Historic Pelham

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

Claim that 49 of the 60 Men Pelham Sent to Fight in the Civil War Died

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One of the most glaring holes in Pelham history, long a Pelham history mystery, is the list of Pelham men who left the little town to fight in the Civil War and never returned. Indeed, for many decades Memorial Day remembrances that involve reading the names of those from Pelham who died while serving their nation begin with reading the names of Pelham's dead during the Spanish-American War fought in 1898, more than thirty years after the War of the Rebellion.

There is no memorial to Civil War dead anywhere in Pelham. The Office of the Historian of the Town of Pelham contains no definitive records reflecting the names of the Civil War dead of the Town, although there are some early Memorial Day remembrance materials listing thirteen or so Pelham residents who served in the war and are listed "In Memoriam." Extensive research has revealed the names of many who enlisted in the Union Army "from" Pelham but the designation was used in many records to indicate the men were "mustered in" in Pelham -- where there was a massive mustering in facility on Hart's Island. Thus, it has been extraordinarily difficult to cross-reference multiple census records, Civil War casualty records, mustering in records, and other such records to identify -- with certainty -- young men from Pelham who died in the Civil War.

Research has revealed a very brief newspaper reference suggesting that Pelham suffered heart-breaking and large casualties among the young men it sent off to fight in the War of the Rebellion. According to the account, sixty men from the Town of Pelham fought in the War and forty-nine died: an astounding 82% casualty rate. The brief reference is transcribed in its entirety immediately below, followed by a citation and link to its source:

"The town of Pelham sent sixty men to the front in the Rebellion, only eleven of whom survived. The town is now anxious to erect a soldiers' monument to commemorate the deeds of her sons. The site contemplated is at the entrance of Pelham and Pelham Manor, on a large hill, overlooking the Sound."

Source: [Untitled], New-York Tribune, Jul. 10, 1897, Vol. LVII, No. 18,500, p. 4, col. 4 (Note: Paid subscription required to access via this link).

No such monument was erected. Moreover, although research has revealed much about Pelham's history as it relates to the Civil War, no definitive list of Pelham's Civil War dead has yet been prepared despite extensive research.

A few of the many previous Historic Pelham articles about Pelham and the Civil War include:

Fri., Jul. 07, 2017: James Francis Secor, Builder of Union Monitors, Ironclads, and Drydocks During Civil War, Lived in Pelham.

Fri., Mar. 10, 2017: Pelham Taxpayers Funded Westchester County Bonds to Pay Bounties During the Civil War.

Tue., Dec. 13, 2016: Rare and Stunning Images of Civil War Pelham Engraved from Photographs Taken In 1864.

Mon., May 02, 2016: Additional Research on the Confederate Prisoner of War Camp During the Civil War on Hart's Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., Mar. 17, 2016: Did Pelham Residents Die Fighting for the Union During the Civil War?

Wed., Feb. 24, 2016: What is Pelham's Connection to the Civil War Ironclad USS Monitor that Fought in the First Battle of Ironclads?

Mon., Feb. 22, 2016: Report on Prisoner Deaths at the Confederate POW Camp in Pelham During the Civil War.

Wed., Oct. 21, 2015: Ministering to Troops on Hart and Davids Islands During and Shortly After the Civil War.

Mon., Jul. 07, 2014: More About Pelham Residents Who Served Their Nation During the U.S. Civil War.

Thu., Jun. 12, 2014: Eyewitness Account of Prisoner of War Concentration Camp That Once Stood in Pelham.

Fri., May 21, 2010:  The Announcement of President Abraham Lincoln's Assassination in Pelham, NY on April 15, 1865.

Tue., Mar. 30, 2010: Obituary of William McAllister Who Built Civil War Gunboats in Pelham.

Mon., Mar. 29, 2010: Nathaniel H. Bouldin, a Poor Confederate Prisoner of War Who Died in Pelham in 1865.

Tue., Nov. 03, 2009: Pelham Students Help Civil War Soldiers on Davids' Island in 1864.

Fri., Nov. 18, 2005: A List of Pelham Residents Who Served the Union During the Civil War.

Mon., Jul. 11, 2005: Pelham Cemetery on City Island.

Fri., Jun. 3, 2005: Davids' Island Off the Coast of Pelham Manor During the Civil War.

Tue., Apr. 12, 2005: Pelham and the Civil War Ironclad USS Monitor.

Programs for Pelham's early Memorial Day remembrance ceremonies, at first, seem to shed light on the issue of identifying Pelham's Civil War dead. For example, the program for the 1949 Memorial Day Exercises of the Town of Pelham held at the Memorial High School Field provides "In Memoriam" lists for the "Civil War," "Indian Wars," "Spanish War," "World War I," and "World War II." The Civil War "In Memoriam" section of the program lists the following (I have provided units where I have found them so far):

William Dorrance Beach
Samuel D. Bertine
William Dally - Company D, 133rd Infantry Regiment New York
Patrick J. Gleason
James C. Hazen
William P. Hibler
John T. Logan
David Lyon
Samuel E. Lyon
William Mercer
Peter McLaughlin
William H. Valentine - Company D, 5th Veteran Infantry Regiment New York
Charles A. Walker

At first blush, this might seem to be a list of thirteen Pelham men who died in the Civil War. That does NOT appear to be the case, however. Research suggests that most if not all of these men survived the war. The list, instead, seems to be a list of Civil War veterans who died after the war and were honored during the 1949 remembrance exercises, although it remains possible that one or more were Civil War casualties. In short, the issue of the identities of Pelham's Civil War dead remains muddled.

