The Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Road Company Incorporated in 1817

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Until the first two decades of the 19th century, travel to and from the Town of Pelham was very difficult due to the lack of bridges and meaningful roadways.  Indeed, travel to the area from New York City or from points north was easiest by ship, thus ensuring that City Island grew in those early years to become the principal population center of the town.

This all began to change in 1815 when local residents arranged for the construction of the first Pelham Bridge.  See Tue., Oct. 11, 2016:  Is It Possible The First Pelham Bridge Built in About 1815 Was Repaired After Near Destruction by a Storm?

According to longstanding history of the Pelham Bridge, on March 6, 1812, the New York State Legislature enacted a statute incorporating the "Eastchester Bridge Company" to build a bridge over the Hutchinson River where it empties into Eastchester Bay.  With plans to build a bridge that would allow a more direct roadway from the Village of Westchester to the Town of Pelham, another group of local residents began planning construction of such a road as a toll road.  

The Pelham Bridge was built by early 1815 but, within months, was destroyed by an extraordinary storm and flood. There were, however, prompt proposals to rebuild the bridge by August 1, 1817. At about this time, local residents created the “Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Road Company.”  It was incorporated on April 5, 1817. 

According to one historian, “The Shore Road was made into a real road by the Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Co., incorporated April 5, 1817.”  Barr, Lockwood, A Brief, But Most Complete & True Account of the Settlement of the Ancient Town of Pelham Westchester County, State of New York Known One Time Well & Favourably as the Lordshipp & Manour of Pelham Also The Story of the Three Modern Villages Called The Pelhams, p. 51 (Richmond, VA: The Dietz Press, Inc. 1946).  Lockwood Barr may have overstated the point a little. It appears that the Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Road Company was incorporated to build a road from the causeway at the Village of Westchester (near today's Westchester Square in the Bronx) to the Pelham Bridge -- not beyond the Pelham Bridge onto today's Shore Road between the bridge and the Pelham Manor border. 

In any event, it is clear that construction of the road between the Village of Westchester and Pelham Bridge connected Pelham to what were then more populated portions of lower Westchester County, making the colonial roadway known today as Shore Road in Pelham Bay Park all the more important.  The roadway built by the Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Road Company came to be known as the "Westchester Turnpike."  Occasionally, portions of today's Shore Road between Pelham Bridge and the Pelham Manor border were also referred to as Westchester Turnpike. See, e.g., SUPREME COURT -- John Hunter, Plaintiff vs. Robert R. Hunter, Deforciant [Legal Notice], New-York Evening Post, Nov. 19, 1818, p. 3, col. 2 (referencing "the highway leading from the Westchester turnpike road in Pelham to Rodman's Neck, (so called)").  For more on the history of Shore Road, see Friday, Oct. 14, 2016:  Early History of Pelham's Ancient Shore Road, Long an Important Pelham Thoroughfare Along Long Island Sound.

Today's Historic Pelham article sheds a little more light on the creation of the Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Road Company in 1817.  I have written before, on a single occasion, about the history of the company.  See Tue., Feb. 28, 2006:  Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Road Company "Builds" Shore Road in Pelham.

On March 21, 1817, New York State Senator Darius Crosby introduced in the State Senate "An Act to Incorporate the Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Company."  The bill had its first reading to the Senate that day and, by unanimous consent, was read a second time then was committed to a committee of the whole, suggesting there was little or no opposition to the measure.

Four days later on March 25, 1817, the committee of enrolment reported to the Senate that they had examined the engrossed bill and that it had been enroled [sic] and collated.  Thereupon, the Senate voted, by resolution, passage of the bill.

The following day, on March 26, 1817, the New York State Assembly announced that the Clerk of the Senate had delivered to the Clerk of the Assembly the bill that the Senate had passed.  The bill received its first reading before the Assembly that day and was promptly referred to a select committee consisting of Assemblymen Ebenezer White, Jr. and John Townsend of Westchester County, and Edward Smith, Jr. of Putnam County.  The Committee was directed to "consider and report thereon."

The following day (March 27) Assemblyman White of Westchester County reported favorably on the bill to the Assembly as a whole, recommending that he believed it "proper that it [the bill] should become a law of this state."  The Assembly ordered that the "said bill be committed to a committee of the whole house" suggesting, again, that the bill was not controversial.

Two days later on March 29, 1817, the Assembly met as a committee of the whole on the engrossed bill, then formed a select committee to consider the Senate bill further.  The committee consisted of Assemblymen Christopher Tappen Jr. and Green Miller (both representing Sullivan and Ulster Counties), and Assemblyman Ebenezer White, Jr. of Westchester County.  The select committee was instructed "to report the same [the bill] complete."

On Tuesday, April 1, 1817, the Senate bill was read to the full Assembly for a third time.  The Assembly then passed the bill "without amendment" and ordered the Clerk of the Assembly to "deliver the said bill to the honorable the Senate, and inform them, that this house have passed the same without amendment."

The Senate immediately referred the bill, passed by both houses of the legislature, to the "Council of Revision" for advice on whether it should become a law of the State.  On April 7, a message from the Council of Revision, delivered by the Secretary of State, was read to the Senate stating the Council's view "that it does not appear improper to the Council" that the bill should become a law of the state.  

Thus, the bill became law as "CHAP. CLVII -- AN ACT to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company." effective April 5, 1817.

The text of the statute sheds interesting light on the project to build the roadway from the Village of Westchester to the Pelham Bridge.  For example, it authorized three men and their associates to "associate for the purpose of making a turnpike road."  The men were Herman Le Roy (of Pelham, who lived near Pelham Bridge), Thomas C. Taylor, and William Edgar.  It confirmed that the new road would "begin at the causeway leading from the village of Westchester to Throgsneck [sic], at some point east of the bridge over Westchester creek, and to run from thence on the most convenient route to the bridge lately erected over the mouth of Eastchester creek."  It constituted the company as capable of suing and being sued and to allow it to purchase and own property.

