More About Samuel Rodman of the Manor of Pelham After Whom Rodman's Neck Is Named

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Samuel Rodman was an illustrious eighteenth century settler in the Town of Pelham who owned much of the mainland adjacent to City Island as well as City Island, and Hart Island.  The neck on which he lived is known today as Rodman's Neck.  It has been known by many names including Ann Hoeck's Neck (many spellings), Pell's Point, Pelham Neck, Rodman's Neck, and various other names. The area was part of the Manor of Pelham from 1654 until 1788.  In 1788, New York State established the Town of Pelham and included Rodman's Neck within the Town's boundaries.  Rodman's Neck remained part of the Town of Pelham until the area was annexed by New York City in the mid-1890's. 

I have written about Samuel Rodman, members of the Rodman Family, and Rodman's Neck on numerous occasions.  At the end of today's Historic Pelham Blog posting I have included a list of links to many such articles. (I have excluded from the list many, many other articles that simply reference Rodman's Neck -- i.e., Pell's Point -- as the landing point of the British and German troops before the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.)

Samuel Rodman was a son of Joseph Rodman (born April 11, 1685; died September, 1759) and Sarah Lawrence.  Sarah Lawrence Rodman was Joseph's first wife.  The couple married on March 11, 1709.  Joseph and Sarah Rodman and their family lived in New Rochelle and had ten children before Sarah's death.  Joseph Rodman married again, to Helena Willett, on November 9, 1758.  

Joseph and Sarah Rodman had ten children:

Joseph Rodman, born October 6, 1708 (before the couple married)
Anna Rodman, born April 17, 1711; died September 13, 1713
William Rodman, born March 17, 1712; died October 22, 1713
Samuel Rodman, born February 6, 1715; died before May 8, 1780
Mary Rodman, born February 1, 1717; died before the American Revolution
Sarah Rodman, born September 24, 1719; died July 6, 1780
William Rodman, born October 31, 1721
Deborah Rodman, born December 26, 1725
Anna Rodman, born April 10, 1728
Elizabeth Rodman

Source:  Jones, Charles Henry, Genealogy of the Rodman Family, 1620 to 1686, pp. 22-23 (Philadelphia, NY:  Allen, Lane and Scott, 1886). 

Samuel Rodman (born February 6, 1715; died 1780, before May 8, 1780) was the fourth child and third son of Joseph and Sarah Rodman of New Rochelle.  He married Mary Hicks (a daughter of William Hicks) on October 13, 1737 in Flushing (in today's Queens County, New York).  Samuel and Mary Hicks Rodman lived on a large farm on Pelham Neck, known today as Rodman's Neck.  The couple had seven children:

Sarah Rodman, born February 20, 1739
Joseph Rodman, born April 29, 1740
William Rodman, born September 15, 1742
Samuel Rodman, born November 28, 1744
Mary Rodman, born October 28, 1746
Charles Rodman, born November 4, 1748; died September 18, 1751
Elizabeth Rodman

Source: Jones, Charles Henry, Genealogy of the Rodman Family, 1620 to 1686, p. 32 (Philadelphia, NY: Allen, Lane and Scott, 1886).

After the death of his first wife, Mary Hicks Rodman, on December 20, 1751, Samuel Rodman remarried to Mary Pell, a daughter of Caleb Pell.  Samuel Rodman and his family lived on a large farm on Rodman's Neck.  The farm was described in a sales advertisement published in 1774 as follows:

"[A] valuable peninsula, or neck of land at New-Rochelle, commonly called, and known by the name of RODMAN'S NECK, distant 23 miles from the city of New-York; containing about 200 acres, including 8 or 10 acres of salt meadow.  On the premises is a commodious new dwelling-house, a large new barn, with stables and other convenient out-buildings; a good bearing orchard, and a variety of peach and other fruit trees.  The Farm is in excellent order, divided in proper lots from five, ten, to fifteen acres, mostly inclosed with lasting stone fences; is well water'd, and has a sufficiency of timber for fire-wood.  The soil is naturally rich and luxuriant, and may easily be made more so if required as large quantities of sedge and rock weed (those best of manures) are continually drifting on shore from all quarters of the Sound, and can be conveyed to any part of the farm with very little trouble and expence. The situation is healthy and most delightful -- a full prospect up the Sound, unbounded as the ocean; -- an extensive view of New-England and Long-Island shores, with the innumerable islands interspersed, most of which are covered with cedars, pines, and other ever-greens; -- the continual passing and repassing of topsail vessels, sloops, boats, &c. -- and the pleasant and fruitful adjacent country around; renders it all together, inviting and agreeable beyond description."

