Historic Pelham

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

Thursday, October 31, 2019

The Poltergeist of Pelhamdale


There is a lovely historic home located at 45 Iden Avenue in the Village of Pelham Manor. It is known as "Pelhamdale." Portions of the home including the rear basement with entrance and massive fireplace are believed to pre-date the Revolutionary War. The home once was owned by American Patriot David Jones Pell. The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home has been significantly altered since the eighteenth century. 

The home, known also as the Old Pell Place and the Old Pell Home, is located today on a triangular tract bounded by Carol Place, Iden Avenue, and the Hutchinson River Parkway. The plot on which the home sits was part of a large 18th and 19th century farm that once was bounded by today's Colonial Avenue (the Old Boston Post Road), the Lane that became known as Wolf's Lane, today's Boston Post Road, and the Hutchinson River. 

Col. Philip Pell III (1753-1811) owned an adjacent farm, the farmhouse of which once stood at the intersection of today's Cliff and Colonial Avenues. Col. Pell was a son of Philip Pell II who, in turn, was son of Philip Pell who was a son of Thomas Pell (so-called Third Lord of the Manor of Pellham). The original farm cottage that forms a portion of today's "Pelhamdale" at 45 Iden Avenue was built by Philip Pell II around 1750-60. 

Philip Pell II was the father of Col. Philip Pell III (often referenced, oddly, as Philip Pell, Jr.) and David Jones Pell. Both the sons were American Patriots. After the death of the elder Pell, his son David Jones Pell became owner of "Pelhamdale." David Jones Pell's brother, Philip Pell III, built his adjacent farm and farmhouse. That farm included the land on which today's Pelham Memorial High School stands. A memorial marker and date stone of the home built by Col. Philip Pell III stand next to the front entrance of the high school. 

After the death of David Jones Pell in 1823, Pell's widow sold the farm to James Hay who owned it until his own death in the 1850s. Hay extensively expanded and renovated the home, giving it an appearance similar to the home's appearance today. Apparently during the expansion of the home, James Hay embedded in the north wall of the home a large block of sandstone on which is carved in relief the Hay family coat-of-arms. 

As one might expect, with a portion of the home now nearly 270 years old, there has been a long succession of owners and tenants who have lived in the home over the years. Also, as one might expect, the home is associated with a number of entertaining and important Pelham ghost stories. One of several such stories associated with the home is that of the poltergeist of Pelhamdale. 

Mrs. Garnett Mabel Winslow was visiting Pelhamdale, the stunning home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Le Roi Layton Elliott, some time ago. After a pleasant Friday evening with the family, Mrs. Winslow retired to an upstairs guest bedroom where she slept soundly in the supremely-appointed bed. 

In the wee hours of Saturday morning, before the sun had risen, Mrs. Winslow was startled awake by the screech of furniture being dragged on a floor. It took her a few moments to clear the fog of sleep from her mind until she heard the banging of chairs and, again, the dragging of furniture above her bedroom. 

Mrs. Winslow loved her daughter and her son-in-law, but it was a little annoying so early on a Saturday morning that they had chosen to rearrange furniture in the room above her as she slept. To make matters more annoying, the sounds suggested that furniture was being dragged from one side of the room to another and then back again, repeatedly! 

As the banging and scraping grew more frantic, Mrs. Winslow realized that she was wide awake and unlikely to slip back into sleep. She lay in bed awake as the bumps and scrapes continued until the sun rose and dawn crept into her room. At that moment, the noise from the studio above ended. Mrs. Winslow got up, dressed, and wandered downstairs for coffee and to visit with her daughter and son-in-law. 

When she made it downstairs, not a soul was there. Pelhamdale was quiet. Neither her daughter nor son-in-law was downstairs. Thinking it odd that they would work so hard in the third-floor studio overnight then return to bed, Mrs. Winslow shrugged, made the coffee herself, and waited for pair to come downstairs. 