The Statute authorized the company to issue one hundred shares of stock, "of thirty dollars each."  It further appointed William Bayard, Thomas C. Taylor, and Benjamin W. Rodgers as "commissioners to receive subscriptions for the said stock" (i.e., sell the 100 shares for thirty dollars each to raise $3,000 to fund the venture).  

Perhaps the most interesting, and amusing, aspect of the statute was the section that authorized the company to levy tolls on the turnpike, once built.  The statute stated "it shall be lawful for the company hereby incorporated to exact and receive at the gate or turnpike to be erected on the said road, the following rates of toll."  It proceeded to list the following:

• for every score of sheep or hogs, six cents; 
• for every score of cattle, horses or mules, twenty cents; 
• for every chair, sulkey [sic], chaise or other two wheel pleasure carriage, with one horse, six cents; 
• for every horse rode, three cents; 
• for every horse led or driven, two cents; 
• for every stage waggon, chariot, coach, coachee, phaeton or other pleasure carriage, drawn by two horses, twelve and an half cents, and six cents for every additional horse; 
• for every cart or waggon, drawn by one horse, six cents; 
• for every cart or waggon, other than stage waggons, drawn by two horses, mules or oxen, eight cents, and two cents for every additional horse, mule or ox; 
• for every sleigh or sled, if drawn by not more than two horses, mules or oxen, six cents, and 
• for every additional horse, mule, or ox, one cent.

By early July, 1817, it seems the shares had all been sold.  That month notices appeared in the Commercial Advertiser published in New York City that an election would be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, August 4, 1817 at the office of Thomas C. Taylor, 41 Robinson Street (New York City) during which subscribers of shares would elect directors of the Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Road Company.  

Soon, afterward, Pelham had a more convenient roadway connecting it with lower Westchester County and the great metropolis of New York City.

"Pelham Bridge in 1865 From a sketch by W. J. Wilson"

This Shows the So-Called "Third Pelham Bridge" That Crossed

Eastchester Creek and Connected the Westchester Turnpike with

Shore Road.  Source: Jenkins, Stephen, The Story of the Bronx From

the Purchase Made by the Dutch from the Indians in 1639 to the Present

Day, Opposite p. 318 (NY and London: G.P. Putnam's Sons The

Knickerbocker Press, 1912).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"FRIDAY, 10 o'clock A.M. March 21, 1817.

The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.

PRESENT, 

His honor, Philetus Swift, President pro hac vice, and a quorum of the Senate. . . . 

Mr. Crosby, according to leave, brought in the said bill, entitled 'an act to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company,' which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was read a second time, and committed to a committee of the whole. . . ."

Source:  JOURNAL OF THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK:  AT THEIR FORTIETH SESSION -- SECOND MEETING, pp. 213, 215 (Albany, NY:  J. Buel, 1817).  

"TUESDAY, 10 o'clock, A.M. March 25, 1817.

The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.

PRESENT,

His honor Philetus Swift, President pro hac vice, and a quorum of the Senate.

The committee of enrolment reported, that they had examined the engrossed bill, entitled 'an act to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company' . . . and that the same [was] duly enroled and collated.

Thereupon,

The said engrossed bill, entitled 'and act to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company,' was read the third time.

Resolved, That the bill do pass."

Source:  JOURNAL OF THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK:  AT THEIR FORTIETH SESSION -- SECOND MEETING, p. 233 (Albany, NY:  J. Buel, 1817).

"WEDNESDAY, March 26, 1817.

The house met pursuant to adjournment. . . . 

Four several messages from the honorable the Senate, also delivered by their clerk, with the bills therein mentioned, were read, informing that the honorable the Senate have passed the bill, entitled 'an act to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company,' . . . in which bills respectively they request the concurrence of this house.

The said bills were severally read the first time, and by unanimous consent were also read a second time, and the bill, entitled 'an act to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company,' was refered [sic] to a select committee, consisting of Mr. White, Mr. E. Smith and Mr. Townsend . . . severally to consider and report thereon."

Source:  Journal of the Assembly, OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK -- FORTIETH SESSION -- SECOND MEETING, pp. 668, 670 (Albany, NY:  J. Buel, 1817).

"THURSDAY, March 27, 1817.

The house met pursuant to adjournment. . . . 

Mr. White, from the select committee to whom was refered [sic] the engrossed bill from the honorable Senate, entitled 'an act to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company,' reported, that they have had the said bill under consideration, and believe it proper that it should become a law of this state.

Ordered, That the said bill be committed to a committee of the whole house. . . ."

Source:  Journal of the Assembly, OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK -- FORTIETH SESSION -- SECOND MEETING, pp. 678, 682(Albany, NY:  J. Buel, 1817).

"SATURDAY, March 29, 1817.

The house met pursuant to adjournment. . . . 

The house then resolved itself into a committee of the whole, on the engrossed bill from the honorable the Senate, entitled 'an act to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company,' and after some time spent thereon, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Sanford, from the said committee, reported progress, and asked for and obtained leave to sit again. . . . 

Thereupon -- 

Ordered, that the committee of the whole house be discharged from further consideration of the said bill, entitled 'an act to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company,' . . . and that the same be committed to a select committee, consisting of Mr. Tappen, Mr. G. Miller and Mr. White, to report the same complete. . . ."

Source:  Journal of the Assembly, OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK -- FORTIETH SESSION -- SECOND MEETING, pp. 699, 704 (Albany, NY:  J. Buel, 1817).

"TUESDAY, April 1, 1817.

The house met pursuant to adjournment. . . . 

The engrossed bill from the honorable the Senate, entitled 'an act to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company,' was read the third time.

Resolved, that the bill do pass.

Ordered, That the clerk deliver the said bill to the honorable the Senate, and inform them, that this house have passed the same without amendment. . . ."

Source:  Journal of the Assembly, OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK -- FORTIETH SESSION -- SECOND MEETING, p. 720(Albany, NY:  J. Buel, 1817).

"MONDAY, 9 o'clock A.M. April 7, 1817.

The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.

Present,

His honor Philetus Swift, President pro hac vice, and a quorum of the Senate. . . . 