Source:  To Be Sold, at Public Vendue on the Premises, The New-York Gazette; and The Weekly Mercury, Feb. 21, 1774, p. 2, col. 4.

In addition to owning the large farm on the mainland, Rodman also owned much of today's City Island located just off the shore of Rodman's Neck.  Thus, in 1754 Samuel Rodman advertised for sale about 236 acres of "upland and meadow" with "well water and timber" known by the name of "Minyford's Island" where, according to the advertisement, there was a good dwelling house, a barn, and other outhouses as well as "a good orchard with upwards of 200 apple trees, besides other fruit trees."  See [Advertisement], The New-York Mercury, Apr. 8, 1754, Issue 87, p. 4.  

Shortly before the onset of the Revolutionary War, Samuel Rodman and Benjamin Palmer successfully lobbied the New York Lieutenant Governor, the Council and the General Assembly to enact a statute authorizing them to build a free draw bridge between Rodman's Neck on the mainland and Minneford's Island (known today as City Island).  The plans were part of a grand scheme to develop Minneford's Island into a major city seaport to be named "City Island." 

The onset of the Revolutionary War dashed these plans.  The statute required that the bridge be built within seven years of its date of passage on April 3, 1775.  The War raged for the next eight years.  Thus, the bridge was never built and the grand plans to develop City Island as a seaport to rival New York City were relegated to the trash bin of history.

Samuel Rodman also owned Hart Island, a large island in Long Island Sound located adjacent to City Island.  He bequeathed a portion of that island to his son, Joseph, in his will.  That will provided:

"'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:  "Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogates 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 For the Year 1900, pp. 108-09 (NY, NY:  Printed for The New-York Historical Society, 1901) (citing Liber 32, p. 240).

Detail of Map Prepared in 1853 Showing Rodman's Neck

(Pelham Neck) Once Owned by Samuel Rodman.Source:

Dripps, Matthew & Conner, R.F.O., Southern Part of

West-Chester County N. Y. (1853) (Museum of the City of

New York, No. 29.100.2628). NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

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For a list of prior postings about Samuel Rodman, members of the Rodman Family, and Rodman's Neck, see:

Thu., Oct. 16, 2014:  Genealogical Information Regarding Samuel Rodman of Rodman's Neck in the Town of Pelham.

Tue., Oct. 07, 2014:  Legislative History of the 1775 Statute Authorizing Construction of City Island Bridge.

Fri., Oct. 03, 2014:  1775 Statute Authorizing Construction of City Island Bridge.

Fri., Sep. 19, 2014:  Abel Deveau, An American Skirmisher on Rodman's Neck as British and Germans Landed Before the Battle of Pelham.

Wed., Sep. 17, 2014:  References to the Battle of Pelham in 18th Century Diary of Ezra Stiles, President of Yale College.

Tue., Feb. 09, 2010:  1755 Census of Slaves Older than Fourteen in the "Mannour of Pelham"

Thu., Dec. 13, 2007:  Abstract of Will of William Rodman Dated Oct. 28, 1782.

Mon., Sep. 10, 2007:  Abstract of 1799 Will of Samuel Rodman, Jr. of Pelham.

Tue., Apr. 17, 2007:  Executor's Notice Regarding the Estate of Samuel Rodman, Published in 1784.

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

Tue., Dec. 26, 2006: 1775 Statute Authorizing Samuel Rodman and Benjamin Palmer to Build City Island Drawbridge.  

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

Mon., Aug. 21, 2006:  Efforts to Sell Rodman's Neck in 1774 and 1775, Apparently Due to Financial Difficulties of Joseph Rodman, Jr.

