Pelham Native, Samuel Bowne, and His Brother Revolutionized Ferry Service Between Brooklyn and Manhattan Beginning in 1809
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Samuel Bowne was born on Pelham Neck (today's Rodman's Neck) in 1790. He later became a notable resident of Brooklyn.
In 1789, prior to Samuel Bowne's birth, New York City awarded a ferry lease to establish ferry service between Brooklyn and Manhattan. At the time, the City required "that the boats, together with their masts and sails, be of such form and dimensions as the wardens of the port of New York should approve; that each boat be constantly worked and managed by two sober, discreet, and able-bodied experienced watermen; that each boat be always furnished with four good oars and two boat-hooks." Ostrander, Stephen M., A History Of The City Of Brooklyn And Kings County, Vol. II, p. 27 & n.1 (Brooklyn, NY: Published by Subscription, 1894) (citing "Historical Sketch of Fulton Ferry, 1879.").
Six years later, in 1795, a new ferry was established at Catherine Street. See id. at p. 27. This ferry came to be known as the "New Ferry" or the "Catherine Ferry." In 1809, Samuel Bowne and his brother obtained rights to run the Catherine Ferry and promptly revolutionized the service, thereby capturing a large share of the ferry traffic that connected the cities of New York and Brooklyn at the time.
Within a short time the brothers did away with sails and oars as the principal motive power and introduced horse-drawn ferries. According to one source, "The horses were retired in 1822, when steamboats were first used on Catharine Ferry, and two years later the Bowne brothers scored another tremendous 'scoop' by introducing on their line two splendid single-hull steamboats, the first of their class that ever crossed the East River."
An image of Pelham Native Samuel Bowne appears immediately below. The transcribed text referenced above appears immediately thereafter, with each item followed by a citation and link to its source.
"Samuel Bowne, Who Promoted ferry transportation
between Brooklyn and New York a century ago."
Source: McLoughlin, Maurice E., Stories of Old Brooklyn:
First Steam Ferry Named Washington, Brooklyn Daily Eagle,
Oct. 29, 1931, p. 1, cols. 6-7. NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.
"Stories of Old Brooklyn
-----
First Steam Ferry Named Washington
-----
Dedication of Hudson Span Recalls Time When Bowne Brothers Used New York - Brooklyn Line to Honor Father of Country
-----
By Maurice E. McLoughlin
The opening of the new George Washington Bridge over the Hudson a few days ago brought to mind the fact that Washington was honored over a century ago by having a Brooklyn-New York ferryboat named after him.
The twin ferryboat of the George Washington was called Independence. The Revolutionary War was still fresh in the minds of every one and the names were received with much favor by Brooklynites who went gallavanting to New York and by New Yorkers who came over to get rest and recreation in Brooklyn.
Samuel Bowne, who was one of the outstanding citizens of the old village of Brooklyn, did much to promote adequate transportation between Brooklyn and New York and as a partner in the firm that owned one of the ferry lines he showed his patriotism by choosing the names menioned for his boats.
Improved Service
In 1809 Samuel Bowne and his brother, Rodman, purchased the New Ferry, or Catharine Ferry, and by making many improvements in the service, captured a good share of the traffic between the cities.
In 1814 they again showed their enterprise by doing away with sails and oars as motive power and by introducing the first ferryboat propelled across the river by horse power. It was rather monotonous work for the horses, which although they walked many miles every day, really got nowhere.
Strange as it seems, this innovation revolutionized ferry traffic and folks rushed to the Bowne ferry to enjoy the thrill of quick transportation from shore to shore.
The horses were retired in 1822, when steamboats were first used on Catharine Ferry, and two years later the Bowne brothers scored another tremendous 'scoop' by introducing on their line two splendid single-hull steamboats, the first of their class that ever crossed the East River. It was these twin vessels that were given the names that proved the patriotism of their owners.
Samuel Bowne and his brother managed Catharine Ferry together until 1836, at which time Samuel secured a seven-year lease in his own name, at a yearly rental of $3,500. On Jan. 24, 1852, he disposed of his interests to the firm of Smith & Bulkley, who eventually merged their interests with those of the Union Ferry Company.
