Report From Natchez, Mississippi After the Civil War Possibly Written by Levin R. Marshall Who Owned Hawkswood

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On December 12, 1867, The Cincinnati Daily Enquirer published on its front page a shockingly racist letter by an unidentified author who sought to switch a newspaper subscription from Pelham, New York to Natchez, Mississippi.  The letter said:  "A state of desperation exists here, such as has no parallel in the world's history" and purported to indict the earliest years of the Reconstruction Era and efforts to provide Black Americans in Mississippi and the surrounding region with at least the seeds to grow emerging civil rights.  

Though ostensibly a simple request to switch the address of a newspaper subscription, the letter was more of a bitter and darkly brooding rant against the devastation of the Civil War, the Reconstruction Era, and freed slaves.  The author of the letter was not identified.  It is, however, readily apparent and nearly certain that the letter was written by Levin R. Marshall who once owned the elegant mansion on Pelham Neck near City Island Bridge known as Hawkswood.  Throughout the time he owned Hawkswood, he remained a resident of Natchez from which he oversaw his plantations and slaves, but summered in Pelham in the mansion which became known as the "Marhsall Mansion" at "Marshall Corners."  See Mon., Feb. 10, 2014:  Hawkswood, Also Known as the Marshall Mansion, Colonial Hotel and Colonial Inn, Once Stood in Pelham Near City Island.  

Levin R. Marshall was originally from Virginia.  He became a successful banker in the river city of Natchez, Mississippi.  He invested in cotton plantations, a hotel, and a steamboat packet company.  By the start of the Civil War, he had amassed more than 25,000 acres of farmland in three states.  Five of his plantations, totaling 14,400 acres, were located in Adams County, Mississippi and in Louisiana.  He owned 817 slaves in 1860 and lived on an estate known as "Richmond" just south of Natchez.  He had 32 slaves at Richmond to tend to his family's needs and take care of the estate.  Marshall was a millionaire -- reputedly "one of only 35 millionaires in the entire country" at the start of the War.

As one would expect, Marshall's plantations and agricultural businesses were destroyed by the War.  His 817 slaves were freed.  His finances were devastated.

Levin R. Marshall died in Marshall Mansion in the Town of Pelham while visiting his summer home on July 24, 1870.  As part of its effort to develop the area as Pelham Bay Park, the City of New York thereafter purchased the Marshall estate in 1888 although the property was not maintained thereafter with the attention to detail and loving care that had been lavished on it for many decades.  Bolton wrote about the Marshall Mansion in the 1881 edition of his History of Westchester County published after his death saying: 

"Hawkwood, the residence of the late Elisha King, Esq., is now owned by the widow of the late Levin R. Marshall, and adjoins the property of Captain J.R. Steers, on the south. The house is built of stone, in the Grecian style, and presents a fine front of columns to the water.  The beauty of the scenery in this vicinity is greatly heightened by the close proximity of City Island, and the richly wooded shores of the Point. The grounds, containing a great variety of choice trees, were laid out by the celebrated gardener, Andre Parmenteer.  Nearly adjoining Hawkwood, in the south-west, is Longwood, the residence of A. Newbold Morris, Esq." 

Source: Bolton, C.W., ed., 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 By the Late Rev. Robert Bolton, Vol. II, p. 71 (NY, NY: Chas. F. Roper, 1881).  

The letter published by The Cincinnati Daily Enquirer on December 12, 1867, a little less than three years before Marshall's death, sheds fascinating light on Marshall at the end of his life if, indeed, the letter was his.  It seems to be a dark and hopeless letter filled with racist rants against the freed slaves of the region, the early years of the Reconstruction Era and the "Black Republican Party" that controlled the politics of the region.  The letter describes the United States as "in a most deplorable condition" mired in the muck of "lamentable" politics.  It says that "the crops have so signally failed in Louisiana and Mississippi that real want and suffering are staring most of us in the face."  It further states, rather dramatically, that "Ruin, ruin is a word that all in this section comprehend, without a reference to Webster or any other lexicographer."  

The author of the dark and brooding letter notes that landowners are unable to pay wages to freed slaves to do the work to harvest crops and that the region, like the nation, was in a "deplorable condition" with "no immediate prospect of any improvement" and "worse off than ever!"  

According to the author, there was "No business of any kind doing" and no money, saying further:  "This you may think a gloomy picture, but a more truthful one never was drawn."

At this point the letter devolved into a combination of complaints regarding the reconstruction process, the Freedmen's Bureau, and freed slaves, concluding with the statement:  "A state of desperation exists here, such as has no parallel in the world's history."

Clearly much of the value of Levin R. Marshall's assets had been destroyed by the Civil War and its aftermath.  His affluent lifestyle and, indeed, his pre-war way-of-life had been entirely destroyed.  He know longer had available to him the laborers he misused to build his lifestyle and his holdings.  He seemed to have grown bitter over the reconstruction efforts during the early years of the Reconstruction Era.  He complained that the few planters in the region able to harvest any cotton saw most, or all, of that cotton simply confiscated by the Freedmen's Bureau.  He even lamented the fact that freed slaves had "thoroughly organized in every county in the State, such as Loyal League clubs, G. A. R., and other such imitations of their worse white brethren."  

Levin R. Marshall's life, as he once knew it, was over.  This letter reflects both his consequent anger and bitterness.  It reveals much about the man who once summered in Pelham.

Above:  Detail from Engraving of Hawkswood (the Marshall Mansion)

Published in 1831.  Below:  Detail from Early 20th Century Post Card

Showing Levin R. Marshall's Mansion Named "Richmond" Near Natchez.