Tue., Mar. 22, 2005:  The 1790 U.S. Census Information for the Township of Pelham.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Genealogical Information Regarding Samuel Rodman of Rodman's Neck in the Town of Pelham

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Samuel Rodman was an illustrious eighteenth century settler in the Town of Pelham who owned much of the mainland adjacent to City Island.  The neck on which he lived is known today as Rodman's Neck.  It has been known by many names including Ann Hoeck's Neck (many spellings), Pell's Point, Rodman's Neck, and other names.  The area was part of the Manor of Pelham from 1654 until 1788.  In 1788, New York State established the Town of Pelham and included Rodman's Neck within the Town.  Rodman's Neck remained part of the Town of Pelham until the area was annexed by New York City in the mid-1890's.  

I have written about Samuel Rodman, members of the Rodman Family, and Rodman's Neck on numerous occasions.  At the end of today's Historic Pelham Blog posting I have included a list of links to many such articles.  (I have excluded many, many others that simply reference Rodman's Neck -- i.e., Pell's Point -- as the landing point of the British and German troops before the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.)

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of genealogical information about Samuel Rodman and his family.  As always, the transcription is followed by a citation to its source.  In this instances, which is likely to be important for Rodman family genealogists to know, I have omitted all footnotes, so interested parties should click on the link to the original source and explore further.  

"80.  SAMUEL RODMAN (Joseph, John, John), b. Feb. 6, 1715; d. 1780; m. Oct. 13, 1737, Mary Hicks, dau. of William Hicks.  She died Dec. 20, 1751.  He m. 2d, Mary, dau. of Caleb Pell.  He lived at Pelham, Westchester county, N. Y.

By his first wife he had seven children.

192.  SARAH RODMAN, b. Feb. 20, 1739; m. ------ Bleeker.
193.  JOSEPH RODMAN, b. April 29, 1740; m. Jan. 27, 1769, Alida Guion.
194.  WILLIAM RODMAN, b. Sept. 15, 1742; m. Eleanor Myers.
195.  SAMUEL RODMAN, b. Nov. 28, 1744; m. Anne Hicks.
196.  MARY RODMAN, b. Oct. 28, 1746; m. John Bertine.
197.  CHARLES RODMAN, b. Nov. 4, 1748; d. Sept. 18, 1751.
198.  ELIZABETH RODMAN, m. Philip Riche."

Source:   Jones, Charles Henry, Genealogy of the Rodman Family 1620 to 1886, p. 32 (Philadelphia, PA:  Allen, Lane & Scott, 1886).

Detail of Map Prepared in 1853 Showing Rodman's Neck (Designated

as "Pelham Neck") in Center.  Source: Dripps, Matthew &

Conner, R.F.O., Southern Part of West-Chester County N. Y. (1853)

(Museum of the City of New York, No. 29.100.2628).

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For a list of prior postings about Samuel Rodman, members of the Rodman Family, and Rodman's Neck, see:

Tue., Oct. 07, 2014:  Legislative History of the 1775 Statute Authorizing Construction of City Island Bridge.

Fri., Oct. 03, 2014:  1775 Statute Authorizing Construction of City Island Bridge.

Fri., Sep. 19, 2014:  Abel Deveau, An American Skirmisher on Rodman's Neck as British and Germans Landed Before the Battle of Pelham.

Wed., Sep. 17, 2014:  References to the Battle of Pelham in 18th Century Diary of Ezra Stiles, President of Yale College.

Tue., Feb. 09, 2010:  1755 Census of Slaves Older than Fourteen in the "Mannour of Pelham"

Thu., Dec. 13, 2007:  Abstract of Will of William Rodman Dated Oct. 28, 1782.

Mon., Sep. 10, 2007:  Abstract of 1799 Will of Samuel Rodman, Jr. of Pelham.

Tue., Apr. 17, 2007:  Executor's Notice Regarding the Estate of Samuel Rodman, Published in 1784.

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

Tue., Dec. 26, 2006: 1775 Statute Authorizing Samuel Rodman and Benjamin Palmer to Build City Island Drawbridge.  

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

Mon., Aug. 21, 2006:  Efforts to Sell Rodman's Neck in 1774 and 1775, Apparently Due to Financial Difficulties of Joseph Rodman, Jr.