A message from the honorable the Council of Revision, delivered by the Secretary of State, was read, informing, that it does not appear improper to the Council, that the bill, entitled . . . 'an act to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company' . . . should respectively become laws of this state. . . ."

Source:  JOURNAL OF THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK:  AT THEIR FORTIETH SESSION -- SECOND MEETING, pp. 283-84 (Albany, NY:  J. Buel, 1817).

"CHAP. CLVII.

AN ACT to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company.

Passed April 5, 1817.

Associates.

I.  BE it enacted by the people of the state of New-York, represented in senate and assembly, That Herman Le Roy, Thomas C. Taylor, William Edgar, and all such other persons shall associate for the purpose of making a turnpike road, 

Route.

to begin at the causeway leading from the village of Westchester to Throgsneck, at some point east of the bridge over Westchester creek, and to run from thence on the most convenient route to the bridge lately erected over the mouth of Eastchester creek, be and they are hereby created a body corporate and politic, in fact and in name, by the name of 'the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company,' 

Powers.

and by that name shall have continual succession, and be persons capable in law of suing and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, answering and being answered unto, defending and being defended, in all courts places whatsoever, in all manner of actions, suits, complaints, matters and causes, and by the same name and style shall be in law capable of purchasing, holding and conveying any estate, real or personal, for the use of the said corporation:  Provided, that such estate, as well real as personal, so to be purchased and held, shall be necessary to fulfil [sic] the end and intent of the said corporation.

Shares.

II.  And be it further enacted, That the stock of the said company shall consist of one hundred shares, of thirty dollars each;

Commissioners to receive subscriptions.

and William Bayard, Thomas C. Taylor and Benjamin W. Rodgers, are hereby appointed commissioners to receive subscriptions for the said stock, in the manner directed in and by the act, entitled 'an act relative to turnpike companies,' passed the 13th day of March, 1807.

Tolls.

III.  And be it further enacted, That it shall be lawful for the company hereby incorporated to exact and receive at the gate or turnpike to be erected on the said road, the following rates of toll, to wit:  for every score of sheep or hogs, six cents; for every score of cattle, horses or mules, twenty cents; for every chair, sulkey, chaise or other two wheel pleasure carriage, with one horse, six cents; for every horse rode, three cents; and for every horse led or driven, two cents; for every stage waggon, chariot, coach, coachee, phaeton or other pleasure carriage, drawn by two horses, twelve and an half cents, and six cents for every additional horse; for every cart or waggon, drawn by one horse, six cents; for every cart or waggon, other than stage waggons, drawn by two horses, mules or oxen, eight cents, and two cents for every additional horse, mule or ox; for every sleigh or sled, if drawn by not more than two horses, mules or oxen, six cents, and for every additional horse, mule, or ox, one cent.

Rights.

IV.  And be it further enacted, That the company hereby incorporated shall have all the rights, privileges and immunities, which are given and granted in and by the aforesaid act relative to turnpike companies, and shall be subject to all the conditions, provisions and restrictions therein contained."

Source: "CHAP. CLVII -- AN ACT to incorporate the Westchester and Pelham turnpike road company Passed April 5, 1817" in LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, PASSED AT THE THIRTY-NINTH, FORTIETH AND FORTY-FIRST SESSIONS OF THE LEGISLATURE, COMMENCING JANUARY 1816, AND ENDING APRIL 1818, Vol. IV, pp. 160-61 (Albany, NY:  Printed for Websters and Skinners by the Printer to the State, 1818).

"NOTICE is hereby given, that an election of Directors in the Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Road Company will be held at the office of Thomas C. Taylor, situate at No. 41 Robinson-street, in the third ward of the city of New-York, on the first Monday of August next, at the hour of 12 o'clock at noon; at which time and place the subscribers of shares in the said company, are notified to attend accordingly. Dated this 3d day of July, 1817. 

WM. BAYARD, ) 
B.W. ROGERS, } Commissioners. 
THOS. C. TAYLOR, ) 

july 3-law4w" 

Source: NOTICE, Commercial Advertiser [NY, NY], Jul. 3, 1817, p. 3. 

The same notice also appeared on July 16, July 17 and July 22. See NOTICE, Commercial Advertiser [NY, NY], Jul. 16, 1817, p. 4; NOTICE, Commercial Advertiser, Jul. 17, 1817, p. 4; NOTICE, Commercial Advertiser, Jul. 22, 1817, p. 4.

"The present road from Westchester Bridge to Pelham Bridge was authorized as follows:

In 1817, Hermann Le Roy, Thomas C. Taylor, William Edgar and their associates were incorporated as a turnpike company to make a turnpike road beginning at the causeway leading from the village of Westchester, at some point on the east side of the bridge over Westchester Creek, and to run from thence in the most convenient route to the bridge lately erected over the mouth of Eastchester Creek and were to be known as the 'Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Road Company.'"

Source:  Scharf, J. Thomas, History of Westchester County, New York Including Morrisania, Kings Bridge and West Farms Which Have Been Annexed to New York City, Vol. I, p. 815 (Philadelphia, PA:  L. E. Preston & Co., 1886).

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Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
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The Eastchester Bridge Company Raised Tolls on Pelham Bridge Before It Was Even Built

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

On March 6, 1812, the New York State Legislature enacted a statute incorporating the "Eastchester Bridge Company" and authorizing it to build a bridge over the Hutchinson River where it empties into Eastchester Bay.  I have written before about that initial authorizing statute.  See  Mon., May 12, 2014:  The March 6, 1812 New York Statute Authorizing Construction of the Pelham Bridge.  

The first Pelham Bridge was built between June 4, 1814 and March 18, 1815.  Shortly before construction of the bridge began, however, the Eastchester Bridge Company was able to obtain an amendment to the original March 6, 1812 statute authorizing construction of the bridge and granting the exclusive toll franchise to the company for a period of thirty years.

