Research Regarding Anhooke, One of the Native Americans Who Signed the Treaty by Which Thomas Pell Acquired Lands That Became the Manor of Pelham

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Eight Native Americans signed the document known as Thomas Pell's "Treaty" on June 27, 1654. Five of those Native Americans signed that portion of the document by which Thomas Pell acquired the lands that became known as the Manor of Pelham using their "marks". Listed as "Saggamores" (sachems), the five were: Shawanórõckquot, Poquõrúm, Anhõõke, Wawhamkus, and Mehúmõw. (For an image of the treaty and its transcription, click here). Three additional Native Americans signed that portion of the treaty labeled the "Articles of Agreement" whereby the parties agreed mutually to preserve "peace & love", to reveal to each other any plots intended to harm the other and to send men out one day each Spring to re-mark the boundaries of the lands acquired by Pell. Those three Native Americans were designated "Indyan Wittnesses" and were: Cockho, Kamaque and Cockinsecawa.

Little is known about these eight Native Americans. Many legends have arisen regarding one of them: Anhõõke. After years of inquiry and research, I have come to the firm conclusion that many of these legends are unfounded.

Anhõõke has been described as the Siwanoy who murdered Anne Hutchinson in 1643. At the time he supposedly was known as Wampage and allegedly took the name "Anhõõke" to pay homage to his notorious deed of killing Anne Hutchinson. It appears to me that Wampage was an Algonquian Patriot and that Anhõõke was an entirely different Native American.

In his history of Westchester County first published in 1848 and reissued in a second edition (1881) and a third edition (1905), Robert Bolton, Jr. seems to be the first author to claim in print that Anhõõke and Wampage were one and the same. (I am not convinced that the two were one and the same. I recognize, however, that several academics have concluded that the two were the same.) Bolton wrote:

"The residence of Anne Hutchinson appears to have been situated on Pelham neck [sic], formerly called Ann's hoeck, literally, Ann's point or neck, hoeck being a Dutch name for a neck or point, for, up to a very late period, her farm was distinguished as the Manor of Anne hooks neck. A small stream that separates this town from Eastchester on the west still retains her surname Hutchinson's river. One of the principal Indian proprietors of this territory also assumed her christian surname, as we find it recorded in the early deeds, Ann-hoock alias Wampage. This individual may have taken an active part in the destruction of Mrs. Hutchinson, for nothing was more common among the Indians than for a warrior to assume the name of his victim."

Source: Bolton, Jr., Robert, A History of the County of Westchester From its First Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. 1, p. 515 (NY, NY: Alexander S. Gould 1848).

Other historians have questioned portions of the legend. See, e.g., Ultan, Lloyd, The Bronx in the Frontier Era, p. 196 (Bronx, NY: Bronx Historical Society 1994) ("Wampage was also known as Ann-Hooke. Several authors assume that he was the man who killed Anne Hutchinson and took her name. Without documentary evidence, this must remain speculation.").

The tradition that Anhõõke and Wampage were the same person has become ingrained, although there seems to be conflicting evidence regarding whether they were, in fact, the same person. Today's Historic Pelham Blog posting begins the process of assembling research on the Native American known as Anhõõke. Manny have researched this before. Now I hope to document such research so others will not "reinvent the wheel", so to speak.

References Purporting to Provide General Information About Anhõõke

Robert Bolton, Jr.'s second edition of the history of Westchester County was published in 1881, shortly after the author's death. In it, Bolton described Anhõõke as follows:

"One of the principal Indian proprietors of this territory, who sold to Thomas Pell in 1654, just eleven years after the above mentioned massacre, assumed Mrs. Hutchinson's Christian name ; for he constantly styled himself in the early deeds 'Ann-hoock,' alias Wampage. This [image of "An hoock AH his mark"] individual may have taken an active part in the destruction of Anne Hutchinson, for nothing was more common among the Indians than for a warrior or brave to assume the name of his victim -- material traces of his existence still linger around the scene of this bloody tragedy, for his grave or mound is still pointed out, and there is also a rock upon the south side of the neck bearing the same name, which is said to have been a favorite fishing place of the above mentioned sachem. Towards the extreme point of the neck, sometimes called Rodman's Point (after Samuel Rodman who married Mary, grand-daughter of Thomas Pell, third proprietor of the manor) quite near the waters' edge is located an ancient burying ground, said to have been used by the Indians ; but a thorough examination, conducted in the presence of Thomas Pell, fifth in descent from John Lord Pell, proved it to be a place of sepulture for the white race only -- how far back it is impossible to say. The first mound opened contained the skull and larger bones of a female skeleton in a horizontal position."

Source: Bolton, Jr., Robert, The History of the Several Towns, Manors and Patents of the County of Westchester, From Its First Settlement to the Present Time Carefully Revised by Its Author, Vol. II, p. 33 (C.W. Bolton, ed., Chas. F. Roper pub. 1881) (hereinafter "Bolton 1881").

Early References to "Anne Hook's" Neck (or Other Such References)

There are a number of late 17th century references to the area known today as Rodman's Neck suggesting that the area was associated with, visited by, or once owned by Anhõõke. [More here]

According to Bolton in his 1881 edition, there was a very early reference to "Ann Hook's Neck" recorded in connection with an order to inventory Thomas Pell's estate following his death in late September 1669. Bolton wrote:

"This 3d of ------ [Must be October], in his Majestie's Colony of Connecticut, September, 1669, a [Footnote a states "a This will may be found in the Probate Rec. of Fairfield Co., 1665 to '75, vol. ii, p. 43-44. Also Surrogates office N. Y. Wills and Adm., 1665 to 1683, vol. i9., p. 83."]

Upon the 13th of October, A. D. 1669, the Court of Assize issued the [Page 45 / Page 46] following order, authorizing and appointing Mr. John Richbell, Mr. William Leyden, and mr. Samuel Drake, to take an inventory of the estate of Thomas Pell, deceased:

'Whereas Mr. Thomas Pell, of Ann Hook's Neck, is lately deceased, and having left a considerable estate in this government, of which no inventory is as yet returned.' a [Footnote a states "a Assize Rec. Albany, vol. ii. 78."]".

Source: Bolton 1881, Vol. II, pp. 45-46.

Bolton also wrote in his 1881 edition about events on "Anne Hook's Neck" in 1675. He wrote:

"In 1675 the Indians must have been still residing on the neck in considerable numbers for at a General Court of assize held the same year in New York, it was resolved, 'that the Indyans at Mr. Pell's or Anne Hook's Neck, be ordered to remove to their usual winter quarters, within Hell Gate, upon this island ; and further, that all canoes belonging to Christians or Indyans on the north side of Long Island to the east of Hell Gate shall be (within three days from the publication of this order) brought to the next towns and delivered to the constables to be secured near the Hook house ; any canoes found upon the sound after that time to be destroyed.' 'This order is said to have ben made to prevent the Indians of Long Island joining King Philip against New England.' b [Footnote b cites "Dunlap's Hist. of N. Y., vol. ii., appendix cxxiii."]

Near the entrance of Pellam [sic] neck, is situated the favorite burying ground of the Siwanoy's tribe, to which the Indians were in the habit of bringing their dead over from Greenwich for interment. Numerous mounds are still visible near the water's edge, on the Rapelyea estate. Two of the largest mounds are pinted out as the sepulchres of the Siwanoy's sachems, Ann-hook and Nimham ; both of whom are said to have lived to advanced ages. c [Footnote c cites "Nimham, sachem of Miereckacky occurs in 1669."]

The former was opened some years since, and found to contain a large sized skeleton, by the side of which lay the stone axe and flint spear head of the tenant of the grave. We have carefully examined several mounds near the waters edge; one of these held the remains of an Indian boy about twelve years old, in a sitting position, together with a beautiful specimen of native pottery formed by the hand alone, rudely ornamented with zigzag lines, in which we discovered an arrow head of [Page 36 / Pag3 37] quartz and the bones of a small animal. This practice of burying their favorite utensils and weapons with the deceased, is known to be an ancient Indian custom. By way of accounting for the numerous mounds which occur so close to the waters edge, on the north-east side of the neck, it is said that the small-pox was introduced among the Indians through the medium of blankets, and that when they applied for a remedy they were told to bathe in the salt water which proved almost instant death to hundreds. Near the residence of the late L. R. Marshall, the remains of an Indian were found in a very perfect state of preservation with a gun by his side. On the extreme point of this beautiful neck which commands the magnificent scenery of Hutchinson's Bay, lies another Indian cemetery."

Source: Bolton 1881, Vol. II, pp. 36-37.