Soon Le Roi Elliott and his wife wandered downstairs. Still sleepy, they were surprised to find Mrs. Winslow and a fresh pot of coffee in the kitchen. The trio sat to enjoy the morning together when Mrs. Winslow remarked that the work in the studio in the wee hours of the morning must have been exhausting since it sounded as though her daughter and son-in-law had been rearranging furniture for much of the night. 

Mr. and Mrs. Elliott stared at her in disbelief, then glanced at each other. “Mom,” Mrs. Elliott said, “we just got up. There was no one in the studio last night.” 

Mrs. Winslow felt a chill run up her spine. She knew better. Someone had, in fact, been in the studio last night. That someone, it turns out, was the poltergeist of Pelhamdale. . .



Pelhamdale, 45 Iden Avenue, Pelham Manor, New York.

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Thursday, November 09, 2017

1856 Notice Regarding Sale of James Hay's Lands in Pelham and Eastchester


There is a lovely historic home located at 45 Iden Avenue in the Village of Pelham Manor.  It is known as "Pelhamdale."  Portions of the home including the rear basement with entrance and massive fireplace are believed to pre-date the Revolutionary War.  The home once was owned by American Patriot David Jones Pell.  The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home has been significantly altered since the eighteenth century.

The home, known also as the Old Pell Place and the Old Pell Home is located today on a triangular tract bounded by Carol Place, Iden Avenue, and the Hutchinson River Parkway.  The plot on which the home sits was part of a large 18th and 19th century farm that once was bounded by today's Colonial Avenue (the Old Boston Post Road), the Lane that became known as Wolf's Lane, today's Boston Post Road, and the Hutchinson River.  

Col. Philip Pell III (1753-1811) owned an adjacent farm, the farmhouse of which once stood at the intersection of today's Cliff and Colonial Avenues.  Col. Pell was a son of Philip Pell II who, in turn, was son of Philip Pell who was a son of Thomas Pell (so-called Third Lord of the Manor of Pellham).  The original farm cottage that forms a portion of today's "Pelhamdale" at 45 Iden Avenue was built by Philip Pell II around 1750-60.

Philip Pell II was the father of Col. Philip Pell III (often referenced, oddly, as Philip Pell, Jr.) and David Jones Pell.  Both the sons were American Patriots.  After the death of the elder Pell, his son David Jones Pell became owner of "Pelhamdale."  David Jones Pell's brother, Philip Pell III, built his adjacent farm and farmhouse.  That farm included the land on which today's Pelham Memorial High School stands.  A memorial marker and date stone of the home built by Col. Philip Pell III stand next to the front entrance of the high school.

After the death of David Jones Pell in 1823, Pell's widow sold the farm to James Hay who owned it until his own death in the 1850s.  Hay extensively expanded and renovated the home, giving it an appearance similar to the home's appearance today.  Apparently during the expansion of the home, James Hay embedded in the north wall of the home a large block of sandstone on which is carved in relief the Hay family coat-of-arms.

James Hay assembled extensive plots of land in the Towns of Pelham and Eastchester.  He died intestate (without a will) before disposing of those properties.  After his death, Hay's wife was appointed an Administratrix of his estate (together with a group of Administrators).  Mrs. Hay and the Administrators worked for years to try to sell all of the land Hay owned, holding multiple estate auctions between 1856 and at least 1860.

Today's Historic Pelham article transcribes notice of one such public auction published on August 1, 1856.  The notice indicated that on September 3, 1856, the estate would attempt to auction six parcels of land in Pelham and Eastchester including much of the Pelhamdale farm.  The notice, transcribed below, provides interesting insight into the holdings of James Hay, a wealthy 19th century Pelhamite. 


View of Pelhamdale from Iden Avenue on September 3, 2014.
Source: "Pelhamdale" in Wikipedia -- The Free Encyclopedia (visited
May 7, 2016). NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"WESTCHESTER COUNTY SURROGATE COURT. -- In the matter of the application of the Administrators, &c., of JAMES HAY, deceased, for authority to sell the real estate of intestate, &c.