On March 25, 1814, New York passed "An ACT to amend an act, entitled 'an act to Incorporate the Eastchester Bridge Company,'" 37th Sess. Ch. LIV.  The amended statute did several things to benefit the Eastchester Bridge Company.  It extended the exclusive toll franchise period from thirty years to thirty-five years.  It substantially increased the amounts of the tolls the company was authorized to charge for crossing the bridge.  The original statute required the company to account annually to the comptroller for monies received and expended.  The amended statute repealed this obligation, alleviating some of the company's administrative burdens.  

The amended statute added penalties that could be enforced in court against any disgruntled travelers who damaged the bridge or its facilities or who made it past the toll gate without paying the required toll.  Moreover, in recognition of the fact that the War of 1812 was raging at the time the statute was amended, the amendments required the company to allow Federal and state troops and their wagons, carriages, and equipment to cross the bridge toll free.

The increased tolls seem amusing today.  The amended statute authorized the following tolls:

• every four wheeled pleasure carriage with two or more horses, nineteen cents; 
• every two wheeled pleasure carriage and horses, ten cents; 
• every pleasure sleigh and horses, ten cents; 
• every common waggon and horses, six cents; 
• every stage-waggon and horses, twelve and an half cents; 
• every common sled and horses, six cents; 
• every ox cart and oxen six cents; 
• every horse cart and horse, five cents; 
• carriages of all kinds, drawn by mules, shall pay the same tolls as if they were drawn by horses; 
• every man and horse or mule, five cents; 
• every horse, mule, ox, cow or steer, one cent; and
• every dozen hogs, sheep or calves, and so in proportion for a greater or less number, six cents; for every foot passenger, one cent.

Once these increased tolls were authorized by New York State, it appears that the Eastchester Bridge Company was prepared to move forward.  Within the next few months construction began on the famed Pelham Bridge, the first bridge to cross the Hutchinson River where it meets Eastchester Bay.  

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Below is the text of the statute that forms the basis for today's article.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"CHAP. LIV.

An ACT to amend an act, entitled 'an act to Incorporate the Eastchester Bridge Company.'

Passed March 25, 1814.

Recital.

WHEREAS the president and directors of the Eastchester Bridge Company, have by their petition to the legislature under their corporate seal, prayed that certain amendments may be made to the act whereby they are incorporated:  Therefore, 

Corporation confirmed and continued.

I.  BE it enacted by the People of the state of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, That the persons created a body politic and corporate in and by the act hereby amended, and their successors, shall be and continue a body politic and corporate, by the names and with all the powers and privileges in the said act mentioned, for and during the term of thirty-five years and no longer, any thin in the said act to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding.

7th sec. of former now repealed.

II.  And be it further enacted, That the seventh section of the said act hereby amended,be and the same is hereby repealed.

Toll which may be demanded.

III.  And be it further enacted, That instead of the toll which by the said act the said company are authorized to demand of of all persons passing the said bridge, a toll not exceeding the following rates, to wit:  For every four wheeled pleasure carriage with two or more horses, nineteen cents; for every two wheeled pleasure carriage and horses, ten cents; for every pleasure sleigh and horses, ten cents; for every common waggon and horses, six cents; for every stage-waggon and horses, twelve and an half cents; for every common sled and horses, six cents; for every ox cart and oxen six cents; for every horse cart and horse, five cents, and carriages of all kinds, drawn by mules, shall pay the same tolls as if they were drawn by horses; for every man and horse or mule, five cents; for every horse, mule, ox, cow or steer, one cent; for every dozen hogs, sheep or calves, and so in proportion for a greater or less number, six cents; for every foot passenger, one cent;

Power of toll-gatherer.

and it shall be lawful for the toll-gatherer at the said gate, to stop any person or persons from passing through the said gate until they shall have respectively paid the toll herein allowed to be collected:  Provided always nevertheless, That any troops in the service of this state or of the United States and all artillery waggons and other carriages and stores of every kind belonging to this state or to the United States, shall be permitted to pass the said bridge free of toll.

Penalty for injuring the bridge, &c.

IV.  And be it further enacted, That if any person or persons shall wilfully do, or cause to be done, any act whereby the said bridge to be erected as aforesaid, or any thing appertaining thereto, or the toll-house or gate of the said company shall be destroyed or injured, the person or persons so offending, shall pay and forfeit to said corporation, double the amount of the damages sustained by such offence or injury, to be recovered by the said corporation with costs of suit, in an action of trespass, in any court of record having cognizance thereof, which action shall in every instance be considered as transitory in its nature.

Penalty for not paying toll.

V. And be it further enacted, That if any person or persons shall pass the gate to be erected in pursuance of this act, or shall cause his, her or their horse, carriage, waggon, cart, sleigh, sled, cattle, or other thing or things to pass the said gate without having paid the legal toll therefor, every such person shall forfeit and pay ten dollars for every such offense, to be recovered by the said company for their use, in an action of debt, in any court having cognizance thereof, and which action shall be considered as transitory in nature.

[Note. -- The Eastchester bridge company, was incorporated March 6, 1812. -- Sess. 35, c. 22  --  Its charter was originally limited to 30 years.  --  The 7th section of the act amended, and which is repealed by this emendatory [sic] act, required the company to account annually to the comptroller for monies received, expended, &c.  --  The toll is considerably increased by this act, as will be seen by comparing its 3d section with the 5th section of the original act, but the company are to allow troops, &c. to pass toll free.  --  [See proviso to section 3.]  --  The original act did not provide for injuries, &c. done to the bridge, and for frauds, &c. upon the toll-gatherer -- this is remedied by section 4 and 5.]"

Source:  37th Sess., CHAP. LIV., An Act to amend an act, entitled 'an act to Incorporate the Eastchester Bridge Company, Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Thirty-Sixth, Thirty-Seventh and Thirty-Eighth Sessions of the Legislature, Commencing November 1812, and Ending April 1815, Vol. III, pp. 53-54 (Albany, NY:  Websters and Skinners, 1815).