Anhõõke Allegedly Confirmed the Ownership Rights of Inhabitants of the Town of East Chester in 1666

In the second edition of his History of Westchester County published in 1881, Bolton claimed that in 1666 "Anhooke" and other Native Americans confirmed the ownership rights of the inhabitants of the Town of East Chester. Bolton wrote:

"Upon the 14th of November, 1654 [sic], Thomas Pell obtained a second grant from the aboriginal proprietors, which also embraced the present township. Twelve years later we find the inhabitants of East Chester confirmed in all their rights by the Mohegan Sachems, Gramatan, Woariatapus, Annhooke, (alias Wampage,) and Porrige."

Source: Bolton, Jr., Robert, The History of the Several Towns, Manors and Patents of the County of Westchester, From Its First Settlement to the Present Time Carefully Revised by Its Author, Vol. I, p. 201 (C.W. Bolton, ed., Chas. F. Roper pub. 1881).

Bolton also wrote later in the same book as follows: "In 1666, the inhabitants of Eastchester obtained a further grant from the native Indians, Ann-hooke and others. This sale was confirmed by royal patent the same year". Id., p. 205.

See also Jenkins, Stephen, The Story of the Bronx from the Purchase Made by the Dutch from the Indians in 1639 to the Present Day, p. (NY, NY: G. P. Putnam's Sons 1912) ("The settlement became known as the 'Ten Farms,' and later, as Eastchester, because it lay to the eastward of Westchester. In 1666, the settlers bought more land from the Indians, who confirmed, at the same time, the previous sale of 1654 to Pell. The Mohegan sachems who signed the deed were Gramatan, Woariatapus, Annhooke (alias Wampage), and Porrige. The sachem Wampage, or Annhooke, was probably the slayer of Mrs. Hutchinson, as it was not unusual among the aborigines to assume the name of the slain, due probably, to a superstitious belief that by so doing the dead would be propitiated or that the good qualities of the slain, especially courage, would enter into the slayer.").

Wampage, Who Some Have Said Was the Alias of Anhõõke, Conveyed Land East of Bronx River in 1684

Robert Bolton, Jr. included an unsupported reference in his second edition of the History of Westchester County published in 1881 suggesting that Wampage (whom many claim was also known as Anhõõke) conveyed lands lying to the east of the Bronx River in 1684. The reference reads:

"Upon the 14th of November, 1654 [sic], Thomas Pell of Fairfield, Connecticut, obtained a second grant from the aboriginal proprietors, which also embraced the present town. Thirty years later we find the sachems Maminepoe and Wampage conveying to the inhabitants of Westchester all that tract of land lying on the east side of Bronckses river.' [sic]"

Source: Bolton 1881, Vol. II, p. 263.

Wampage, Who Some Have Said Was the Alias of Anhõõke, Conveyed a Tract on May 27, 1692

Robert Bolton, Jr. included an unsupported reference in his second edition of the History of Westchester County published in 1881 purporting to quote what he described as an "INDIAN DEED OF WESTCHESTER". The reference reads:

"Upon the 27th of May, 1692, we find the Indian proprietors, Maminepoe and Wampage, conveying the following tract of land, to the trustees of [the Town of] Westchester.

INDIAN DEED OF WESTCHESTER.

'To all Christian people to whom this deed of sale shall come, greeting: Know ye, that wee, Maminepoe and Wampage alias Ann-hook, Indian proprietors of a certain tract of land lying within the limits and bounds of the patent of the county town of Westchester, in the province of New York, for a valuable consideration, and other considerations us thereunto moving, and having taken the advice and approbation of several native Indians here underwritten, to us in hand paid by John Palmer, William Barnes, William Richardson, Joseph Palmer, Samuel Palmer, Robert Huestis, John Ferris, John Hunt, Joseph Hunt, Josiah Hunt, Thomas Baxter, and Edward Collier, trustees of the freehold and commonality of the town of Westchester aforesaid, the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge and therewith to be lawfully satisfied, contented, and paid, and thereof do acquit, exonerate, and release, and discharge the said trustees, their heirs, successors, and assignees forever, have given, granted, bargained, sold, enfeoffed, [Page 290 / Page 291] released, and confirmed, and by these presents do fully, clearly, absolutely, give, grant, bargain, sell, enfeof, release, and confirm unto the said trustees, their heirs, successors and assignees forever, all that tract of land lying on the east side of BRUNXS'S river, beginning at the pine trees and so compassing all the land which we the said Maminepoe and Wampage layes claim to, until they come to the head of Rattle Snake brook, and from thence north-east to Mr. Pell's land, so north by saidPell's marked trees by Brunx's river, together with the woods, underwoods, timber, trees, waters, rivers, runs, brooks, and all and singular the emolluments, hereditaments, rights, privileges, and appurtenances, thereunto belonging or appertaining, (only reserving to ourselves the privelege of making use of white wood trees for our particular use,) to have and to hold the before recited premises, with all and every of its appurtenances, unto the said trustees, their heirs, successors, and asssignees [sic] to the only proper use and benefit and behoof of them the said trustees, their heirs, successors and assignees forever; and it shall and may be lawful for the said trustees, their heirs, successors, and assignees, from henceforth and forever, to have and to hold, use, occupy, and enjoy the siad tract of land, free from all incumbrances whatsoever, unto the said trustees, their successors and assignees for ever, without any manner of claime, challenge, or demand of us, our heirs, executors or administrators, or any other native Indians or Christian people, by, from, or under us, or any person or persons whatsoever; and we the said Maminepoe and Wampage, alias Ann-hook, shall and will forever warrant and defend the said tract of land unto the said freeholders of the corporation of Westchester, their heirs and assignees forever. In witness whereof we the said Maminepoe and Wampage, alias Ann-hook, shall and will forever warrant and defend the said tract of land unto the said freeholders of the corporation of Westchester, their heirs and assignees forever. In witness whereof we the said Maminepoe and Wampage, alias Ann-hook, have put to our hands and seales this 27th of May, the fourth year of their of their majesties reign, and A. D. 1692.

The mark of [Sideways "V", base to the Left] MAMINEPOE,
The mark of [Sideways "V", base to the Right] WAMPAGE, alias ANN-HOOK.
The mark of [Sideways "X"] CROHAMANTHENE,
The mark of [Sideways "P", base to the Left] MAMERTEKOH.

Signed, sealed, and deliver [sic] in presence of us,

ABRAHAM HAWKER,
ISAAC ARENS,
The mark of [Sideways "T" base to the Left] JOHN GARRETSON,

Native Indians witnesses to the above deed.
The mark of [Sideways "P" base to the Left] WEENETONAH,
The mark of <>

The following entry in the town books refers to this sale: --

'At a meeting of the inhabitants held the 27th 9f May, 1692, this day, the [Page 291 / Page 292] land on the east side of Broncks's river, till we come to Mr. Pell's line, was purchased of Mamineoe and Ann-hook for: --

2 gunns,
2 kettles,
2 coats,
2 adzes,
2 shirts
1 barrel of cider,
6 bitts of money.

DISBURSEMENTS UPON THE INDIAN PURCHASE.

WILLIAM BARNES, 1 kettle, . . . . . . £2 . . 2 . . 0
To expenses to ye Indians, . . . . . . . . . . 0. . 6 . . 0
JOHN HUNT, 1 coate,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 . 12. . 0
For money, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 . . 1. . 6
To Indian supper and other expences, .0 . . 3. . 0
WILLIAM RICHARDSON, 2 shirts,. . . 0 . .12. .0
JOHN FERRIS, sen, 1 coate, . . . . . . . . . 0 . .12. .0
To one day with the Indians, . . . . . . . . . 0. . . 3. .0
JOSEPH HUNT, 2 adzes, and 3s. 8d. in money. . .0 . 15. .0
SAMUEL PALMER, 1 gun. . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . 0. . 0
THOMAS BAXTER, 1 gun. . . . . . . . . . . . 1. . .2. . 0
JOSEPH HUNT, 1 barrel of cider, . . . . . 0. . 3. . 0
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£8 . . 4. . 6
ROBERT HUESTIS and THOMAS BAXTER, 1 gun. a [Footnote a reads "a Alb. Rec. gen entries. See also Town Rec. 27th of March, 174, Joseph Hunt was directed to go to the clerk of the county and see the Indian deed recorded."]"

Source: Bolton 1881, Vol. II, pp. 290-92.

Anhõõke Allegedly Confirmed the Ownership Rights of Inhabitants of the Town of East Chester Again in 1700

In the same volume, Bolton contends that "Ann Hooke" was among the Native Americans who confirmed the ownership rights of inhabitants of the Town of East Chester again in 1700. Bolton wrote:

"Upon the 23d day of December, A. D. 1700, we find the Indians confirming the inhabitants of Eastchester in their possession.

INDIAN DEED.

