Historic Pelham

Presenting the rich history of Pelham, NY in Westchester County: current historical research, descriptions of how to research Pelham history online and genealogy discussions of Pelham families.

Friday, February 29, 2008

Advertisement for Sale of Newly-Developed Lots Along Pelhamdale Avenue in 1891

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The January 25, 1891 issue of the New-York Tribune contained an interesting little advertisement offering lots along Pelhamdale Avenue "midway between Pelhamville Station (main line) and Pelham Manor Station (Harlem Branch)". The text of the advertisement appears below.

"PELHAM, N. Y.

13 1/2 miles from Grand Central Depot. LOTS 25x100 on PELHAMDALE-AVE., midway between Pelhamville Station (main line) and Pelham Manor Station (Harlem Branch) N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., lot sale on the INSTALMENT PLAN, WITHOUT INTEREST.

Maps and full particulars from MACLAY & DAVIES,

Equitable Building, 120 Broadway."

Source: Pelham, N. Y., New-York Tribune, Jan. 25, 1891, p. 11, col. 1.

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Thursday, February 28, 2008

Presbyterian Conference at the Little Red Church in Pelham Manor on March 20, 1889

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The Little Red Church was the first sanctuary of The Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church in Pelham Manor. Opened in 1876, the little wooden church stood on the site of the present sanctuary of the Church at "Four Corners" -- the intersection of today's Boston Post Road and Pelhamdale Avenue in the Village of Pelham Manor.

On March 20, 1889, the Little Red Church hosted a Presbyterian conference devoted to "promoting the cause of religion." A brief article about the conference appeared in the March 22, 1889 issue of the New-York Tribune. The text of that article appears below.

"PELHAM MANOR. - At the Presbyterian Church on Wednesday evening there was an assembling of Presbyterians from Mount Vernon, New-Rochelle, Pelhamville, Yonkers and adjacent villages for the purpose of eliciting an exchange of views as to the best means of promoting the cause of religion. The Rev. Messrs. Allison, Freeman, A. T. Sebauffer and Lane made brief remarks on the subject. At the close of the meeting those present were hospitably entertained by the Presbyterian ladies of the place."

Source: Pelham Manor, New-York Tribune, Mar. 22, 1889, p. 10, col. 4.

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Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Brief Obituary of Edwin R. Bertine of Pelham Manor Published on August 7, 1888

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Recently I have tried to collect 19th century obituaries of Pelham residents. One brief obituary for Edwin R. Bertine of Pelham Manor appeared in the August 7, 1888 issue of the New-York Tribune. The text of that obituary appears immediately below.

"DIED. . . . .

BERTINE - On Sunday, August 5, 1886, at his late residence, Pelham Manor, N. Y., Edwin R. Bertine, in the 56th year of his age. Notice of funeral hereafter."

Source: Died. Bertine, New-York Tribune, Aug. 7, 1888, p. 5, col. 6.

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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Disputed Pelham School Board Election of 1882 Led to Charges of Fraud


Yesterday I posted to the Historic Pelham Blog an item regarding the Pelham School Board elections of 1881. One year later, the School Board election was much more controversial and led to charges of voter fraud. A lengthy article about the election appeared in the October 15, 1882 issue of The Sun, published in New York City. The article provides important and fascinating background regarding the battle for control of the School Board fought between the citizens of Pelham Manor and those of Pelhamville. The text of the article appears below.

"ELECTED BY WOMEN'S VOTES.

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Alleged Fraud at the Polls in Pelham School District.

Pelham Manor and Pelhamville are one school district. A colony of well-to-do New York and other business men inhabit the Manor. No stores are allowed to be built there, no dogs are allowed to go abroad loose, and the tramp is confronted with notices that $10 reward will be paid for his arrest. The little village, two miles away, is clustered about half a dozen country stores. There is said to be a notion in Pelham Manor that the village is not nice, and an impression in the village that the Manor is haughty. Among the residents of Pelham Manor are Mr. R. C. Black, of Ball, Black & Co.; T. D. De Witt, the coal merchant, of this city, and W. E. Barnette, counsel for the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad.

Last Tuesday night the annual meeting of the school trustees of the district was held. About 100 men and 30 women assembled in the little school house. The large number of women was a surprise to the Pelhamville people. The terms of two trustees had expired and the election was to fill the vacancies. There were two tickets, on one of which Mr. George H. Reynolds, the President of the Board, a Pelham Manor man, ran for reelection, and upon the other Mr. W. Scott Bertine, the candidate of the villagers. When the polls were opened, Mr. Reynolds marshalled the women, and voted them solid for himself, to the consternation of Bertine's friends. They had counted upon his election by 17 majority, whereas they only got 52 out of 125 votes.