Note:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Detail from Page 35, Beers, F.W., Atlas of New York and Vicinity,

1868 (Published by Beers, Ellis & Soule, New York) ("City Island,

Pelham Township, Westchester Co., N.Y. with Town of Pelham,

Westchester Co., N.Y.") Shows Estate of L.R. Marshall Known

as "Hawkswood."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Hawkswood / Marshall Mansion in the 1930s.

New York City Parks Department.  NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge.

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Below is the text of the letter published in the December 12, 1867 issue of The Cincinnati                            Daily Enquirer.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source.  

"FROM MISSISSIPPI.
-----
Condition of the Country -- A Sad Picture.
[Correspondence of the Cincinnati Enquirer.]

NATCHEZ, MISS., December 3, 1867.

I write to request that you will have my paper sent me here.  I left a memorandum with one of the employes of your office while in Cincinnati, giving my change of address from Pelham, Westchester County, N. Y., to Natchez, Adams County, Miss., but presume, in the excitement of the election returns from New York, Minnesota and elsewhere, it has been laid aside.  It is the only paper I take pleasure in reading, and in this God-forsaken, devil-taken country I can not do without it.

Our country is in a most deplorable condition.  Aside from its political aspect (which is lamentable), the crops have so signally failed in Louisiana and Mississippi that real want and suffering are staring most of us in the face.  Ruin, ruin, is a word that all in this section comprehend, without a reference to Webster or any other lexicographer.  Not a single crop has been made, where expenses will be met.  On the contrary, the advances for supplies and wages of negroes can not be paid.  We are in a deplorable condition, and no immediate prospect of any improvement.  Instead of bettering ourselves, as most of us thought we could, we are worse off than ever!  No business of any kind doing, from the fact of there being no motive power, in the shape of money.  This you may think a gloomy picture, but a more truthful one never was drawn.  Where any cotton was made, most of it, and in some cases all that planters made, has been seized by the 'Freedmen's Bureau,' perhaps (?) for the benefit of the worthless, idle negro; and this, too, after the planter has been at the expense of feeding, housing, and otherwise caring for the miserable vagabond.

And this the return!  Every thing taken for the darky, and absolutely nothing for the white man and his dependent, perhaps starving family!  How long are we to endure this state of things?  I have not yet seen the man who says he intends planting again -- in fact, such a man will be a curiosity, and could well be exhibited by the side of Barnum's gorilla (or, 'may be,' future candidate of the Black Republican party for the next Presidency).  I mean, the gorilla, of course.  No one has the money to invest in negro labor.

Other troubles we may look for in a few weeks, as an immense number of negroes will be thrown out of employment, with no prospect for being employed for the coming year.  As a consequence, theft, robbery, and, perhaps other far worse outrages, that we all anticipate, without the power to avert.

The negroes are thoroughly organized in every county in the State, such as Loyal League clubs, G. A. R., and other such imitations of their worse white brethren.  A state of desperation exists here, such as has no parallel in the world's history."

Source:  FROM MISSISSIPPI -- Condition of the Country -- A Sad Picture, The Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, Dec. 12, 1867, Vol. XXXL, No. 336, p. 1, col. 4 (NOTE:  Paid subscription required to access via this link).  

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I have written about the Hawkswood / Marshall Mansion on other occasions.  Below are a few linked examples:

Mon., Feb. 10, 2014:  Hawkswood, Also Known as the Marshall Mansion, Colonial Hotel and Colonial Inn, Once Stood in Pelham Near City Island.  

Wed., Apr. 5, 2006:  "Hawkswood", Later Known as the Marshall Mansion on Rodman's Neck in Pelham. 

Thu., Jun. 28, 2007: 19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King.

Fri., May 07, 2010:  Image of Hawkswood Published in 1831.

Thu., June 28, 2007: 19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King.

Mon., Apr. 26, 2010:  Public Service Commission Couldn't Find Marshall's Corners in 1909.  


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The Will of Rem Rapelje of Pelham, Probated on November 20, 1805

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Yesterday's Historic Pelham Article provided information about the large farm that Rem Rapelje and, later, his son George Rapelje, maintained on Pelham Neck during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.  See Thu., Mar. 02, 2017:  1805 Advertisement Reveals Much About the Pelham Farm of Rem Rapelje.  Today's article provides images of Rem Rapelje, the records reflecting Rem Rapelje's will probated in 1805 and also a transcription of the will's text and an analysis of its significance.

Rem Rapelje was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 3, 1728.  He lost his father as a young child.  His mother remarried but his relationship with his stepfather was quite poor and, according to his son, George Rapelje, Rem "sought for friendly aid elsewhere."  As a young man, Rem Rapelje hustled for his living.  As a very, very young man, he was a ship owner.  He also dealt in general merchandise and kept a store on Maiden Lane in New York City "directly in rear of his dwelling."  An uncle who was in the "corn, grain, and flour business" and owned a store for the business took him into the store "which was at the fork of Maiden Lane and Crown Street."  Soon, on behalf of the business, he was sent in a schooner to Curacao.  He became a successful and wealthy merchant and ship owner.

Rem Rapelje was a Loyalist, but he remained in the New York region after the Revolutionary War.  When the war ended, he purchased a farm known as "Glass House Farm" located along the Hudson River about three miles from New York City. 

Rem Rapelje married Neeltje Hardenbroek (whom he called "Nelly"), a daughter of Abel Hardenbroek and Elizabeth Remson.  The couple had at least four children:  George Rapalje, Abel Hardenbroek Rapalje, Rem Rapalje, Jr., and Johannis Rapalje.  Rem Rapelje's namesake son, Rem, became a faithful and dedicated vestryman at St. Paul's Church in Eastchester and, in 1833, donated the beautiful pipe organ that still is in working condition in the church building.  

