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Notes - Caleb Carman
 

The general biography which has been spread around for at least a hundred years was that Caleb Carman, second eldest son of John and Florence Carman was 1) the first white child born in the Town of Hempstead, Long Island, and 2) was blind.  Born in 1639, the family hadn't moved to Long Island yet. Caleb was also the Sheriff of Cape May, New Jersey of one point - ever heard of a blind Sheriff?  Evidence is that the long attributed traits belonged to Joshua Carman, Caleb's brother and John and Florence Carman's youngest child.

As Caleb was the second oldest son and the tradition of the time was that the eldest son inherited the control of the family estate, Caleb move to New Jersey sometime shortly after 1684.

Caleb's descendants are extensive. In general he can be attributed to be the ancestor the the Carman family branches in New Jersey, Kentucky, and Ohio, Illinois, and on... (general path of family expansion). However Caleb did have family remaining on Long Island and did inherit his share of property from his father's estate.

Mr. Townsend Carman, a direct descendant of John (1), says that Caleb (2) married a daughter of John Seaman, a sister of the wife of John (2), Hannah Seaman. This statement is also made in the Seaman Genealogy, but neither of them give any proof of this statement. We know that Caleb's wife was Elizabeth, and according to Mr. Stillman, some, if not all of their children were born in Hempstead. They were married about 1668.

Children; John, --- Caleb, --- Elizabeth, --- Joshua, James,  Daniel.

There are many references in the History of Cape May County to Carmans, many of them to John and Caleb, who may frequently have been the sons of John (2) or of Caleb (2), and our Caleb can only be distinguished when his age is evident. In "South Jersey, A History" Dr. Maurice Beasley claims that was appointed Justice of the Peace by a Legislature in session in 1685. Benedict's History of the Baptist Church in Cranbury states that James (3) was the son of the first J.P. of Cape May Co., "because Caleb was appointed J.P. in 1685." History of Cape May Co., p.30.

Burlington Court, 4, 7th month 1685. Caleb Carman vs. Evan Davis. Burlington court held 12th, 3rd month, 1688; Caleb Carman and sonnes and others, for taking, breaking up, and disposing of Dubartus whales on this shore, contrary to law. Caleb Carman pleads "not guilty", and Jury finds "not guilty". P.32. Caleb Carman and sons seize a sloop "vi et armis", and claimed half the cargo for saving the ship; no trial.

The non-cupative will of Caleb Carman was filed at Cape May, August 16, 1693. On same date Elizabeth Carman, administratrix of the goods and chattels of Caleb Carman, Sr. her late husband, had letters of administration thereof, having given bonds to administer, and having attested that her late husband died intestate, except only a declaration by him made, which was given into court; and having given in an inventory of the estate into the office, and to give in a true account to the Registrar's Office at Burlington of all and other goods late of, and belonging to, her said husband at the time of his decease; which inventory, bond, and declaration are in the Registrar's office. (N.J. Colonial Documents, Calendar of Wills, p.82). Will was dated July 7, 1693; inventory of the Estate 73-3, of which 10 stands for a building in the town; sons mentioned.