Immediately after the election, when it became known that Mr. Reynolds had again been chosen to the office he had held for six years, charges of fraud were made, and a movement was set on foot to prosecute him for violation of the State Election law. It was charged that many of the women who had voted were not only not entitled to vote, but were not even residents of the district.

A SUN reporter obtained the following statement from Jacob Heisser, a school trustee:

'Up there at Pelham Manor, you see, they don't want their children to mix with ours, and they want to run the whole business. We have two school houses in the district, one here and one at the Manor. While there are but fourteen children attending school there, there are two teachers and they have a fine brick school house. We have forty-two children, and but two teachers. The meeting the other night had only just begun when Mr. Reynolds sprang the election upon us, contrary to the usual custom. He marched the women up to the box and voted them. Half of them had no right to vote, some of them didn't even live here, and one was a servant who had not been in town three days. One hundred and twenty-five votes were cast, 30 by women. Last year only 9 women voted. Mrs. J. Mary, an English woman, came up to vote three times, and I challenged her each time, but she swore her vote in. A Miss Underhill, who was on a visit here and who had not been in town two weeks, swore her vote in. Mrs. Godfrey, a German and not a citizen, voted, and so did Miss Mary Donlon, a young girl, who pays no taxes. You see the law says that a woman to vote must either have paid taxes upon $50 worth of property the year before or have a child down on the school census list. I know that neither Miss Donlon nor Miss Underhill is assessed.'

Mr. Heisser said that money is being subscribed to defray the cost of carrying the matter into the courts and prosecuting Mr. Reynolds. The Board, he said, will recognize Mr. Bertine only, and allow him to take his seat, leaving Mr. Reynolds to oust him if he can.

Mr. Reynolds, who owns one of the finest houses at Pelham Manor, and who for twenty years has been the chief engineer of the Delamater Iron Works, laughs at the threat against him. He offers to bet any amount of money that the Board of School Trustees will not even unseat him.

'Why,' said he, 'Pelham Manor pays ninety per cent of all the school money. They are too poor to pay it over there at Pelhamville. The follow a dog in the manger policy, and don't even wish to allow us to spend our own money. As to the women voting, while I deny that a single servant was in the school house, I admit that Miss Donlon and other ladies voted. I claim that the law does not require a woman to pay taxes or be mother or guardian of a school child. The law places no disability whatever upon women that does not lie upon men.'

Mr. Bertine, the defeated candidate, seconds Mr. Heisser in his views, and says that he expects to be sustained by the courts."

Source: Elected By Women's Votes, The Sun, Oct. 15, 1882, p. 1, col. 2.

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Monday, February 25, 2008

Town of Pelham School Board Trustee Election of 1881


Residents of the Town of Pelham, including women who owned property, voted in the Town election for two School Board Trustee positions in 1881. A very brief account of the results appeared in the October 13, 1881 issue of the New-York Tribune. The text of that brief article appears below.

"WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

PELHAM.--In School District No. 1 of the Town of Pelham, there are two public schools maintained, one at Pelhamville, the other at Pelham Manor, both being under one Board of Trustees. On Tuesday morning an election was held for two trustees. The residents of Pelham Manor supported William Barry and Edmund Ketcham for trustees, while the Pelhamville taxpayers presented the names of William S. Bertine and Jacob Heisser. The contest was a very active one, especially on the part of the ladies of Pelham Manor, nine of whom voted for Barry and Ketcham. Mr. Barry received 38 votes; Ketcham, 34; Bertine, 34; and Jacob Heisser, 36. Each section electing one trustee."

Source: Westchester County, New-York Tribune, Oct. 13, 1881, p. 8, col. 3-4.

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Friday, February 22, 2008

Burglary Spree in Pelham Manor in 1880

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In the early 1880s, a group of local residents formed a “Citizen’s vigilante committee”. That committee, in turn, created an organization known as “The Pelham Manor Protective Club.” The Pelham Manor Protective Club was formally organized on December 15, 1881 – ten years before incorporation of the Village of Pelham Manor. Indeed, the Club might be viewed as a precursor to the organization of the Village because it was an important cooperative body created for the protection of the local citizenry.

Nearly the entire adult male population of the area – 52 local residents – subscribed as members of the Pelham Manor Protective Club. The list of subscribers reads like a “Who’s Who” of early Pelham, including such names as Robert C. Black, Robert Bolton, Benjamin Corlies, Henry W. Taft, Silas H. Witherbee and many others. The sole purpose of the Club was “to assist the public authorities in maintaining law and order within a radius of one mile from Pelham Manor Depot . . . and to prosecute all persons committing any crimes or misdemeanors within said district.” Given the importance of its work, the Protective Club was able to raise a substantial amount of money.