Did Pelham lose forty-nine of the sixty men who fought during the War, as claimed by the New-York Tribune in 1897? Hopefully future research will reveal the names of those dead. For now, their identities remain a "Pelham History Mystery."

Labels: 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1897, Civil War, Soldiers

Friday, September 08, 2017

More on 19th Century Clothing Merchant Patrick Lawrence Rogers of Pelham

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Patrick Lawrence Rogers was born in Ireland in 1817. His mother, Rose, bore him when she was 28-years-old. He was married to Sarah Ann Mills by 1840 when he was 23-years-old. It is not yet known when Rogers immigrated to the United States, but he arrived by 1840. He and his wife had at least four sons and eight daughters between 1840 and 1853. They lived for a time in Brooklyn, before moving to Pelham.

P. L. Rogers, as he was known, became a successful New York City clothier as a young man. By the early 1840s, he operated a "Fashionable Tailoring Establishment" at 292 Grand Street. His business grew until he outgrew his Grand Street space. In about 1845, he moved his business to 102 Bowery, between Hester and Grand Streets and placed the following advertisement regarding the move:

"P. L. ROGERS' Fashionable Tailoring Establishment 102 Bowery, between Hester and Grand sts. would inform his old customers and the public in general, that having from his untiring exertions increased his business to such an extent, he has been compelled to change his place from 292 Grand-st. to the above place; he would call the attention of his customers and the public to a very well selected assortment of Fall and Winter Goods, embracing all the latest styles of French and English Cloths and Cassimeres, a very rich lot of Velvet Vestings, suitable for the coming season -- all of which will be made in a few hours' notice, at extraordinary low prices, and in the superiur [sic] style for which the establishment has been so long celebrated. Employing the best workmen, he does not hesitate [to] challenge a comparison with any in point of style or elegance, in the city. s18 6teodis*"

Source: P.L. ROGERS' [Advertisement], New-York Daily Tribune, Sep. 25, 1845, Vol. V, No. 144, p. 3, col. 6.

By 1849, P. L. Rogers had moved his establishment once again, this time to 76 Fulton Street at its intersection with Gold Street. Once again, his advertisements emphasized the quality of his cloths, "Cassimeres," and "Vestings." One advertisement stated:

"CLOTHING.
-----
THE BEST PLACE TO GET NEAT AND FASHIONABLE clothing made to order, or buy it ready made from the best material, is at the store of P. L. Rogers, 76 Fulton street, corner of Gold, where he is prepared to show his friends and the public an extensive and well selected assortment of cloths, Cassimeres and Vestings, which he will make up to be sure in the best and most fashionable style, and at the lowest possible price.

P. L. ROGERS,
76 Fulton street, corner of Gold."

Source: CLOTHING -- THE BEST PLACE TO GET NEAT AND FASHIONABLE [Advertisement], The New York Herald, May 28, 1849, No. 5470, p. 5, col. 5.

By 1850, P. L. Rogers seems to have expanded the nature of his business from tailoring and retail clothing to a combination clothing retailer and wholesaler. Indeed, his advertisements became lengthier and contained more pricing information. For example, the following advertisement appeared on May 31, 1850:

"CLOTHING.
-----
THE BEST PLACE TO BUY.

CLOTHING AT WHOLESALE OR RERAIL [sic], is at the Store of P. L. ROGERS, 76 FULTON - ST. at the sign of Gen. Taylor. I assert, without hesitation, that my stock of Spring and Summer Clothing is the cheapest and most varied, both in style and prices, that has ever been offered for sale in the city.

Dress and Frock Coats, From French and English Cloths........$5 00 to 20
Office and Business Coats, from Cassimere, Cashmerett, Tweed, Alapacca, and Linen, &c.........$1 00 to 7 00
Vests from plaint and fancy Silks, Satin, and Marseilles...............75 to 5 00

BOYS' CLOTHING.

Boys' Frock and Sack Coats, from Cloth, Alapacca, Linen, &c........75 to 5 00
Boys' Jackets and Pants, from ................. 62-1/4 to 2 00
Boys' Vests, from Silk, Satin and Marseilles....... 50 to 2 00
Also, a splendid assortment of Cloths, Cassimeres and Vestings, constantly on hand, and made at the shortice notice.

P. L. ROGERS, 76 Fulton-st., cor of Gold.

A full suit of Summer Clothing for $2. s20 2mMWFh"

Source: CLOTHING -- THE BEST PLACE TO BUY [Advertisement], New-York Daily Tribune, May 31, 1850, No. 2847, p. 2, col. 5.

The wholesale and retail clothing business of P. L. Rogers continued to succeed and grow. In 1850, Rogers built a massive establishment to house his expanding business. It was named the "Union Hall Wholesale and Retail Clothing Warehouse," an immense establishment for its time. It was a six-floor warehouse that stood on the corner of Fulton and Nassau Streets opposite the famed Sun and Herald newspaper buildings. The new facility opened in November, 1850. Each of the six floors housed a different department of the clothing "Emporium" specializing in "ready-made clothing."

This was a massive establishment for its time. Irish immigrant P. L. Rogers employed about 1,000 people at his Emporium -- mostly Irish.