Tue., Mar. 22, 2005:  The 1790 U.S. Census Information for the Township of Pelham.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Legislative History of the 1775 Statute Authorizing Construction of City Island Bridge

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

A few days ago I wrote about the statute passed by the Colony of New York on April 3, 1775 authorizing Benjamin Palmer and Samuel Rodman, Sr. to build a draw bridge from Rodman's Neck on the mainland to City Island.  See Fri., Oct. 03, 2014:  1775 Statute Authorizing Construction of City Island Bridge.

A review of the legislative history of the statute suggests that in 1774, Rodman and Palmer sought and obtained the support of residents of the Manor of Pelham, the settlement of New Rochelle, and the borough and town of Westchester to urge the General Assembly of New York to enact a law authorizing the construction of a free draw bridge from the mainland to City Island.  

The Journal of the General Assembly of New-York reflects that on March 10, 1774, a petition signed by a number of the freeholders and inhabitants of Pelham, New Rochelle and Westchester "was presented to the house and read, praying a bill may be brought in to enable Benjamin Palmer and Samuel Rodman, to build a free draw-bridge over the Narrows from Miniford's Island to said Rodman's Neck."  

The house ordered representatives Thomas and Van Cortlandt to prepare and present such a bill.  Later in the day, Representative Thomas presented to the house the bill entitled "an act to enable the persons therein named to build a free bridge over the Narrows from Minfords island to Rodman's Neck.  The bill was read to the house and a second reading was ordered.

Below is the text from the entry of the Journal of the General Assembly of New-York on March 10, 1774.

"Die Jovis, 10 ho. A. M. the 10th March, 1774.

Theengrossed bill from the council, entitled 'an act for the amendment of the law for prevention of frauds and perjuries,' was read the second time, and committed to a committee of the whole house.

A petition of a number of the freeholders and inhabitants of the manor of Pelham, New-Rochelle, and the borough and town of Westchester, was presented to the house and read, praying a bill may be brought in to enable Benjamin Palmer and Samuel Rodman, to build a free draw-bridge over the Narrows from Miniford's Island to said Rodman's Neck.

Ordered, 

That a bill be brought in pursuant to the said petition, and that Mr. Thomas and Mr. Van Cortlandt prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Wilkins, from the committee appointed the 8th inst. to prepare the draft of an address to his Excellency the Governor, pursuant to a resolution entered into on that day, reported, that they prepared a draft accordingly; which he read in his place, and afterwards delivered it in at the table, where the same was again read; and thereupon it was

Ordered,

That the said draft be referred to the consideration of a committee of the whole house.

Mr. Thomas, according to order, presented to the house a bill, entitled 'an act to enable the persons therein named to build a free bridge over the Narrows from Minifords island to Rodman's Neck,' which was read the first time, and ordered a second reading. . . ."

Source:  Journal of the Votes and Proceedings of the General Assembly of the Colony of New-York, from 1766 to 1776, Inclusive / Reprinted in Pursuance of a Joint Resolution of the State of New York, Passed 30th April, 1820, p. 90 (Albany, NY:  Printed by J. Buel, Printer to the State, 1820).

Map of Town of Pelham with Inset of City Island, 1868.

Source: Beers, F.W., Atlas of New York and Vicinity, p. 35

(NY, NY: Beers, Ellis & Soule, 1868).

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To read more about Benjamin Palmer, Samuel Rodman, City Island and early efforts to develop the City Island bridge, see:  

Tue., Dec. 26, 2006:  1775 Statute Authorizing Samuel Rodman and Benjamin Palmer to Build City Island Drawbridge.  

Tue., May 02, 2006:  Benjamin Palmer's Advertisement in 1756 To Raise Subscriptions To Fund a Free Bridge From Manhattan.

Wed., May 17, 2006:  More About Benjamin Palmer's Involvement With Raising Funds for a Free Bridge from Manhattan. 

Fri., May 05, 2006:  1763 Announcement That City Island in the Manor of Pelham Has Been Laid Out in Lots for Sale.

Mon., May 15, 2006:  Resales of Lots in the 1760s on the Island Known Today as City Island.

Thu., Apr. 19, 2007:  An Account of How Soldiers Were "Recruited" in Pelham in 1758 for the French and Indian War.  