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to an order of the Surrogate of Westchester County, made in the above matter on the 10th day of September, 1855, that the undersigned, the Administratrix and Administrators of James Hay, late of the town of Pelham, said in county, deceased, intestate, will sell at public vendue, on the premises, in the towns of Pelham and East Chester, is said County of Westchester, on the third day of September next, at 12 o'clock at noon of that day, the following pieces or parcels of land, situate in the said county of Westchester:

PARCEL 1 -- All that certain piece or parcel of land situate in the town of East Chester, country of Westchester, and State of New York, bounded as follows:  Beginning at a corner of a stone wall now or late of Stephen Jones, thence running northerly with the line of the land of said Jones to the centre of a ditch adjoining the salt meadow now of James Hay, formerly of one Stephen S. Pell; thence easterly with said ditch to East Chester Creek, (so called); thence with said creek to the salt meadow land now (or late) of Isaac Sherwood; thence westerly with said meadow land of said Sherwood to the place of beginning -- containing two acres, be the same more or less -- being one of the pieces or parcels of land which were conveyed by John W. Fowt, of East Chester, and Susan C. his wife, to Alfred H. Duncombe, by deed dated the 20th day of March, 1846, recorded in Westchester County Clerk's Office, in Liber 115 of Deeds, page 214, &c.

PARCEL 2 -- All that certain piece or parcel of salt meadow land situate lying and being in the town of East Chester, in said county of Westchester, bounded northerly by salt meadow land late of Gloriansen Franklin (now of Alfred H. Duncombe); easterly by East Chester Creek; southerly by land of heirs of Philip Pell, deceased; and westerly by land of heirs of widow Roberts -- containing five acres, three roods, and eight perches, be the same more or less -- being the same premises conveyed to the said James Hay, deceased, by Isaac Sherwood and Harriet his wife, by deed bearing date 7th of May, 1850.

PARCEL 3 -- All those certain six lots of land in the town of Pelham, said county of Westchester, known as lots Nos. 8, 156, 170, 212, 286, and 381, on a map entitled 'Map of Pelhamville, Westchester County, New York,' dated August 4th, 1851, surveyed by William Bryson, and filed in Westchester County Clerk's Office, bounded and containing, according to said map as follows:  North lot number 8 -- bounded north by lot No. 91, seventy-five feet; south-east by land of said James Hay, one hundred and fifteen feet; south by lot No. 74, twenty-five feet; and west by lot No. 75, one hundred feet.  Middle lot No. 8 -- Bounded north by lot No. 52, about ninety feet; south-east by land of said James Hay, one hundred and twenty feet; south by lot No. 33, twenty-two feet; west by lot No. 34, one hundred feet.  South lot No. 8 -- Bounded north by lot No. 33, sixty-five feet; south-east by land of said James Hay, one hundred and twenty feet; and west by Fifth avenue, about one hundred feet.  Lot No. 156 -- Bounded north by Fourth street; east by First avenue, three hundred feet; south by lot marked L; and west by Hutchinson's River.  Lot No. 170 -- Bounded north by lot No. 172, one hundred feet; east by Eight avenue, one hundred feet; south by lot No. 142, one hundred feet; and west by lot No. 169, one hundred feet.  Lot No. 212 -- Bounded north by lot No. 234, one hundred feet; east by lot No. 213, one hundred feet; south by lot No. 208, one hundred feet; and west by Third avenue, one hundred feet.  Lot No. 286 -- Bounded north by lot No. 293, one hundred feet; east by Second avenue, one hundred feet; south by lot No. 264, one hundred feet; and west by lot No. 267, one hundred feet.  And lot No. 331 -- Bounded on the North by lot No. 384, one hundred feet; on the est by lot 380, one hundred feet; on the south by lot No. 364, one hundred feet; and on the wet in front by River place, one hundred feet.