A lengthy advertisement published on November 1 of that year trumpeted the new facility. It said:

"UNION HALL Wholesale and Retail CLOTHING WAREHOUSE, Corner of Fulton and Nassau-sts., (opposite the Sun and Herald Buildings.)

This immense establishment, built expressly for the proprietor, P. L. ROGERS, and opened in November, 1850, consists of SIX FLOORS, each of which is, of itself, a COMPLETE DEPARTMENT; the whole combined forming one of the most perfect and comprehensive Wholesale and Retail Clothing Emporium to be found in the CITY OF NEW-YORK; embracing a stock of some TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS' WORTH OF READY MADE CLOTHING, in every variety, of the cheapest and most desirable style of goods, of our own importations, and from manufacturer's agents suited to all markets.

Particular attention is paid to the manufacture of BOYS' CLOTHING, under the immediate supervision of an experienced cutter and a large assortment constantly on hand.

P. L. R. has just completed his FALL AND WINTER STOCK, which he confidently offers to the public as unsurpassed in extent, variety, style, material, workmanship and cheapness.

P. L. ROGERS,
Union Hall Clothing Warehouse,
Corner of Fulton and Nassau-sts. N. Y.

013 2mTuTh&8*"

Source: UNION HALL Wholesale and Retail CLOTHING WAREHOUSE [Advertisement], New-York Daily Tribune, Nov. 1, 1851, Vol. XI, No. 3289, p. 2, col. 3.

Patrick Lawrence Rogers and his family (including his mother, Rose) continued to live in Brooklyn in the 1850s and can be found there in 1855 as reflected in the New York State Census that year. His business, known as "Union Hall," continued to thrive. Indeed, despite opening the newly-constructed six-story Union Hall only a few months before, by May 1852, Rogers had taken over the adjoining building further to expand his business. With the success of his massive wholesale and retail clothing emporium, however, at some point thereafter Rogers and his family purchased a 175-acre estate and home along today's Shore Road in the Town of Pelham.

On Monday, July 4, 1864, Patrick Lawrence Rogers was involved in a carriage accident. He was thrown from his vehicle and badly injured. He was carried to his Pelham residence along Shore Road where he lingered for two days. He died on Wednesday, July 6, 1864. His funeral was held on Saturday, July 9 at St. Stephen's Church in Manhattan at the corner of East 28th Street and Lexington Avenue. Although the obituary in The New York Times stated he was 50 years old, he actually was 47.

His widow, Sarah Rogers, and other executors of his will quickly had the will proved and probated. See Thu., Sep. 07, 2017: Patrick L. Rogers of Pelham and His Estate Along Shore Road in the 19th Century. In 1869, the executors of the will of P. L. Rogers held a peremptory auction of a portion of his 175-acre estate in Pelham. The auction was held on Saturday, April 3, 1869 at the Mott Haven Railroad Depot. See id. It appears that a small portion of the lands that belonged to Rogers were sold. His home was not sold. Indeed, it appears that his wife, younger children, and his mother continued to live in the home.

Only months after his death, P. L. Rogers' mother died. Rose Rogers died in the family home at Pelham on Saturday, March 4, 1865. Her brief obituary read:

"MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.
-----
Died. . . . .

ROGERS. -- At Pelham, Westchester county on Saturday, March 4, in the 76th year of her age. Mrs. Rose ROGERS, mother of the late P. L. Rogers.

The funeral services will take place at St. Matthews church, New Rochelle, on Monday morning at eleven o'clock."

Source: MARRIAGES AND DEATHS -- Died. . . . ROGERS, N.Y. Herald, Mar. 5, 1865, Whole No. 10,415, p. 2, col. 6.

The wife of P. L. Rogers, Sarah, continued to live in the family home in Pelham until the late 1870s. By about 1877, it seems that she suffered some form of difficulty -- likely financial difficulty. A plaintiff sued her in New York Supreme Court and obtained a writ of execution against the Rogers estate in Pelham which, by then, consisted of only about 101 acres of the original 175-acre tract. In 1878, the Sheriff of Westchester County levied upon and took the Rogers estate from Sarah Rogers and offered it at a Sheriff's Auction to the highest bidder at an auction held at the County Courthouse in White Plains on April 17, 1878 at 11:00 a.m. So far, research has not revealed the outcome of the auction, although it seems readily apparent that Sarah Rogers and her family lost the land at that time.

* * * * *

I have written before about Patrick Lawrence Rogers and his estate in Pelham. See:

Mon., Jul. 31, 2006: Sale at Auction of P. L. Rogers Estate on Mainland Across from Hunter's Island in Pelham in 1869.

Thu., Feb. 18, 2010: 1869 Advertisement for Auction of Portion of 175 Acres in Town of Pelham Owned by P.L. Rogers.

Thu., Sep. 07, 2017: Patrick L. Rogers of Pelham and His Estate Along Shore Road in the 19th Century.

Detail From 1868 Beers Map Showing Location of the P. L. Rogers Estate

Along Today's Shore Road, A Portion of Which Was Offered for Sale at a

Peremptory Auction Held on Saturday, April 3, 1869. Source: Beers,

Frederick W., "City Island, Pelham Township, Westchester Co., N.Y. [with]

Town of Pelham Westchester Co. N.Y." in Atlas of New York and Vicinity from

Actual Surveys by and Under the Direction of F. W. Beers, Assisted by A.B.

Prindle & Others, p. 35 (NY, NY: F. W. Beers, A.D. Ellis & G.G. Soule, 1868).

