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 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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