"Pelham Bridge in 1865 From a sketch by W. J. Wilson"

Source: Jenkins, Stephen, The Story of the Bronx From

the Purchase Made by the Dutch from the Indians in

1639 to the Present Day, Opposite p. 318 (NY and 

London: G.P. Putnam's Sons The Knickerbocker Press,

1912).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

Below are examples of previous postings that address the histories of the various Pelham Bridges that have spanned Eastchester Bay for the last two centuries.

Wed., Oct. 12, 2016:  More on the Early History of Pelham Bridge Including Ownership of the Bridge Between 1834 and 1860.

Tue., Oct. 11, 2016:  Is It Possible The First Pelham Bridge Built in About 1815 Was Repaired After Near Destruction by a Storm?

Wed., Oct. 1, 2014:  Bridge Keepers of the Pelham Bridge from 1870 to 1872.

Mon., Jul. 21, 2014:  Image of the Second Pelham Bridge Built in 1834 From a Sketch Created in 1865.

Thu., Jul. 17, 2014:  Sabotage Brought Down the 70-Ton Draw Span of Pelham Bridge in 1908 and Delayed its Opening. 

Tue., Jun. 10, 2014: Construction of the Concrete Arch Pelham Bridge.

Mon., May 12, 2014: The March 6, 1812 New York Statute Authorizing Construction of the Pelham Bridge.

Tue., Sep. 22, 2009: Names of Early "Keepers of Pelham Bridge" Appointed by Westchester County.

Thu., Jan. 08, 2009: Another Brief History of The Pelham Bridge.

Thu., Jan. 1, 2009: A Brief History of Pelham Bridge.

Wed., Jan. 2, 2008: New York State Senate Report on Petition by Inhabitants of Westchester to Allow Construction of Toll Bridge Across Eastchester Creek in 1834.

Tue., Aug. 28, 2007: The Laying Out of Pelham Avenue From Fordham to Pelham Bridge in 1869.

Wed., Jul. 4, 2007: 1857 Real Estate Advertisement for Sale of the Pelham Bridge.

Fri., Jul. 22, 2007: 1857 Real Estate Advertisement for Sale of "Country Seat" at Pelham Bridge.

Fri., May 18, 2007: Celebration at Pelham Bridge in 1872.

Wed., May 16, 2007: Board of Supervisors of Westchester County Vote to Build New Iron Bridge to Replace Pelham Bridge in 1869.

Tue., May 15, 2007: The Owner of the Pelham Bridge Hotel Sold it for the Princely Sum of $22,000 in 1869.

Mon., May 14, 2007: Plans to Widen Shore Road in the Town of Pelham in 1869.

Fri., May 11, 2007: A Sad Attempted Suicide at Pelham Bridge in 1869.

Thu., Dec. 08, 2005: The First Stone Bridge Built Across Eastchester Creek in Pelham, 1814-1815.

Thu., Aug. 18, 2005: The Opening of the New Iron "Pelham Bridge" in 1871.

Tue., Aug. 9, 2005: Cock Fighting at Pelham Bridge in the 19th Century.

Thu., Jul. 21, 2005: Today's Remnants of the Bartow Station on the Branch Line Near City Island.

Tue., Jun. 28, 2005: The Hotel and Bar Room at Pelham Bridge.

Thu., Mar. 24, 2005: The Bartow Area of Pelham in the 19th Century: Where Was It?

Wed., Mar. 23, 2005: Prize Fighting at Pelham Bridge in 1884.

For more about the Pelham Bridge and its history, see Pelham Bridge, Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelham_Bridge (visited May 6, 2014).

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Is It Possible The First Pelham Bridge Built in About 1815 Was Repaired After Near Destruction by a Storm?

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

The first Pelham Bridge over the Hutchinson River where it empties into Eastchester Bay was built by about 1815 and was destroyed within its first few years by a major storm.  According to longstanding conventional wisdom, the bridge was not rebuilt until 1834 when George Rapelje built a replacement bridge and received the right to charge tolls on the bridge for thirty years.  Is it possible that the conventional wisdom is wrong?  Is it possible that a replacement bridge or, perhaps, a temporary structure was built on the remnants of the original Pelham Bridge?  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog will explore this possibility.

Brief History

According to longstanding history of the Pelham Bridge, on March 6, 1812, the New York State Legislature enacted a statute incorporating the "Eastchester Bridge Company" to build a bridge over the Hutchinson River where it empties into Eastchester Bay.  The bridge was built shortly afterward and is believed to have been completed by about 1815.  In 1817, the Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Company was incorporated to construct a turnpike from the causeway at Westchester to the bridge.  That bridge came to be known as "Pelham Bridge" -- the name it bears today.  Even in its first iteration, Pelham Bridge was a draw bridge to permit masted ships to pass. 

On April 12, 1816, the company was authorized by the Legislature to sell its property and toll franchise for a period of forty-five years. Within its first few years, however, the first Pelham Bridge was destroyed by a storm.  The second bridge was built in 1834 by George Rapelje, with the right to charge tolls for a period of thirty years, but the supervisors of Westchester County purchased the bridge in 1860 and made it free.  The bridge was replaced with an iron bridge constructed in 1869-1870.  That bridge, in turn, was replaced by the present larger bridge, opened by the New York City Department of Bridges on October 15, 1908.

When Was the First Pelham Bridge Constructed?

A local real estate advertisement published on March 18, 1815 describes the bridge as "the new bridge lately erected across the mount of East Chester Creek."  (See full advertisement quoted below.)  Thus, it seems certain that the bridge was completed at least by mid-March, 1815.  

The bridge, it seems, was built between June 4, 1814 and March 18, 1815.  This can be deduced from an advertisement published on June 4, 1814 stating:

"EASTCHESTER BRIDGE COMPANY.

PROPOSALS will be received by the Company for the building of a Stone Bridge across Eastchester creek, from the town of Pelham to Throgs-neck, the distance across computed about thirteen hundred feet; any person inclining to contract for the erection thereof are desired to call on Mr. JAMES HARVEY, in the town of Pelham near New-Rochelle, county of Westchester, who will exhibit a survey of the creek, and enter into such other explanations as may be required.