Samuel Bowne lived in a fine house at Washington and High Sts., not far from the point that later was chosen as the site for the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge. He died there in 1853, deeply mourned as one of Brooklyn's leading citizens.
Mr. Bowne was born at Pelham Point, N. Y., in 1790. He was descended from the Bowne family of Flushing and the Pells and Rodmans of Westchester County.
Samuel and Rodman Browne started in business together at Catharine Slip, New York City, and became interested from the start in shipping. This is how they entered the ferry business, which built the foundation of a substantial fortune."
Source: McLoughlin, Maurice E., Stories of Old Brooklyn: First Steam Ferry Named Washington, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Oct. 29, 1931, p. 1, cols. 6-7.
1814 Advertisement by Agents Selling 8-Month
and 12-Month Commuter Passes on the
"New-York and Brooklyn Ferry." Source:
Ostrander, Stephen M., A History Of The City Of Brooklyn
And Kings County, Vol. II, Between pp. 28 & 29 (Brooklyn, NY:
Published by Subscription, 1894). NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.
"FERRY FROM CATHARINE SLIP.
This Indenture made the twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, between the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of New-York of the first part, and Rodman Bowne and Samuel Bowne of the second part, Witnesseth, That the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of New-York, for and in consideration of the rents, covenants, payments, articles and agreements herein after mentioned, on the part and behalf of the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, to be observed, paid, performed, fulfilled and kept, have demised, granted, and to farm let, and by these presents do demise, grant, and to farm-let, unto the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, all that certain
[Ferry from Catharine Market Slip to foot of Main-street, Brooklyn.]
Ferry established from the New or Catharine Market Slip, in the city of New York, over the East River to the foot of Main-street, in Brooklyn aforesaid, back to Catharine Market Slip aforesaid, with all and singular the usual accustomed ferriage, fees, perquisites, rents, issues, benefits, profits, and advantages whatsoever to the said Ferry belonging, or therewith used, or thereout arising, and also the Ferry-house and Lot in Brooklyn appertaining to the said Ferry, to have and to hold the said Ferrry with the appurtenances, and house, and lot, unto the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, for and during the full end and term of nineteen years from
[From 1st May, 1820, 19 years, to the 1st May, 1839.]
the first day of May, last past, yielding and paying therefor, yearly and every year, during the said term unto the said, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of New-York, their successors and assigns,
[Rent for seven years, $1275. Rent for five years, $1800. Rent for seven years, $2000. Payable quarterly.]
the annual rent herein after mentioned, that is to say, during the first seven years of the said term, the sum of twelve hundred and seventy-five dollars, annually; during the next ensuing five years of the said term, the sum of eighteen hundred dollars, annually; and during the next [Page 9 / Page 10] ensuing seven years of the said term, the sum of two thousand dollars, annually; all of which sums are to be paid in quarter yearly payments, on the usual days of payment of rent, that is to say, one fourth part thereof, on the first days of August, November, February, and May, in each and every year during the said term -- the first payment to be made on the first day of August next.
[Rights of the Corporation in case of default of lessees.]
Provided always, and these presents, and the premises hereby demised, are upon this express condition, that if it should so happen, that the said yearly rent, or any part thereof should be behind and unpaid for the space of ten days after any day of payment on which the same, or any part thereof ought to be paid, as aforesaid, or if the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns, shall neglect to pay, perform, fulfil, and keep, any or either of the payment on which the same, or any part thereof ought to be paid, as aforesaid, or if the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns shall neglect to pay, perform, fulfil, and keep, any or either of the payments, articles, covenants, clauses, agreements matters and things herein contained, which on their part are to be paid, performed, fulfilled and kept during the term aforesaid, according to the true intent and meaning of these presents, that then and in every such case or cases, it shall and may be lawful to and for the said, the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of New-York, their successors and assigns to enter into, and upon the premises hereby demised, and to have, possess, and enjoy the same as fully as though these presents had not been made, any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.
[Right to establish a Ferry from foot of Walnut street, 100 feet west of Little-street, L. I. reserved by Lessors.]
