John Pell (landowner)

John Pell (c. 1643 – 1702) was an English landowner in New York colony, primarily associated with the region that is now Westchester County. He was the son of the prominent mathematician John Pell.

Pell inherited a significant tract of land from his father, who had been granted it by the Siwanoy Native American tribe in what became known as Pelham Manor. This land acquisition occurred under somewhat contested circumstances, a common occurrence in colonial land dealings. Pell faced numerous challenges in maintaining his claim and controlling the land, including disputes with neighboring settlers and ongoing interactions with the Siwanoy people.

His influence extended to local governance. He served in various positions, reflecting the evolving political landscape of colonial New York. Pell's role as a landowner and local official illustrates the complex relationship between English colonists, Native American populations, and the development of land ownership patterns in the region. His legacy is tied to the history of Pelham Manor and the broader story of land acquisition and settlement in Westchester County. He left the Manor to his nephew, Phillip Pell, upon his death.