May 13 -- 3w"

Source:  EASTCHESTER BRIDGE COMPANY, New-York Evening Post, Jun. 4, 1814, p. 4, col. 5.  See also  EASTCHESTER BRIDGE COMPANY, New-York Evening Post, Jun. 2, 1814, p. 4, col. 5; East-Chester Bridge Company, Connecticut Courant, May 31, 1814, p. 4, col. 2.  

When was the First Pelham Bridge Destroyed by a Storm and Flood?

Within about a year of the completion of the first Pelham Bridge and perhaps sooner, the new structure was destroyed by "an extraordinary storm and flood."  The destructive storm may have occurred only a few months after the bridge was built.  Indeed, on October 18, 1815, an illuminating advertisement appeared in the New-York Evening Post suggesting that something -- perhaps the storm -- had damaged the piers of the "East-Chester Bridge."  The advertisement stated:

"NOTICE TO DOCK BUILDERS.

PROPOSAL will be received by Mr. James Harvey in the town of Pelham, to repair the damages done to the Piers of the East-Chester Bridge, if made immediately.

Pelham, October 16, 1815.

Oct 17 iw"

Source:  NOTICE TO DOCK BUILDERS, New-York Evening Post, Oct. 18, 1815, p. 3, col. 4.  

Certainly by March 11, 1816, the first Pelham Bridge had been destroyed.  On that date, according to a newspaper report, the New York Assembly was referred a petition described as:

"Petitions referred -- . . . declaratory of an act, entitled an act to incorporate the East Chester bridge company, passed March 6, 1812 -- of Herman Le Roy and others, stockholders in the East Chester bridge Company, praying that a law may be passed, authorising them to make such sales as are therein mentioned, and upon certain conditions, there particulalry specified."

Source:  Legislature of New-York, House of Assembly, Monday, March 11, New York Herald, March 16, 1816, p. 3, col. 2.  

New York State soon passed such a law.  Within a month, on April 12, 1816, it passed "AN ACT for the relief of the President and Directors of the Eastchester Bridge Company and their Creditors" with a preamble that stated, in part, as follows:

"it is represented to the legislature, by the stockholders in the corporation created by the act, entitled 'an act to incorporate the Eastchester bridge company,' that the bridge erected by the said company, over the Eastchester creek, in pursuance of the said act, has been destroyed by an extraordinary storm and flood; That the funds of the company are inadequate to rebuild it; and that the said corporation is moreover largely indebted to the builders and workmen who were employed in its erection."

The statute authorized the President and Directors of the Eastchester Bridge Company to sell at auction "the remains of the said bridge, and all the other property and estate of the said corporation, to the highest bidder or bidders."  It further provided that the purchaser would be "authorized to rebuild the said bridge, in the manner required by the said act, provided the same be completed by the first day of August, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventeen."

Only one week later, on April 19, 1816, notice appeared in a local newspaper whereby a committee consisting of Pelham residents John Hunter, James Harvey, William Bayard, and Tolbert Roosevelt provided public notice that "all the remains of the bridge lately erected by the said Company across the Eastchester Creek, and all the estate of the Company" would be sold at public auction "at the Tontine Coffee House, in the city of New-York, on Friday the seventh day of June next, at twelve o'clock at noon."  No report of the resullt of the public auction, if it was held, has yet been found.  That said, it certainly seems that the first Pelham Bridge was not rebuilt by August 1, 1817.  There are, however, intriguing suggestions that some form of bridge, temporary or otherwise, may have been built on the site (or on the remnants) within five or six years.

Some Real Estate Advertisements Later Reference a Bridge at the Site

 On March 31, 1821, a real estate advertisement offering the old George Rapalje estate on Pelham Neck for sale made no mention of a bridge across Eastchester Creek.  In contrast, six years earlier when the bridge was first erected and before its destruction by an "extraordinary storm and flood," an advertisement for sale of the same property made much of the "new bridge lately erected across the mount of East Chester Creek."  This certainly suggests -- but certainly does not establish -- that the first Pelham Bridge had not yet been rebuilt.  

Nearly one year later, however, Peter and George Lorillard offered for sale a 105-acre tract in the same area by referencing in their advertisement the Pelham Bridge.  The ad stated:

"Also, 105 acres of land in the town of Pelham, adjoining East Chester Creek, near the bridge; being about 18 or 20 miles from this city."

Was this merely an imprecise reference to the remnants of the first Pelham Bridge that had been destroyed by the storm?  Alternatively, is it possible that a permanent (or even temporary) bridge had been constructed on the remnants or, perhaps, in place of the remnants?

A real estate advertisement apparently offering the same 105-acre tract two years later on February 2, 1824 once again made much of the fact that the tract adjoined "East Chester Creek and Pelham Bridge."  Moreover, the following year on March 5, 1825, a real estate advertisement offering the Lorillard property at Eastchester Bay for sale once again referred specifically to the property as "adjoining East Chester Creek and Pelhams Bridge, bout 16 miles from this city."

Perhaps most intriguing, in 1827, a bridge referenced as the "East Chester Bridge" was offered for lease together with a "Toll House, shed and garden."  Obviously an offer to lease a bridge -- rather than remnants -- strongly suggests the bridge was rebuilt in some fashion, temporarily or otherwise (assuming the reference to "East Chester Bridge" is a reference to the bridge over the Hutchinson River at Eastchester Bay).  See below for quote of entire advertisement with link to source.

Until more dispositive evidence can be uncovered, we can only speculate.  These real estate advertisements published in 1822 and later make specific reference to a "bridge" at the location -- not "remnants" or "remains" of any such bridge.  Rather than simply omitting any such reference at all as seems to have been done when the March 31, 1821 advertisement offering the Rapelje tract was published, the later advertisements contain an express reference to such a "bridge."

Although no person or group seems to have purchased the bridge and the estate of the Eastchester Bridge Company and replaced the bridge by August 1, 1817 as required by the relief statute, it seems at least plausible to speculate that some form of bridge -- temporary or otherwise -- may have been crafted on the remnants of the bridge destroyed be the "extraordinary storm and flood" that occurred in about the first few months of 1816.  