In 1880, there was a burglary spree in Pelham Manor. Such crime sprees were among the reasons the citizens of Pelham Manor formed the Pelham Manor Protective Club in the first place. The article below describes the crime spree that included a burglary at the home of Cortlandt W. Starr of Black, Starr & Frost fame.

"BURGLARS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

The house of Cortlandt W. Starr, at Pelham Manor, was entered by burglars Tuesday night, and robbed of silverware valued at $500. On the same night the new school-house at Pelham Manor was entered and robbed of a quantity of tools belonging to William H. Valentine, the builder, valued at $30.

On Chester Hill, several burglaries were also committed Tuesday night. The house of Mr. Bargin was entered and robbed of silverware, a French clock and mantle ornaments, all valued at $200. The dwelling of Mr. Riker was entered and robbed of linen valuded at $100. From the house of Mrs. Kauth a quantity of linen was stolen. A watch-dog kept on the premises prevented the robbers from completing their work. Burglars made an attempt Tuesday night to enter the house of Dr. Mitchell, on Chester Hill, by applying a 'jimmy' to the rear basement door; but the bars and belts with which the door was fastened caused them to abandon the attempt."

Source: Burglars in Westchester County, New-York Tribune, Oct. 1, 1880, p. 8, col. 1.

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Thursday, February 21, 2008

Obituary of Cornelius W. Bolton Published in 1906


For many years, one of the sons of the Rev. Robert Bolton who founded Christ Church in Pelham Manor served as the rector of the Church of the Redeemer in the area once known as Pelhamville and, later, the Village of North Pelham. His name was Cornelius W. Bolton. I previously have posted a brief biography of Cornelius W. Bolton to the Historic Pelham Blog. See: Wednesday, March 15, 2006: A Biography of Cornelius W. Bolton Published in 1899.

An obituary for Cornelius W. Bolton appeared in the August 29, 1906 issue of the New-York Tribune. The text appears below.

"THE REV. DR. C. W. BOLTON.

The Rev. Dr. Cornelius Winter Bolton, for sixty years a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church, rector of Christ Church, at North Pelham and the oldest active clergyman in Westchester County, died yesterday. He was eighty-seven years old. Until a few weeks ago Dr. Bolton remained in active work in his parish. He was attacked by paralysis about a month ago and gradually grew weaker until his death.

Born at Bath, England, Dr. Bolton came to the United States with his parents in 1836 and settled on a farm at Bronxville.

His father, an Episcopal clergyman, was one of the foremost workers in the construction of the Pelham priory, which still stands a short distance from the New York Athletic Club summer home. In 1844 Mr. Bolton began a course of study at a theological seminary in Virginia. Four years later he went to Christ Church, Baltimore, where he remained six years. He returned to the priory in 1856 and married Miss Cornelia Van Rensselaer.

For seven years he was rector at St. George's Church, in this city, and later had charges for short periods at Port Richmond, Staten Island; Mount Kisko and Armonk. He then assumed his last charge, at North Pelham.

The funeral will be held Friday, when the body of his nephew, Lieutenant Edward C. Bolton of the 17th United States Infantry, who was killed in the Philippines last spring, will be buried at Pelham."

Source: The Rev. Dr. C. W. Bolton, New-York Tribune, Aug. 29, 1906, p. 7, col. 4.

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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Pelham Teachers Threatened to Strike for a Pay Increase in 1906 -- All Eleven Of Them

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In 1906, there were only eleven school teachers in all of Pelham's schools located in the three villages. A brief article that appeared in the May 28, 1906 issued of the New-York Tribune indicated that the teachers that year threatened to strike if they did not receive a pay increase. Below is the text of the article.

"SCHOOL TEACHERS THREATEN STRIKE.

The school teachers of Pelham, North Pelham and Pelham Manor threaten to strike unless they get an increase in salary, which the one board which governs the three towns refuses. The teachers have until June 1 to sign their contracts. Eleven teachers are employed. Recently the board increased the salary of Miss Risley, in North Pelham, because she taught two classes, according to a member of the board."

Source: School Teachers Threaten Strike, New-York Tribune, May 28, 1906, p. 1, col. 4.

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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Foul Play Suspected in Disappearance of the Head of the Pelham Ice Company in 1905


For many years in the early 20th century, the Pelham Ice Company maintained an ice plant in a structure located where Tiffany's now maintains a facility behind the Village of Pelham Village Hall on Sparks Avenue. The plant processed ice for delivery to Pelham and surrounding areas for ice boxes and other such uses. At the time, an "Ice Trust" began trying to take over such plants throughout the area. It largely succeeded. However, the head of the Pelham Ice Company, John W. Ferguson, refused to sell the facility to the Ice Trust. Not much later, he disappeared under suspicious circumstances. People suspected foul play.

Below are two newspaper articles from the period describing Ferguson's disappearance.

"ICE COMPANY'S HEAD MISSING.

