| Phillip Pell (1753-1811), brother of Samuel T. Pell, opposed the Patriot cause at the beginning of the American Revolution, signing a loyalty petition in April 1775. But like many prominent men across Westchester, he changed positions following the outbreak of fighting in Massachusetts, and joined the Continental Army. He rose to the position of Judge Advocate, serving as legal adviser to the army commanders and prosecuting courts-martial cases. This was an important, non-combative role in the Continental Army, and Pell became acquainted with leading officers, including General Washington. Pell served in the State Assembly during the war--1779 -1781, and again in 1784 -1786--and was elected to the Continental Congress in 1788. He rode with General Washington into New York City on November 25, 1783, following the British evacuation. During the conflict, he befriended the Marquis de Lafayette, the young French nobleman who fought with the American army. In 1823, during his American tour commemorating the American Revolution, Lafayette visited the grave of his friend and comrade Phillip Pell at St. Paul's Church cemetery. |
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