Whether there ever was a bridge at the site -- temporary or otherwise -- in the years shortly after the first Pelham Bridge was destroyed, it is clear that a replacement bridge was built at the site in 1834 by George Rapelje, with the right to charge tolls for a period of thirty years.  Until dispositive evidence is located, we are left to wonder if the bridge built in 1834 was the second -- or third -- bridge on the site.

"Pelham Bridge in 1865 From a sketch by W. J. Wilson"

Source: Jenkins, Stephen, The Story of the Bronx From

the Purchase Made by the Dutch from the Indians in

1639 to the Present Day, Opposite p. 318 (NY and 

London: G.P. Putnam's Sons The Knickerbocker Press,

1912).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

Below is the text of a number of items on which today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog is based.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.  

"FARM.

FOR SALE the valuable farm on which the subscriber now lives, (formerly the property of Geo. Rapelye, Esq.) on the manor of Pelham county, Westchester, 15, 1-2 miles from the city of New-York, and adjoining the new bridge lately erected across the mount of East Chester Creek, containing near 200 acres, and is bounded on three sides by the waters of the sound, of which there is a full view, and of all vessels passing up or down.  There is on said farm a large well built dwelling house, and farm house, barn, carriage house, stable, grainery [sic], dairy, smoke house, sheep fold and house, with racks complete for 200 sheep, and other necessary out buildings, three orchards in full bearing, of the best grafted apples, with a great abundance of every other kind of fruit; 50 acres of fresh meadow, a proportion of salt meadow, about 30 acres of wood land, the rest under first rate pasture land, the whole capable of being made excellent meadow, and in quality of soil is surpassed by none in the county.  Attached to which is a large body of sedge.  100 loads of drift stuff may yearly be collected from the shores, the waters of which abound with all kinds of scale and shell fish.  For further particulars apply on the premises.

Feb 2     rf

JAMES HARVEY."

Source:  FARM [Advertisement], New-York Evening Post, Mar. 18, 1815, p. 4, col. 3.

"CHAP. CXXXII.

AN ACT for the relief of the President and Directors of the Eastchester Bridge Company and their Creditors.

Passed April 12, 1816.

Preamble.

WHEREAS it is represented to the legislature, by the stockholders in the corporation created by the act, entitled 'an act to incorporate the Eastchester bridge company,' that the bridge erected by the said company, over the Eastchester creek, in pursuance of the said act, has been destroyed by an extraordinary storm and flood; That the funds of the company are inadequate to rebuild it; and that the said corporation is moreover largely indebted to the builders and workmen who were employed in its erection, and praying legislative aid and relief in the premises; Therefore,

Remains of the bridge may be sold

I.  BE it enacted by the people of the State of New-York represented in Senate and Assembly, That it shall and may be lawful for the president and directors of the said company, to sell, at public auction, in the city of New-York, all the remains of the said bridge, and all the other property and estate of the said corporation, to the highest bidder or bidders, and thereupon to grant and convey the same to the purchaser or purchasers thereof; Provided, that six weeks notice of the time and place of such sale be given in the nearest newspaper printed in the county of Westchester, and also in two of the public newspapers printed in the city of New-York.

Avails to be applied to the company's debts.

II.  And be it further enacted, That such conveyance being duly acknowledged or proved, shall be recorded in the clerk's office of the county of Westchester; and that the monies arising from such sale, after paying all incidental expenses attending the same, shall be applied in the first place to the payment of the debts of the said corporation, and that the residue and surplus of the said monies, shall be divided and paid to and among all the stockholders in the said company, in proportion to the number of shares which they may respectively hold therein.

The purchasers may rebuild the bridge.

III.  And be it further enacted, That the purchaser or purchasers at such sale, and his or their assigns or associates, shall be and hereby are authorized to rebuild the said bridge, in the manner required by the said act, provided the same be completed by the first day of August, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventeen; and in case the same shall be so completed by that day, then the said purchaser or purchasers, his or their assigns and associates, shall thereafter be considered as the stockholders of the said company, in proportion to the sums they shall respectively pay and advance towards the said purchase, and the rebuilding of the said bridge an other necessary objects:

And be a body corporate for 45 years.

And they and their successors shall be and continue a body corporate and politic, by the name, and with all the powers, privileges and immunities mentioned in the said act, and in the act to amend the same, for and during the term of forty-five years from the passing of this act, and no longer, any thing in the said acts, or either of them, contained, to the contrary notwithstanding:  Provided always,

This act not to prevent prosecution against the former company.

IV.  And be it further enacted, That nothing in this act contained shall be construed to bar or prevent any public prosecution, or any action or actions, which any person or persons would have if this act had not been passed against the said president and directors, or against all or any of the stockholders of the said company, or against any person or persons who is, are or have been in their employ, or to prevent the abating of any nuisance."

Source:  "CHAP. CXXXII:  AN ACT for the relief of the President and Directors of the Eastchester Bridge Company and their Creditors" in Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Thirty-Ninth, Fortieth and Forty-First Sessions of the Legislature From January 1816 to April 1818, Vol. IV, pp. 149-50 (Passed April 12, 1816) (Albany, NY:  William Gould, and David Banks and Stephen Gould, 1818).

"NOTICE.

THE subscribers being a Committee, appointed for that purpose by the President and Directors of the Eastchester Bridge Company, hereby give notice, that in pursuance of an act of the legislature of this state, passed on the 12th day of April instant, entitled 'An Act for the relief of the President and Directors of the Eastchester Bridge Company and their creditors,' all the remains of the bridge lately erected by the said Company across the Eastchester Creek, and all the estate of the Company, will be exposed to sale at the public auction, at the Tontine Coffee House, in the city of New-York, on Friday the seventh day of June next, at twelve o'clock at noon.