------

General Alarm Out for J. W. Ferguson, of Pelham Ice Company.

A general alarm was sent to the police of New York City and Westchester County last night to find John W. Ferguson, a well known resident of New-Rochelle, who has been mysteriously missing from his home in that city since January 11. Mr. Ferguson was at the head of the Pelham Ice Company, which owns a large plant in North Pelham, and was a member of the Republican Club and the yacht clubs of New-Rochelle. His friends believe that his mind has become deranged because the Ice Trust has made serious inroads on his business and threatened to ruin it.

At the time the Ice Trust absorbed all of the plants in Westchester County, it offered to purchase Mr. Ferguson's company with the others, but the price offered did not suit him, and as he was doing a good business he decided to defy the combination. It was not long till his business was crippled. Of late Mr. Ferguson has been sick and his friends noticed that he was much depressed. He left his home at No. 11 Bayview-ave., on January 11, telling his wife and daughter that he was going to New-York, and they have not seen him since."

Source: Ice Company's Head Missing, New-York Tribune, Jan. 18, 1905, p. 3, col. 4.

"CAN'T FIND ICE MANUFACTURER.

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Well Known New-Rochelle Man Gone -- Family Fear Foul Play.

Papers filed in a suit brought at White Plains yesterday by Amanda Kimball against John W. Ferguson, a well known resident of New-Rochelle, to recover $1,000 she alleges she lent him, showed that Mr. Ferguson disappeared on January 11. On that day Mr. Ferguson was on his way to this city. As the family could not get any trace of him after he reached the Grand Central Station. They now fear that he has met foul play.

Mr. Ferguson owns an artificial ice plant at Pelham and it is said the Ice Trust tried to force him out of business. The loss of business and the fact that he borrowed considerable money worried him greatly. The police of Westchester County and of the city have sent out a general alarm for him.

An order has been signed directing that a summons and complaint in the Kimball suit be served on the defendant by publication. Mr. Ferguson is fifty-seven years old. He has been a resident of New-Rochelle for nearly twenty years. He is a member of the New-Rochelle Yacht Club and other organizations there."

Source: Can't Find Ice Manufacturer, New-York Tribune, Feb. 11, 1905, p. 4, col. 5.

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Monday, February 18, 2008

The Night Nearly Everone in the Town of Pelham Died: April 17, 1904


On the evening of April 17, 1904, the 5,000 residents of the Town of Pelham narrowly escaped asphyxiation in their sleep due to a massive gas main break. Citizens of nearby towns also were in peril and fumes made 100 sick.

The quick action of a Police Sergeant named Walter Grant and the work of telephone operators who rang home phones "violently" to arouse residents saved many lives. An article on the incident appeared in the April 18, 1904 issue of The Evening World.

"FUMES OF GAS MADE 100 ILL

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Thousands Placed in Peril by Break in Main of Westchester Company Are Rescued by Police and Firemen.

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To the quick action of Police Sergeant Walter Grant in sending in an alarm of fire, the hard work of the telephone girls in arousing 2,000 subscribers by violently ringing their telephones and the inspection of every house by firemen and police the 25,000 people of Mount Vernon and the 5,000 residents of Pelham and North Pelham and Pelham Manor owe their escape from possible asphyxiation by gas fumes, which placed the towns in peril for hours last night.

According to reports from all the officers received by Sergeant Devaugh, at Police Headquarters to-day, no one was asphyxiated, although they report there were many narrow escapes.

A valve cock on one of the big mains at Eastchester which supplies Mount Vernon with gas broke last night and the gas went out for a few moments. Then the employees of the Westchester Lighting Trust turned the deadly fumes on again, and the death-dealing fluid passed through the open jets. Many children and elder people had retired, leaving the gas burning in the sleeping rooms or else had gas logs and radiators burning to keep warm in lieu of the furnace, and the gas made more than a hundred people deathly sick.

Two Escapes from Death.

The two most narrow escapes were reported to the police before midnight. Mrs. William H. Martens, wife of a rich real estate broker of Chester Hill, said that her family had nearly been overcome.

Mrs. Al Buckley, wife of a butcher on South Fourth avenue, was found in a semi-conscious condition by her husband and he carried her to the open air. He also felt the effects of the gas.

Mayor Brush was out almost all night and he had all the fire companies patrolling the streets with the different apparatus. Fire and church bells were kept tolling, the big compressed whistle on the engine house on South Third avenue was kept sounding warnings at frequent intervals and amid the din caused by the fire engine whistle and the shouts of the firemen, consternation was created throughout the city."

Source: Fumes of Gas Made 100 Ill, The Evening World, Apr. 18, 1904, 11 O'Clock Night Extra, p. 12, col. 1.