By 1790, according to both the 1790 U.S. Census and a plan of pews for St. Paul's Church in Eastchester, Rem Rapelje had moved to Pelham.  See Wed., Aug. 15, 2007:  Plan of Pews in St. Paul's Church 1790.  He purchased a massive 350 acre farm on Pelham Neck and the surrounding region.  He had a brother-in-law named John Hardenbrook who also resided in Pelham.  He and his family lived in Pelham on that farm until his death on June 16, 1805.  He is buried in the cemetery of St. Paul's Church at Eastchester.

Rem Rapelje, Jr., a Son of Rem Rapelje, by Asher Durand. 
NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

I have written about Rem Rapelje, his son George (who succeeded to his father's Pelham Neck Estate), and the Rapelje farm on Pelham Neck a number of times.  See, e.g.:

Thu., Mar. 02, 2017:  1805 Advertisement Reveals Much About the Pelham Farm of Rem Rapelje.  

Fri., Jan. 08, 2016:  Pelhamite Rem Rapelje, a Loyalist, Was "Rode on Rails" During the Revolutionary War.

Wed., Oct. 03, 2007:  Book by George Rapelje, Pelham Resident Along With His Father, Rem Rapelje, Published in 1834. 

Mon., Feb. 27, 2006:  Another Description of the Farm of Rem Rapelje of Pelham Published in 1806. 

Wed., Aug. 24, 2005:  1807 Advertisement for Sale of Property of Rem Rapelje in Pelham.

Rem Rapelje executed his will on July 8, 1795.  At that time he owned two farms:  the thirty-acre "Glass House Farm" that he purchased shortly after the Revolutionary War located along the Hudson River about three miles from New York City; and the 350-acre farm on Pelham Neck (today's Rodman's Neck) that he purchased from Thomas Pell of the town of Pelham.  

One of the most significant aspects of Rapelje's will is that Rapelje bequeaths to his wife, "Nelly" Rapelje, the use of one slave named Jacob during her lifetime.  Specifically, the will states:  "I give and bequeath unto my said wife . . . the Use of my Negro named Jacob for and during her natural life."  The will further provides that "All the Rest, Residue and Remainder of my real and personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever I give and Bequeath unto my Son George Rapelje," thus providing for George Rapelje to inherit the "Negro named Jacob" after the death of Nelly Rapelje.

For years I have been piecing together some of the tragic history regarding slavery in the early years of Pelham's history.  Indeed, on June 8, 2007 I presented an academic paper on the topic to the 28th Annual Conference on New York State History.  The paper was entitled "Slavery in the Manor of Pelham and the Town of Pelham During the Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries." 

Immediately below is a bibliographic list of prior writings I have prepared on the topic including the 2008 conference paper. 

Bell, Blake A., Slavery in the Manor of Pelham and the Town of Pelham During the Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries (paper prepared for and presented to the 28th Annual Conference on New York State History on June 8, 2007). 

Thu., Jan. 07, 2016:  The 1790 U.S. Census and What It Reveals About Slavery in Pelham.

Wed., Dec. 16, 2015:  The Will of Joshua Pell Sr. of the Manor of Pelham Dated March 1, 1758.

Wed., Apr. 12, 2006:  1712 Census of Westchester County Documents Slave Ownership in Pelham. 

Mon., Apr. 03, 2006:  1805 Will of William Bayley of Pelham Included Disposition of Slaves. 

Fri., Feb. 17, 2006:  Runaway Slave Notice Published by John Pell in 1748 Comes to Light.

Wed., Jul. 19, 2006:  Pelham Manor Runaway Slave Notice in June 30, 1777 Issue of The New-York Gazette; And The Weekly Mercury.

Mon., Jul. 18, 2005: Pelham Manor Runaway Slave Notice in August 29, 1789 Issue of The New-York Packet 

Bell, Blake A., Records of Slavery and Slave Manumissions in 18th and 19th Century Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 27, Jul. 9, 2004.

Jacob, the man Rem Rapalje enslaved, does not seem to appear in the 1790 U.S. Census.  Indeed, until research revealed Rem Rapelje's will, there was no record of a slave named Jacob owned by Rem Rapelje previously known to this author.  Though the will does not indicate where Jacob worked, it is virtually certain that he worked, at least at times, on Rem Rapelje's farm in Pelham.  

Rem Rapelje named his son, George, an Executor and his wife, "Nelly," an Executrix under the will.  Rapelje bequeathed a life interest in the Glass House Farm to his wife, as well as "the use" of household furniture, farming utensils, livestock, and other such property during her life.  He further bequeathed three thousand pounds to his wife with any remainder at the time of her death due to the couple's son, George.

Rapelje's will further bequeathed an annual payment of "two hundred pounds current money of New York" to his granddaughter Maria Rapelje, a daughter of Rem Rapelje's deceased son Abel Rapelje.  The money was to be paid to her "out of the Rent Income or Profits" of the 350-acre farm on Pelham Neck.  Maria Rapelje died in 1817 and is buried in the cemetery of St. Paul's Church of Eastchester.

The remainder of Rem Rapelje's real estate and other property went to his son, George Rapelje, including the large farm in Pelham.  George Rapelje, who married Susan Elizabeth Provoost (a daughter of Samuel Provoost and Maria Bousfield), lived on that farm for many years thereafter.

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Below is the text of Rem Rapelje's last will and testament.  Thereafter are images of the record of that will with each followed by a citation and link to its source.