And provided further, and it is hereby expressly agreed by and between the parties to these presents, that it shall and may be lawful to, and for the parties of the first par, and their successors, at any time during the continuance of this lease, without any prejudice to the right and interest in the same of the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, to establish a Ferry across the East River from the foot of Walnut-street, or from any point to the westward of it, not exceeding 100 feet, or from any point to the eastward of it to the Wallabout, or to any point to the westward of the Wallabout, or to any point to the westward of Little-street, on the Long Island shore, with all the privileges usually appertaining to Ferries; and the said parties of the first part, for themselves and their successors, do covenant and agree to, [Page 10 / Page 11] and with the said parties of the second part, for themselves, their executors, administrators and assigns,
[Corporation to keep the Chain in repair.]
to keep the chain used on the easterly side of the said Ferry, at the foot of Catharine Slip in good order and repair during the continuance of this lease; and the said parties of the second part, for themselves, their executors, administrators and assigns, do covenant, and agree to, and with the said, the Mayor Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of New-York, their successors and assigns, by these presents, that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, shall, and will yearly, and every year during the said term, well and truly pay unto the said parties of the first part, their successors or assigns, the said yearly rents or sums of money herein before mentioned, at the days and times above specified for the payment thereof, without fraud or delay.
[Lessors to provide two Team and three row Boats.]
And also, that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, shall, and will during the whole of the said term of nineteen years, at their own proper costs and expenses, furnish, provide, and navigate upon the said Ferry, from Catharine Slip to Brooklyn, aforesaid, two good and substantial Team Ferry Boats, to be propelled by not less than eight good and substantial horses, and keep the said Team Ferry Boats at all reasonable times thereafter, continually employed on the said Ferry, during the term hereby granted. And also that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, shall and will, during the said term of nineteen years, if thereunto required by the said parties of the first part, or their successors, or the Committee on Ferries for the time being, maintain, and keep at their own proper costs and charges, three good and substantial Row Boats, of such size and construction as now is, or may be required by the Common Council, to carry and transport carriages and effects across the said river, from either side thereof, with safety, convenience, and expedition; and that the said Boats shall, when required, at all times during the said term, be kept in good and sufficient repair, and be furnished with good and sufficient oars, and other implements, at the proper expense and charges of the said parties of the second part, their executors, admin- [Page 11 / Page 12] istrators and assigns, and that each of the said Boats when required as aforesaid, shall be manned with two honest, sober, skilful, and able bodied men, who shall be competent to row said Boats, and who shall at all reasonable times give their constant and ready attendance to the said respective places of landing for the prompt and expeditious transportation and conveyance of passengers and effects across the said River; and also, that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns, shall and will
[Lessees to repair Frames, Ferry stairs, and Bridges -- the whole of the old, and half of new part of Pier on the easterly side.]
keep the Frames, Ferry-stairs and Bridges, used at the said Ferry on each side of the same, and the whole of the old part of the pier on the easterly side of the Slip, occupied for the use of the said Ferry at Brooklyn, and one half of the new part of said pier, in good order and repair, at their own expense, during the continuation of this Lease; and also, that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors or administrators,
[Lessees not to transfer without consent.]
shall not nor will at any time during the ame term, in any manner grant assign, transfer, or set over this present Lease or any part thereof, or the above described and demised premises, or any parcel of the same without the leave and consent of the said parties of the first part, or their successors, in writing, under their common seal, first had and obtained; nor shall do, commit, or suffer any act or acts, thing or things, either by commission or omission, which shall create a forfeiture of these presents, or the premises hereby demised, or in anywise lessen, injure, or encumber the same, or the rents and revenues thereof; but that they, the said parties of the second part,
[Ferry, how to be conducted.]
will conduct and manage the said Ferry agreeably to such ruels, regulationss and restrictions as now are, or from time to time hereafter during the said term, shall by any by-laws, ordinance, order or resolution of the said parties of the first part, or their successors, be reasonably made or passed, in relation thereto.
[Premises to be surrendered at the expiration of Lease.]