Mon., Jan. 29, 2007:  Palmer Family Offers One Thirtieth of City Island for Sale in 1785.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

1775 Statute Authorizing Construction of City Island Bridge

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Benjamin Palmer was a son-in-law of Thomas Pell (referenced by members of the Pell Family as Third Lord of the Manor of Pelham).  In 1761, Palmer purchased from his brother, Joseph, the island then known as Minneford's Island (today's City Island).  Benjamin Palmer had grand plans to build a large port City on the Island (hence, "City Island") to rival the port of New York City as an international shipping hub.  In 1763, Palmer announced that City Island lots had been laid out and were being offered for sale.  On May 10, 1763, the first ferry was established between City Island and Rodman’s Neck.  Throughout the 1760's many of those lots were bought and resold by land speculators.

Shortly before the onset of the Revolutionary War, Samuel Rodman Sr. and Benjamin Palmer successfully lobbied the New York Lieutenant Governor, the Council and the General Assembly to enact a statute authorizing them to build a free draw bridge between Rodman's Neck on the mainland and Minneford's Island (known today as City Island).  The plans were part of Palmer's grand scheme to develop Minneford's Island into a major city seaport.  

The onset of the Revolutionary War dashed these plans.  The statute required that the bridge be built within seven years of its date of passage on April 3, 1775.  The War raged for the next eight years.  Thus, the bridge was never built and Palmer's grand plans for City Island were relegated to the trash bin of history.  

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of the statute.  I have written about this statute before, but am providing today's transcription from a different source because it differs slightly from the text of the statute about which I originally wrote.  See Tue., Dec. 26, 2006:  1775 Statute Authorizing Samuel Rodman and Benjamin Palmer to Build City Island Drawbridge.  

Benjamin Palmer spent decades supporting efforts to expand settlement in the region northeast of New York City.  He was involved in early efforts to develop a free bridge connecting the Island of Manhattan with the mainland to the north as an alternative to the King's Bridge which was a toll bridge that was the only bridge connecting Manhattan with the mainland at the time.  While developing and constructing the free bridge (known as the "Free Bridge" and the "Farmer's Bridge") the British colonial authorities were so incensed that Palmer was "pressed" (i.e., drafted) twice in one year to be sent to Canada to fight in the French and Indian War.  Both times he hired substitutes to go in his place.  Palmer later wrote "Notwithstanding this I continued building the free bridge until finished."  

I have written of Benjamin Palmer and his exploits on a number of occasions.  Links to earlier such postings may be found at the end of today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog.  

Map of Town of Pelham with Inset of City Island, 1868.

Source: Beers, F.W., Atlas of New York and Vicinity,

p. 35 (NY, NY: Beers, Ellis & Soule, 1868).

"Chapter CXXV.

(CHAP. 78, LAWS OF 1775.)

AN ACT to enable the Persons therein named to build a free draw bridge over the Narrows from Mineford's Island to Rodman's Neck.

PASSED the 3d of April 1775.

Preamble.

WHEREAS a free draw Bridge over the Narrows from Rodman's Neck to Mineford's Island in the Manor of Pelham in the County of West Chester, will considerably shorten the Distance of the present Ferry from Rodman's Neck to Great Neck on Long Island, as the said Ferry may then with great Convenience be kept on Mineford's Island aforesaid; and will moreover afford a convenient and proper Station for taking great Quantities of fish with Nets and Fikes, which will give considerable Employment and Relief to the Poor in the Neighborhood of the said Bridge, and lessen the Price of that useful Article in the Markets of the City of New York [Page 210 / Page 211] 

Erection of Draw Bridge authorized.

Be it therefore Enacted by his Honor the Lieutenant Governor the Council and the General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the Authority of the same, That Samuel Rodman Senior, and Benjamin Palmer both of the said Manor of Pelham and County of West Chester shall be, and they are hereby impowered to erect and build a draw Bridge over the said Narrows from Rodman's Neck to Minifords Island aforesaid in such Place as they the said Samuel Rodman Senior and Benjamin Palmer shall judge most fit,

Manner of Construction.

Provided that such Bridge there shall be two or more Apertures of at least twenty five Feet each, for the Convenience of navigating the said River by small Boats:

Bridge to be a free bridge.