"173

The People of the State of New York by the grace of God Free and Independent.  To all to whom these presents shall come or may concern send greeting

Know Ye that at the Town of White Plains in the County of Westchester on the twentieth -- day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five before Edward Thomas Esquire Surrogate of our said county the last will and testament of Rem Rapalje deceased (a copy whereof is hereunto annexed) was proved and is now approved and allowed by us; and the said deceased having whilst he lived and at the time of his death goods, chattels or credits within this State by means whereof the proving and registering the said will and the granting administration of all and singular the said goods, chattels and credits and also the auditing, allowing and final discharging the account thereof now belong unto us:  the administration of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased and any way concerning his will is granted unto George Rapelje as Executor in the said will named he being first duly sworn well and faithfully to administer the same and to make and exhibit a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the said goods, chattels, and credits and also to render a just and true account thereof when thereunto required -- In Testimony whereof we have caused the Seal of Office of our said Surrogate to be hereunto affixed.  Witness Edward Thomas Esquire Surrogate of the said county at White Plains in the said county the twenty third day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five and of our Independence the thirtieth.  

Edward Thomas Surrogate."

"174

In the name of God Amen.  I Rem Rapelje of the Seventh Ward of the City of New York in the State of New York in North America being of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding Thanks be to Almight God for the same and considering the uncertainty of life do make this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say First I recommend my Soul to Almighty God who gave it to me and my Body to the Earth to be intered in a Christian like manner and as touching such worldly Estate whereof I am possessed I give and dispose thereof in manner as follows  First I will 
and direct that all my just Debts and funeral charges be truly paid and satisfied within some convenience time after my decease.  Item  I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife Nelly Rapelje the Farm I now live on which I bought of William W. Adams 
containing about thirty acres Land and which is called and know [sic] by the name of the Glass House Farm with the Land thereunto adjoining which I bought of the Heirs of one Manderville and others containing on or about thirty acres to have and to hold to her for and during her natural Life.

Item  I give and bequeath unto my said wife the use of all my Household Furniture, farming utensils, Horses, Cows, Waggon, [illegible] Slay Chare and also the Use of my Negro named Jacob for and during her natural life --

Item  I give and bequeath unto my said loving wife the interest of three thousand Pounds which is to be set apart out of my Bonds or money out of my Estate which together with the beforesaid real and personal Estate is for and in lieu of her Dower for and during her natural Life and at her Death I give the said real and personal Estate with the three thousand pounds unto my son George Rapelje to Have and to Hold to him, his Heirs and assigns for ever --

Item  I give and bequeath unto my Grand Daughter Maria Rapelje Daughter of my Son Abel Rapelje deceas'd the Sum of two hundred pounds current money of New York annually and to be set apart and to be paid to her out"

"175

out [sic] of the Rent Income or Profits of the Farm I bought of Thomas Pell on the Manor of Pelham Every Year during her natural life and at her Death to revert to my Son George Rapelje his Heirs and assigns for ever -- And I hereby nominate and appoint my son George Rapelje trustee well and truly to perform my Bequeath to my Grand Daughter Maria Rapelje

Item  All the Rest, Residue and Remainder of my real and personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever I give and Bequeath unto my Son George Rapelje to Have and to Hold to him, his Heirs and assigns for ever.  Lastly I hereby nominate and appoint my loving Wife Nelly Executrix and my Son George Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and disannulling all former Wills by me heretofore made.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Eight day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety five.  Rem Rapelje LS [LS Appears within indication of seal at this point]  Signed, Sealed and delivered by the said Rem Rapelje as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us.  The word and in the 6th Line first erased & the word pounds between 23 & 24 Line first interlined.  Mangle Minthorne, Joseph Stringham, Frank Child. -- 

Westchester County  ss.  Be it Remembered that on this twentieth day of November in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five personally appeared before me Edward Thomas Surrogate of the said County of Westchester, Mangle Minthorne Esquire -- who being duly sworn upon his Oath declared that he did see Rem Rapelje sign and seal the preceding written instrument purporting to be the will of the said Rem Rapelje bearing date the Eighth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety five and heard him publish and declare the same as and for his last Will"

"176

and Testament that at the Time thereof he the said Rem Rapelje was of sound and disposing mind and memory to the Best of the Knowledge and Belief of him the Deponent and that Joseph Stringham, Frank Child and the Deponent severally subscribed the said will as witnesses thereto in the Testator's presence.

23d November 1805.  I delivered to George Rapelje the original will of his father Rem Rapelje of which the preceding is a Copy.  It was delivered to him at Harlem Bridge with Receipt for same -- 

Edward Thomas --"

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Below are images of the record of Rem Rapelje's will, the text of which appears immediately above.  Each image below is followed by a citation and link to its source.

Page 1 of Will of Rem Rapelje.  Source:

New York Wills and Probate Records - Vol.

D-F, 1803-1815, p. 173 (available via Ancestry.com;

paid subscription required to access via this link).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Page 2 of Will of Rem Rapelje.  Source:

New York Wills and Probate Records - Vol.

D-F, 1803-1815, p. 174 (available via Ancestry.com;

paid subscription required to access via this link).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Page 3 of Will of Rem Rapelje.  Source:

New York Wills and Probate Records - Vol.

D-F, 1803-1815, p. 175 (available via Ancestry.com;

paid subscription required to access via this link).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Page 4 of Will of Rem Rapelje.  Source:

New York Wills and Probate Records - Vol.

D-F, 1803-1815, p. 176 (available via Ancestry.com;

paid subscription required to access via this link).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
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The 1790 U.S. Census and What It Reveals About Slavery in 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."

In late 1790 and early 1791, the United States conducted its first national census, known today as the U.S. Census of 1790.  The population count was required by the first census act signed into law on March 1, 1790.  The census records provide a fascinating glimpse of life in Pelham only a few years after the Revolutionary War ended in 1783.  Records reflecting several states were destroyed when the British laid waste to Washington, D.C. during the War of 1812.  Thankfully, the New York census records survived.