Be it known unto all to whom these presents may come, or concern; whereas the inhabitants of Eastchester did formerly purchase a certain tract of land of the natives, in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred sixty and six, and part of the same being not as yet satisfied, the said tract of land being butted and bounded as is hereafter expressed, viz. : east and south-east, by a certain river commonly called Hutchinson's river, which runs in at the head of the meadows, on the west bounds of Mr. Pell's patent, and southerly to Hutchinson's brook, and from the head thereof, north-west to Brunckses his river, and so all the land betwixt Hutchinson's and Brunckses his river, and so from the head of Hutchinson's river, northwest west to Brunckses river, and so all the land betwixt Hutchinson's and Brunckses rivers, according as aforementioned, NOW KNOW YE, that we, Woariatapus Annhook and Porrige, do owne, that we have received full satisfaction of Richard Shute, John Drake, and Henry Fowler, in the behalf of the rest of the inhabitants of Eastchester aforesaid, for the said tract of land, and we the abovesaid Woariatapus, Annhook and Porrige, do by these presents confirm unto the said Richard Shute, John Drake and Henry Fowler, in the behalf of the rest of the inhabitants of Eastchester aforesaid, their heirs and assigns forever, and we the above said Woariatapus, Annhook and Porrige, will warrant and defend the same from all incumbrances whatsoever, of any person or persons laying claime, right, title or demand, unto any part or parcel of the abovesaid tract of land, above mentioned, in witness whereof, we the said Woariatapus, Annhook and Porrige have hereunto put to our hands and seals, this third day of Dec., in the 12th year of his majestie's reign, A. D. 1700.

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us, Robert Bloomer, George Copping, David Whitlock.
Gramatan Sachem,
The mark of [Sideways "X"] Woariatabus
The mark of AH Ann Hooke,
Porrige"

Source: Bolton, supra, id., p. 210.

Anhõõke Allegedly Sold Land to George Booth and Others in 1705

In the same volume, Bolton wrote as follows:

"On the 6th of April, 1705, Patthunck, Sagamore, Hopesco alias Porrige, Anne Hook, and Elias, Indian proprietors, sold to George Booth, joiner of the city of New York and his associates,

'All that our right of land which is not yet lawfully purchased, lying and being from the land which is now in dispute betwixt Westchester and Eastchester, and so running along by Bronck's river, to Hutchinson's river, and bounded on the north by Eastchester lyne, to have and to hold, &c.'"

Source: Id., p., 211.

Carefully scrutiny of other early records likely will reveal more about Anhõõke. These research notes are only the beginning.

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

February 1, 1689 Order by Lieutenant Governor Jacob Leisler and His Council Directing Inventory of John Pell's Gunpowder

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

On February 1, 1689, Lieutenant Governor Jacob Leisler and his Council issued an order directing an inventory of a rumored store of gunpowder on the property of John Pell of Pelham in Westchester County. This was about eight months before John and Rachel Pell sold a large part of the Manor of Pelham to Leisler for the benefit of Huguenot settlers who subsequently established New Rochelle. The text of the brief order appears below, followed by a citation to its source.

"BY THE LIEUT GOVERNOR & COUNCILL &c"

Whereas I am enformed that there is Severall Barrrells of gun powder in ye Custody of Mr John Pell of Pelham within Westchester County

These are to will & require you to make diligent Search and Enquiry for the same & what quantity you fin to make a report unto mee forthwith. Given &c february 1st 1689.

JACOB LEISLER"

Source: O'Callaghan, E.B., ed., Documentary History of the State of New-York. Arranged Under Direction of the Hon. Christopher Morgan, Secretary of State, Vol. II, p. 39 (Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons & Co., Public Printers 1850).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

March 8, 1691 from John Pell and Other Magistrates to the New York Attorney General

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Below is the text of a letter issued by the Magistrates of Westchester County, including John Pell, to the New York Attorney General, James Graham, on March 8, 1691. The purpose of the letter was to request that two men who had interfered with the responsibilities of the Undersheriff to be "sent for" from New York and "secured" there.

"THE MAGISTRATES OF WESTCHESTER CO TO COLL. GRAHAM.

Westchester March 8 1691

SR - The occasion of troubling your Honour att this time is to acquaint thatt there is a number of People in this County who have Richard Penton at their head who doe denie the Government and Vilify all authoretie in this County yea declaring that the Comander in Chiefes his Administration of the Government to be without Authoroty and all proceedings under him to be Illegal upon That foundation they glory Themselves of a Turne; and are so bold to publicly declare themselves Leisler's men which they presumptiously without regard or respect To Law haue abused the Justices in Executing there office by ill wordes animating Each other; so thatt itt is to be feared; they haue no better intention than a New Rebellion, to prevent which if the Principall Ringleaders might be sent for to New Yorke and there secured itt might prevent the Mescheife of Tumultuos Breaking the Geiyle here in this County for such things haue been threatened; If such as oune Penton to be there Major & Penton declares to be his Captain and others thatt dare and threaten ye under Sheriffe in the Executing of his office be fetcht doune It may preuent further trouble the Person Principally concernd is Richard Penton & one Robert Bloomber and such others as you may be informed further by the Report and affidavets hereinclosed all which is sent you by the undersheriffe who can declare further The aspect of ye times and the Common Safety of the County oblidgeth us to give you this trouble Desiring, thatt according to our bounden Duty our humble Indeavors & Service be presented to the Comander in Chiefe and Councell Wee Subscribe ourselves

humble Servants
JOHN PELL
JOHN PALMER
WILLIAM BARNES

Addressed,

To ye Honble
James Greyham Esqr
theire Magesties Attorney
Generall
in
New Yorke"

Source: O'Callaghan, E.B., ed., Documentary History of the State of New-York. Arranged Under Direction of the Hon. Christopher Morgan, Secretary of State, Vol. II, p. 187 (Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons & Co., Public Printers 1850).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

The "Rediscovery" of the Deed Reflecting John Pell's Sale of the Lands That Became New Rochelle

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

On September 20, 1689, John Pell and his wife, Rachel, conveyed to Jacob Leisler of New York City 6,100 acres of land that had formed the northeastern part of the Manor of Pelham acquired in 1654 by Thomas Pell, John Pell's uncle. The original deed is framed and maintained among the collections of the Thomas Paine Cottage in New Rochelle. For an image of the deed and a transcription of its text, see:

Friday, April 6, 2007: The Deed Reflecting John Pell's Sale of the Lands That Became New Rochelle

The deed long was thought to be lost but was "rediscovered" in a secret compartment of a small desk. An account of the rediscovery appeared in the February, 1912 issue of Westchester County Magazine. That account appears in its entirety immediately below, followed by a citation to its source.



"ORIGINAL DEED TO NEW ROCHELLE FOUND
Lord John Pell Sold to Jacob Leisler who afterward transfered the 6,000 acres to Huguenot Refugees.

The Huguenot Association of New Rochelle has secured the original deed of the 6,000 acres of land delivered by John Pell, Lord of the Manor of Pelham, and Rachael, his wife, to Jacob Leisler, then acting Governor of the Province of New York, who, in turn, sold it to the Huguenot refugees from France for the same price that he paid.

The deed, which is on a large sheet of parchment bearing the signature of John Pell, the mark of his wife, and the names of five witnesses, together with the seals of the Pells, was purchased by Henry M. Lester, President of the Huguenot Association, from William D. Bonnett, of North avenue, New Rochelle a descendant of a Huguenot family.

A few days ago Mr. Bonnett was cleaning out an old desk bequeathed to him by his grandfather, intending to have it restored, and opened the panel of a secret compartment. In this compartment was the deed, in an excellent state of preservation, after 223 years.

The parchment bears date 'the twentieth day of September, in the first year of the reign of our sovereign Lord and Lady, William and Mary, King and Queen of England, and in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and eighty-nine.'

As payment for the land, Mr. Leisler, according to the deed, gave 'one thousand six hundred and seventy-five pounds, and agrees to give to John Pell, his heirs or assigns one fat calf on every four and twentieth day of June yearly and every year forever (if demanded).'"

Source: Original Deed to New Rochelle Found in Westchester County Magazine, Vol. VIII, No. 5, p. 64 (Feb. 1912).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Biography of Theodore Montgomery Hill, Justice of the Peace in Pelham in Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Below is a brief biography of Theodore Montgomery Hill who served as a Justice of the Peace in Pelham in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The biography appeared in a multi-volume work published in 1903 and cited following the excerpt below.

"HILL, Theodore Montgomery, 1874-

Class of 1894 Law.

Born on Staten Island, New York, 1874; studied in Trinity School, New York; graduated LL.B., New [Page 446 / Page 447] York University Law School, 1894; in practice since 1895; Justice of Peace; in U.S. Naval Service in Spanish War.

