(3) - Robert Fordham: born 1603 in Sacomb, died September 1674 in Southampton, Long Island, New York. Robert was born during the long incumbency of Francis Stone (I576-1624), but as the bishop's transcripts for Sacombe did not commence until 1604 his baptism is not recorded, but that of his brother Philip is entered for December 14, 1606 and his sister Ruth's for June 26, 1608.

Robert married Elizabeth Benning in 1631 at Hertfordshire England and had the following children.

John: died 1683

Robert:

Jonah: born between 1633 and 1637, died 17 July 1696. Spouses Hester Topping, Martha Maltby.

Mary: born 10 September 1633 at Flamstead Hertfordshire England, died 25 March 1717, in Southampton Long Island New York she married Edward Howell.

Hannah: born 3 August 1637 in Flamstead Hertfordshire England.

Joseph: born circa 1645 at Southampton Long Island New York (see following notes on him.

Hannah: born circa 1663 died about 1708.

In 1620 Robert Fordham entered the school of Robert Porter, to prepare himself to enter university. On July 3, 1622, Robert Fordham was admitted to Caius College, Cambridge, and matriculated in 1623, taking his A.B.(Bach or Arts) in 1625/6 and his A.M.(masters of Arts) in 1629. He was ordained by (Bishop Williams of Lincoln) and in 1627/8 Robert Fordham succeeded Baanah Gladding as "Minister" at Flamstead, Church of England.
In the Parish Church of Flamstead Bishops Transcripts 1636-1637 of Christenings & Marriages shows the signature of Robert Fordham as "Ro ffordham"

In about 1638 he changed his faith to become a Puritan and was then looking across the Atlantic for a new spiritual home, as being a Puritan in England in that time frame was very dangerous, many people of that faith were punished, and even put to death.

On May 6th, 1640 he sailed for New England on the ship Elizabeth, and arrived in Boston on July 31st 1640, he stayed a short time in Cambridge then moved to Sudbury Massachusetts.
In Sudbury he returned to the husbandry (Farming) life he had known as a boy on the escarped Sacombe hills. It is believed he gave up being a Minister for awhile because Archbisop Laud in England procured from the Star Chamber a decree directing the attorney-general to proclaim an order prohibing clergymen leaving England unless approved by him or the Bishop of London, and requiring all who had gone without permission to be brought back to England.
He retained his lands in Sudbury until 1643, when he sold them and moved to Stamford, Connecticut, before moving to Long Island New York.
In November 13, 1643, Reverend Robert Fordham and John Carman procured lands from the Indians, the site chosen was part of the Great Plains on the south side of Long Island, consisting of 100 miles of sandy loam, rich in woods, streams, harbours and long beaches, with offshore island and 1,500 acres of barren heath. It was signed over to Fordham and his friends by Tachapausha and six Indians whose tribe held it and they named it Hempstead.
In 1648 Robert Fordham returned to ministerial duties in Southampton, Long Island, where he settled down until his death in 1674. The Fordham University in the Broncs of New York is located on land once owned by Robert Fordham, the name was changed from the Fordham Manor to Rose Hill Manor on Nov. 13, 1671. The University may have been named in honor of Reverend Robert Fordham.

The Manor House built before 1692 was part of the original Fordham
property. It was demolished about the time of the Spanish-American War.

Death of Robert Fordham - Adstracts of Will

Agreement made this 26 November, 1674, between Mr. Joseph Fordham, and his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Fordham, of the one part, and Mr. Jonah Fordham by his agent, Lieutenant Edward Howell, and Edward Howell himself and wife Mary, and respecting John Fordham and Mrs. Hannah Clarke, daughter of Mr. Robert Fordham, deceased. Which Agreement is a Total and final Conclusion.

"First - That Mr. Joseph Fordham with his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Fordham, shall bee lawfully possessed as executors of the estate of said Mr. Robert Fordham.

"Second. - That the said Mrs. Elizabeth Fordham shall have one third of the movable goods as appraized.

