John Seaman (abt. 1609 - aft. 1695)

Born about 1609 in England

Husband of Elizabeth (Strickland) Seaman — married about 1644 (to before 1655) in Hempstead, New Netherland

Husband of Martha (Moore) Seaman — married 1655 in Hempstead, New Netherland

Descendants

Died after 5 Aug 1695 after about age 86 in Hempstead, Queens, New York Colony

Problems/Questions Profile managers: New Netherland Settlers WikiTree [send private message], Puritan Great Migration Project WikiTree [send private message], Teresa Langford [send private message], and Gail Cox [send private message]

John Seaman migrated to New England during the Puritan Great Migration (1621-1640). (See The Directory, by R. C. Anderson, p. 300) Join: Puritan Great Migration Project Discuss: pgm

John Seaman was a New Netherland settler. Join: New Netherland Settlers Project Discuss: new_netherland

Biography

John Seaman immigrated to New England between 1621 and 1640 and later departed for Hempstead, Long Island

John Seaman was on the group of twenty men who were the first settlers of Stamford, Connecticut, in 1640. In 1644 he moved on to Hempstead, Long Island, in New Netherland, where he was one of the original proprietors.^[1]

The book Seaman Family in America states:

Born in Essex, England between 1603 and 1610. Came to America in 1630 with the Winthrop fleet of ten vessels, nine hundred immigrants, and died early 1695 in Hempstead, Long Island. His will is dated August 5, 1694 and was proved March 20, 1695.

Capt. John1 Seaman was born Bet. 1603 - 1610 in Essex, England, and died 1695 in Hempstead, Queens Co. [now Nassau Co.], NY. He married (1) Elizabeth Strickland (Source: Bunker, Mary Powell, Long Island Genealogies, (Reprint. Originally published : Albany, NY: J. Munsell's Sons, 1895), 291.) 1644, daughter of John Strickland and Jane Fenwick. She died Abt. 1654. He married (2) Martha Moore 1655, daughter of Thomas Moore and Martha Youngs. She was born in England, and died 1698 in Hempstead , Queens Co. [now Nassau Co.], NY.

The Progenitor of the SEAMAN Family on Long Island according to Mary Thomas Seaman as printed in her 1928 book: "The Seaman Family in America..."

In 1631 and 1632, John Seaman, Thomas Moore, William Cooper, John Underhill and others were co-operating with Captain John Mason, John Winthrop and Sir Richard Saltoustall, in the efforts to effect settlements in New Hampshire and these colonizations efforts not being successful, we next find all of these, a little later on, in Connecticut and Long Island.

They were not Pilgrims, but were a Puritanic section still adhering to the Church of England.

Captain John Seaman and others went from their first landing to Watertown, Massachusetts, which they left to escape the imposition of a tax, which the Massachusetts Bay Colony proposed to levy on all the settlers for the purpose of fortifying Newtown (now Cambridge). From Watertown they went to Wethersfield, Connecticut, where they stayed but a short time, having some dissensions concerning church matters. In 1636 John Seaman owned two acres of land at Wrights Island in Wethersfield.

In the Catalogue of Puritanic settlers of Connecticut we find it recorded: "John Seaman, one of the original purchasers of the town of Stamford, where he settled in 1641. It is supposed he moved from Wethersfield to Stamford." The settlers at New Haven who had no charter has purchased property in various places, among them being what is now called Stamford, Connecticut, and an arrangement was then made with these discontented settlers of Wethersfield and the settlement at New Haven, by which the Colony from Wethersfield obtained right to settle Stamford, then called Rippowam. The list of these settlers included the name of John Seaman, the purchase price being on hundred bushels of corn, and John Seaman obtained six acres.

"From Roxbury, Massachusetts, he (John Carman) went to Wethersfield, Connecticut, and thence in company with John Seaman whose ancestors were also burned at the stake in England." John Seaman owned land in Salem, Mass., in 1643.

In 1646 John Seaman and his brother Caleb are recorded in New Haven, Conn. At this period came the Pequod Indian War, and Captain John Mason was given chief command (as Major) of the Connecticut Troops. To John Seaman he gave command of one of the Companies and John Strickland (who later became his father-in-law) was lieutenant of John Seamans company. Hence John Seamans title of Captain. The histories of the day record "John Seaman, later of Hempstead, Long Island, bore arms with demi-seahorse for crest." Another record states that on October 6, 1646, Caleb Seaman was fined 10 shillings for not carrying arms, and on November 3, 1646, "Caleb Seaman desired his fine might be remitted for defect of arms, he going shortly fo r England. Upon his request it was remitted provided he goe for England."

Captain John Seaman was one of the sixty-two original signers (in Connecticut) of the Hempstead compact of land, and in 1647 we find him settled in Hempstead, Long Island, where he became on of the most prominent men for half a century "and had left such a host of descendants as to be remarkable, genealogically."

