| Notes |
- Samuel Rhodes, marriner, was born in Newport RI September 18, 1701 and died at North Kingstown in 1756. On June 14, 1756, administration of his estate was given to his widow, Hannah Rhodes. He married first, Martha Boone, (1704-Aug. 7. 1723). Her inscription in the Boone burial yard in Wickford, North KIngston RI reads, "Here lies Martha, ye wife of Samuel Rhodes and daughter of Samuel and Mary Boone, who died Aug. 7, 1723 aged 19 years, three months and nine days."
On (part missing) ---ber 6, 1724, he married Hannah Boone (Oct 16, 1707-Feb 14 1760), Martha's sister. Martha died (age 19) giving birth to a daughter, Phebe (m 1st John Low, and 2nd. Rev. James Wightman).
Indenture dated 31 Jan 1722 of "Samuel Rhodes of Newport, mariner, for L60 deeded to William Dyre of Newport, shopkeeper, one tract with the Dwelling house thereon in Newport...bounded in part by land belonging to the Honourable Samuel Cranston, Esq. Goverr" Signed by Samuel Rhodes and acknowledged on 6 Feb 1722.
10 November 1722 "...I Sarah Allen.... of Kingston in the Collony of Rhode Island and providence plantations and for and in the Consideration of the Love and good will which I have and doe bear towards my Son Samuel Rhodes of the said Colony, Marriner have....granted...unto the said Samuel Rhodes.....my goods, Chattles and Appurtenances lands or Rights whatsoever belonging or any wayes Appertaining unto my dwelling house in the town of Newport and in the abovesaid Collony of Rhode Island in New England......I the said Sarah Allen by and with the Consent of my husband John Allen of the abovesaid collony and town.....have hereunto set our hands and seals this Tenth of November in the eighth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George....in the year of our Lord 1722". Signed by John Allen and Sarah Allen.
10 November 1722 Samuel Rhodes, mariner, disposes of the property on the same date, to Simon Pease for Two hundred and sixty pounds. (Deed immediately follows the deed of Sarah Allen to Samuel Rhodes).
Captain Samuel Rhodes is listed in the shipping news of the Boston Newsletter from 1722-1732 with Caribbean destinations of Jamaica, Bahamas, Antigua, etc. In April, 1725, Samuel Rhodes brings news from Coracoa of pirates commandeering a sloop but eventually being overpowered by the sailors, who brought the pirates to justice.(Early American Newwspapers NEHGS
From about 1734-1737 Samuel was employed by Samuel Waldo of Boston to command the ship "Affrica" (or Africa). In August, 1734, this ship left Boston for the Madeira Islands, with goods for trade that included candles on consignment for Samuel Wentworth of Portsmouth NH. Samuel Rhodes traded the candles for wine, which Wentworth took objection to, and sued Rhodes following the voyage. John Reed was Rhodes's attorney, and he argued that, since Wentworth was a minor, he couldn't sue on his own account. The court made its judgement against Rhodes, who appealed the lower court decision. No record has been found of the final judgement.
In 1735, Samuel Rhodes embarked on what was probably his only slave trade voyage. Because so many court cases resulted from this trip, several accounts relating to this voyage are found in "Documents Illustrative of the History of the Slave Trade in America," "An Eighteenth-Century Letter From a Sea Captain to his Owner," published by the New England Quarterly in 1930, and Massachusetts State Archives. Here is a summary of mishaps:
Unknown to the crew, much of the cargo of rum headed for trade in Guinea leaked out of the casks before reaching Africa. Because of lack of good trading in Guinea, the ship had to stay eight months, much longer than the original plan. At some time during the stay in Guinia (at the mouth of the Gambia River) Samuel Rhodes beat and whipped a man to death. This man, known as Frederick's slave, belonged with the ship and was owned by a Mr. Wakefield. He also destroyed some property of the second mate of the Affrica, William Batten, throwing some of his goods overboard. There is no mention in the records of any motives for either of these actions.
Upon their return to St. Eustatius, many of the slaves and several of the crew had died from "flux." As a result, most of the remaining slaves were in poor health and could not be sold, but traded for cocoa, which turned out to be rotten. Captain Rhodes felt he had made the best profit possible considering the circumstances, but Samuel Waldo thought otherwise, and refused to pay Captain Rhodes. The result was a series of court cases, Rhodes won the first judgement, which Samuel Waldo appealed and won. Rhodes appealed that decision and ultimately won the superior court decision. Rhodes lost the case Batten brought against him, and had to pay for the destroyed property.
Murder charges were brought against Samuel Rhodes for the death in Guinea. His attorney, John Reed again, argued that since the murder took place well up the Gambia River, the English Admiralty Court had no jurisdiction. After considerable deliberation the court agreed, and charges were dropped, although he had to pay Wakefield for his loss.
In his conciliatory letter of 26 Aug 1737, (see article mentioned above) Samuel Rhodes clearly expressed to Waldo his willingness to continue under his employ, but apparently Waldo severed all business relations with Samuel Rhodes at this time.
Two of the crew members who died on this voyage left money to their captain, Samuel Rhodes. One, John Keyes, also left money to the "Captain's eldest son." This will was dated 15 Oct 1736, so by that time Samuel would have had at least one son old enough to go to sea (presumably William).
The next record of Captain Samuel Rhodes is as a privateer in King George's War (1739-1748). According to family tradition he won the ship, "The Three Brothers" through privateering off the coast of Surinam. This ship is described by Howard M. Chapin in his book (1928) "Privateers in King George's War"......."December 21, 1741, ship Three Brothers, 400 tons, 30 guns, 60 men, Captain Samuel Rhodes".
In 1744, Massachusetts Governor Shirley with Samuel Waldo's encouragement, planned an expedition to Nova Scotia to take the fort at Louisburg from the French. Captain Rhodes joined this fighting force and was in charge of the 8th company of men. His letters to Sir William Pepperrell are published in "Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society" sixth series, vol.x. Rhodes writes one letter on board the "Rose" which is either his father's ship, or one with the same name. He also became "dangerously wounded" during this expedition, losing the use of his right arm. His letters reflect frustration, as well as competence and a fighting spirit throughout the conflict. Rhodes was involved at Louisburg until 1747.
|
1701 - Bef 1756 (54 years)