PARCEL 4 -- All that certain piece, parcel, or tract of land situate lying an being in the township of Pelham, in the said county of Westchester, being part of the farm late of David J. Pell, deceased, bounded and described as follows, to wit:  Beginning at a stone set at the end of the salt meadow adjoining the easterly side of the East Chester Creek on said farm late of David J. Pell, deceased, marked X; from thence running in a line easterly, as said fence now stands, until it comes to the westerly side of the road ledaing through the farm last mentioned from the Old Boston Post Road to the New Turnpike Road leading to Boston; from thence running northerly five feet, or thereabouts to a stone set in the ground against a stone fence marked X; from thence running in line easterly to the line fence between the said farm of David J. Pell, deceased, and the farm late of Philip Pell, deceased, at a stone set in the ground, marked X; from thence running in a line northerly along the fence last mentioned till it comes to the Old Boston Post Road, above mentioned, to a stone set in the ground marked X; from thence westerly by and with the said road till it comes to the bridge commonly called Pell's Bridge; from thence southerly by and with Hutchinson's River, or East Chester Creek, to the place of beginning -- containing ninety acres, be the same more or less.  Also, all that other piece, parcel or tract of land, or salt medow, lying and being in the town of East Chester, in the said county, bounded as follows:  On the North by the Old Boston Post Road; westerly by the land of Jesse Lyon; south by the land of widow Franklin, deceased; east by East Chester Creek -- containing about seven acres, be the same more or less.

PARCEL 5 -- All that certain dwelling house and lot of land situate in the town of East Chester, in said county of Westchester, known and described as follows, to wit:  Bounded on the west and north by the Old Boston Post Road, leading from East Chester aforesaid to New Rochelle; easterly by a salt meadow belonging to James Hay; southerly by land of Stephen Jones; and containing in the above bounds about six and a half acres, be the same more or less -- being the same premises conveyed to the said James Hay, deceased, by George Faile, Administrator, &c., of Abraham Simmonds, deceased, by deed bearing date the 19th day of January, 1836.

PARCEL 6 -- All the right, title, and interest which the said intestate, at the time of his decease, had in and to the following premises, viz:  All that certain piece, parcel, tract, or farm of land situate in the town of Pelham aforesaid, and bounded northerly by the Old Boston Post Road; westerly by land of Francis Secor and the said James Hay; southerly by the East Chester turnpike road; and easterly by land of Henry Grenzebeck [sic] -- containing about one hundred and fourteen acres of land -- subject to the privilege heretofore conveyed to Daniel Sherwood, of taking from the spring of water on the above described premises, (opposite the dwelling house,) for the necessary use of the said Daniel Sherwood, so far as the said privilege is conveyed to the said Sherwood, in a certain deed to him from Robert S. Hart, Master in Chancery -- being the same premises conveyed to the said James Hay, deceased, by Mary Pell, by deed bearing date the 9th day of January, 1846. -- Dated July 16, 1856.

REBECCA HAY, Administratrix,
WILLIAM S. POPHAM,              }
SAMUEL T. CAREY,                  }     Administrators of James Hay, deceased.
SAMUEL E. LYON,                    }

ROBERT COCHRAN, Proctor for Petitioners.     10w7"

Source:  WESTCHESTER COUNTY SURROGATE COURT. -- In the matter of the application of the Administrators, &c., of JAMES HAY, deceased, for authority to sell the real estate of intestate, &c. [Legal Notice], Eastern State Journal [White Plains, NY], Aug. 1, 1856, Vol. XII, No. 12, p. 4, col. 6.

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I have written about James Hay and his lovely historic home known as "Pelhamdale" (and "Pelham Dale") on numerous occasions.  For a few of many examples, see:

Wed., Nov. 30, 2016:  Article on the History of Pelhamdale Published in 1925 After Tragic Fire.

Thu., Nov. 03, 2016:  1860 Auction Offering Pelhamdale Lots from the Estate of James Hay.

Thu., Oct. 20, 2016:  Fears in 1934 and 1935 that the Historic Home Known as Pelhamdale Would Be Razed.

Fri, May 13, 2016 1851:  Advertisement Offering Farm and Mansion Known as Pelhamdale for Lease.

Fri., Sep. 04, 2015:  Sale of the Pre-Revolutionary War Home Known as Pelhamdale in 1948.

Tue., Jun. 24, 2014:  Story of Pelhamdale, the Old Stone House by the Bridge, Once Owned by David J. Pell.

