Samuel⁵ Carman (Benjamin⁴, Caleb³, John², John¹)  was born 21 September 1719 at Hempstead Township, Queens, New York, and at the same place died 18 January 1784. He was married twice. This can be verified by 1) his will naming Sarah and 2) a deed of property signed over to his brother Adam which was signed by Samuel and his wife Mary. Mary was his first wife and except for her signature on the deed of  28 December 1748 there is nothing known about her. She may also have have been named Catherine and used Mary as here every-day name (their daughter Mary Carman also went by Catherine on occasions).  All of Samuel's children are by her.  Samuel married second, Sarah Carman (second cousin, once removed). She was born about 1746 and survived her husband. They were married 26 January 1769 at St. George's Church, Hempstead, Queens, New York.

"He was a 'cordwainer...usually meant Shoemaker...but Mr. Simpson reminded the writer that tanners, etc. were classified in those days as "cordwainers". Samuel was doubtless one of two privates bearing that name in Hickes Company, Queens County Militia in 1738 (CMR 1:576). In 1752 he recorded his stock mark on the town books which appears to be a duplicate of that of 1724 by Richard (No.37) (HTR 4:421), whose cattle, etc. possibly were sold upon the latter's removal to NJ. Samuel was elected overseer of highways of Hempstead from 1753 (HTR 4:98). He served as Constable and Collector of the Town from 1759 thru 1768. In Nov. 1775, 5 Samuel Carmans, distinguished as "Capt", "Jr", and "3rd" (this designation appears twice) and "O" (Oyster Bay), voted to send no deputies to the Provincial Congress (REV.PAP. 1:183 ff). The 'Capt' in this list must have been No. 73 [this Samuel]. He was probably one of the four who apologized in Jan. 1776 for having worried their fellow-countrymen unduly and swore that they had surrendered all their arms (REV.PAP. 1:215 ff). In Oct. 1776, after the British had secured control again, 3 Samuels declared their loyalty to King George III. One of these was very likely No. 125 [son of Silas-5], the other two are not easily identified. (Onkerdonk, Rev. Inc. in Queens Co., LI). It should be explained in regards to the four Samuels who changed their minds, that shortly before the mass apology, a few hundred Continental "storm troopers" were sent to Hempstead and vicinity. To those of up living in the country today and fearing nothing worse from the Governments ill temper than a visit from the income tax collector, the conduct of the Hempstead Tories does not sound very heroic. But it must be remembered that the opposition was organized, was able to secure further military supplies if necessary, and being far from home was not worried about the fate of the countryside during an after the battles. The Hempsteaders on the other hand were handicapped in these respects. But since they were doubtless aware that they could not count on help from the British for some time (in the usual manner of the British) they should have organized themselves and armed sufficiently and they would not have had to fear for their homes half so much as they had to, after they surrendered without a struggle (possibly some doughty souls resisted at their doorsteps but they were very few in number) and before the arrival of the British later in the year. They did not lack for a leader, for in Richard Hewlett, the Tories possessed a forefull man with military experience. He was instrumental in keeping Hempstead loyal but he evidently did not succeed in putting it in condition to fight. In the writer's opinion, The Hempsteaders were forced to sign that humiliating apology in great numbers because of the great reluctance of the conservative mind to resort to force." - "John-1 Carman of Hempstead, Long Island and Some of his Descendants Thru His Son John-2"

As his family is primarily of Quaker stock, all his activities listed above did probably not sit well with the Society of Friends.

"In the name of God, Amen. The twenty-seventh day of December, 1783. I Samuel Carman, of the Township of Hempstead, Queens County, being sick and weak in body, I leave to my well beloved wife Sarah, all my household goods, five cows, one pair of oxen, an ox-cart, one horse and chair, all the meat I have provided for winter, one-half my grain on the grounds at Merrick, and as much of my other grain as will support her and her family until next harvest; Also, all the tallow, hog's fat, and butter; likewise, my old negro man named Dick, and my negro girl named Amy; also the services of my young negro man named Dick, during her natural life; all of which is in lieu of dower. Unto my grandson Caleb Carman, my silver watch. Unto my brother, Adam, 50 pounds. Unto my daughters Anne Cornelius and Mary Bedell, 90 pounds each. My executors to sell all my real and personal estate; out of proceeds to pay my just debts and funeral charges, and legacies. The net proceeds unto my four sons, Samuel, Lot, Benjamin, and John Carman, in equal shares; whom I make executors. Witnesses, Archelaus Doxsee, wheel-wright, and William Pettit, yoeman, both of Queens County; David Batty. Proved January 30, 1784." (NYHSW 12:166).

"January the 18 in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty fore Departed this life Samuel Carman Sen aged 65 years" - New England Historical and Genealogical Register dated January 1920, page 79; Information taken from the fly of a book "Religious Instructions, Exercises in some Strictories of Christianity Conducing to Holiness and Happiness from Holy Church Her Writings... MDCCXLII "Samuel Carman His Book" (the book inscriptions start with this Samuel and is 'his book' and it lists his sons and follows thereafter to his son son Samuel and his children. It is signed by Clarence Saunders Brigham, Worchester, Mass. who ends the recordings.

Children of Samuel and Mary (_____)  Carman:

07/08/2007