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

* * * * *

Below is the text of a number of other advertisements and other items that are not quoted in their entirety above that form bases for today's Historic Pelham article. Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"THE FALL CAMPAIGN OPENED at Gen. Taylor's Head-Quarters, No. 76 Fulton-st., corner of Gold. -- P. L. ROGERS, Commissary General of the above well-known establishment, desires to acquaint his patrons and the public, that he is now prepared to offer them an assortment of FALL and WINTER CLOTHING (made of superior materials, and by experienced workmen) at wholesale and retail, cheaper and more varied in style than can be found at any other house in this city. The entire establishment is under the supervision of Mr. J. SOUDER, who will specially attend to the custom department, thereby guaranteeing a perfect fit to all who patronize him. Remember, 76 Fulton-st., corner Gold -- Gen. Taylor's Head Quarters. s16 1m*"

Source: THE FALL CAMPAIGN OPENED [Advertisement], New-York Daily Tribune, Oct. 2, 1851, Vol. XI, No. 3263, p. 2, col. 4.

"UNION HALL
Wholesale & Retail Clothing Warehouse, CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STREETS, Opposite the Sun and Herald Buildings, New York.

THIS SPLENDID EDIFICE, SIX STORIES IN HEIGHT, was built expressly for P. L. ROGERS, and opened in November, 1850. So great has been the increase of business in this short space of time, that the Proprietor has been compelled to add the adjoining building to his establishment, and now possesses one of the largest and most complete wholesale and retail CLOTHING EMPORIUMS in the country.

UNION HALL is situated on one of the great business thoroughfares, corner of Nassau and Fulton streets, and is one of the most central locations in the city. The building contains SIX FLOORS, each of which is, of itself, a complete department.

The First Floors are devoted to the retail business exclusively, and a number of polite salesmen are always in attendance.

The Second Floors are the custom departments, replete with all the latest and most desirable styles of goods, of our own importations, and from manufacturers' agents, where all who desire their garments made to order, in the best style, and for reasonable prices, will be promptly served.

The Third and Fourth Floors are devoted to the wholesale branch; and wholesale buyers will find, in this department, an extensive variety of the garments suited to all markets.

The Fifth and Sixth Floors are occupied exclusively for manufacturing.

The Spring and Summer Stock for 1852 is perhaps the largest ever exhibited before by any establishment, and embraces the most fashionable and substantial wearing apparel of every description, SUITABLE FOR ALL CLASSES, of every variety of material, at the lowest prices ever before known in the trade. Buying his Goods in immense quantities, the Proprietor is thereby enabled to effect a GREAT SAVING in cost, which results to the benefit of the purchaser. His stock of CLOTHS, CASSIMERES AND VESTINGS, from the best manufactories in EUROPE AND AMERICA, manufactured and imported to order, and embrace all of the richest fabrics and most beautiful styles.

The attention of COUNTRY MERCHANTS and purchasers generally, is particularly invited to an examination of this IMMENSE STOCK of some Two Hundred Thousand Dollars' Worth of Ready-Made Clothing, Manufactured by competent workmen, and cut in the most elegant and modern style. Also, every variety of Boys' Clothing.

A separate department is manged by a gentleman of experience and taste, and supplied with every material in use, imported and of home manufacture.

P. L. ROGERS,
Union Hall Clothing Emporium,
corner of Fulton and Nassau sts.,
opposite the Sun and Herald offices.

ap13 2m"

Source: UNION HALL Wholesale & Retail Clothing Warehouse [Advertisement], The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, May 20, 1852, p. 3, col. 4 (Note: Paid subscription required to access via this link).

"THE PRIZE CARRIAGE FOR UNION HALL. -- The following communication from Mr. P. L. ROGERS, the well-known Clothier of Union Hall, is in reply to a letter, signed 'An Artist,' which appeared in the DAILY TIMES of Saturday:

UNION HALL CLOTHING WAREHOUSE, }
Cor. of Fulton and Nassau-sts., Friday, March 18. }

To the Editor of the New-York Daily Times:

MR. EDITOR: I have the pleasure to state, in answer to the communication of 'An Artist, that the prize of $100 for the best design of a commodious and elegant business vehicle for Union Hall, has been awarded to Mr. N. H. Hoyt, of No. 230 Ninth-avenue, (the artist and architect employed by Mr. Kipp, the well-known stage proprietor,) for a most superb and beautiful model from which he is now engaged in manufacturing the Prize Carriage. It will be completed is time for the World's Fair, and will run to and fro between our establishment and the Crystal Palace. The vehicle, harness and horses will form, together, the most magnificent business 'turn out' ever seen in New-York. Yours respectfully, P. L. ROGERS."

Source: THE PRIZE CARRIAGE FOR UNION HALL, N.Y. Times, Mar. 21, 1853.

"DIED . . .

ROGERS. -- On Wednesday, July 6, at his residence, at Pelham, Westchester County, N.Y., P.L. ROGERS, from injuries sustained by being thrown from his carriage, on the 4th inst., aged 50 years.

The funeral Will take place from St. Stephen's Church, corner of East 28th-st. and Lexington-av., on Saturday morning, at 10 1/2 o'clock. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, without further notice."

Source: DIED . . . ROGERS, N.Y. Times, Jul. 8, 1864.