I have written about the 1790 U.S. Census and some of what it reflected for the Town of Pelham.  See Tue., Mar. 22, 2005:  The 1790 U.S. Census Information for the Township of Pelham.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog addresses the 1790 census in more detail and focuses on what it reveals regarding the issue of slavery in Pelham.  

1790 U.S. Census Returns Reflecting

the Town of Pelham.  NOTE:  Click

on Image to Enlarge.

Times were vastly different in 1790, of course.  Marshals in each state employed assistant marshals to perform the census.  A total of 650 people performed the census at an aggregate cost of $44,377 (about $2,186,000 in today's currency).  Census returns were recorded on whatever paper the marshals and assistant marshals could find and some of the returns were even bound in wallpaper.  

According to the 1790 census, there were 3,231,533 persons in the United States at the time.  The State of New York had 340,120 persons.  North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia had populations larger than that of New York.  

The population of Westchester County in 1790 was 23,941 persons.  Significantly, there were 1,412 slaves (about 5.9% of the population).  The populations of the different towns, including the Town of Pelham, were as follows:  

Bedford, 2,470
Cortlandt, 1,932
Eastchester, 740
Greenburg, 1,450
Harrison, 1,004
Mamaroneck, 452
Morrisania, 133
Mount Pleasant, 1,924
New Rochelle, 692
North Castle, 2,478
North Salem, 1,053
Pelham, 199
Poundridge, 1,662
Rye, 986
Salem, 1,453
Scarsdale, 281
Stephen, 1,297
Westchester, 1,141
White Plains, 505
Yonkers, 1,125
York, 1,609

The Town of Pelham, with 199 persons, had the second smallest population in the County of Westchster.  The schedule of heads of families for the Town of Pelham indicates that only 32 families lived in Pelham at the time.  As one might expect, members of the Pell family dominated the population of the Town.  Pelham families were led by Philip Pell, Thomas Pell, John Pell, David J. Pell, and James Pell, among others.  Other notable Pelham heads of families included Abraham Archer, William Bailey (i.e., Bayley), John Devoor, Benjamin Guion, Isaiah Guion, William Landrine, James Augustine Frederick Prevost, and Charles Ward.

Among the most notable aspects of the U.S. Census of 1790 as it relates to our community is what it reveals about slavery in the Town of Pelham at the time.  The 1790 census reveals that there were 38 slaves in Pelham.  It seems to have included all slaves regardless of age and did not break the numbers down between men and women.  Slave holders and the number of slaves they kept were reflected as follows:

William Bailey (i.e., Bayley):  6 slaves
John Devoor:  1 slave
Benjamin Guion:  3 slaves
Isaiah Guion:  1 slave
William Landrine:  4 slaves
David J. Pell:  5 slaves
James Pell:  7 slaves
John Pell:  1 slave
Philip Pell:  3 slaves
Thoas Pell:  3 slaves
Charles Ward:  4 slaves
Total Number of Slaves:  38

Members of the extended Pell family owned half the slaves in the Town of Pelham in 1790:  19 out of 38 slaves.  An analysis I performed for a paper I presented in 2007 to the Conference on New York State History indicated that Pelham's concentration of slaves (measured as a percentage of total population) remained nearly constant throughout the entire 18th century.  In 1712, twenty percent of the population of Pelham was held in slavery.  By 1790, seventy-eight years later, 19.10% of the population was held in slavery.  During the same period, the total population of Pelham had grown from 65 to 199 residents -- a 306% increase.  The number of slaves had increased from 13 to 38 -- a 292% increase.

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The article below, published in 1910, provides a little background regarding the U.S. Census of 1790.  The text is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"IN THE CENSUS OF A CENTURY AGO.
-----
Interesting Books at Local Library Giving Data of Nearby Towns.
-----

Among books which the Mount Vernon Public Library has few will attract more attention or prove more valuable than twelve volumes, printed at the government printing office at Washington, which have lately been received.  Each one bears the title:  'Heads of Families"  First Census of the United States, 1790.'  They are copies of the official returns for the first Federal census ever held.

On March 1, 1790, the first census act was signed after it had been passed at the second session of the first congress.  It required the marshals in each state to take an enumeration of the inhabitants in their districts, employing such assistant marshals as were necessary to do the work.  On October 27, 1791, the census returns were made to congress.  The work consumed a year and two months, for the enumeration was not to begin until August 1, 1790.

The census was taken in seventeen states, but unfortunately the schedules for six states were destroyed by fire when the British burned the capitol at Washington during the War of 1812.  The schedules for the state census of Virginia for three years were substituted for the schedules of the census of 1790 in this state, but they are not complete.

According to this census, which represents a complete list of the heads of families in the United States at the time of the adoption of the constitution, there were 3,231,533 persons in the country at the time, less than one twenty-sixth of the number of inhabitants at present.  These lists show the plain people, the 'common people,' as Lincoln called them, and they are consequently of very real interest.  The number of inhabitants mentioned is exclusive of slaves.

Families in those days averaged six persons, and as only the heads of families appear on the schedules, there were only about 540,000 names on these lists originally, or a little over half a million.  The schedules which were destroyed and not replaced contained 140,000 names, so that about 400,000 names appear on the schedules which have been published.

The gross area of the country then was 827,844 square miles, of which 29 per cent, or 239,935 square miles, was settled.  The schedules show the population of the different states to have been as follows:  Vermont, 85,539; New Hampshire, 141,885; Maine, 96,540; Rhode Island, 58,825; Connecticut, 237,946; New York, 340,120; New Jersey, 184,139; Pennsylvania, 434,373; Delaware, 59,094; Maryland, 319,728; Virginia, 474,610; Kentucky, 73,677; North Carolina, 393,751; South Carolina, 249,073; Georgia, 82,548.