THEODORE MONTGOMERY HILL, LL.B., who was born on Staten Island, New York, on July 31, 1874, is a son of Jacob Clarkson Hill and Amanda M. (Harwood) Hill. He is descended from William Hill, a merchant of New York, who married Alethea Carmer in 1786, and had a son, Robert Carmer Hill. The latter married Susan Clarkson, and had a son, Jacob Clarkson Hill, the father of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Hill was educated at the Trinity School, New York, and in the Law School of New York University, from which latter he was graduated a Bachelor of Laws in 1894. He also spent three years in mercantile employment and three in a law office. He was admitted to the Bar in 1895 and since that date has been practicing his profession in New York, with offices at No. 44 Broadway. He lives at Pelham Manor, New York, where he has been Justice of the Peace for six years, and is Secretary of the Republican Town Committee. In the Spanish War of 1898 he served as Gunner's Mate on the U.S.S. 'Jason.' He is a member of Phi Delta Phi, Phi Gamma Delta, the Bar Association, the Republican Club, the Manor Club, the Huguenot Yacht Club, the New York University Alumni Association, the Trinity School Alumni Society, the Pelham Marine and Field Club, and other organizations."

Source: Chamberlain, Joshua L., ed., Universities and Their Sons: New York University Its History, Influence, Equipment and Characteristics with Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Founders, Benefactors, Officers and Alumni, Vol. II, pp. 446-47 (Boston, MA: R. Herndon Company 1903).



Source: Id., p. 447.

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

1923 Magazine Article About Edward Penfield's Mosquito Extermination Efforts in Pelham Manor

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

I previously have posted to the Historic Pelham Blog an odd item about the efforts of famed illustrator Edward Penfield to eradicate mosquitoes in Pelham Manor during the 1920s. See:

Wednesday, April 27, 2005: Edward Penfield of Pelham Manor - Famous Illustrator and . . . Mosquito Exterminator???

I since have located a magazine article authored and illustrated by Edward Penfield that was published in December, 1923. The text of the article as well as its two illustrations appear below, followed by a citation to their source.

"Art and Science Combine in a Village Campaign Against Mosquitoes

PELHAM MANOR, NY.Y.

An unceasing war against mosquitoes has been waged in Pelham Manor for several years, as a result of which it was found this past summer that the pests had been practically eliminated from the village. The first definite steps towards mosquito control were taken in 1918, at which time the insects were so numerous throughout the community as to make outdoor summer life almost an impossibility. During several previous years the writer had personally taken up the study of scientific methods of mosquito control. The literature from the State Board of Health emphasized the fact that the most effective way to get rid of mosquitoes is to drain and keep drained all deposits of stagnant water. Contrary to the belief of many people, the sprinkling of oil on stagnant water does not actually poison the insects. If it is sprayed in a thin layer on a pool, it will retard breding, by suffocating the 'wigglers' as they come to the surface for air; but a slight breeze will blow the oil to one side, and breeding will continue in the clear space.

With this knowledge in hand, the President and Board of Trustees of Pelham Manor were appealed to, but no immediate action was taken. The problem was then brought to the attention of the local Women's Club, and it was arranged that the writer should give short talks on the subject of mosquito control at the weekly meetings of the club. These talks were aided considerably by a map showing the breeding places in the community and a number of colored cartoons, two of which are reproduced herewith. In a short time enough members were sufficiently interested to form a committee to make a second appeal to the village authorities. This resulted in appropriating the sum of $300 for mosquito elimination work.

The first year showed a great diminishing in the number of mosquitoes, and this ultimately led to a demand by the voters that a large drain be built through the most trouble- [Page 577 / Page 578] some section of the community. An appropriation of $2,000 was then made for the ditching, draining and oiling of the low lands. This work was laid out be an engineer, who indicated the levels and the right locations and directions for the ditches. All land that could not be drained has been filled in, and oil is sprayed on all catch-basins every four days during the summer months.

The residents of Pelham Manor are cooperating by keeping their property clean and free from any receptacle in which water may lodge. They also see that no water collects in the gutters on the eaves of their houses, keep their rain barrels covered, and, in fact, do everything possible to assist in the campaign against mosquitoes.

EDWARD PENFIELD.

Street Commissioner.

Source: Penfield, Edward, Art and Science Combine in a Village Campaign Against Mosquitoes in The American City Magazine, Vol. XXIX July-December, 1923, pp. 577-78 (NY, NY: The Civic Press, 1923) (Containing Vol. XXIX, No. 6, Dec. 1923 of the Magazine in bound volume).



[No Caption Beneath Illustration]



[Caption Beneath Illustration Reads: "PELHAM MANOR, N.Y. IS FORTUNATE IN HAVING AS ITS STREET COMMISSIONER A MAN OF PRACTICAL IDEAS WHO IS ALSO A NOTED ARTIST, THE ORIGINATOR OF THE POSTER IN AMERICA"]

Source of Both Images: Id., p. 577.

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

1886 Poem Representing Fictionalized Account of the Pelhamville Train Wreck of 1885

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Occasionally I have written about the Pelhamville Train Wreck of 1885 that resulted in the death of Fireman Eugene Blake and injuries to several others including the train engineer, Riley Phillips. See:

Monday, September 24, 2007: The Pelhamville Train Wreck of 1885

Tuesday, September 25, 2007: More About the Pelhamville Train Wreck of 1885

Wednesday, September 26, 2007: The Pelhamville Train Wreck of 1885 Continued . . .

Thursday, September 27, 2007: Findings of the Coroner's Inquest That Followed the Pelhamville Train Wreck of 1885

It appears that shortly after the accident, a poem containing a fictionalized account of the incident by Alexander Anderson appeared in a book of Christian writings compiled by Donald MacLeod, D.D., one of Her Majesty's Chaplains for Scotland. The poem is transcribed below in its entirety, followed by a citation to its source.

"PHILLIPS OF PELHAMVILLE.

BY ALEXANDER ANDERSON.

SHORT is the story I say, if you will
Hear it, of Phillips at Pelhamville.

Driver was he for many a day
Over miles and miles of the double way.

Day and night, in all kinds of weather,
He and the engine he drave together.

I can fancy thhis Phillips as one in my mind
With little of speech to waste on his kind,

Always sharp and abrupt of tone,
Whether off duty or standing on,

With this firm belief in himself that he reckon'd
His duty first; all the rest was second.

Short is the story I say, if you will
Hear it, of Phillips at Pelhamville.

He was out that day, running sharp, for he knew
He must shunt ahead for a train overdue,

The South Express coming on behind
With the swing and rush of a mighty wind.

No need to say in this verse of mine
How accidents happen upon the line.

A rail lying wide to the gauge ahead,
A signal clear when it should be red;

An axle breaking, the tire of a wheel
Snapping off at a hidden flaw in the steel.

Enough. There were waggons piled up in the air
As if some giant had tossed them there.

Rails broken and bent like a willow wand,
And sleepers torn up through the ballast and sand.

The hiss of the steam was heard, as it rush'd
Through the safety-valves of the engine crush'd

Deep into the slpe, like a monster driven
To hide itself from the eye of heaven.

But where was Phillips? From underneath
The tender wheels with their grip of death

They drew him, scalded by steam and burn'd
By the engine fires as it overturn'd.

They laid him gently upon the slope,
Then knelt beside him with little of hope.

Though dying, he was the only one
Of them all that knew what ought to be done;

For his fading eye grew quick with a fear,
As if of some danger approaching near.

And it sought -- not the wreck of train that lay
Over the six and the four-feet way --

But down the track, for there hung on his mind
The South Express coming up behind.

And he half arose with a stifled groan,
While his voice had the same old ring in its tone,

'Signal the South Express!' he said
The fell back in the arms of his stoker, dead.

Short, as you see is this story of mine,
And of one more hero on the line.

For hero he was, though before his name
Goes forth no trumpet blast of fame,

Yet true to his duty, as steel to steel,
Was Phillips the driver of Pelhamville."

Source: Anderson, Alexander, Phillips of Pelhamville in MacLeod, Donald, D.D., ed., Good Words for 1886, p. 765 (London: Isbister and Company, 1886).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Two 17th Century Fairfield Probate Records Referring to Thomas Pell

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/
Click here to see a single index of all Historic Pelham Blog Postings to date.

There are two brief references to Thomas Pell in Volume I of the multi-volume publication "A Digest of the Early Connecticut Probate Records" compiled by Charles William Manwaring and published in 1904. One of the digest records reflects Thomas Pell's service as an administrator in connection with the estate of William White of Fairfield in 1656. The second reference merely lists him as among the owners of land in Fairfield between 1649 and 1652. The pertinent excerpts appear below.

"Page 107.

White, William, Fairfield. Invt. £63-01-10. Taken 4 October, 1657, by Andrew Ward, Nathan Gould.

Court Record, Page 109 - 3 December, 1656: Adms. to Thomas Pell, he to husband the Estate as well as he may for the children, and to report when called for."

Source: Manwaring, Charles William, ed., A Digest of the Early Connecticut Probate Records, Vol. I, p. 163 (Hartford, CT: R. S. Peck & Co. 1904) (citing Probate Records Vol. II, 1650 to 1663, p. 107).

"FAIRFIELD.

Owners of Land, 1649 to 1652. See Vol. II of Lands, Page 43, in Office of Secretary of State.