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Friday, February 15, 2008

Village of North Pelham Saved From a Flood in 1903


The Village of North Pelham avoided a catastrophe in 1903. The quick actions of the New Rochelle Fire Chief prevented the calamitous collapse of a dam holding back thirty million gallons of water that would have rushed into the Village. An article published in a New York City newspaper described the incident.

"SAVE VILLAGE AT RISK.

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New-Rochelle Fire Chief Organizes Party To Keep Dam Intact.

That the entire village of North Pelham was not wiped out suddenly in the storm yesterday and scores of people drowned was due to the fact that James Ross, Chief of the New-Rochelle Fire Department, prevented the bursting of a large dam containing thirty million gallons of water. The dam holds back the waters of a large lake on the estate of the late Major Bergholz. The dam is on Lathers Hill, at New-Rochelle.

Chief Ross got word that the spillway of the dam had become clogged up, and that the waters were beginning to break over the embankment. He jumped into his fire wagon and drove from New-Rochelle to the Bergholz estate, where he found that some boys had stopped up the spillway, and that the rapidly rising water had already torn away twelve feet of the earthworks across the top of the dam. Other parts of the dam were beginning to cave in, and Chief Ross, realizing the danger to the people below, rushed about the neighborhood and gathered a force of men. The men attacked the spillway with shovels and picks, and at the risk of their lives opened it up so that the water could flow through and relieve the pressure on the dam."

Source: Save Village at Risk, New-York Tribune, Oct. 10, 1903, p. 1, col. 4.

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Thursday, February 14, 2008

True Love: Man Risks Being Shot To Visit His Sweetheart


On this Valentine's Day, it seems appropriate to reproduce a rather curious story about a lover who risked life and limb by visiting his sweetheart in North Pelham on the evening of October 19, 1902. The poor man, who did not speak English, left his lover's home late in the evening and encountered what he thought was a ruffian. He ran, only to be chased by the man he had encountered -- a North Pelham policeman who shot at him. The newspaper story below described the encounter.

"SHOT AT FOR RUNNING.

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NORTH PELHAM POLICEMAN MISTAKES A LATE RETURNING LOVER FOR A BURGLAR.

Ernest Schmid's protracted visit with his sweetheart on Sunday night, in North Pelham, came near costing him his life. After the couple had parted and Schmid had started for his home, in Mount Vernon, he encountered Policeman Smith in the dark, and, supposing he was some ruffian, started to run. The policeman, who mistook Schmid for a burglar, gave chase and commanded him to halt. Schmid was too scared, so the policeman fired four times at him, but luckily the bullets did not take effect. After a chase for over a mile, in which a score of villagers participated, Schmid was found moaning in a ditch. At first it was thought that the supposed burglar had been shot, but examination showed that he was suffering from exhaustion.

As he could not speak English, he was unable to explain why he had started to run. Schmid was taken up to his sweetheart's house, where the family was aroused, and the young woman had to come to the door in her night robe to identify the prisoner and explain the circumstances. After a satisfactory explanation Schmid was allowed to go with a warning not to start running again."

Source: Shot At For Running, New-York Tribune, Oct. 21, 1902, p. 14, col. 3.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

North Pelham Election That Ended in a Tie in 1901 Was Decided by Drawing Lots


When the election for the Village of North Pelham President (i.e., Mayor) ended in March, 1901, the Republican and Democratic nominees were tied. Thus, the election was decided by drawing lots from a hat. The New-York Tribune reported on the development as follows.

"DREW LOTS FOR VILLAGE OFFICES.

------

TIE IN NORTH PELHAM--DEMOCRATS WIN FINALLY, AND THERE MAY BE A CONTEST.

The tie between the Republican and Democratic nominees at the election in North Pelham on Tuesday was settled yesterday by the village trustees in an unexpected way. The outcome, while it may be entirely acceptable to the Democratic candidates, is not likely to be satisfactory to their opponents, as it deprives them of all the offices. After the polls were closed Michael J. Lynch, the Democratic candidate for village president and his Republican opponent, William Edinger, had received 77 votes each. They drew lots from a hat, and the choice fell to Lynch, who was immediately declared elected to a sixth term.

David Lyon, Republican, and John T. Logan, Democrat, candidates for collector of taxes, were also tied, having received 78 votes each. In their case the village trustees followed the same procedure, and again the Democrat was successful.

Mr. Edinger did not attend the drawing. It was reported that he had gone to see lawyers about instituting a contest. Edinger contends that the election officers had no right to declare the election a tie, as there was one vote at least thrown out as defective which should have been counted for him. This vote, he says, would also have elected Lyon."