"Legal Notices.
-----

SHERIFF'S SALE. -- By virtue of a certain writ of execution issued out of the Supreme Court of the State of New York and to me directed and delivered, I have levied upon and taken -- which I shall expose for sale, as the law directs, at the Court-House in the village and town of White Plains, county of Westchester, and State of New York, on Wednesday, the seventeenth day of April, 1878, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon of that day -- all the right, title, and interest of Sarah A. Rogers, individually and as executrix of and trustee under the last will and testament of P. L. Rogers, deceased, which she had on the 20th day of February, 1877, or at any time thereafter, of, in, and to the following described premises, to wit:

All that certain tract, piece, or parcel of land situate lying and being in the town of Pelham, county of Westchester, and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at high water mark on the shore of Long Island Sound, at the boundary line between the premises hereby intended to be conveyed and land of Aaron Raymond (formerly of the said Patrick L. Rogers); and running thence along said Raymond's land north, twelve degrees fourteen minutes west (N., 12 deg. 14 min. W.), seven hundred and sixteen (716) feet, crossing the highway known as the Boston road, to the northerly side of said road; thence along the northerly side of said road south, seventy-three degrees twenty-six minutes west (S., 78 deg. 26 min. W.), sixty-one (61) feet, to the other land of said Raymond; thence along said Raymond's land north, twenty-two degrees fifty-three minutes west (N., 22 deg. 53 min. W.), five hundred and eighty (580) feet; thence north, sixty-eight degrees thirty four minutes east (N., 68 deg. 34 min. E.), twenty (20) feet; thence north, twenty-two degrees five minutes west (N., 22 deg. 5 min. W.), four hundred and sixty-five (465) feet six (6) inches; thence south, sixty-eight degrees thirty-four minutes west (S., 68 deg. 34 min. W.), four hundred and eighty (480) feet; thence south, twenty-two degrees fifty-one minutes east (S., 22 de. 51 min. E.), four hundred and sixty-five (465) feet six (6) inches, to land of Doctor Morris; thence along said Morris's land south, sixty-eight degrees thirty-four minutes west (S., 68 deg. 34 min. W.), eight hundred and ten (810) feet, to land of M. L. Bartow; thence along said Bartow's land north, thirty-eight degrees fifty-eight minutes west (N., 38 deg. 58 min. W.), seven hundred and twenty-six (726) feet; thence north, forty-nine degrees twenty-seven minutes east (N., 49 deg. 27 min. E.), one hundred and seventy-eight (178) feet; thence north, thirty-eight degrees six minutes west (N., 38 deg. 6 min. W.), two hundred and fifty-two (252) feet; thence north, sixteen minutes east (N., 16 min. E.), one hundred and thirty-six (136) feet; thence north, fifteen degrees seventeen minutes east (N., 15 deg. 17 min. E.), five hundred and twenty-nine (529) feet; thence south, eighty degrees twenty-six minutes east (S., 80 deg. 36 min. E.), three hundred and eighty-six (386) feet; thence north, sixty-seven degrees sixteen minutes east (N., 67 deg. 16 min. E.), one hundred and six (106) feet; thence north, thirty-six degrees seven minutes west (N., 36 deg. 7 min. W.), eight hundred and forty-eight (848) feet; thence north, sixty-six degrees forty-four minutes east (N., 66 deg. 44 min. E.), sixty-six (66) feet; thence north, sixty degrees, forty-four minutes east (N., 60 deg. 44 min. E.), eight hundred (800) feet thence north, seventy degrees thirty-six minutes east (N., 70 deg. 36 min. E.), eighty-six (86) feet; thence north, sixty degrees forty-four minutes east (N., 60 deg. 44 min. E.), two hundred and eighty-five (285) feet; thence north, forty-four degrees two minutes east (N., 44 deg. 2 min., E.), one hundred and seventy-one (171) feet; thence along land of Peter Van Cortlandt south, sixteen degrees twenty-three minutes east (S., 16 deg 23 min. E.), eight hundred and twelve (812) feet; thence south, thirteen degrees eleven minutes east (S., 13 deg. 11 min. E.) seven hundred and thirty-one (731) feet six (6) inches; thence north, seventy-six degrees fifteen minutes east (N., 76 deg. 15 min. E.), seventeen (17) feet, to land of Mary C. Worster; thence along said Worster's land south, twenty-one degrees twenty-four minutes east (S., 21 deg. 24 min. E.), nine hundred and sixty-one (961) feet six (6) inches; thence still along said Worster's land and land of Charles A. Trowbridge north, sixty-nine degrees thirteen minutes east (N., 69 deg. 13 min. E.), six hundred and twenty-one feet, to land of Peter Van Cortlandt aforesaid; thence along said Van Cortlandt's land south, seventeen degrees thirty minutes east (S., 17 deg. 31 min. E.), five hundred and fifty-three (553) feet, to the northerly side of the Boston road aforesaid; thence sought, twenty-seven degrees eight minutes east (S., 27 deg. 8 min. E.), forty-six (46) feet six (6) inches, to the southerly side of said road; thence still along said Van Cortlandt's land south, eighteen degrees east (S., 50 deg. E.), one hundred and forty-three (143) feet to high water mark on the shore of Long Island Sound; and thence along said shore, at high water mark, in a general westerly direction, to the place of beginning; together with all the right, title, and interest of the said Patrick L. Rogers, deceased, and of the party hereto of the first part (Sarah A. Rogers), in and to the land under water, and all water rights and privileges in front of, adjacent, and appertaining to the premises above described: being the same premises above described; being the same premises shown on a map or diagram surveyed for Audley W. Gazzam by Rudolph Ross, surveyor, August 27th, 1875, recorded in the Westcheter County Register's office, in Liber 676 of Mortgages, page 124, &c., September 6, 1875: excepting and reserving however, from the premises above described the land of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad Company, shown in said diagram; also excepting a certain parcel of land containing two acres, shown in said diagram, and marked 'A;' and a certain other parcel of land containing one acre, shown in said diagram and marked 'B' thereon -- the premises hereby intended to be conveyed containing, exclusive of the exceptions and reservations above mentioned, and exclusive of the highway known as Boston road, one hundred and one acres and one-tenth of an acre of land. -- Dated February 26, 1878.