The assistant marshals, it appears, were left pretty much to their own judgment as to the form in which they made their returns, except that a table was provided which they were required to follow.  It was made up of five columns, and the headings were as follows:  Names of heads of families; free white males of 16 years and up, including heads of families; free white males under 16 years; free white females, including heads of families; all other free persons; slaves.  Up to and including 1820 the assistant marshals used such paper as they had.  They usually employed merchants' account paper, and occasionally the returns were bound in wall paper.

The total cost of the census was $44,377, and it has been estimated that 650 persons were employed in taking it.  The returns were published in what is now a 'rare little volume.'  By comparison, the returns for the twelfth census fill ten large quarto volumes, containing a total of 10,400 pages.

The present publication of the first census is in response to repeated requests from patriotic societies and persons interested in genealogy, for the schedules form an admirable means of tracing genealogical history.  Congress provided for the publication of the schedules in 1907.  The work has just recently been completed.  

The schedules for each state are published in a separate volume.  In the front of each volume is a map of the state as it was at that tie.  The map of New York does not indicate Westchester county as such, as it has no designation of White Plains.  A town marked Westchester is in about the location of the old town of Westchester in the Bronx.  A town marked Eastchester is located evidently about where old St. Paul's now stands, for it is on the Boston Post Road, which passes only a short distance south of St. Paul's.  New Rochelle and Rye are marked, but no Yonkers.  Instead, the town of Phillipsburg appears evidently on the present site of Yonkers.  Altho not indicated on the map, both Yonkers and White Plains are included in the schedules, and their returns are listed with those of the other towns, as is the case with Westchester county.

The population of Westchester county in 1790 was 23,941, and there were 1,412 slaves.  The population of the different towns was as follows:  Bedford, 2,470; Cortlandt, 1,932; Eastchester, 740; Greenburg, 1,450; Harrison, 1,004; Mamaroneck, 452; Morrisania,, 133; Mount Pleasant, 1,924; New Rochelle, 692; North Castle, 2,478; North Salem, 1,053; Pelham, 199; Poundridge, 1,662; Rye, 986; Salem, 1,453; Scarsdale, 281; Stephen, 1,297; Westchester, 1,141; White Plains, 505; Yonkers, 1,125; York, 1,609.

All families which have sprung from true Revolutionary stock are represented in these lists, to scan which is something of an inspiration.  Among the names are recognizable many which have become more or less well known since.  The Pells are conspicuous in Pelham, which, by the way, contained just 32 families at that tie.  There is Philip Pell, Thomas Pell, John Pell, David J. Pell, and James Pell, and also James A. F. Prevost and Abraham Archer.

Yonkers, one of the largest of the towns, shows such old families as the Sherwoods, the Odells and the Valentines to have been represented very fully.  The Sherwoods included Moses, Abigail, Jeremiah, James and Thomas while the Odells were represented by Abraham, two Jonathans, Isaac, James Benjamin and Kessiah.  The Valentines consisted of Mary, Gilbert, Thomas, Frederick and Isaac, and there were also several families of Underhills, including those of Frederick and Nicholas.

In Eastchester,, there was the family of Elijah Purdy, and more Pell families:  Mary, Phoebe, Samuel and Caleb, as well as John Archer, farmer; Joseph Fredenburgh, Jonas Farrington, Anthony, Caleb, Abraham and Benjamin Valentine, John Flandreaux, John Archer, weaver, and five Hunt families, those of Moses, Jacob, Basil, Nehemiah and Gilbert.

It is easy to pick out the old Huguenot families in New Rochelle.  Some of the noticeable are Rancoud, Bayeaux, Coutant, Le Count, Ranoud, Rishe, Flandreau, Pintard, Badreau, Galladuett and a Gilbert Angevine.  There were also some families of Guions and Sherwoods.

There was Lewis Morris' family at Morrisania ,and four families of Merritts at Harrison -- Daniel, Mary Ann, Joseph and Underhill Merritt."

Source:  IN THE CENSUS OF A CENTURY AGO -- Interesting Books at Local Library Giving Data of Nearby Towns, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 24, 1910, p. 3, col. 1-2.  

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
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The Will of Joshua Pell Sr. of the Manor of Pelham Dated March 1, 1758

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Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
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In 1758, Joshua Pell, Sr. of the Manor of pelham prepared a will that covered holdings including a large tract within the Manor of Pelham. Included in that will were the dispositions he intended to be made of a number of slaves.  As I have indicated before, for several years I have tried to piece together some of the tragic history regarding slavery in the early years of Pelham's history.  Indeed, on June 8, 2007 I presented an academic paper on the topic to the 28th Annual Conference on New York State History.  The paper was entitled "Slavery in the Manor of Pelham and the Town of Pelham During the Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries."  Immediately below is a bibliographic list of prior writings I have prepared on the topic including the 2008 conference paper.  

Bell, Blake A., Slavery in the Manor of Pelham and the Town of Pelham During the Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries (paper prepared for and presented to the 28th Annual Conference on New York State History on June 8, 2007).  

Wednesday, April 12, 2006: 1712 Census of Westchester County Documents Slave Ownership in Pelham

Monday, April 3, 2006: 1805 Will of William Bayley of Pelham Included Disposition of Slaves

Friday, February 17, 2006: Runaway Slave Notice Published by John Pell in 1748 Comes to Light

Wed., Jul. 19, 2006:  Pelham Manor Runaway Slave Notice in June 30, 1777 Issue of The New-York Gazette; And The Weekly Mercury.

Monday, July 18, 2005: Pelham Manor Runaway Slave Notice in August 29, 1789 Issue of The New-York Packet

Bell, Blake A., Records of Slavery and Slave Manumissions in 18th and 19th Century Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 27, Jul. 9, 2004.

