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.

*          *          *          *          *

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."

The Brutal Winter of 1822 Where Sloops Froze in Place in Waters Off Pelham

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."

Clearly the winter of 1822 was a particularly brutal and cold one in the New York City region.  It was such a memorable winter that more than fifty years later, in 1874, a resident of the region recalled:

"There was no coal used in the City then except the soft coal which blacksmiths used.  Wood was the only fuel, and it was piled as high as the housetops in yards in many parts of the City.  His father, was in the wood business and his supply, which was large, was exhausted in February on account of the cold weather.  A lot of logs lying in the river were bought, hauled out, and cut into wood.  Mr. Sweet remembers that the North River was frozen over for a number of days so that teams crossed on the ice where the ferry-boats now run, and that he rode on a load of wood from the foot of Cortlandt street to Jersey City.  He also recalls the fact that two young men named Harrison and Houghton built a shanty on the ice in the middle of the Hudson River and at the 'Half-way House,' as it was called, sold rum to the passengers for 14 days."

Source:  THE COLD WINTER OF 1822, N. Y. Times, Jan. 5, 1879.  

There are very few records that reflect the impact of the brutal cold of the winter of 1822 in the Town of Pelham.  This is not so surprising when one considers that, according to the United States Census of 1820, there were only about 283 residents in the entire town at about that time with no local newspapers and scant remaining town records.  Yet, there is a fascinating newspaper report that was republished in a newspaper distributed in London, England on February 25, 1822 noting that the unusually-cold weather had frozen at least one sloop in place between City Island and Hart Island in the Town of Pelham in January, 1822.  

It appears from the account that for several days during the week of January 17, 1822, Long Island Sound off the Town of Pelham froze over.  During the time, at least one sloop and perhaps several vessels, were trapped in the ice between City Island and Hart Island in the Town of Pelham.  On about January 23rd, the ice above Hell Gate gave way and a passage opened to allow one of the vessels, the sloop that was trapped between City Island and Hart Island, to make its way to New York City.

The pertinent account stated in full:

"[FROM THE NEW YORK MERCANTILE PAPER OF JAN. 24.]

We are glad to state, that the passage through the Long Island Sound, which has been obstructed for several days, is again open.  The ice above Hell-gate gave way on Thursday morning, and a passage was open, so that a sloop came through yesterday morning.  The master informs, that this vessel was frozen in between Hart and City Island.  None of the vessels have suffered any damage."

Source:  [Untitled], London Statesman, Feb. 25, 1822, p. 2, col. 2 (access via available link requires paid subscription).  

Detail of 1867 Beers Map Showing Hart Island Shortly

Before John Hunter, Jr. Sold it to New York City.

Source:  Beers, Ellis & Soule, Atlas of New York and

Vicinity From Actual Surveys By and Under the Direction

of F. W. Beers, Assisted by Geo. E. Warner & Others,

p. 7 (Philadelphia, PA: Beers, ellis & Soule, 1867) ("Plans

of East Chester, Pelham and New Rochelle Westchester Co.").

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

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."

Pelham Native, Samuel Bowne, and His Brother Revolutionized Ferry Service Between Brooklyn and Manhattan Beginning in 1809

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."

Pelham native Samuel Bowne, and his brother Rodman, reportedly revolutionized ferry service between Brooklyn and Manhattan in the early decades of the nineteenth century.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog will provide a little background in this regard and will transcribe an article published in 1931 that described Samuel and Rodman Bowne's accomplishments.  Additionally, an agreement executed among the City of New York and the Rodman brothers in 1820 providing the brothers a 19-year renewal period to offer their ferry service is included as well as minutes of a New York City Common Council meeting held in 1820 approving the draft of the agreement.

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).

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."