The Town Records of Hempstead, Long Island, state: "It seems probable that in the previous year Captain John Seaman coming from the eastern end of the island, had settled land adjoining what was subsequently the eastern boundary of the Hempstead Purchase, and had secured title to a tract com prising more than twelve thousand acres, which, in 1685, under the Dongan patent, became part of the town of Hempstead." From that time on we find his name in many pages of history, recording a life of ceaseless activity in the establishment of his section of America.

"Once he signed an agreement or pledged his faith he never disclaimed his share of it."

In a Provincial Convention called in New Amsterdam, by writ of Governor Stuyvesant, December 11, 1653, John Seaman and William Washburne were Representatives. December 21, 1656, John Seaman and Richard Gildersleeve were nominated by Governor Stuyvesant.

"March the 17th, 1657, Stylo Novo. Chosen by the towne of Hempstead for townsmen for the abovsaid yeare ffrancis Weeckes, richard brutnall, richard vallingtyne, robert bedille, Addam Mott.

"Wee the magistrates of the towne of hempsteed doe hereby ingage our selves to stand by and bare out with full power in all such actes and orders as shall conduce for ye good and benefit of this towne of hempsteed this present yeare giving oute of Land and receiving in the inhabitants onely excepted given under our hands this 16th of April 1657 Stylo Novo. R. Guildersleeve, John Seaman. teste John James."

July 17, 1657, Governor Stuyvesant visited Hempstead, and a few days later, July 25th, John Seaman was again sent to the Governor by the town on errands of peace. March, 1658, John Seaman, and others were sent by the town in concert with Che kanow, an Indian representative of the Montauk Sachem and other Indians, to lay out bounds of the town to be known by marked trees, and to "continue forever." "Mr. Seaman was allowed 8 s. for two days travel in laying out the boundaries." In 165 8 he had 20 gates (lengths) of common fence to make, 30 cattle, 15 cows, 43 acres of meadow.

February 1659 "Mr. John Seaman was allowed a bounty of 2 pounds for killing two wolves. For many years a bounty of 20 s to 25 s each was paid by the town of Hempstead for killing wolves." "This may sartyfi that the constable hath satisfie d for the woulfs two to two indians and one to Captain John Seaman twenty shilens for ech woulfe." In 1664 John Seaman was again appointed by the town on a Commission about the bounds, and was often subsequently employed in like service.

In 1665 he became Captain of Queens County Troop of Province of New York, October 2. 1665, Captain John Seaman served on a Grand Jury at Hempstead in a charge of witchcraft, "but-let it be recorded to the credit of John Seaman-the accused wa s not convicted." In 1666 the Village of Jerusalem in the Town of Hempstead, was settled by Captain John Seaman and his six sons, to whom a special patent was granted by Governor Nichols, for a considerable tract of land which had previously bee n purchased by them from the Meroke tribe of Indians. It is recorded that its location was pleasant and its population about 150. May 1669, Thomas Rushmore was ordered to give up to Captain John Seaman the colors he received from the Govenor . In 1668 and 1669 assessment upon land holders shows Captain John Seaman was one of the largest landowners, his payment being 4 pounds, 3 s., 4 p.

From Land Papers

"March 6, 1668 Confirmation on L.I. from Gov. Nicholls to John Hicks, John Seaman, Richard Guildersleeve and others, freeholders of ye said town."

Six of his sons also held land under the new patent. July 3, 1671, he was sent by the town to New York to treat with the Govenor about the east bounds. August 1673, Schepen for Hempstead. May 14, 1674 appointed to hold Court with the Scout at Jamaica.

"At a Jeneral townd Meting Held in Hempstead the 14 day of May in the yeare 1674 Captain John Seamans was elected as chosen by the Ma Jer Vot to be a committee to keepe Cort with the Scout at Jericho. Nathaniel Pearsall Clark." Commissioner of boundaries for a dozen years, 1674 to 1686.

WILL dated August 5, 1694 and proved March 20, 1695:^[2] Benjamin Fletcher, Governor, etc. To all to whom these may come. Know ye that at New York the 20 of March, 1694/5, the last will of JOHN SEAMAN was proved and his sons Benjamin and Thomas wer e confirmed as executors.