Today's Historic Pelham Blog Posting provides the text and digital images of the pages of the record of the complete will of Joshua Pell created in 1758 and proved August 14, 1781.  (I previously have written about a published abstract of this will.)  

Among the many bequests made in his will, Joshua Pell Sr. purported to bequeath to a number of his legatees several of the slaves he owned.  The bequests provide some record of those held in slavery in the Manor of Pelham at the time.  In his will Joshua Pell Sr. bequeaths to three of his children three slaves named Michael, Clarabella, and Hagar.  The pertinent language of these specific bequests are quoted immediately below:  

"I give and bequeath unto my Son Gilbert Pell one Negro Boy Slave named Michael to be Delivered unto him at the Expiration of his apprenticeship which he is now serving with Joseph Latham at New York"

"I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Phebe Pell the sum of One hundred pounds Lawful money of New York and one Negro girl Slave named Clarabella to be paid and Delivered to her at the day of her Lawful marriage"

"I giive and bequeath unto my Daughter Jerusha Pell the sum of One hundred Pounds Lawful Money of New York and one Negro girl Slave named Hagar to be paid hereafter specified"

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Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog sets forth digital images of each of the four pages of the record of Joshua Pell Sr.'s will.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source, as well as a transcription of the handwritten text.

First Page of Record of the Will of Joshua Pell, Sr.,

Dated March 1, 1758 and Proved August 14, 1781.

Source:  New York Wills and Probate Records,

1659-1999, Ancestry.com (Original Data:  New

York County, District and Probate Courts:  Wills

and Administrations, Vol. 0032-0035, 1778-1783,

pp. 270-73) (NOTE:  Paid subscription required

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

"[Page 270]

270

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN.  The first day of March in the thirty first year of his Majestys Reign and in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and fifty Eight -- I Joshua Pell senior of the Manor of Pelham in the County of Westchester and Province of New York yeoman being sick and weak in Body but of sound and perfect mind memory and understanding, thanks be given unto God therefor, calling unto mind the mortality of my Body and knowing that is appointed for all men once to die, do make ordain and constitute this my Last Will in manner and form following, that is to say principally and first of all I give and Recommend my Soul into the hands of God who gave it me, and as for my Body I recommend it to the Earth to be Buried in a Christian like and Decent manner at the Discretion of my Executors herein after named, and as touching such Worldly goods and Estate which it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give to devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form / Viz Imprimis I order that all my just Debts and Funeral Charges be fully paid and satisfied as soon as convenient they can be done after my Decease.  Item I give and Bequeath unto my well beloved Son Joshua Pell Junier [sic] the sum of Five pounds Current money of New York to be paid unto him by my Executors within one year after my Decease to him his Heirs and assigns -- Item I give and Bequeath unto my well beloved wife Phebe Pell the use and Command of the best Room in my House, with the use of a Bed &c &c beding [sic] and other Household goods for her Comfortable Subsistance [sic] as also a Sufficiency of Provision and Cloathing for her and my younger Children during her natural life or so long as she remains my Widow to be provided and allowed her by my two sons Joshua Pell and Edward Pell -- Item I give and bequeath unto my said Wife more, the sum of seven Pounds yearly and every year &c during the time of her natural Life or widowhood, and in case she marries after my Decease then I give unto her my said Wife the sum of one hundred pounds --"

Second Page of Record of the Will of Joshua Pell, Sr.,

Dated March 1, 1758 and Proved August 14, 1781.

Source:  New York Wills and Probate Records,

1659-1999, Ancestry.com (Original Data:  New

York County, District and Probate Courts:  Wills

and Administrations, Vol. 0032-0035, 1778-1783,

pp. 270-73) (NOTE:  Paid subscription required

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

[Page 271]

"271

Pounds [sic] Current money of New York to be paid unto her immediately and the other above specified priviledges [sic] to Cease and determine -- Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Gilbert Pell one Negro Boy Slave named Michael to be Delivered unto him at the Expiration of his apprenticeship which he is now serving with Joseph Latham at New York as also the sum of One hundred Pounds Lawful money of New York to be paid to him as follows that is to say Twenty Pounds thereof at the Expiration of his apprenticeship affores'd, and Eighty Pounds the residue thereof as is hereafter specified to hi his Heirs and assigns.  Item I give and bequeath unto my son Phillip Pell the sum of One hundred Pounds Lawful money of New York to be paid to him as hereafter specified to him his Heirs and assigns -- Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Benjamin Pell the Sum of One hundred Pounds Lawful money of New York to be paid unto him as is hereafter specified to him his Heirs and assigns -- Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Phebe Pell the sum of One hundred pounds Lawful money of New York and one Negro girl Slave named Clarabella to be paid and Delivered to her at the day of her Lawful marriage to her, her Heirs and assigns -- Item I give bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah Pell the sum of One Hundred Pounds to be paid unto her as is hereafter specified to her, her Heirs and assigns -- Item I giive and bequeath unto my Daughter Jerusha Pell the sum of One hundred Pounds Lawful Money of New York and one Negro girl Slave named Hagar to be paid hereafter specified to her her Heirs and assigns -- Item it is will and I do hereby order that none of the above mentioned Legacies and bequeaths nor any part thereof Except such parts thereof as is Expresly [sic] limited to a time of payment be liable to be paid until such time as my youngest Surviving Child (be it son or Daughter) shall arrive to full age and then all and Singular the above Legacies and bequeaths to be fully paid and discharged.  Item it is my Will and I do hereby order that in Case any one or more of my six youngest Children that is my Sons Gilbert Pell, Philip Pell, Benjamin Pell, and my Daughters Phebe Pell, Sarah Pell, and Jerusha Pell should die before they come to Lawful Age or without Lawful Issue that then the share or shares of such Deceased be equally divided among the Survivors of them six Sons and Daughters share and share alike to them their Heirs and assigns, Item it is my Will and I do hereby order that all or such part of my moveable Estate as my Executors shall think necessary to pay all my Just Debts Funeral Charges and Charges of Executing this my Will, be sold or disposed of by them for that purpose and the and the [sic] use or profits of the Remainder be Employed in maintenance of my Wife and maintenance and Educating of my younger Children 'till they all severally arrive to age and then the Remainder if any be it is my Will that it be Equally Divided among my six youngest Children that is Gilbert Pell, Phillip Pell, Benjamin Pell, Phebe Pell, Sarah Pell and Jerusha Pell or the Survivors of them their Heirs and assigns -- Item I give Devise and Bequeath unto my two Sons Joshua Pell Junr., and Edward Pell all and Singular my Lands meadows and Tenements to be equally divided between them in the following manner and form that is to say To begin at a Water Fence where a small Creek puts up on the Southernmost side of a Ditch commonly called Ben's Ditch, and from said fence to Run an Eastwardly"