ROBERT F. BRUNDAGE, Sheriff.
HORATIO F. AVERILL, Plaintiff's Attorney,
120 Broadway, N. Y. 46w7"

Source: Legal Notices -- SHERIFF'S SALE, Eastern State Journal [White Plains, NY], Mar. 15, 1878, Vol. XXXIII, No. 48, p. 4, col. 1.

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Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
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Labels: 1864, 1865, 1877, 1878, Auction, Clothier, P.L. Rogers, Patrick L. Rogers, Real Estate, Sheriff's Auction, Shore Road, Union Hall Wholesale & Retail Clothing Warehouse

Thursday, September 07, 2017

Patrick L. Rogers of Pelham and His Estate Along Shore Road in the 19th Century

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During the Civil War, one of the largest tracts in the Town of Pelham that fronted Long Island Sound along what we know today as Shore Road belonged to Patrick L. Rogers. The tract was immediately southwest of today's boundary between Pelham Manor and Pelham Bay Park. It overlooked Hunter's Island, from the mainland.

Patrick L. Rogers died in 1864. His will (transcribed below) named his wife, Sarah, and a number of his friends as executors of his estate. That estate included a massive 175-acre tract along today's Shore Road. He left his real and personal property to his wife and children.

Upon Patrick's death, the executors began the work to administer the estate. It took a number of years, but much of the tract finally was offered for sale by auction in 1869. A number of advertisements for this important auction appeared in newspapers published throughout the region. (An image of one such advertisement and a transcription of its text appear at the end of today's article.)

I have written before about this important land auction. See:

Mon., Jul. 31, 2006: Sale at Auction of P. L. Rogers Estate on Mainland Across from Hunter's Island in Pelham in 1869.

Thu., Feb. 18, 2010: 1869 Advertisement for Auction of Portion of 175 Acres in Town of Pelham Owned by P.L. Rogers.

The auction of a portion of the Rogers estate in 1869 encompassed "a portion" of the 175-acre property owned by Patrick L. Rogers before his death. The auction was held on Saturday, April 3, 1869 at the Mott Haven Railroad Depot. Why was the auction held at Mott Haven rather than Pelham? At the time, the Mott Haven Railroad Depot was the very first railroad station across the Harlem River from Manhattan -- likely an effort to select an accessible location between Manhattan and lower Westchester County to attract the most buyers.

Advertisements for the auction touted important features of this spectacular Pelham property. First, it was situated in Pelham -- a major selling point at the time. Second, it overlooked Hunter's Island and Long Island Sound. Third, it was conveniently located only eight miles from Harlem Bridge. Fourth, it was on the line of the Harlem and Portchester Railroad, an early transportation artery into and out of New York City. Fifth, it was within "two minutes' walk of the new Pelham depot." Sixth and, perhaps, most importantly (and, thus, printed in all capital letters in the advertisement) a critical roadway passed through the property. It was described as "THE HARLEM AND NEW ROCHELLE BOULEVARD PASSES THROUGH THE PROPERTY." This was an early reference to what we know today as Shore Road.

The heirs of Patrick L. Rogers offered the land in plots of 1-1/2 acre to 7-acre plots. While the auction clearly was intended to attract those who sought residential "villa plots," real estate speculators were not ignored. Advertisements emphasized that "Buyers and capitalists will do well to invest in the above property, in view of the improvements being carried out in that neighborhood."

Advertisements also indicated as follows: "For maps and particulars inquire of CHARLES D. MOTT, 25 Pine street and at Fourth avenue, corner 125th st." There are no known maps or other printed "particulars" now known that illustrate the auction offerings made available on April 3, 1869. Perhaps, one day, some will surface.

Detail From 1868 Beers Map Showing Location of the P. L. Rogers Estate

Along Today's Shore Road, A Portion of Which Was Offered for Sale at a

Peremptory Auction Held on Saturday, April 3, 1869. Source: Beers,

Frederick W., "City Island, Pelham Township, Westchester Co., N.Y. [with]

Town of Pelham Westchester Co. N.Y." in Atlas of New York and Vicinity from

Actual Surveys by and Under the Direction of F. W. Beers, Assisted by A.B.

Prindle & Others, p. 35 (NY, NY: F. W. Beers, A.D. Ellis & G.G. Soule, 1868).

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"SALES AT AUCTION.
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AT AUCTION.

Peremptory Sale.
Valuable Villa Plots of Westchester county Property, to be sold at Mott Haven railroad depot, first station across the Harlem river, Saturday, April 3, at 12 o'clock, by direction of Gerard M. Stevens, Esq., referee. A portion of 175 acres of the Estate of P. L. Rogers, deceased.