[Left Column]

Addams, Edward,
Bateman, William,
Banker, John,
Baxter, Thomas,
Bennet, James,
Drake, Samuel,
Dun, Thomas,
Everts, James,
Everts, John,
Hedges, Steven,
Henderson, Hendrick,
Hide, Humphrey,
Jennings, Joshua,
Jones, John,
Jones, Thomas,
Knowles, Alexander,
Lancaster, Walter,

[Right Column]

Lyon, Henry,
Lyon, Richard,
Middlebrooke, Joseph,
Osborne, Richard,
Patchen, Joseph,
Perry, Richard,
Pell, Thomas,
Pinckney, Philip,
Rowland, Henry,
Sherington, Thomas,
Sherwood, Thomas,
Staples, Thomas,
Staples, Thomas,
Squire, George,
Vouke, Richard,
Williams, Richard,
Wheeler, Ephraim,
Wheeler, John,
Wheeler, Thomas."

Source: Source: Manwaring, Charles William, ed., A Digest of the Early Connecticut Probate Records, Vol. I, p. 87 (Hartford, CT: R. S. Peck & Co. 1904) (citing Probate Records Vol. II, 1650 to 1663, p. 107).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/
Click here to see a single index of all Historic Pelham Blog Postings to date.

The Pelham Electric Light and Power Company and its Incorporation Into the Westchester Lighting Company

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/
Click here to see a single index of all Historic Pelham Blog Postings to date.

Pelham's power needs once were met by a company known as "The Pelham Electric Light and Power Company". Below is a brief summary of the early history of The Pelham Electric Light and Power Company until it was absorbed into and became a part of the Westchester Lighting Company. A citation to the source follows the quoted material.

"X. Corporate History of the Westchester Lighting Company.

The Eastchester Electric Company was incorporated July 3, 1889, under the General Manufacturing Corporations Law of 1848. This company was merged December 1, 1900, into the Westchester Lighting Company. The Pelham Bay Park Electric Light, Power and Storage Company was incorporated July 23, 1890, under the General Manufacturing Corporations Law of 1848. This company seems to have got [sic] into financial trouble within a year or two after its incorporation, and its property was sold at sheriff's sale, in March, 1892, to one Herman Vogel. A copy of the original bill of sale was produced by counsel for the Westchester Lighting Company. This sale did not include [Page 66 / Page 67] the company's franchise. However, on January 16, 1897, Vogel transferred the property, alleging that it included the franchise, to one Charles W. Smith, who in turn, on January 9, 1900, sold it to the Pelham Electric Light and Power Company, which on Decmeber 1, 1900, was merged into the Westchester Lighting Company. It appears from the testimony, however, that all of the capital stock of the Pelham Bay Park Electric Light, Power and Storage Company was acquired by the Pelham Electric Light and Power Company on or about January 16, 1897, and is now held by the Westchester Lighting Company, so that title to the old franchise could be acquired by the present operating company by the process of merger.

The Pelham Electric Light and Power Company was incorporated January 25, 1897, under the Transportation Corporations Law, and was merged into the Westchester Lighting Company December 1, 1900. The Westchester Lighting Company itself was incorporated November 5, 1900, under the Transportation Corporations Law. This company absorbed by merger on December 1, 1900, in addition to the Pelham Electric Light and Power Company and the Eastchester Electric Company, nine other gas and electric companies operating entirely in Westchester County, and on December 1, 1902, it absorbed two additional Westchester companies. Several of the companies merged into the Westchester Lighting Company were themselves the product of preceding mergers and consolidations, so that the Westchester Lighting Company today counts no less than 30 predecessor companies in its family tree. This does not include the Pelham Bay Park Electric Light, Power and Storage Company, which is controlled through stock ownership but which has not yet been merged. Neither does it include the New York and Westchester Lighting Company, which was incorporated July 11, 1904, to furnish the means by which the control of the Westchester Lighting Company could be transferred from the United Gas Improvement Company of Philadelphia to the consolidated Gas Company of New York. After performing its function incident to this change of ownership, the New York and Westchester Lighting Company was merged into the Westchester Lighting Company, October 20, 1904. . . . "

Source: Maltbie, Milo R., Franchises of Electrical Corporations in Greater New York: A Report Submitted to the Public Service Commission for the First District, pp. 66-67 (NY, NY: Public Service Commission for the First District, 1911) (Reprint of Appendix A of the Annual Report of the Public Service Commission for the First District, State of New York, to the Legislature for the Year Ending December 31, 1910).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/
Click here to see a single index of all Historic Pelham Blog Postings to date.

1648 Commercial Record Involving Claim Against Thomas Pell for Three Hundred Pounds

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/
Click here to see a single index of all Historic Pelham Blog Postings to date.

Recently I have posted a number of 17th century commercial records involving Thomas Pell. See:

Monday, December 17, 2007: 1649 Record Whereby Thomas Pell Appointed Agent to Recover Bond Due From Pewterer Ambrose Adlam of the City of Bristoll

Friday, December 14, 2007: Additional 17th Century Shipping and Commercial Records Mentioning Thomas Pell

Tuesday, January 9, 2007: 1648 Notarial Record by Boston Merchant Providing Power of Attorney to Collect Debt From Thomas Pell of New Haven

Wednesday, January 10, 2007: 17th Century Commercial Records Involving Thomas Pell and Edmund Leach

Thursday, January 11, 2007: More 17th Century Commercial Records Involving Thomas Pell and Edmund Leach

Today's Historic Pelham Blog posting transcribes another such record prepared in 1648. It reflects a three hundred pound sterling claim by David Selleck of Boston against Thomas Pell of New Haven.

"ASPINWALL NOTARIAL RECORDS. . . .

1 (9) 1648 David Selleck of Boston did constitute Capt Richard Malbone of New Haven his true & lawfull Atturney granting him power to aske leavie &c: of Tho: pell of New haven Chirurgeon the summe of three hundred pounds wch he stopped or detained & due damages, & of the receipt to give acquittance, also to compound & agree & to sue impleade &c:

Also an Assignment was made by Dav: Selleck unto Edmund Leach to receive the said summe & whatsoever Capt Malbone shall recover & to give him a dischardge:

Also I attested a Copie of the Oath of Dorothie Tilson taken before 27th Apr: 1647

the 2. Novemb. 1648."

Source: A Volume of Records Relating to the Early History of Boston Containing the Aspinwall Notarial Records from 1644 to 1651, Vol. 32, p. 161 (Boston, MA: Municipal Printing Office 1903).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/
Click here to see a single index of all Historic Pelham Blog Postings to date.

1649 Record Whereby Thomas Pell Appointed Agent to Recover Bond Due from Pewterer Ambrose Adlam of the City of Bristoll

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/
Click here to see a single index of all Historic Pelham Blog Postings to date.

As indicated last Friday, I have been reviewing mid-17th century commercial records published in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by the City of Boston searching for references to Thomas Pell. See:

Friday, December 14, 2007: Additional 17th Century Shipping and Commercial Records Mentioning Thomas Pell

Tuesday, January 9, 2007: 1648 Notarial Record by Boston Merchant Providing Power of Attorney to Collect Debt From Thomas Pell of New Haven

Wednesday, January 10, 2007: 17th Century Commercial Records Involving Thomas Pell and Edmund Leach

Thursday, January 11, 2007: More 17th Century Commercial Records Involving Thomas Pell and Edmund Leach

Today's Historic Pelham Blog posting transcribes another such record prepared in 1649 after Thomas Pell married Lucy Brewster, the widow of Francis Brewster. The record reflects the appointment of an agent to recover a bond due to Francis Brewster executed ten years earlier before his loss at sea. The record reads:

"ASPINWALL NOTARIAL RECORDS. . . .

6 (8) 1649. Tho Pell of Newhave Chirurg: who married Lucie late wife of ffrancis Brewster of Newhaven did constitute Nathaniel Brewster of Walderswick in the Count of Suffolke in the Domin. of Eng. his true & lawful Attr granting him power to aske &c: of John Cadle of the City of Bristoll pewterer his Exer or Administ a certaine bond of 128 li dat. 3 (8) 1639. due to Ambrose Adlam & by him assigned to the sd ffrancis Brewster (this Appearers pr decessor) as by a p curation under the hand of the sd Ambrose Adlam dat: 3 Mar. 1640. may appeare & of the receipt to give acquittance also to compound &c: & to appeare in any Court &c: to doe say &c: wth power to substitute &c."

Source: A Volume of Records Relating to the Early History of Boston Containing the Aspinwall Notarial Records from 1644 to 1651, Vol. 32, p. 248 (Boston, MA: Municipal Printing Office 1903).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/
Click here to see a single index of all Historic Pelham Blog Postings to date.

Additional 17th Century Shipping and Commercial Records Mentioning Thomas Pell

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/
Click here to see a single index of all Historic Pelham Blog Postings to date.