Thu., Jan. 03, 2008:  Charges in 1808 Against Lieutenant-Colonel David J. Pell of Pelham that He "Indulges in Inebriety and Habitual Drunkeness." 

Thu., Oct. 26, 2006:  Genealogical Data Regarding David Jones Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Revolutionary War Officer

Mon., Oct 15, 2007:  Town Proclamation Recognizes Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Pelhamdale at 45 Iden Avenue

Wed., Nov. 02, 2005:  Engraving by P.M. Pirnie Showing Pelhamdale in 1861

Thu., Oct. 13, 2005:  Two More Pelham Ghost Stories

Mon., Sep. 19, 2005:  The Long-Hidden Pastoral Mural Uncovered in Pelhamdale, a Pre-Revolutionary War Home

Mon., Apr. 11, 2005:  More From the William R. Montgomery Glass Negative Collection (includes photograph of fire at Pelhamdale on February 28, 1925)

Tue., Mar. 22, 2005:  The 1790 U.S. Census Information for the Township of Pelham.

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Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion, Had Option to Buy Pelhamdale in 1945


Only two pre-Revolutinary War structures remain standing in Pelham.  The first is the so-called Kemble House located at 145 Shore Road.  The wing on the left of the home (when seen from Shore Road) is the original part of the home built between about 1750 and 1760.  The other pre-Revolutionary War home is known as "Pelhamdale."  Located at 45 Iden Avenue, it is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The lower level of the home on what is now the rear of the structure is the original part of the home that also was built between about 1750 and 1760.  Today's Historic Pelham article describes efforts by Pelham Post 50, American Legion to purchase Pelhamdale for use as a clubhouse in 1945 and 1946.  

Rumors began to swirl in the little Town of Pelham in the spring of 1945 that the local American Legion post wanted to buy the home known as Pelhamdale on Iden Avenue.  The home was on the market after the death of W.W. Taylor.  It was for sale by his estate.

At the time, Pelhamdale was somewhat run-down.  Knowing that the structure was on the market, all of Pelham feared the historic home might be demolished and replaced with several smaller homes on the same property.  Pelham Post 50, American Legion stepped up to do its patriotic duty.  

On May 17, 1945, the Chairman of the post's Building Committee, Frederick C. Genz, announced to members of the post recommended that the post purchase Pelhamdale and remodel it for use as an American Legion clubhouse.  With so many young men of Pelham returning from the war (and expected to return from the war), members of the post felt that something patriotic should be done to support such returning veterans.  They wanted to provide them with a lovely clubhouse for entertainment and gathering purposes.  There even was talk about permitting its use as a USO canteen for a period of time.

It was as if the Pelham veterans had exploded a massive bomb in the midst of Town.  

Pelhamdale sat in a quiet residential enclave zoned only for single family residences.  Zoning ordinances would either have to be changed or a waiver would have to be provided by the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Within days nearby residents mobilized to do battle with Pelham Post 50.

A group of eighty nearby residents organized a protest against use of the historic home as a clubhouse.  A petition was circulated as part of the protest and the eighty residents signed it.  On Monday, June 18, 1945, Pelham Manor resident Percy J. Gaynor who lived on Carol Place near the historic home appeared before the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor.  Representing the protesters, he presented the petition to the Board and demanded that the Board make no changes to the zoning laws that would allow any use of the structure other than as a private residence.  The Board demurred, saying that it had nothing before it related to the matter and that the issue would be addressed by the Zoning Board of Appeals rather than the Board.  Gaynor announced that his group immediately would file its petition with the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Pelham's battle-tested veterans appeared quickly to retreat.  In a matter of days, post Commander Daniel E. Brown told a reporter for The Pelham Sun that the post planned to abandon its plans to purchase Pelhamdale.  He said "Post 50 does not want to arouse antagonism in its plans."

Commander Brown's comments may have been a tactical feint.  It seems that the true reason for the comments may have been that the estate of W. W. Taylor had raised the price for the home by $20,000.  Commander Brown also told the reporter that the Building Committee was looking at three other possibilities:  (1) two floors in The Pelham Sun building at 89 Wolfs Lane; (2) a home on Pelhamdale Avenue; and (3) a home on Shore Road.