And the said Bridge when so built shall be and is hereby declared to be a free and public Highway for the Use Benefit and Behoof of all his Majesty's Subjects whatsoever.

Act, when to become Null and Void.

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the said Bridge shall be erected and built in the Space of Seven Years after the passing hereof, or in Default thereof, that this Act and every Thing therein contained shall be Null and Void, any Thing herein before contained to the contrary thereof notwithstanding."

Source:  Laws of the Colony of New York, Passed in the Years 1774 and 1775.  Fourteenth and Fifteenth George III Republished Under Direction of Frederick Cook, Secretary of State, Pursuant to Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-One, Laws of Eighteen Hundred and Eighty-Eight, pp. 210-11 (Albany, NY:  James B. Lyon, 1888).  

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Tue., Dec. 26, 2006:  1775 Statute Authorizing Samuel Rodman and Benjamin Palmer to Build City Island Drawbridge.  

Tue., May 02, 2006:  Benjamin Palmer's Advertisement in 1756 To Raise Subscriptions To Fund a Free Bridge From Manhattan.

Wed., May 17, 2006:  More About Benjamin Palmer's Involvement With Raising Funds for a Free Bridge from Manhattan. 

Fri., May 05, 2006:  1763 Announcement That City Island in the Manor of Pelham Has Been Laid Out in Lots for Sale.

Mon., May 15, 2006:  Resales of Lots in the 1760s on the Island Known Today as City Island.

Thu., Apr. 19, 2007:  An Account of How Soldiers Were "Recruited" in Pelham in 1758 for the French and Indian War.  

Mon., Jan. 29, 2007:  Palmer Family Offers One Thirtieth of City Island for Sale in 1785.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

1755 Census of Slaves Older than Fourteen in the "Mannour of Pelham"

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

On June 8, 2007, I presented a paper to attendees at the 28th Annual Conference on New York State History entitled  “Slavery in the Manor of Pelham and the Town of Pelham During the Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries".  Among the many, many resources on which I relied in the preparation of that paper was a census of slaves older than fourteen in the "Mannour of Pelham" prepared by John Pell on April 12, 1755.  I have transcribed the text of that brief census below.


"MANOR OF PELHAM.
A True List of all the Slaves both Male & Female in the mannour of Pelham above the Age of Fourteen Years according to Report to me made in Submission to the present Malitia Act of General Assembly of this province

....................................................................................Numb,
Joshua Pells numbr males 2......................................... 2
Caleb Pells numbr males two Femals two.................. 4
Philip Pells numb males two Femals two.................... 4
Samll Rodmans number Males two Femals two........ 4
Bernard Rylanders males two Femals one................. 3
Phebe Pell wd Jos. pell Deed one male one Femal...2 
Executive of Isaac Contine Deed males one...............1
for my own possession males three, Female 1.......... 4
................................................number of the Whole.    24 

From your Honnours Most Humble Servant
JOHN PELL, Captain
of the Mannor of pelham.

Aprill the 12th 1755"

Source:  O'Callaghan, E.B., ed., The Documentary History of the State of New-York Arranged Under Direction of the Hon. Christopher Morgan, Secretary of State, Vol. III, p. 854 (Albany, NY:  Weed, Parsons & Co., Public Printers 1850).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings

Abstract of Will of William Rodman Dated Oct. 28, 1782

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

I have transcribed 17th, 18th and early 19th century wills and abstracts of wills of residents of Pelham of which I have become aware. I recently prepared an index to those materials and subsequently have located other such materials that I have posted. See:

Thursday, March 29, 2007: Index to Transcripts of Wills and Abstracts of Wills Prepared by Early Pelham Residents.

Friday, October 5, 2007: Abstract of 1770 Will of Duncan Campble of Minefords Island in Pelham

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the abstract of the will of William Rodman dated October 28, 1782. Interestingly, the will was disallowed on July 18, 1793. The abstract appears below, followed by a citation to its source.