Between 1876 and 1909, the City of Boston prepared and published a 39-volume set of records relating to the early history of the City. Some of the records seem to reflect Thomas Pell's commercial activities as a young man.

Early this year I published to the Historic Pelham Blog a series of postings that transcribed 17th century shipping and commercial records from those volumes that mention Thomas Pell of Fairfield. See:

Tuesday, January 9, 2007: 1648 Notarial Record by Boston Merchant Providing Power of Attorney to Collect Debt From Thomas Pell of New Haven

Wednesday, January 10, 2007: 17th Century Commercial Records Involving Thomas Pell and Edmund Leach

Thursday, January 11, 2007: More 17th Century Commercial Records Involving Thomas Pell and Edmund Leach

Another series of such records is transcribed immediately below. A full citation to the source appears immediately after the excerpts.

"ASPINWALL NOTARIAL RECORDS. . . .

5 (4) 1651. Shipped in good order & wel conditioned by me Edmund Leech of London in & uppo the good shipp called the Swallow of London whereof is Mr for this pr sent voyage Wm Greene, now at Anchor in the river of Thames & bound for the Port of Boston in N. England, to say, one dry fatt twoe bundles of Sythes fourty nine firkins two kilderkins, & a fagot of steele in all rated at three Tunne. Being numbered & marked as in the margent wch are to be dd in the like order & Condition at the port aforesd the danger of the seas excepted unto John Duncombe or his Assignes he or they paying freight for the said

[In Left Margin of the Above: "No. A. one dry fatt. 2 bundle Syths. No. 57. 58 E [Backwards "D"] 49 firkins No. from: 1: to 34: & from 40: t0 57. 1: fagot of steele No. 35 X"]

[Page 346.] goods the summe of nine pounds wth primage & average accustomed. In witnes whereof the Mr or purser hath affirmed to three bills [Page 386 / Page 387] of ladeing of this tenor, one whereof being accomplished the other are voyd. so god send you a psperous arrivall. Dat in London 20th ffeb. 1650. William Greene.

The pcells recd the contents I know not.

Mr. Greene I pray you Deliver the Contents hereof to Mr Thomas Pell of ffairefield or els where in N: England.

The marke J D of John Duncombe

witnes
Wm Humfrey
John Cole.

Shipped in good order & well conditioned by me John Duncombe in & uppon the good ship called the Swallow of London whereof is Mr for this pr sent voyage Wm Greene now at Anchor in the River of Thames & bound for Boston in New Engl. to say, two bales, in tunnage one hogshead & kilderkin being numbered & marked as in the Margent [In Left Margin: "ED No. 1 & 2:"], wch are to be Delivered in like order & condition at the port aforesad the danger of the seas excepted unto the sd John Duncombe or his Assigns he or they paying freight for the sd goods the summe of twenty shillings wth primage & average accustomed. In witnes whereof the Mr or purser hath affirmed to three bills of ladeing of this tenor one whereof being accomplished the other are voide so God send her a psperous arrivall. Dated. in Lond. 20th ffebr: 1650.

The pcells received the contents I Know not William Greene.

Mr Greene I pray Deliver the Contents hereof to Mr Tho: Pell of ffairefield or else where in N: England. The marke J D: of John Duncombe.

Witnes
Wm Humfrey
John Cole

5 (4) 1651 Be it knowne hereby that I Edward Bendall of Boston doe acknowledg to have rec d of Mr Wm Greene goods shipped by Edmund Leech & John Duncomb aboard the Swallow according to theire severall bills of ladeing Dated 20th ffeb: 1650. & doe hereby ingage my selfe to keepe them safely as also one boxe of store, for & in consideration of two shillings p weeke warehouse roome, dureing theire stay & to deliver the sd goods unto Mr Pell of ffairfield when they shalbe demanded, or to such as Mr Leech & Mr Duncombs Administrators shall appoint, they paying the warehouse roome & giveing a sufficient discharge to Mr Greene before the publ notarij. witnes my hand this 5 (4) 1651.

Teste Will: Aspinwall Edw. Bendall
Nots: publ:

[Page 387 / Page 388]

This was againe discharged by Mr Pell hee haveing rec d the goods for Mr Leech."

Source: A Volume of Records Relating to the Early History of Boston Containing the Aspinwall Notarial Records from 1644 to 1651, Vol. 32, pp. 386-88 (Boston, MA: Municipal Printing Office 1903).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/
Click here to see a single index of all Historic Pelham Blog Postings to date.

Abstract of Will of William Rodman Dated Oct. 28, 1782

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

I have transcribed 17th, 18th and early 19th century wills and abstracts of wills of residents of Pelham of which I have become aware. I recently prepared an index to those materials and subsequently have located other such materials that I have posted. See:

Thursday, March 29, 2007: Index to Transcripts of Wills and Abstracts of Wills Prepared by Early Pelham Residents.

Friday, October 5, 2007: Abstract of 1770 Will of Duncan Campble of Minefords Island in Pelham

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the abstract of the will of William Rodman dated October 28, 1782. Interestingly, the will was disallowed on July 18, 1793. The abstract appears below, followed by a citation to its source.

"WILLIAM RODMAN, of Pelham Manor, farmer; Oct. 28, 1782; devised to brother Joseph Rodman part of Hart Island in lieu of debts and demands; to brogther Samuel Rodman the other quarter part; to wife Leah use of farm in Pelham for seven years, then to brother Joseph Rodman, he to pay wife; mentioned nephew John Bertine, son of sister Mary Bertine, dec'd., under 21; nephew Samuel Bartine; niece Sarah Bartine; after death of brother Joseph Rodman, all farm to two nephews William and John Rodman, his sons; cousin William Rodman, son of Joseph Rodman, dec'd., the small race saddle and furniture I had from his father [etc.]. Executors, friends John Bartow, Junr., Theodosius Bartow and Benjamin Pell. Wit., Theodosius Bartow, Joseph Mullinex, William Landrine. Probated July 18, 1793. Appeared Theodosius Bartow of New Rochelle, and declared that the will was placed in his custody, and that at the time the will was written by him, the sd. William Rodman had no issue and further declared that about three or four years later was summoned to write another will; that he then had no issue; but, some time after had a daughter who is still living; that he had carried the second will away with him and failed to make a third will; the first will found and herewith recorded; that about a year last wenter the sd. William Rodman, dec'd. Will disallowed, July 18, 1793."

Source: Bristol, Theresa Hall, ed., Abstracts of Wills Recorded at White Plains, Westchester County, N.Y., Subsequent to May 1, 1787 in The New York Genealogical and Bigraphical Record, Vol. LV, No. 3, pp. 262, 268 (NY, NY: The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, Jul. 1924)(citing Liber B).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Another Biography of Frederick Hobbes Allen, President of Pelham Manor and Owner of Bolton Priory in the Early 20th Century

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

On a number of occasions I have written about Frederick Hobbes Allen, an owner of Bolton Priory during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. See, e.g.:

Thursday, March 1, 2007: Biographical Data Regarding Frederick Hobbes Allen, President of Pelham Manor and Owner of Bolton Priory in the Early 20th Century.

Tuesday, May 3, 2005: Colonel Frederick Hobbes Allen, An Owner of Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor.

Today's Historic Pelham Blog posting provides yet another biography of Frederick H. Allen. This one appeared in a book published in 1913. The text of the biography and a citation to its source follow.

"FREDERICK H. ALLEN.

Frederick Hobbes Allen, a former President of the village of Pelham Manor, Corporation Counsel, Chairman of the Democratic County Committee, etc.

His parents were Hon. Elisha Hunt Allen and Mary Harrold (Hobbes) Allen, and his birth-place, Honolulu, where his father was Chief Justice and Chancellor. He is a descendant of the puritan fathers, in an unbroken line from a member of Cromwell's famous 'Ironsides,' Edward Allen who settled in Northfield, Mass., in 1685. The property then acquired by him has been in the family up to the present day.

He was graduated from Harvard University with the degree of A. B. in 1880 and three years later received the degree of LL. B, in course, also the degree of A.M.

At this period, 1882, he became secretary to the Hawaiian legation at Washington, D. C., over which his father then presided as Hawaiian Minister and held the further distinction of Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. Upon his father's death the following year he was appointed Charge d'Affaires. Mr. Allen's association with representative men in Washington life gave him a taste for matters of State and politics and an experience which became useful to him later.

Leaving Washington in 1884, Mr. Allen came to New York and entered the law office of Holmes & Adams. He was admitted to the bar during the same year and became managing clerk for Messrs. Miller, Peckham & Dickson. A few years later he became associated with Col. Hugh I. Cole, with offices at 59 Wall Street and in 1896 formed the firm of Adams & Allen. This partnership continued until the death of Mr. Adams in 1900, after which a new firm was formed known as Allen & Cammann, and which still exists.