Far from abandoning their plans, for the next few months, members of Post 50 worked quietly behind the scenes to dampen opposition to those very plans.  First, the post acquired an option to purchase the property with an intent to use it for "patriotic purposes."  Next, the veterans met with owners of properties within 1,000 feet of the property (whose support would be required to obtain a zoning change or a variance).  The veterans provided nearby homeowners assurances that there would be no noise problems and that on street parking would be adequate.  

Neighbors would not be swayed.  Within days of the veterans' meetings with local landowners, an even bigger protest than the first one erupted.  This time, nearby homeowners prepared a petition signed by more than ninety of the 177 property owners who lived within 1,000 feet of the Pelhamdale property objecting to use of the home as a clubhouse and demanding that no change to, or variance from, the residential zoning ordinance be permitted.  The homeowners again appeared at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor on Monday, December 17, 1945.  According to one report, the homeowners  "demanded that any request for a variation of the zoning restrictions with regard to the Pell House property at Carol Place and Iden Avenue be rejected, and that they be notified if and when application for a change be made."

The very next day, the Commander of Pelham Post 50, Daniel E. Brown, was defiant.  He told a local reporter that "Post 50 was going right ahead with its plans, that it possessed a contract of sale for the Pell House property and that when the proper time arrived a petition for a variant use of the Pell House would be presented and it would then have sufficient signatures to ensure its approval.  He indicated that he was optimistic about the result."

The protests, however, continued as nearby neighbors battled the plan.  Only one month later, the battle-weary veterans of Pelham Post 50 surrendered and raised the white flag.  On January 21, 1946, Commander Daniel E. Brown announced that the post had "abandoned its efforts to secure Pell House in Pelham Manor as a clubhouse and is seeking another place."

The nearby neighbors, however, could not let down their guard.  Pelham residents throughout the town still feared the historic home known as Pelhamdale would be demolished to make room for several new houses on the lot.  A subscription initiative was begun to raise funds to purchase Pelhamdale and make it a public library for the Town of Pelham.  The neighbors renewed their vigorous fight.  Eventually, however, the initiative "fell through from lack of public interest."

It took two more years to resolve the uncertainty over the future of Pelhamdale.  Finally, in August, 1948 local newspapers reported that the estate of W. W. Taylor had sold Pelhamdale to Joseph Boucher, 2534 Woodhull Avenue, the Bronx.  Boucher intended to preserve the structure as a private residence.

The historic home known as Pelhamdale located in Historic Pelham would live to see another day.



Pelhamdale

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"14-Room Mansion To Become New Home Of Legion Post 50


PELHAM -- The long-cherished dream of a clubhouse for Pelham Post 50, American Legion, was brought nearer realization last night when the post instructed the building committee to complete arrangements for the purchase of a 14-room stone mansion, the Pell House, at Iden and Carol Avenues.

Frederick C. Genz, chairman of the Building Committee, last night gave a detailed description of the house and its advantages as a clubhouse following an inspection by the committee recently.  The house is one of the historic landmarks of Westchester, having been built before the Revolutionary War.

Plans for remodeling and decorating the mansion were discussed.  It was brought out that purchase of a clubhouse is particularly propitious at this time, when returning servicemen will wish to make use of its facilities.  The purchase is expected to be completed within the next few days.

Arrangements were furthered for a block party to take place Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2, on Harmon Place, to raise money for the building fund.  It was pointed out that the block party will be held in the afternoon as well as the evening of Saturday, June 2.

Commander Daniel E. Brown presided."

Source:  14-Room Mansion To Become New Home Of Legion Post 50, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], May 18, 1945, p. 9, cols. 3-4.  

"Eighty Protest Proposal To Change 'Pell House' Site of Legion Post Club
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Percy J. Gaynor of Carol Place Pelham Manor headed a small delegation which presented a petition signed by 80 residents within the immediate neighborhood of the old Pell House to the Pelham Manor village trustees on Monday.  The signers registered objection to any contemplated change in the zoning laws to make the district one other than for private residences, as at present.