In the name of God, Amen. I, John Seaman the elder, of Hempstead, in Queens County, upon Long Island, alias Nassau, being weake and infirm in body, and knowing that it appertaineth to every man to set in order all worldly concerns, so yt after dec ease no suite, trouble, or calamity may ensue. And being well advised with the great and weighty work I am now about, do make and declare this my last will and testament. I leave to my oldest son John a certain lot of 22 acres, of which he is no w in possession, and where he now lives; also another lot of 20 acres of meadow upon the neck called the Great Neck, being eastward and within the bounds of said town of Hempstead. I leave to my 5 sons Jonathan, Benjamin, Solomon, Thomas and Samue l, 400 acres of land according to a Patent, granted by Governor Richard Nicolls, lying at a place commonly known and called by the name of Jerusalem, within the bounds of Hempstead, to be equally divided between them. Also a certain neck of meado w lying eastward from said town of Hempstead called in ye Indian tongue Ruskatux Neck. Bounded east by the Oyster Bay line, and upon Hempstead west, and to be equally divided. I leave to my 3 sons, John, Nathaniel, and Richard, the remainde r of my meadow, whereof one half is already confirmed to my son in law, Nathaniel Pearsall, with four or five acres of upland for his convenience of yardidge, for wintering his cattle. Which said meadow is situate upon a neck called by the nam e of the Half Neck, or in the Indian tongue Muskachim. I leave to my eight sons, John, Jonathan, Benjamin, Solomon, Thomas, Samuel, Nathaniel and Richard, all the upland lying and situate upon Ruskatux Neck, as also upon the neck called Half Neck , except the four or five acres confirmed to my son in law, Nathaniel Pearsall. I leave to my sons Nathaniel, and Richard, my lot of meadow at a neck called Sticklands Neck, as also a parcel of meadow lying upon New Bridge Neck. I also give the m 150 acres of upland situated and lying at a place commonly called Success, by virtue of an order from the Town. Also a certain parcel of land, being 316 acres, lying at or near the Harbor head, so called, being already confirmed to my said tw o sons by deed of gift. I give all my rights in the undivided lands in Hempstead to my 8 sons. I leave to my wife Martha a certain house lot adjoining to the land of James Pine, being three acres, during her life, and then to my two sons, Nathanie l and Richard. I also leave them the remainder of my house lots, and the pasture and the field at the eastward of the town called the Holly. I leave to my wife Martha one half of the dwelling house for life and then to my son Richard, and the other half to my son Nathaniel. I leave to my wife one third of the movables, and to my two sons Nathaniel and Richard the other two thirds. I leave to my daughter Mary Pearsall two cows. I leave to my wife six acres of meadow at the Hay Bridge durin g her life and then to my sons Richard and Nathaniel. I leave two thirds of my remaining live stocks to my five daughters, Mary Pearsall, Hannah Carman, Martha Pearsall, Sarah Mott, and Deborah Kirk, and to my daughter Elizabeth Jackson 20 shillin gs. I leave to my sons Richard and Nathaniel all my armes except my large gun, which shall be for the use of all my sons. Makes wife Martha and sons Benjamin and Thomas executors, and "my friends Thomas Powell and John Townsend, Sr., overseers."

Dated August 5, 1694. Witnesses, John Smith, John Carle, George Fowler.

In describing the history of Jones Beach State Park [on the south shore of Long Island, NY] there is an interesting note:

"Most of the land conveyed by the Town of Oyster Bay and a portion of the lands conveyed by Hempstead were in an area where title was in dispute. This brought on what became known as the SEAMAN-GORE case which lasted for ten years and ended in th e United States Supreme Court. The case involved the claim of title by the heirs of John Seaman who received a royal grant in 1666. The private interests in the case were opposed by the Towns of Oyster Bay and Hempstead and before the State got in to the suit the towns allowed judgements to be entered against them. Commissioner [Robert] Moses had the case reopened. Subsequent investigations disclosed instruments of title theretofore unknown and the action was tried all over again. This resu lted in a decision holding that the State had good title and that John Seaman relinquished all claim to the beach land when he applied for and received confirming patents in 1686 from the Governor General of New York which did not include the are a in dispute." [from: Blakelock, Chester R. "Long Island Forum" Feb. 1953] the same paragraph was published in another article by the same author in "Long Island Forum" on October 1957."

Marriages

Captain John Seaman was twice married.^[3] He married first in 1644, Elizabeth Strickland, daughter of John and Jane Strickland of Charlestown, Mass. John Strickland had come to America with the first party of "Bay Coherts" to Salem in 1629, took pose ssion of Charlestown and vicinity in 1630, and was made Freeman in May, 1631. John Strickland and all his family except one son (Thwaite) came to Long Island after 1646, and were among the early settlers of note in that vicinity. Captain Joh n and Elizabeth had four sons and one daughter.