"WILLIAM RODMAN, of Pelham Manor, farmer; Oct. 28, 1782; devised to brother Joseph Rodman part of Hart Island in lieu of debts and demands; to brogther Samuel Rodman the other quarter part; to wife Leah use of farm in Pelham for seven years, then to brother Joseph Rodman, he to pay wife; mentioned nephew John Bertine, son of sister Mary Bertine, dec'd., under 21; nephew Samuel Bartine; niece Sarah Bartine; after death of brother Joseph Rodman, all farm to two nephews William and John Rodman, his sons; cousin William Rodman, son of Joseph Rodman, dec'd., the small race saddle and furniture I had from his father [etc.]. Executors, friends John Bartow, Junr., Theodosius Bartow and Benjamin Pell. Wit., Theodosius Bartow, Joseph Mullinex, William Landrine. Probated July 18, 1793. Appeared Theodosius Bartow of New Rochelle, and declared that the will was placed in his custody, and that at the time the will was written by him, the sd. William Rodman had no issue and further declared that about three or four years later was summoned to write another will; that he then had no issue; but, some time after had a daughter who is still living; that he had carried the second will away with him and failed to make a third will; the first will found and herewith recorded; that about a year last wenter the sd. William Rodman, dec'd. Will disallowed, July 18, 1793."

Source: Bristol, Theresa Hall, ed., Abstracts of Wills Recorded at White Plains, Westchester County, N.Y., Subsequent to May 1, 1787 in The New York Genealogical and Bigraphical Record, Vol. LV, No. 3, pp. 262, 268 (NY, NY: The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, Jul. 1924)(citing Liber B).

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Executor's Notice Regarding the Estate of Samuel Rodman, Published in 1784

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Occasionally I have posted to the Historic Pelham Blog information about Samuel Rodman who owned Rodman's Neck (a/k/a Pell's Point and Annehoock's Neck) in the Manor of Pelham during the 18th Century. See, e.g.,

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

Tuesday, December 26, 2006: 1775 Statute Authorizing Samuel Rodman and Benjamin Palmer to Build City Island Drawbridge

In 1784, notices appeared in a New York City newspaper in connection with efforts by the executor of Samuel Rodman's estate to close that estate. Today's Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of the notice and provides citations to its sources.

"ALL Persons having any demands against the estate of the late SAMUEL RODMAN of the Manor of Pelham in Westchester county, deceased, are requested to bring in their accounts, properly attested to the subcriber: And all persons indebted to the said estate, are requested to make speedy payment to prevent further trouble, to William Rodman, Executor."

Source: All Persons Having Any Demands Against the Estate of the Late Samuel Rodman, The New York Packet And The American Advertiser, May 3, 1784, Issue 381, p. 3, col. 4. See also All Persons Having Any Demands Against the Estate of the Late Samuel Rodman, The New York Packet And The American Advertiser, May 6, 1784, Issue 382, Supplement p. 4, col. 2.

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

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

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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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The 1790 U.S. Census Information for the Township of Pelham

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Only seven years after the end of the Revolutionary War and two years after the formal creation of the Town of Pelham, the federal government performed its first U.S. census. Below I have created a "cut-and-paste" image that combines data spread across two pages of the 1790 U.S. Census, New York State, Westchester County, Township of Pelham (pages 141 and 142). That image appears below.

The handwritten titles of the five columns are somewhat difficult to read. They are, from left to right, the following:

"Free White Males of 16 Years Upward Including Heads of Families"
"Free White Males Under 16 Years."
"Free White Females Including Heads of Families"
"All Other Free Persons"
"Slaves"

The census shows 45 free white males sixteen years or older, 31 free white males under sixteen years old, 84 free white females, 1 "other free person" (likely an emancipated slave) and 38 slaves for a total population of 199 persons.

The names of those listed in the census are well known to students of Pelham History including, among many others:

Philip Pell, Esq. (Revolutionary War Hero)
Benjamin Guion (Well Known Tavern Owner)
David J. Pell (Descendant of John Pell, 2nd Lord of the Manor; Became Owner of Pelhamdale)
James Pell (Descendant of John Pell, 2nd Lord of the Manor)
James A. F. Prevost, Esq.
Thomas Pell (Descendant of John Pell, 2nd Lord of the Manor)
Samuel Rodman (Rodman's Neck)
William Bailey (Bayley - Uncle of St. Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton; Owner of the Kemble House)

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