p. 42.']  father of Robert Reid, the last miller."

Source:  Scharf, J. Thomas, History of Westchester County, New York, Including Morrisania, Kings Bridge, and West Farms, Which Have Been Annexed to New York City, Vol. II, p. 736 (Philadelphia, PA:  L. E. Preston & Co. 1886).  

"The small stream which waters the western part of the village of Eastchester was formerly known as Rattlesnake Brook.  An early town order requires the inhabitants to meet together one day in the spring for the destruction of this dangerous reptile.  As late as 1775 one of them was killed near the brook, measuring some six feet.  Feb. 1st, 1696-7, John Pell, Sen., had the privilege of erecting a mill on this brook.  In 1721 Nathaniel Tomkins was permitted by the town to erect a fish-weir on Rattlesnake Creek, 'to ye advantage of himself to catch ye fish that swimmeth therein, for ye space of ten years from this date, providing he put it up at once.' [Footnote 'c']  [Footnote c reads:  'Town Record.  It appears from the Town Record, that as early as 1708 there existed a mill covenant between the town and Col. Caleb Heathcote.  Town Record, vol. ix, p. 54.']  

Near the mount of the brook, on 'Mill Lane,' is situated the tide mill of the late Robert Reid, Esq.  This gentleman was the son of John Reid, who was born at Dalmellington, Ayreshire, Scotland, in 1752, and bought land of John Bartow.  His grandfather, Robert Reid, was of Ayreshire, Scotland, and descended from the Reids of Loch Hannoch, of the Clan Chatu, settled at Craig-on-Hill, Ayrshhire, 1644.  Robert Reid's mother was Mary Bartow.  He had five maiden sisters; one of whom, Phoebe, still survives and occupies the property which they have held for nearly a century.  The Reid cottage occupies an extensive view of the winding creek and the high grounds of Pelham.  The adjoining property formed a portion of the ancient planting grounds of Eastchester."

Source:  Bolton, Robert, The History of the Several Towns, Manors, and Patents of the County of Westchester, From its First Settlement to the Present Time Carefully Revised by its Author, Vol. 1, pp. 245-46  (NY, NY:  Chas. F. Roper, 1881) (edited by the Rev. C. W. Bolton).

"The Bronx remained divided into various estates and settlements throughout the eighteenth century.  Most of the East Bronx remained undeveloped swampland that had few roadways.  However, farming was the mainstay for many inhabitants of the upland areas (Jenkins 1912:  103).  Manufacturing began only at the onset of the American Revolution, a result of the Non-Importation agreement.  Colonists now had to make items previously imported from England.  Several saw and grist mills opened on local waterways (Jenkins 1912:  103, 104).  Reid's Mill was the first mill to operate on Eastchester Creek (Hutchinson River) (McNamara 1984:  480).  Originally known as Sanders' Landing, the mill dates to the 17th century, operated first by Thomas Shute, followed by Joseph Stanton and later by John Bartow (Ibid.:  208).  John Reid (also spelled Reed) acquired the mill in 1739 and passed it to his son, Robert, in 1790, who operated the mill until the 1850's.  Abandoned after the Civil War, the old mill blew down during a storm in 1900.  Reid's Mill would have been located near the center of the present Co-Op City to the south of the project site (Ibid.:  480).  Reed's Mill Lane, which ran from Boston Post Road to the mill, once traversed the southeast corner of the project site."

Source:  Historical Perspectives, Inc., New York City School Construction Authority Phase 1A Archaeological Assessment P.S. 189 - X Steenwick Avenue and Reeds Mill Lane Bronx, New York, p. 12  (Westport, CT:  June 26, 2001).

"REID'S MILL LANE.  This lane dates back to the 1600's, when it led from Boston Road to a mill on the Hutchinson river.  The mill was operated in succession by Thomas Shute, Joseph Stanton, John Bartow and (in 1790) John Reid.  His son, later, was the miller.  In the ensuing century, the name was rendered 'Reed.'  The mill stood until 1900 when it was blown down".   

Source:  McNamara, John, History in Asphalt:  The Origin of Bronx Street and Place Names, Borough of the Bronx, New York City, p. 191 (Harrison, NY:  Harbor Hill Books, 1978).

"REID'S MILL.  This was the first tidal mill to be erected on Eastchester Creek, or the Hutchinson River.  The year was 1739.  John Reid (sometimes spelled Reed) was the miller in 1790, and his son, Robert, continued on until the 1850's.  After the Civil War, it was abandoned and stood forlornly on the salt meadows for decades, finally to be blown down in a storm in 1900.  Its site would be roughly the center of Co-Op City.

REID'S MILL ROAD.  This is the former name of Provost Avenue from Boston Road to the City line.  It followed the general line of Steenwyck Avenue to Rattlesnake Creek on which the mill was located."

Source:  McNamara, John, History in Asphalt:  The Origin of Bronx Street and Place Names, Borough of the Bronx, New York City, p. 451 (Harrison, NY:  Harbor Hill Books, 1978).

"SANDER'S LANDING.  This was formerly the end of Reid's Mill Lane at Eastchester Creek (Hutchinson River), as noted in 1668.  In 1739, a tidal mill was erected there by Shute and Stanton.  This was run by John Bartow in 1766, and passed into the ownership of John Reid in 1790, and to his son Robert."

Source:  McNamara, John, History in Asphalt:  The Origin of Bronx Street and Place Names, Borough of the Bronx, New York City, p. 460 (Harrison, NY:  Harbor Hill Books, 1978).  

Detail of 1868 Map Showing Portion of East Chester Where

Reid's Mill (Denoted as "G. Mill" Near End of "Mill Lane") Once Stood.

Source:  Beers, F. W., "Town of East Chester, Westchester Co., N.Y.

With Waverly With Lakeville With East Chester With Washingtonville"

in Atlas of New York and Vicinity, p. 32 (NY, NY:  Beers, Ellis & Soule, 1868).

It is important to note that the detail of the 1868 Beers map immediately above shows not only the location of the mill, but also the location of the Reid family home in relation to the location of the mill.  The structure depicted just to the northeast of the mill is labeled "Miss Read" and is likely a reference to Phoebe Reid, the last of the five "maiden" sisters of the Reid family who continued to live in the Reid family home long after the mill was abandoned.  See Bolton, Robert, The History of the Several Towns, Manors, and Patents of the County of Westchester, From its First Settlement to the Present Time Carefully Revised by its Author, Vol. 1, pp. 245-46  (NY, NY:  Chas. F. Roper, 1881) (edited by the Rev. C. W. Bolton).

Detail of 1867 Map Showing Portion of East Chester Where

Reid's Mill (Denoted as "Reed's G. Mill" in Upper Left of
Map Detail) Once Stood.  Source:  Beers, F. W., "Plan of East
Chester, Pelham and New Rochelle, Westchester Co.,
N.Y." in Atlas of New York and Vicinity from Actual Surveys
by and Under the Direction of F.W. Beers, Assisted by Geo.
E. Warner & Others, p. 7 (NY, NY:  Beers, Ellis & Soule, 1867).

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

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Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
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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).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
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