This desirable property is situated at Pelham, adjoining Hunter's Island, and fronting the on [sic] Sound. It is distant eight miles from Harlem bridge, on the line of the Harlem and Portchester Railroad. Within two minutes' walk of the new Pelham depot.

THE HARLEM AND NEW ROCHELLE BOULEVARD PASSES THROUGH THE PROPERTY.

It is beautifully laid out in plots varying from 1 1/2 to 7 acres, fine soil, and lovely building sites on every plot. Neighborhood first class, with fine scenery on the Sound. Buyers and capitalists will do well to invest in the above property, in view of the improvements being carried out in that neighborhood. For maps and particulars inquire of CHARLES D. MOTT, 25 Pine street and at Fourth avenue, corner 125th st."

Source: SALES AT AUCTION -- AT AUCTION Peremptory Sale [Advertisement], N.Y. Herald, Apr. 2, 1869, p. 8, col. 3 (Note: Paid subscription required to access via this link).

"[Page] 127

Westchester County --
Surrogate's Court --
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In the matter of proving the last Will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, Deceased.
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Be it remembered, that, heretofore, to-wit, on the thirteenth day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty four, Sarah A. Rogers, one of the executors named in the last Will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, late of the town of Pelham, County of Westchester, deceased, appeared in open Court before the Surrogate of the County of Westchester, and made application to have the said last Will and testament, which relates to both real and personal estate proved, and on such application the Surrogate did ascertain by satisfactory evidence who were the widow, heirs at law and next of kin of the said testator, and their residences, did issue a citation in due form of law, directed to the said widow, heirs and next of kin by their respective names, stating their respective places of residence, requiring them to appear before the said Surrogate at his office in the town of White Plains, in the said County of Westchester, on the twenty fifth day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty four, to attend the probate of the said Will, and afterwards to-wit, on the said twenty fifth day of July, satisfactory evidence by affidavit was produced and presented to the said Surrogate of the due service of the said citation, in the mode prescribed by law, on all the parties named, therein, and the said Surrogate having ascertained that eight of the heirs and next of kin were minors having no general guardian within the State and that said citation had been duly served on the minors and also upon the person or persons having control of such as were under

[Page] 128

fourteen years of age, as prescribed by law, and having filed the written assent of John P. Jenkins, and by an order duly entered for that purpose, appoint him the special guardian for said minors to take care of their interests in the premises, and on that day the said executors and the said special guardian having attended in person, and no one appearing to oppose the probate of the said will, such proceedings were thereupon had afterwards that the Surrogate took the proofs of the said Will herein after set forth upon this twenty fifth day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty four and he adjudged the said Will to be a valid will of real and personal estate and the proofs thereof, to be sufficient which said last will and testament and proofs are as follows, that is to say: --

In the name of GOD, Amen: --

I, Patrick L. Rogers, being at present in good health bodily and of sound mind memory and understanding, but mindful of the uncertainty of human life, do for the disposition after my decease of the property and effects of which I may die seized and possessed or entitled to make, publish and declare this my last Will and testament,

First: -- It is my will and I do hereby direct my executor and executrix herein after named, as soon as conveniently may be after my decease, to pay off satisfy and discharge all my just debts and funeral expenses.

Second: -- All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate property and effects of every nature or kind which may remain after the payment of my just debts and funeral expenses I give, devise and bequeath to my executrix and executors herein after named, or such of them as shall assume the execution of this my Will the survivors and survivor of them in trust, nevertheless,

[Page] 129

to invest and keep the same invested in such a manner as they may see fit, until the distribution of my estate as herein after provided and to collect and receive the rents, income or profits thereof, and dispose of the same as follows --

First: -- To pay to my beloved wife during her natural life, or until she shall marry again, or until the youngest of my living children shall attain the age of twenty one years -- which ever event shall first occur so much of the income and profit of my estate as may be necessary for the comfortable support and education of my said children, and in case the whole of said income shall be insufficient for the support of my wife and mother and the maintenance and education of my said children or such of them as may be minors then and it that case I authorize my executors and executrix to apply to that purpose so much of the principal and invested as may be necessary to make up the deficiency.

Second -- Upon the youngest of my living children attaining the age of twenty one years I direct my executors and executrix in case my wife shall then be living, and unmarried, to invest so much of my estate as may be necessary to produce an annuity of one thousand dollars per year and pay the same to my said wife during her life time or until she shall marry again for the support and maintenance of herself and my mother and such of my children if any who may need assistance,

And to divide all the rest residue and remainder of my estate equally among such of my children as shall then be living but in case any of my children shall have died leaving lawful issue him or her surviving, then to divide the same between such of my children as shall then be living and the issue of any so deceased in such manner that the child or children of the one so deceased shall take --

[Page] 130

the same share that his or her or their parent would have taken if living.

Third: -- Upon the death or marriage of my said wife which ever event shall first occur, in case my youngest living child shall have then attained the age of twenty one years, I direct my executrix and executors after making a suitable provision for the support of my mother during her life time, to divide all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate which may then remain equally among such of my children as shall then be living, or in case either of my said children shall have died leaving lawful issue, him or her surviving, such child or children of mine as shall then be living or the issue then living of my deceased child in such manner that the child or children of one so deceased shall take the same share which his her or their parent would have taken if then living.