Source: Drew Lots for Village Offices, New-York Tribune, Mar. 21, 1901, p. 4, col. 6.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

He Fought the Bull and the Bull Won: Mad Bull Killed North Pelham Farmer in 1900


A North Pelham farmer suffered a horrible death in a strange battle with a bull on July 13, 1900. The odd event merited a lengthy article the next day in the New-York Tribune. The sad circumstances are a reminder of an earlier time when Pelham was dotted with farms and pastures. The Town, of course, has been fully developed with no farmland for nearly ninety years now. The text of the article appears below.

"MAD BULL KILLS FARMER.

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THE MAN HAD PUNISHED THE BRUTE WITH PITCHFORK.

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WITH SWOLLEN FACE AND BELLOWING WITH RAGE, IT AWAITS ITS OWNER'S RETURN -- AFTER A FIGHT IT THRUSTS HORN INTO HIS BRAIN.

While attempting yesterday to punish an angry bull, Patrick Welch, an old and well known farmer of North Pelham in Westchester County, was gored to death.

Yesterday morning when Mr. Welch went to his pasture to milk the cows the bull made for him. It plunged at him with its head lowered, but he avoided it by taking refuge behind a stone wall. He then went to the barn, armed himself with a pitchfork, and returned to punish the bull. In the scrimmage that followed the farmer had his trousers torn, but he managed to jab the bull several times in the face, and it finally retired to another part of the field.

Mr. Welch afterward told some of his neighbors that he had whipped the bull until it was as tame as a cat. While he was talking a storm came up, and he hastened back to the pasture to drive the cows to shelter. He found the bull waiting for him at the gate. Its face was swollen from the wounds inflicted upon it in the morning. When the beast saw the farmer it set up an angry bellowing. Fearing trouble, Mr. Welch again seized the pitchfork. His victory in the morning had made him confident, and he opened the gate and walked toward the big creature without hesitation. This added to the bull's fury.

The creature lowered its huge head and made for the farmer with the speed of a train. The farmer tried to keep it off by jabbing it again in the face with the pitchfork, but this time the animal was so maddened that it did not seem to mind it. It kept on coming, and, catching its victim in the back with its horns, tossed him about twenty feet. Mr. Welch had just risen to his knees, and before he could defend himself the bull was upon him again. There was a cry of agony, and the fight was over. One of the animal's sharp horns had caught the man in the temple and penetrated the brain. Mr. Welch's nose was also broken. A man on an adjoining farm who saw the fight ran to the pasture. The farmer was dead, and his clothing was saturated with blood.

The bull after the death of its victim retired to a remote corner of the pasture and seemed to be satisfied. Coroner Banning has learned that the bull had a reputation in the neighborhood for being vicious. Recently it broke its chain and chased Miss Fairchile, an actress, who is staying in Pelham, across a field. She escaped by crawling under a fence.

Mr. Welch was sixty-six years old, and leaves a widow and family. The burial will be tomorrow afternoon at St. Catherine's Roman Catholic Church.

His sons said yesterday that they intended to kill the bull, as it was a menace to the neighborhood.

The battle between the man and the bull must have ben a long and fierce one, as the ground is trampled and torn for a long distance in every direction from the spot where Mr. Welch was found. The bull had torn the turf out with its horns and hoofs. When the bull was found later he bore evidences of the fight. His nose and head, neck and flanks, had great welts."

Source: Mad Bull Kills Farmer, New-York Tribune, Jul. 14, 1900, p. 6, col. 1.

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Monday, February 11, 2008

Prison Escapee Foiled in Effort to Kidnap Two Small Boys in North Pelham in 1900


A hardened career criminal who had escaped from the Westchester County Jail attempted to kidnap two young boys in North Pelham on a May evening in 1900. The kidnapping was foiled by a quickly-formed posse led by the boys' father and Constable Marks. The events were described in an article that appeared in the May 15, 1900 issue of the New-York Tribune. The text of that article follows.

"TRIES TO KIDNAP TWO BOYS.

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ESCAPED JAILBIRD CAUGHT AFTER AN EXCITING CHASE.

After an exciting chase last evening in North Pelham Constable Marks captured Edward Keller, alias Edward Kelly, who escaped from the Westchester County Jail in 1898 in company with two other convicts. Keller was in the act of kidnapping two boys, Peter and John O'Connor, ten and twelve years old.

The boys were playing near their home when Keller came along. After giving them candy he enticed them into the woods. As soon as he was under cover the convict grasped the boys' arms roughly and told them they would have to go with him to New-York. Peter O'Connor says that Keller choked him because he would not go into a house and beg for money. The boys were near the Hutchinson River when Constable Marks, accompanied by their father and a posse of citizens, came in sight. When Keller saw them he left his captives and ran into the woods. Constable Marks finally brought him to a halt after firing several shots. Judge Lyon last night held Keller for the Westchester Grand Jury.

Keller is well known to the police of Westchester County. He has served time in the Elmira Reformatory and in the penitentiary, and was awaiting trial for horse stealing when he broke jail two years ago."