Third Page of Record of the Will of Joshua Pell, Sr.,

Dated March 1, 1758 and Proved August 14, 1781.

Source:  New York Wills and Probate Records,

1659-1999, Ancestry.com (Original Data:  New

York County, District and Probate Courts:  Wills

and Administrations, Vol. 0032-0035, 1778-1783,

pp. 270-73) (NOTE:  Paid subscription required

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

"[Page 272]

272

Eastwardly [sic] line so as to divide the whole into two Equal parts or shares and northernmost half part or share I give and Devise unto my Son Joshua Pell Junr. to him his Heirs and assigns, and the Southernmost half part or share I give and Devise unto my Son Edward Pell to him his Heirs and assigns.  Item I give and Devise unto my Son Edward Pell the whole the whole [sic] of a Hammock lying in the West Meadows commonly called the West Hammock to him his Heirs and assigns, the said Lands above devised to be freely possessed and Enjoyed by them my said Sons Joshua Pell and Edward Pell immediately after my Decease -- Item it is my Will and I do hereby order that in Case Either of my said Sons should Die without Lawful Issue that then the share of Land above devised unto such Deceased I give and Devise unto my next oldest surviving Son upon the same Conditions and under the same Restrictions as is hereinafter mentioned on the part and behalf of them the said Joshua Pell and Edward Pell to be paid and performed -- Item it is my Will and I do hereby order that my said Son Joshua Pell in Consideration of the above Devise of the said one half part of my Land shall pay the sum of Five hundred Pounds Lawful money of New York as his part or share towards discharging the Legacies above bequeathed unto my Wife and my other Children to be paid by him the said Joshua Pell as the said Legacies shall severally become due as above directed -- Item it is my Will and I do hereby order that my said Son Edward Pell in Consideration of thee above Devise of the other half part of my Land and Hammock shall pay the sum of Two hundred and twenty Pounds Current money of New York as his part or share Towards discharging the Legacies above bequeathed unto my wife and my other Children to be paid by him the said Edward Pell as the said Legacies shall severally become due as above directed -- Item I give and bequeath unto my said unto my said [sic] Son Joshua Pell my Cane and my large Bible to him his Heirs and assigns.  Lastly it is my Will and I do hereby nominate Constitute and appoint my said Son Joshua Pell and my Trusty and Loving son in Law Joseph Latham of the City of New York Ship Wright my Executors in Trust of this my last Will and Testament, to see the same Executed and fulfilled, and I do hereby utterly disallow, disannul revoke and make null and void all other and former Wills bequeathed or appointed Ratifying and allowing this and no other as y Last Will and Testament.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year first above written -- 

Joshua Pell [Sealed LS]

Signed Sealed published pronounced and Declared by the said Joshua Pell as his last Will and Testament the word (Senior / between 4th: 2nd lines on the other side, also the word / said between the 18th & 19th lines & the word / son / between the 19th & 20th lines of the side being first interlined -- in the presence of us -- Charles Vincent Senr; Philip Pell, Robert Rolfe. -- City and Province of New York } -- LS -- Be it Remembered that on the fourteenth Day of August One thousand seven hundred and Eighty One, personally came and appeared before me Cary Ludlow Surrogate for the City and Province aforesaid Charles Vincent Senr. of the County of Westchester and Province of"

Fourth Page of Record of the Will of Joshua Pell, Sr.,

Dated March 1, 1758 and Proved August 14, 1781.

Source:  New York Wills and Probate Records,

1659-1999, Ancestry.com (Original Data:  New

York County, District and Probate Courts:  Wills

and Administrations, Vol. 0032-0035, 1778-1783,

pp. 270-73) (NOTE:  Paid subscription required

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

"[Page 273]

273

New York aforesaid yeoman who being duly sworn on his Oath declares that he saw Joshua Pell sign and Seal the annexed written Instrument purporting to be the Will of the said Joshua Pell bearing date the first day of March in the year of Our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and fifty Eight; and heard him publish and declare the same as and for his last Will and Testament; That at the time thereof he the said Joshua Pell was of sound disposing mind and memory to the best of his Knowledge and belief of him the Deponent, and that his name subscribed, and that his name subscribed to the said Will, is of his own proper hand writing which he subscribed as a Witness thereto in the Testators presence; -- and that he the Deponent likewise saw Philip Pell and Robert Rolfe the other Witnesses to the said Will subscribe their Names as Witnesses thereto in the Testators presence.---------

Cary Ludlow Surrogate."

Source:  New York Wills and Probate Records, 1659-1999, Ancestry.com (Original Data:  New York County, District and Probate Courts:  Wills and Administrations, Vol. 0032-0035, 1778-1783, pp. 270-73) (NOTE:  Paid subscription required to access link).  

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."