Fourth: -- In case the youngest of my living children shall not have attained the age of twenty one years at the death or marriage of my said wife then and in that case I direct my executors and executrix to apply the said rents and income of my estate or so much thereof, as may be necessary for the purpose to the support and maintenance of my mother during her life time, and the maintenance and education of my minor children until the youngest of my living children shall attain the age of twenty one years, to divide the whole rest, residue and remainder of my estate except so much as may be necessary for the support of my mother between such of my children as shall then be living and the descendants of any who may then have died leaving issue in such manner that the child or children of any deceased children shall take the one share which his her or their parent would have taken if living.

[Page] 131

Lastly: -- I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my wife Sarah A. Rogers, executrix and my friends, Peter Murray, Samuel B. Bartow and Charles Griffith all of the City and County of New York, merchants, Daniel O'Connor of said City, Builder, executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and annulling all other former Wills by me made and declaring this to be my last will and testamtent.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirty first day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.

Patrick L. Rogers (LS)

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said testator as and for his last will and testament, in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.

Benj M. Stilwell, 11 Chambers St New York.

Thomas Wadling, 11 Chambers St New York.

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Westchester County --
Surrogate's Court --
----------
In the matter of proving the last Will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, deceased.
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State of New York,
County of Westchester SS: --

[Page]

Benjamin M. Stilwell, of the City of New York, being duly sworn and examined before the Surrogate of the County of Westchester, doth depose and say,

That he was well acquainted with Patrick L. Rogers late of the town of Pelham, in the said County, deceased.

That he was present as a witness and did see the said Patrick L. Rogers, deceased, subscribe his name to the instrument in writing now produced and shown to this deponent, bearing date the thirty first day of March in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven, purporting to be the last will and testament of the said Patrick L. Rogers, deceased.

That the said Patrick L. Rogers at the time of making such subscription declared the said instrument so subscribed by him to be his last will and testament, and requested this deponent to sign his name as a witness thereto.

Thereupon this deponent did accordingly sign his name and witness at the end of the said instrument, in the presence of the said Patrick L. Rogers, deceased and in the presence of Thomas Wadley of the City of New York, the other subscribing witness to the said instrument.

This deponent further saith that the said Patrick L. Rogers, dec'd, at the time he so executed the said instrument was a citizen of the United States of full age sound mind and memory in all respects competent to devise real estate and not under any restraint, and that this deponent saw the said Thomas Wadley sign the said instrument at the end thereof, as a witness in the presence of the said Patrick L. Rogers dec'd and at his request --

[Page] 133

Sworn, examined and subscribed,
before me this 25th day of
July A D. 1864.

Benj. M. Stilwell.
John W. Mills.
Surrogate --

Westchester County --
Surrogate's Court --
----------
In the matter of proving the last Will and testament, of Patrick L. Rogers, late of the town of Pelham, deceased.
----------
Westchester County -- to-wit: --

Benjamin M. Stilwell, of the City of New York being duly sworn and examined before John W. Mills, Surrogate of the County of Westchester doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Thomas Wadling formerly of the City of New York, and with his manner and style of handwriting having often seen him write, and that he verily believes that the signature Thomas Wadling signed as a witness to the instrument in writing now produced and shown to this deponent bearing date the date the 31st day of March, in the yeara one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven purporting to be the last will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers deceased, is the true and genuine hand writing and signature of the said Thomas Wadling and that the said Thomas Wadling since the execution of the said instrument has left the United States and had been since and is now residing in England.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 25th day of July A. D. 1864

Benj M. Stilwell
John W. Mills,
Surrogate.

[Page] 134

Westchester County --
Surrogate's Court --
----------
In the matter of proving the last Will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, late of the town of Pelham, deceased.
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Westchester County SS: --

Shubart E. Swaine, of the City of New York, being duly sworn and examined before John W. Mills, Surrogate of the County of Westchester doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Thomas Wadling formerly of the City of New York, and with his manner and style of handwriting having often seen him write, and that he verily believes that the signature of Thomas Wadling signed as a witness to the said instrument, now produced and shown to this deponent bearing date the thirty first day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven purporting to be the last will and testament of the said Patrick L. Rogers deceased in the true and genunie hand writing of the said Thomas Wadling and that the said Thomas Wadling since the execution of said instrument, has left the United States and is not [sic] residing in England.

Subscribed and sworn to before me
this 25th day of July, A. D. 1864.

S. E. Swaine.

John W. Mills,
Surrogate --

[Page] 135

Westchester County --
Surrogate's Court
-----------
In the matter of proving the last Will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, deceased.
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The executor, widow, heirs at law and next of kin having this day appeared in pursuance of the citation heretofore issued, and the proofs and examination of the subscribing witnesses to the said will, having been duly taken and heard, and upon such proof it appearing satisfactorily to this Court that the said will had been and duly executed according to law, and that the said testator at the time of executing the same was in all respects competent to dispose of the same.

It is therefore Ordered, decided and decreed, that the said will be and the same is hereby established as a will of real and personal estate and that the same be admitted to probate and recorded.

John W. Mills.
Surrogate --

Westchester County SS: --

Recorded the preceding last will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, deceased, as a valid will of real and personal estate together with the proofs and examinations taken in the Court of the Surrogate of the County of Westchester, relating to the said last will and testament, which record is hereby signed and certified by me pursuant to the Revised Statutes this 25th day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty four.

John W. Mills.

Surrogate --"

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Immediately below are images of the probate records transcribed immediately above.