Soon after arriving in New York he came to Pelham Manor to reside, and there soon became interested in local affairs. It is a testimony to his good work in the town's behalf that he was first chosen Corporation Counsel of Pelham Manor which position he held three years; and then President of that village, the only Democrat ever elected to latter office.

In 1904 Mr. Allen was chosen chairman of the Democratic County Committee of Westchester County, which position he held until the fall of 1911, when he voluntarily retired.

His ability, as an organizer and manager has been further recognized in his appointment to be a member of the Executive Committee of the Democratic State Committee for New York State, a position high in the councils of the party.

Mr. Allen was married June 30, 1892, to Adele Livingston Stevens. Six children have been born, Frederick Stevens, Mary Dorothy Adele, Barbara Frances Gallatin, Joan Livingston, Julian Broome Livingston and Priscilla Alden Sampson. The family hme, Bolton Priory, is beautifully situated at Pelham Manor, one of New York's exclusive suburbs.

It is one of the historical spots of that section for here lived Anne Hutchins [sic], who was killed by Indians in 1643.

Mr. Allen's social affiliations include the Union Club, the Knickerbocker, the City Club, New York Athletic Club, and the Westchester Country Club, of which he is president; is a member of the patriotic society of the Colonial Wars and the Sons of the Revolution.

Possessing recognized ability in his profession and an enviable position in the Democratic organization of his County and State, of which he was a delegate to the Denver convention of 1908, Mr. Allen has ably maintained the dignity and traditions of his worthy ancestor."

Source: Smith, Henry T., Westchester County in History Manual and Civil List Past and Present - County History Towns, Hamlets, Villages and Cities - Truly This People Can Say, We Have Made History - 1683-1914, Vol. III, p. 190 (White Plains, NY: Henry T. Smith, Publisher, 1913).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Photograph and Biography of Edgar C. Beecroft, Pelham Town Supervisor in the Early 20th Century

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Edgar C. Beecroft lived in Pelham Manor and served as Town Supervisor of the Town of Pelham in the early 20th century. His photograph and a biography appear immediately below followed by a citation to the source.



"EDGAR C. BEECROFT.

Edgar Charles Beecroft, lawyer, Supervisor, Counsel to the Bronx Sewer Commission, Corporation Counsel, former Justice of the Peace, etc., was born in Oak Park, Ill., on February 16, 1876, a son of John R. and Elizabeth Beecroft.

He graduated at Trinity College (Hartford, Conn.) and at the New York Law School.

He was admitted to practice at the bar in 1899, and early took a prominent place in the profession. His advance was steady and honorable. A studious analysis of all the rules and practices of law, a knowledge of the very best productions of distinguished jurists, enables him to retain the honorable position he holds in the legal fraternity.

The chief characteristics of Mr. Beecroft, as an official as well as a lawyer, are his great industry and his unbending integrity. In personal appearance he is commanding; his features wear the stamp of intellect; he is cool and self-possessed under every circumstance, and never finds himself in a situation for which he has not adequate resources.

When he was three years of age his parents came to this State, settling in Pelham. He has since resided in that town, his present abode being in Pelham Manor.

Mr. Beecroft has acted with the Democratic party, and has always been a conspicuous and able defender of the principles it was established to maintain. His influence in his own town added to his personal popularity has resulted in his repeated election to public office when the town was normally largely Republican; he is certainly appreciated where he is best known.

He served as a Justice of the Peace for eight years, from 1901 to 1909; while holding the position of Justice he was, in 1907, elected Supervisor of the town of Pelham, holding both offices until 1909. In 1909 he was re-elected Supervisor, and again re-elected in 1911, notwithstanding a strong opposition determined if possible to defeat him by the usual Republican majority given at a general election. The re-election of Supervisor Beecroft proves that the people can be trusted when it comes to approving the acts of a faithful official.

In 1910 at the urgent request of leaders of his party he consented to accept the Democratic nomination for District-Attorney, when there was not the slightest possibility of success, so great was the opposition party's majority in the county. His loyalty to the principles of his party justified his making a sacrifice. As was expected, he was defeated; yet he had the satisfaction of knowing that the number of votes he received far exceeded that given any other nominee of the party for that office in recent years.

He was chosen Corporation Counsel of the Village of North Pelham in March, 1911, and he still retains the position.

On the reorganization of the Bronx Valley Sewer Commission, under special act of the State Legislature, by Commissioners appointed by Governor Dix, in 1911, Mr. Beecroft was unanimously chosen to hold the highly responsible position of Counsel to the Commission. [Page 189 / Page 190]

He is counsel to the Pelham Board of Sewage Disposal Works.

He is a member of the York Lodge, F. and A. M., and of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity.

Mr. Beecroft was married July 2, 1904, to Miss Grace L. Lowry, daughter of Clarence and Ida (Haviland) Lowry, of New York city. They have two children, John Robert, aged six years, and Lavinia, aged five months."

Source: Smith, Henry T., Westchester County in History Manual and Civil List Past and Present - County History Towns, Hamlets, Villages and Cities - Truly This People Can Say, We Have Made History - 1683-1914, Vol. III, pp. 189-90 (White Plains, NY: Henry T. Smith, Publisher, 1913).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Data Regarding the Town of Pelham in 1898

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

A multi-volume work published in 1898 included an interesting description of the Town of Pelham. That description had a wealth of data about the town and a brief history. Accordingly, I have transcribed the text below, followed by a citation to the source.

"TOWN OF PELHAM.

------

The town of Pelham was formed March 7, 1788. The name, conferred upon the town by the Pells, is said to be derived from the lordship of Pelham, Herefordshire, England. The town is bounded on the east and north by the town of New Rochelle, on the west by the Hutchinson's (Aqueanouncke) river, and Eastchester, and on the south by Long Island Sound. The Hutchinson's river, which separates the town from Eastchester, was named in honor of the heroic Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, who was the leading spirit in a colony of sixteen persons which settled in the vicinity of Pelham Neck, and who was, with several of her friends, murdered by Indians.

The town is situated on the line of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad and on the Harlem branch road of same railroad, about fifteen miles from New York city.

Thomas Pell, said to have come from Fairfield, Connecticut, eleven years after the Hutchinson massacre, in 1654, succeeded in buying from the Indians a large tract of land covering a good part of what was afterward the town, and also the towns of East and West Chester. In 1666 a large portion of the Indian grant of 1654 was confirmed by Gov. Richard Nicholls, of New York.

The Pells, who succeeded each other as lords of the manor, were Thomas Pell, who died in 1669. John Pell, a nephew of the former, who represented the county in the Provincial Assembly, and was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas from 1688 to 1695; he was drowned while sailing a pleasure boat which foundered in a gale off City Island; his eldest son, Thomas, succeeded him as lord of the manor, and died in 1739 at the manor house. Joseph Pell, grandson of Thomas, was the fourth and last lord of th emanor, and [Page 238 / Page 239] died in 1776. The town has an interesting history connected with the American Revolution.

City Island, a locality of considerable pretensions, with another section of the town, was annexed to the City and County of New York by an act of the State Legislature passed in 1895. Hart's Island, which lies to the east of City Island, is occupied by the Department of Charities and Correction of New York city for hospital purposes. High Island is located near the south shore of Pelham Neck. Pelham Bridge connects Pelham Neck and the Westchester shore. Pelham Bay Park, belonging to New York city, is situated within the old town limits.

The population of the township as shown by various census enumerations has been as follows: In 1830, 334; in 1835, 255; in 1840, 789; in 1845, 486; in 1850, 577; in 1855, 833; in 1860, 1,025; in 1865, 1,043; in 1870, 1,790; in 1875, 1,538; in 1880, 2,540; in 1890, 3,941. The present population of the town is estimated 1,600; the decrease can be credited to loss of territory recently annexed to Greater New York city.

The assessed valuation of property in the township, fixed by assessors last year, was as follows: Real, $2,161,259, personal, $59,950. The town tax rate this year is $12.98 per $1,000 of assessed valuation outside the villages, $12.80 per $1,000 in side village of North Pelham, $11.82 insider village of Pelham, $10.327 per $1,000 inside village of Pelham Manor. Last year the rate was, in the order given, $38.55, $18.27, $16.14, $12.77 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

The present town officers are as follows: John M. Shinn, (of Pelham Manor,) Supervisor; Louis C. Young, Frank M. Lyon, Theodore M. Hill and A. G. C. Fletcher, Justices of the Peace; P. J. Marvil, (of North Pelham,) Town Clerk; John T. Logan, (of North Pelham,) Collector of Taxes.

Within the town's limits are three villages, Pelham Manor, Pelham and North Pelham. Each of these villages are distinctively residence localities, containing the choicest of residence sites, affording desirable homes for many prominent business men of New York city, as well as for others.