"Third - That the said Mr. Joseph Fordham shall have for him and his heirs the &250 alotment now in his possession, and part of his father's accommodations in this Towne, with two-thirds of the movables.

"Fourth - That John Fordham shall have 45 acres of land which were his father's and is lying at Meaccocks within fence, with a Home Lot in the Town Plot adjoining to Mr. Robert Fordham's home accommodations commonly called Jonas his lot, being 3 acres. Also &75 in current pay.

"Fifth - Jonah Fordham shall have &100 of the living stocks which is of his deceased father's estate. Also the books bequeathed to him by his father in his life time. Also 50 acres of land formerly laid out to Mr. Robert Fordham, lying against the mill path between the Towne and the Hollow commonly called Littleworth and &50 of commonage. Also a little parcel of land, 3 acres, lying in Captains Neck between John Woodruff and Ellis Cook. Also 4 1/2 acres of land in the Little Plain and one Home Lot, 3 acres, which Mr. Robert bought of Mr. Browne.

" Sixth. - Lieut. Edward Howell and wife Mary shall have 40 acres of land at Meacocks unfenced on not yet layed out, and 20 acres in the next division, where Mrs. Elizabeth Fordham shall appoint, and a &50 right of commonage. Also 2 lotments of meadow in Shinecock neck, and &40 of the living stock.

"Seventh. - Mrs. Elizabeth Fordham shall satisfy her daughter, Mrs Hannah Clark, for what is due her, out of her third of the estate.

"Eight - If John Fordham become chargeable to them with whom he may dwell, it shall be made up out of his estate. Elizabeth Fordham, Joseph Fordham, Edward Howell, Mary Howell. "Witnesses, John Howell, John Youngs, Henry Pierson."

"Whereas Robert Fordham, of Southampton in the East Riding of Yorkshire, upon Long Island, minister,dyed in or about the Month of November, 1674. Leaving no formal will in writing, yet as a nuncupative will before sufficient testimony did declare his will to bee that Joseph, his son, should have his House and Land, at Southampton. After which an Agreement was made by said Joseph Fordham and his mother Elizabeth, on one part, and the rest of the brothers and sisters, on the other part, by which each has quietly possessed his proportion, and proof of the said nuncupatie will having been made at last Court of Sessions held at Southampton, March 8 last, the said Joseph and Elizabeth Fordham are confirmed as administrators. March 25, 1678/9. By Order of Council. Matthias Nicoll, Sec.

-- The deposition of Captain John Howell, aged about forty-eight years, being deposed saith, "that three or four days before Mr. Robert Fordham died, being sent for to Mr. Robert Fordham's house, hee went into Mr. Fordham's new room. Mr Fordham lay sick upon ye bed, this deponent asked him how he did. Mr Fordham answered hee was ill. This deponent thereupon moved him to set his house in order, and used some arguments to persuade him. Mrs. James being present did persuade him to the same purpose, and finding that nothing would prevail, Mrs. Fordham being present desired this deponent to ask Mr. Fordham who should have his house and land. He answered, Joseph. Then this deponent asked him what hee would doe for son Jonah, and Mr. Fordham answered, a small matter, twenty pounds. This deponent told him it was a small matter, indeed, and hee was his son. Said Mr. Fordham, a rebelious son, and hee had given him many twenty pounds and he had wasted them and he was not bound to give to rebelious children. And further mention being made about his son John, Mr. Fordham asked who it was best John should be left withal, and this deponent answered he thought with Joseph, and Mr. Fordham said hee thought soe too. Mrs. Katharine James attests to the truth of what is above mentioned (only as to the many 20 pounds given Jonah) and they both testify that to their apprehensions Mr. Fordham was in his right mind." Taken upon oath the 27th November, 1674, before me. John Youngs.

Note. -- The Lands mentioned in the foregoing documents are all in the town of Southampton and for their location the reade is referred to the Printed Town Records. Mrs Katharine James was the wife of Rev. Thomas James, of East Hampton.W.S.P.