The purchaser or purchasers at such sale, will be entitled to all the privileges and immunities heretofore granted by law to the said Company, for the term of 45 years from the 12th instant, on condition that the bridge is rebuilt by the 1st day of August, 1817.  -- By order of the Board of Directors of the Eastchester Bridge Company.

JOHN HUNTER,             )
JAMES HARVEY,            }     Committee
WM. BAYARD,                 )
TOLBERT ROOSEVELT, )

Pelham, April 19, 1816.           ap 22law6w"

Source:  NOTICE, New-York Evening Post, May 18, 1816, p. 4, col. 2.  See also NOTICE, The Evening Post, May 9, 1816, p. 1, col. 4 (same text).  

"Beautiful Country Residence

TO LET, (and immediate possession given,) the country seat of George Rapelje, Esq. in the Manor of Pelham, Westchester county, about 17 miles from the city of New York; containing about 65 acres in a good state of improvement, with a commodious mansion and suitable out houses, garden, orchard, &c.  The premises being bounded on three sides by the waters of the Sound, can scarcely be excelled for combining beauty of prospect with ample facilities for fishing and fowling.  Part of the furniture of the house will be let if required.  Enquire at 234 Broadway.

Mb 29 tf"

Source:  Beautiful Country Residence [Advertisement], New-York Evening Post, Mar. 31, 1821, p. 3, col. 4.  

"ABOUT 280 ACRES OF LAND.

A valuable farm for sale, situated at the 14 mile stone, which is divided by the Boston Post Road, in the town of West Chester, containing a Farm House, and other out houses, all enclosed with good stone wall.  The land is well calculated for a grazing farm.

Also, 105 acres of land in the town of Pelham, adjoining East Chester Creek, near the bridge; being about 18 or 20 miles from this city.  For particulars, apply at No. 42 Chatham street.

PETER & GEORGE LORILLARD.

Jan 25 1m"

Source:  ABOUT 280 ACRES OF LAND [Advertisement], New-York Evening Post, Feb. 8, 1822, p. 4, col. 2.

"FOR SALE. . . . 

1 farm at Pelham, adjoining East Chester Creek and Pelham Bridge, about 15 miles from this city, containing 15 acres, occupied by C. Valentine. . . ."

Source:  FOR SALE [Advertisement], New-York Evening Post, Feb. 2, 1824, p. 4, col. 1.  

"--FOR SALE--
* * *
One hundred and fifty acres of Land in the town of Pelham, adjoining the East Chester Creek and Pelhams Bridge, about 16 miles from this city. . . 

GEORGE LORILLARD."

Source:  --FOR SALE--, New-York Evening Post, Mar. 5, 1825, p. 4, col. 1.  

"TO LET,

The East Chester Bridge, with the Toll House, shed and garden, to a small family, that would be willing to accommodate a number of Boarders for the ensuing year.  It is viewed as one of the best stands for a tavern in that neighborhood.  Possession will be given immediately.  For further particulars, apply to THOMAS C. TAYLOR, 41 Robinson st. or at his house, Bowery Hill.

m26 tf"

Source:  TO LET, The New-York Evening Post, Mar. 27, 1827, p. 3, col. 5.

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Below are examples of previous postings that address the histories of the various Pelham Bridges that have spanned Eastchester Bay for the last two centuries.

Wed., Oct. 1, 2014:  Bridge Keepers of the Pelham Bridge from 1870 to 1872.

Mon., Jul. 21, 2014:  Image of the Second Pelham Bridge Built in 1834 From a Sketch Created in 1865.

Thu., Jul. 17, 2014:  Sabotage Brought Down the 70-Ton Draw Span of Pelham Bridge in 1908 and Delayed its Opening. 

Tue., Jun. 10, 2014: Construction of the Concrete Arch Pelham Bridge.

Mon., May 12, 2014: The March 6, 1812 New York Statute Authorizing Construction of the Pelham Bridge.

Tue., Sep. 22, 2009: Names of Early "Keepers of Pelham Bridge" Appointed by Westchester County.

Thu., Jan. 08, 2009: Another Brief History of The Pelham Bridge.

Thu., Jan. 1, 2009: A Brief History of Pelham Bridge.

Wed., Jan. 2, 2008: New York State Senate Report on Petition by Inhabitants of Westchester to Allow Construction of Toll Bridge Across Eastchester Creek in 1834.

Tue., Aug. 28, 2007: The Laying Out of Pelham Avenue From Fordham to Pelham Bridge in 1869.

Wed., Jul. 4, 2007: 1857 Real Estate Advertisement for Sale of the Pelham Bridge.

Fri., Jul. 22, 2007: 1857 Real Estate Advertisement for Sale of "Country Seat" at Pelham Bridge.

Fri., May 18, 2007: Celebration at Pelham Bridge in 1872.

Wed., May 16, 2007: Board of Supervisors of Westchester County Vote to Build New Iron Bridge to Replace Pelham Bridge in 1869.

Tue., May 15, 2007: The Owner of the Pelham Bridge Hotel Sold it for the Princely Sum of $22,000 in 1869.

Mon., May 14, 2007: Plans to Widen Shore Road in the Town of Pelham in 1869.

Fri., May 11, 2007: A Sad Attempted Suicide at Pelham Bridge in 1869.

Thu., Dec. 08, 2005: The First Stone Bridge Built Across Eastchester Creek in Pelham, 1814-1815.

Thu., Aug. 18, 2005: The Opening of the New Iron "Pelham Bridge" in 1871.

Tue., Aug. 9, 2005: Cock Fighting at Pelham Bridge in the 19th Century.

Thu., Jul. 21, 2005: Today's Remnants of the Bartow Station on the Branch Line Near City Island.

Tue., Jun. 28, 2005: The Hotel and Bar Room at Pelham Bridge.

Thu., Mar. 24, 2005: The Bartow Area of Pelham in the 19th Century: Where Was It?

Wed., Mar. 23, 2005: Prize Fighting at Pelham Bridge in 1884.

For more about the Pelham Bridge and its history, see Pelham Bridge, Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelham_Bridge (visited May 6, 2014).

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."