Source: Tries to Kidnap Two Boys, New-York Tribune, May 15, 1900, p. 2, col. 5.

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Friday, February 08, 2008

The New-York, Westchester and Connecticut Traction Company Begins Building a Trolley Line in North Pelham in 1900


Recently I have posted several items to the Historic Pelham Blog regarding the efforts of the New-York, Westchester and Connecticut Traction Company to obtain a franchise from the Village of North Pelham to allow it to develop a trolley line in the village. Today's posting transcribes a brief excerpt of an article that appeared in the April 22, 1900 issue of the New-York Tribune describing the commencement of construction of the line in the Village.

"MOUNT VERNON.

A large force of men employed by Mr. Hart, of Brooklyn, is engaged in extending the tracks of the New-York, Westchester and Connecticut Traction Company in East Lincoln-ave., to connect its Chester Hill line with lines for which franchises were recently secured in North Pelham and New-Rochelle. In some cases the work has been pushed hurriedly where there have been objections on the part of the property owners. . . . . . . "

Source: Mount Vernon, New-York Tribune, Apr. 22, 1900, p. 12, col. 1.

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Thursday, February 07, 2008

Village Elections in Pelham in 1900 - New York Athletic Club Members Campaign Against the Prohibition Ticket in Pelham Manor


The Village of Pelham Manor election of 1900 appears to have been "one of the liveliest contests" in Westchester County. The prohibition debate was raging. The President (i.e., Mayor) of Pelham Manor was Inventor E. T. Gilliland. He was running for reelection on the Prohibition ticket. His opponent, Frank K. Hunter who owned Hunter's Island, had the support of members of the New York Athletic Club which, of course, maintained a lively club bar on the grounds of the Club's summer home on Travers Island in Pelham Manor. An article that appeared in the March 19, 1900 issue of the New-York Tribune described the upcoming contest.

"VILLAGE ELECTIONS IN WESTCHESTER.

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MOST OF THE TICKETS IN THE FIELD FOR TO-MORROW ARE NON-PARTISAN.

Village and manor elections are to be held tomorrow throughout Westchester County. The trolley question and questions of economy and local improvement will figure more in the contests than National or State issues. Most of the nominations are non-partisan.

One of the liveliest contests of the day will probably be in Pelham Manor, where Frank K. Hunter, the owner of Hunter's Island, is running for President against E. T. Gilliland, an inventor. Mr. Gilliland, who is the present incumbent, is running on the Prohibition ticket. It is said that members of the New-York Athletic Club will take a prominent part in the election and will run automobiles to the polls for the convenience of voters who will cast their ballots for Mr. Hunter.

In Larchmont Manor Carlsen Wendt, a New-York lawyer, who has been President for four years, has left the field to Frank Hardy, chairman of the Regatta Committee of the Larchmont Yacht Club. Mr. Hardy will probably be elected without opposition. Mr. Wendt blocked the extension of the Union or 'Huckleberry' Railroad through the manor -- an act for which the residents hold him in high esteem.

There are two tickets in the field in Mamaroneck, and as usual there will be a hard fight. Daniel Warren, a former trustee, heads the Citizens' ticket as its candidate for President, and John Carroll is his opponent on the Village Union ticket. Both candidates are Democrats. There is no fight in Pelham but in the adjoining village of North Pelham two tickets have been nominated and a lively time is expected."

Source: Village Elections in Westchester, New-York Tribune, Mar. 19, 1900, p. 9, col. 3.

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Wednesday, February 06, 2008

More on the Application of the New-York, Westchester and Connecticut Traction Company Application to Operate a Trolley Line in North Pelham


Yesterday I posted to the Historic Pelham Blog a brief item describing an application filed in January 1900 with the Village of North Pelham by which the New-York, Westchester and Connecticut Traction Company sought to operate a trolley line in North Pelham. Slowly I am trying to assemble more information about the development. Below is another article on the subject that appeared in the February 7, 1900 issue of the New-York Tribune.

"NORTH PELHAM.

The trustees of North Pelham last night considered the application of the New-York, Westchester and Connecticut Traction Company, or the P. H. Flynn syndicate, for franchises which it desires for the purpose of connecting its belt line around the cities of Mount Vernon and New-Rochelle. The Union Railway, which is opposing the grant, was represented by John F. Fairchild. William J. Marshall, corporation counsel of Mount Vernon, appeared for the traction company. It was shown that if both roads get what they want North Pelham, which has a population of about five hundred, will have a street car line on nearly every street. The trustees adjourned to Monday, February 19, when they will announce their decision."

Source: North Pelham, New-York Tribune, Jan. 7, 1900, p. 12, col. 1.

