James was the owner of a sloop that sailed between Newport, Boston, and New York
City harbour. He most likely carried iron ore for the Iron Works that belonged to his father-in-law,
Nathaniel Thayer. (See the "Historic Digest of the Provintial Press 1689-1783" Vol. 1)
James (Captain) Codding possibly knew and had some contact with William Coddington, the govenor
of Rhode Island, because he witnessed a deed for James in Newport. This may be where the rumor
started of the "Coddington - Codding Connection".
That he had two sons is proven by Vol.44, page 529, Registry of Deeds, Bristol Co., Taunton, MA.
It was there that Deborah Codding, widow of Captain James Codding of Taunton, deceased gives to my
dutiful son, George Codding of Taunton, land of Jonathan Thayer, March 3,1753. And Vol. 47, page
373-4 Registry of Deeds, Bristol Co., Taunton, MA that George Codding for 28 pounds paid by my son
George Codding Jr. blacksmith, sell land near my dwelling house in Taunton beginning near the NE corner
of my brother James Codding's homeplace, February 18, 1756. |