Pelham Manor was incorporated as a village in 1891. According to a census enumeration taken in January, 1898, it has a population of 436. The village is a station on the Harlem Branch of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, ten miles from New York city. Travers Island, on which is located the Club House and ground of the New York Athletic Club, is in this village. The [Page 239 / Page 240] present village officers are: E. P. Gillaland, President; William K. Gillette, and W. B. Randall, Trustees; John Doty, Clerk; C. F. Rupert, Collector of Taxes, and John H. Day, Treasurer.

The village of Pelham was incorporated in 1896, and has a population, according to census of January, 1898, of 142. The village is a station on the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, fifteen miles from New York city. The present village officials are: S. Cushman Caldwell, President; R. K. Hubbard and Howard Scribner, Trustees; George K. Perry, Clerk; William Webster, Collector of Taxes, and John Butler, Treasurer. This village is supposed to be the smallest in the country; it was incorporated by special act of the Legislature, at the request of seven persons.

The village of North Pelham was incorporated in 1896, and has a population, as shown by census enumeration of January, 1898, of 627. The village lies on the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, fifteen miles from New York city; the villages of Pelham and North Pelham share the one and the same railroad station at Pelham. These two latter villages are connected with Mount Vernon by trolley cars."

Source: Manual of Westchester County Past and Present Civil List to Date 1898, pp. 238-40 (White Plains, NY: Henry T. Smith, Publisher, 1898).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Another Biography of Congressman Benjamin Fairchild of Pelham, a Founder of Pelham Heights

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

I have written on the Historic Pelham Blog twice before about the life of Benjamin L. Fairchild of Pelham Heights who served as a member of Congress and was responsible for much of the development of Pelham Heights. See:

Friday, April 22, 2005: Benjamin L. Fairchild of Pelham Heights -- A Notable Pelham Personage

Tuesday, August 15, 2006: Another Biography of Benjamin L. Fairchild of Pelham Heights

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog provides yet another biography of Benjamin Fairchild. The text of the biography, published in 1900, appears below. As always, it is followed by a citation to its source.

"FAIRCHILD, BEN LEWIS, lawyer, ex-member of congress, and a prominent resident of Pelham, was born in Sweden, Monroe County, N. Y., January 5, 1863, being a son of Benjamin F. and Calista (Schaeffer) Fairchild. On his father's side he comes from New England ancestry, and on his mother's from German stock. His father was a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War, and was severely wounded in the Wilderness campaign. At the close of the war, much shattered in health and with but slender financial resources, he settled with his family in Washington, D. C., where the son was reared and educated.

Leaving school at the age of thirteen, young Fairchild was for the nine succeeding years employed in the government departments. For two years he held a position in the draughtsman's division of the Interior Department, and subsequently he was a clerk in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing of the Treasury Department. While thus occupied he took the night course of the Spencerian Business College, being graduated from that institution, and in 1885 he was graduated from the Law Department of the Columbia University with the degree of Master of Laws, having already taken that of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the bar in Washington, and thereupon resigned his clerkship in the Treasury Department and came to New York, where, after continuing his studies for a year in the office of Henry C. Andrews, he was admitted to practice in May, 1886.

In 1887 he entered the New York law firm of Ewing & Southard, whose style was changed to Ewing, Southard & Fairchild. Upon the retirement of General Ewing in 1893, he formed with Mr. Southard the partnership of Southard & Fairchild, which still continues. He has enjoyed a successful professional career, pursuing a general civil practice.

Mr. Fairchild has been a resident of Pelham since 1887. In 1893 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for delegate to the constitutional convention. At the resulting election he obtained a majority in the portion of the district belonging to New York City. In 1894 he was elected to congress from the 16th district, embracing Westchester County and the present borough of the Bronx, his majority being 5,500 over an opponent who, at the last previous election, had carried the district by 6,500. As a member of the 54th congress, Mr. Fairchild served on the committees on patents, and coinage, weights, and measures.

In 1896 he was unanimously renominated for congress by the regular Republican convention. A bolting convention was held, however, which put up another candidate. The certificates of nomination being [Page 141 / Page 142] filed by the rival candidates, it was decided by the secretary of state that Mr. Fairchild was the legal Republican nominee; and that his name should appear on the ballot as such. His opponent then carried the matter before a judge in a distant section of the State, and obtained an order directing the removal of Mr. Fairchild's name and the substitution of his own. This order was ultimately declared by the Court of Appeals to have been granted without warrant of jurisdiction; but meantime the election had been held, with the result that, as Mr. Fairchild's name did not appear in the official Republican column, he was deprived of the party votes which, according to the final decision of the courts, were rightfully his. Owing to these very peculiar circumstances his service in congress was limited to a single term.

Mr. Fairchild is largely identified with real estate interests in Pelham and Mount Vernon.

He was married, in February, 1893, to Anna, daughter of the late James Crumbie, of an old New York family."

Source: Spooner, Walter Whipple, ed., Fairchild, Ben Lewis in Westchester County New York Biographical, pp. 141-42 (NY, NY: The New York History Company, 1900).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Biography of John F. Fairchild, Engineer of the Pelham Heights Company During the 1890s

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

John Fletcher Fairchild lived in Pelham in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a civil engineer with offices in Mount Vernon. He servied as engineer of the Pelham Heights Company and was principally responsible for the layout and civil engineering aspects of that lovely neighborhood. He also published two editions of a superb Atlas that contained maps of Pelham in the first decade of the 20th century. Below is a biography of Fairchild that appeared in a book published in 1900, followed by a citation to its source.

"FAIRCHILD, JOHN FLETCHER, civil engineer, of Mount Vernon, a son of Benjamin and Calista (Scheaffer) Fairchild, was born in the City of Washington, December 22, 1867. He received his literary education in the public and high schools of the national capital. At the age of seventeen he entered the office of Henry H. Law, a Washington architect, and for [Page 146 / Page 147] the next five years he diligently pursued architectural and engineering studies. He remained with Mr. Law for two and one-half years, becoming a skillful draughtsman, and then began seriously to prepare himself for the profession of civil engineering. To that end he obtained employment with Herman K. Vielé, C.E., of Washington, and later (1889-90) took the second year's course in the Engineering Department of the Columbian University. While at the university he attended evening lectures only, meantime continuing his regular duties as an office assistant.

In March, 1890, Mr. Fairchild became engineer to the Pelham Heights Company, and took charge of the work of laying out and improving the property of that corporation, comprising 177 acres at Pelham Station, this county. The work included the subdividing of the property, the designing and construction of sewerage, drainage, gas, and water systems, and the making of macadamized roads. In 1891 he opened an office in Mount Vernon, and from that time to the present he has been actively and prominently identified with public and private improvements in Westchester County, besides pursuing a general private practice as civil engineer, in which he has enjoyed marked success and gained a high reputation.

He served as engineer to the commission appointed by the Westchester County courts for draining the marsh lands near Elmsford, on both sides of the Sawmill River. This work involved the draining of a tract about five miles in length. It was successfully finished in 1897. In the same year he completed a similar drainage undertaking near Tuckahoe, also carried on under the auspices of the county courts.

Upon the appointment by the governor of the important commission authorized by the laws of 1895 'to inquire into the expediency of constructing a sewer along the valley and on the edge of the Bronx River, through Westchester and New York Counties,' Mr. Fairchild was selected as engineer to the commission. This body was composed of the mayors of New York, Mount Vernon, and Yonkers, the commissioner of street improvements of the 23d and 24th wards, the chairman of the board of supervisors of Westchester County, and several other members. The object of the proposed improvement was to provide a continuous sewer from Kensico, above White Plains, to the water in Long Island Sound, and thus put a stop to the contamination of the waters of the Bronx. Mr. Fairchild, in conjunction with J. J. R. Croes, the consulting engineer, made a careful study of the conditions, submitting his report to the commission in January 1896. In consequence of various complications - chiefly political - nothing further has been accomplished. According to Mr. Fairchild's estimates, the cost of this public work would be in the neighborhood of $3,600,000. [Page 147 / Page 148]

He has also held the position of engineer to the Mount Vernon Water Commission, and is at present engineer for the Westchester County extension of the Union Railroad Company. In addition, he continues as engineer to the Pelham Heights Company and other landed enterprises.

Since 1892 he has been connected with the teaching staff of the University of the City of New York, as lecturer on Architecture and Landscape Gardening to the senior class, and on Sewerage to the post-graduate class.

He is one of the leading members of the Board of Trade of Mount Vernon, and has for some time served as its treasurer. He is a director of the Mount Vernon Young Men's Christian Association, and is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Mount Vernon. Since 1892 he has resided at Pelham, where also he is active and prominent, being a member of the Pelham Hook and Ladder Company and the Pelham Country Club. He is an associate member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a member of the sons of Veterans.

Mr. Fairchild was married, July 19, 1892, to Mamie E. Welch, of Washington, D.C."

Source: Spooner, Walter Whipple, ed., Fairchild, John Fletcher in Westchester County New York Biographical, pp. 146-48 (NY, NY: The New York History Company, 1900).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.