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Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Trolley Franchises: The New-York, Westchester and Connecticut Traction Company Applies for a Franchise in North Pelham in 1900


In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, momentum grew to provide trolley car service throughout the region as an important means of mass transit. Various companies vied for the right to operate trolley cars on the streets of the three villages that comprised the Town of Pelham. Below is the text of an article that described the efforts of the New-York, Westchester and Connecticut Traction Company to operate a trolley line in North Pelham.

"SEEKS TO ENTER NORTH PELHAM.

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NEW-YORK, WESTCHESTER AND CONNECTICUT TRACTION COMPANY APPLIES FOR FRANCHISES.

It was learned yesterday that the New-York, Westchester and Connecticut Traction Company desires to enter North Pelham and is asking for a franchise which would parallel lines of its rival, the Union, or 'Huckleberry,' Railway. In some streets the traction company asks to run on the Union company's tracks for distances of less than 1,100 feet, as permitted by the railroad laws. The real object, it is believed, is to connect the Chester Hill line, in Mount Vernon, with North-st., New-Rochelle, in which the company has a franchise.

The application will be considered by the Village Trustees on February 5, at 8 p.m., in the Town Hall of Pelham. There are only about ten streets in the village that are not in the possession of the 'Huckleberry' company, and the traction company asks for nearly every one of them."

Source: Seeks to Enter North Pelham, New-York Tribune, Jan. 14, 1900, p. 12, col. 2.

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Monday, February 04, 2008

Hurt Due to Bad Road on Prospect Hill in Pelham, Wagon Driver Sued Town of Pelham in 1883


During the 19th century, by nearly all accounts, the "roads" in Pelham were constantly in a state of disrepair. Typically they were little more than muddy, rutted and eroding pathways. One wagon driver who was badly hurt in an accident on Prospect Hill due to the condition of the roadway sued the Town of Pelham seeking $20,000. A brief account of the accident and the filing of the suit appears below.

"Suing Pelham for $20,000.

A Mr. Steadwell of Stamford, while driving down Prospect Hill in Pelham, met with an accident, owing, it is alleged, to the bad condition of the road. Mr. Steadwell, it is reported, was permanently injured to such an extent as to entirely unfit him for business, while his wagon was broken and his horse badly hurt. Mr. Steadwell has urged his claims upon the town of Pelham for redress, but without any satisfactory result. He has begun an action against them in the Supreme Court, claiming $20,000 damages, and the papers have been served upon the Commissioners of Highways."

Source: Suing Pelham for $20,000, The Sun, Sep. 4, 1883, p. 1, col. 5.

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Friday, February 01, 2008

Battle Royal in Pelham Manor to Stop the Westchester Lighting Trust from Erecting Electric Light Poles in 1902


Wealthy residents of Pelham Manor nearly came to physical blows with workers from the Westchester Lighting Trust on April 3, 1902. The Trust had permits from New York City to erect electric light poles along today's Shore Road. When it tried to erect such poles along the roadway between the Pelham Bay Park boundary line and New Rochelle through a portion of Pelham Manor, however, local residents created a "lively scene". The article below, from the April 4, 1902 issue of the New-York Tribune, provides an interest account of the incident.

"WIN FIGHT AGAINST TRUST.

MRS. ANNIE J. ROOSEVELT HAS HER COACHMAN JUMP INTO A HOLE DUG BY LINEMEN.

Wealthy residents of Pelham Manor yesterday prevented by strenuous measures the New-York and Westchester Lighting Trust from erecting electric light poles in front of their homes. Despite the fact that the company had failed to get permits from the property owners, it tried to erect poles along Pelham Road from the Pelham Bay Park boundary line to New-Rochelle. When its men reached the property of Mrs. Annie J. Roosevelt there was a lively scene. Her coachman was ordered to jump into the post hole and prevent the pole from being erected. The linemen said they had a permit from the New-York authorities to erect the poles wherever they wished. 'This is not New-York,' replied Mrs. Roosevelt, 'and you shall not erect the poles, except where I tell you. If you do I shall stop you.'

Mrs. Roosevelt, who is prominent in Pelham Manor society, called her coachman, and when the employes dug a hole he jumped in it. Finally they started to dig directly in front of Mrs. Roosevelt's house. She telephoned to the Pelham Manor Railroad Commissioner and had the work stopped and the holes refilled.

A large gang of linemen then proceeded to work in front of the place of Frederick H. Allen and the Pelham priory. Mrs. Allen sent her employees to fill up the holes as fast as they were dug and telephoned to her husband, who was in New-York. He asked Village President [William B.] Randall to have the desecration of the church property stopped. Constables were sent to the scene, and the trust employes, after a skirmish, surrendered. Mr. Allen said the vice-president of the company called to see him last night and agreed to erect the poles where the property holders desired."

Source: Win Fight Against Trust, New-York Tribune, Apr. 4, 1902, p. 5, col. 4.

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