And also, that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns, shall and will on the last daay of the term hereby granted, or other sooner determination hereof, well and truy deliver up the said hereby demised premises, with the rights, privileges, and appurtenances thereunto belonging, into the hands and possession [Page 12 / Page 13] of the said parties of the first part, their successors or assigns, without fraud or delay; and the said parties of the second part, for themselves their executors, administrators, and assigns, and the said, the Mayer, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of New-York, for themselves and their successors, do mutually covenant, grant and agree to, and with each other respectively, in manner following, that is to say,
[Boats and furniture to be paid for by appraisement.]
that the Team Boats and all other boats and furniture of what description soever, as shall be actually employed on the said Ferry, at the expiration of the said term, shall be valued by three indifferent persons or appraisers; one to be chosen by the said parties of the first part, or their successors, one by the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns, and the third by the persons or appraisers so chosen by the said parties to these presents, and before they proceed to make the said valuation the decision of two of which said persons or appraisers given in writing under their hands and seals, shall be final and conclusive, provided that the said parties of the first part shall not be bound to pay for any number of boats commonly denominated Team Boats, exceeding two, unless the saiid parties of the first part, or their successors, shall during the said term request the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns, to build a greater number of Boats of that description. And it is hereby further agreed by and between the said parties, that such decision shall be made and given within twenty days after the expiration of the said term, or other sooner determination of these presents as aforesaid. And the said parties of the first part, their successors and assigns, shall and will within ten days thereafter, pay to the said parties of the second part, his executors, administrators, or assigns, the sum awarded to be due to him or them, provided the said Boats and Furniture shall be assigned and delivered over within the said term, by the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns to the said parties of the first part, their successors or assigns, free and clear from any claims and demands from any person or persons whatsoever.
[Page 13 / Page 14]
In testimony whereof, to one part of these presents remaining with the said, the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of New-York, the said parties of the second part, have set their hands and seals; and to the other part thereof remaining with the said parties of the second part, the said, the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of New-York, have caused the Common Seal of the city of New-York to be affixed, the day and year first above written.
Sealed and Delivered in presence of OGDEN EDWARDS. }
RODMAN BOWNE, [L. S.]
SAMUEL BOWNE, [L. S.]"
Source: FERRY LEASES, NOW IN FORCE; Printed Under the Direction of the Comptroller; Ordered by Resolution of the Board of Assistant Aldermen, of October 22, 1832, pp. 9-14 (NY, NY: Board of Assistant Aldermen, 1832).
"COMMON COUNCIL MINUTES 24 July 1820 . . .
The Counsel presented the following Communication. Vizt
'The Counsel herewith submits for execution the Draught of a Lease to Rodman Bowne and Samuel Bowne of the Ferry from Catherine Slip to the foot of Maine Street at Brooklyn for nineteen years from the first day of May last. This Lease has been prepared in pursuance of the Report of the Ferry Committee upon this subject and of subsequent directions given by them.
These directions were, first, that the Lease shoud be made to Samuel and Rodman Bowne, second, that the Ferry granted should be from Catherine Slip to the foot of Maine Street at Brooklyn, instead of from Catherine Slip to Brooklyn. To this alteration Mr. Bowne has consented. Third, that the Lessees shall have the Ferry house and the Lot appertaining to the Ferry during the continuance of the this Lease. This House and Lot Mr. Rodman Bowne has considered as an appurtenance to the Ferry, although it is not expressly mentioned in his Lease, and has heretofore occupied it as such.
The Counsel also submits for the acceptance of the Board a release from Rodman and Samuel Bowne and wife of the westerly side and half part and Northerly or outer side of a certain pier on the Easterly side of the Ferry Slip at Brooklyn, now used by Messrs. Bownes, and also a smalll block or pier at the outlet of the Slip. This release is made in pursuance of a former agreement with the Corporation,
Respectfully Submitted
(Signed) Ogden Edwards"
Source: MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK 1784-1831, Vol. I, p. 240 (NY, NY: Published by the City of New York, 1917).
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Labels: 1790, 1809, 1820, 1822, Ferry, Rodman Bowne, Samuel Bowne
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