Captain John Seaman married second, 1655, Martha Moore, daughter of Thomas and Martha (Young) Moore, of Southhold, Long Island. She was born in England; baptized in Salem, MA., Oct. 21, 1639; died 1698). They had four sons and seven daughters. ^[4]

Children

1. John Seaman Jr (c1645-c1697); m Hannah Williams
2. Jonathan Seaman, b c 1947; m Jane _____
3. Benjamin Simmons (c1649/50-1733); m Martha Titus
4. Solomon Simmons (c1651-1733); m bef 1682 Elizabeth Linnington
5. Elizabeth, b c1653; m Col John Jackson
6. Samuel Seaman (1668-1732); m 1695 Phoebe Hicks
7. Thomas Seaman, d 1724; m Mary _____
8. Nathaniel, d 1759; m 1695 Rachel Willis
9. Richard Seaman (c1673-1749); m 1693/4 Jane Mott
10. Sarah, m Lt. John Mott
11. Martha (1639 [sic]-1712); m 1674 Nathaniel Pearsall
12. Deborah, m bef 1694 John Kirk
13. Hannah born [crossed out and replaced with "married") before 1666 John Carman. Seaman genealogy says they had ones one. ^[5]
14. Daughter, d bef 1694; m Caleb Carman
15. Daughter, d bef 1695, unmarried
16. Mary, m Thomas Pearsall.

Research Notes

Estimated Birth Date Secondary sources give his birth as between 1603 and 1610 without explanation. Lacking a marriage dates, birth dates for himself, his children and even grandchildren, there are not the standard elements used to calculate an approximate date. As the related profiles are researched and developed, we might have more information to determine a range.

Disputed parents: A previous version of this profile claimed, without source, that he was born 4 Aug 1609 in Panfield, Essex, England, son of John Seaman and Ann Hicks. [A search for the record in Ancestry, FamilySearch and FreeRegUK returned no results. Lacking evidence, these parents have been detached. Please discuss evidence for origins before adding any parents or birth details. Thank you.

Possible baptisms: John Seaman is a common name, and without a good birth date estimate and clues to his specific origins in England, it's difficult to evaluate possibilities. The following have been claimed or are possible matches, but would need additional evidence to connect to the immigrant beyond the baptism record alone:

• FindAGrave notes his birth in 1613 in Seaford, Sussex.^[6] There is a baptism for a John, son of Richard 20 March 1613/4 at Seaford.^[7]

Sources

1. ↑ Great Migration Newsletter (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2015.), Vol. 9 (2000), "Focus on Stamford," page 4.
2. ↑ (Source: Heritage Books Inc., New York Abstracts of Wills, 1665-1801 (CD #9), (Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, 1997), "CD-ROM," 1:249-250.)
3. ↑ Torrey's New England Marriages to 1700 Marriage Record: SEAMAN/SYMONDS/alias SEAMAN, John1 (?1610-ca 1695) & 1/wf Elizabeth [STRICKLAND]?; ca 1644; Hempstead, LI {NYGBR 10:13, 16, 11:149, 16:95; Stamford Hist. 91; Seaman (1928) 2; Shotwell 238; Winthrop-Babcock 432; Green (,8) 8; Davol-Willets 107, 150, 166; SEAMAN, John1 (?1610ca 1695) & 2/wf [Martha MOORE] (1639-1698+); ca 1655; Hempstead, LI {NYGBR 11:149, 14:59-60; Felt Anc. 83; Seaman (1928) 22; Shotwell 235; Winthrop-Babcock 358, 432; Davol-Willets 122, 150; Mott (,6) 296, 304; Ring-Mailer 214; Wickham-
4. ↑ from Seaman, Mary Thomas, The Seaman Family in America..., (New York: TA Wright, 1928) p. 21
5. ↑ Seaman genealogy p 24
6. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/136406587/john-seaman: accessed 27 October 2022), memorial page for Capt John Seaman (1613–25 Aug 1695), Find a Grave Memorial ID 136406587, ; Maintained by Hochi (contributor 47888629) Burial Details Unknown. NOTE: Unsourced, no gravestone
7. ↑ Sussex : Seaford : St Leonard : Parish Register : "Parish Register" database, FreeREG (https://www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5dc9c831f493fd56bd4f7fa1 : viewed 20 Nov 2023) baptism Jhon Seaman 20 Mar 1613/14

See also:

• Gehring, Charles T., and Peter Stuyvesant. "[1656] Letter from the Town of Hempstead to Petrus Stuyvesant", Correspondence, 1654-1658. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2003. p. 99.
• Hicks, Benjamin D. 1896. Records of the towns of North and South Hempstead, Long Island, N.Y., 1654-1880. Jamaica, New York: Long Island Farmer Print.
• Seaman, Mary Thomas. The Seaman Family in America as Descended from Captain John Seaman of Hempstead, Long Island, New York: T.A. Wright, 1928.
• Long Island Genealogy Surnames Database
• New York Genealogical Records, 1675-1920 Author: Ancestry.com Publication: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.
• Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s Author: Gale Research Publication: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2009.Original data - Filby, P. William, ed.. Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s. Farmington Hills, MI, USA: Gale Research, 2009.