Mr. Gaynor said he had read in a daily newspaper that the negotiations for the purchase of the Pell House and its use as a clubhouse were in progress.  He made it clear that such use of the premises by any organization would change the character of the neighborhood from its present strictly residential character.

Mr. Gaynor asked the Board to receive the signed petition as an official recognition of the feelings of the residents in the vicinity of the Pell House.

Mayor C. Furnald Smith said that he understood that Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion, had thought of purchasing the Pell House and transforming it into a permanent headquarters for the war veterans, but nothing had yet come before the Board in its official capacity.  Any proposed change in the zoning of the district would have to go to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Mayor Smith said that Daniel Brown, Commander of Pelham Post, had told him it was the plan of Pelham Post 50 to improve the physical surroundings of the building and that there would not be a bar in the club.

'From any angle, it would be an improvement,' said Mayor Smith.  'The Pell House has an historical background and value and this seems to be the only way it can be preserved.  If a formal appeal to change the zoning laws is made, there will be an opportunity to be heard afforded to those who do not approve of a change.'  He suggested that the petition be given to Matthew G. Ely, chairman of the zoning board of appeals.

Another member of the delegation said that he did not see how a club could do without a bar.  'When the boys come back we don't want them to go to a clubhouse where there are many restrictions.  They will not want to have good times and enjoy themselves.'

Before withdrawing, Mr. Gaynor asked whether it was true that zoning laws of the village could not be changed with reference to Pell House unless the consent of 60 per cent. of the property owners within 1,000 feet of the building were obtained.  Mayor Smith said he believed it was so.

The delegation promised to file its petition with Matthew G. Ely, chairman of the zoning board of appeals."

Source:  Eighty Protest Proposal To Change 'Pell House' Site of Legion Post Club, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 14, 1945, No. 9, Vol. 36, p. 1, cols. 4-5.  

"Legion Abandons Plan to Remodel Pell House for Club; New Site Is Sought
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After a week-end conference with several persons who had promised to give major financial support to the efforts of Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion to obtain a permanent home for its activities, Daniel E. Brown, commander of the Post, on Monday evening told a Pelham Sun reporter that the plan to remodel the Old Pell House on Carol Place, Pelham Manor, had been definitely abandoned.

'The opposition of eighty nearby residents indicates that it would be difficult to obtain a change in the zoning.  Post 50 does not want to arouse antagonism in its plans.  Furthermore we have received notice that the price of the building has been advanced to $20,000 and that is another and more important reason why it has been decided to discuss other indications for the purchase or erection of a Legion building.'

Commander Brown mentioned several prospective sites.  The building at 89 Wolf's Lane, now owned by The Pelham Sun Publishing Company, was mentioned.  On the two floors above the street there are at present thirty unoccupied rooms.  The property is opposite the Memorial Park on which is erected the Honor Roll.  At the rear of Wolf's Lane is a large parking spot owned by the village to which access could be obtained from the rear of the building.  The lack of outdoor area is a handicap that must be considered.  

Among other proposals is a Shore Road location and one on Pelhamdale Avenue, as well as a more favored plan to build an entirely new and modern building properly equipped for a club for war veterans.

Commander Brown expressed a wish that the Legion clubhouse might be erected and be free from debt when it is opened for use, rather than erect a building which would be encumbered with a mortgage.

The definite abandonment of the Pell House plan will settle the controversy which has arisen among residents near to the site of the proposed Legion club.  At the monthly meeting of Pelham Manor trustees last week a petition signed by eighty nearby residents was presented.  It protested against any change of zoning laws in that locality.  It would be necessary to obtain a variance in the zoning laws in order to use the Pell House for any purpose other than a private residence.  

Source:  Legion Abandons Plan to Remodel Pell House for Club; New Site Is Sought, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 21, 1945, Vol. 36, No. 10, p. 1, cols. 3-4.  


"VETERANS WORKING TO STOP OPPOSITION TO PELL HOUSE SITE
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Have Secured Option on Historic Premises on Carol Place and Iden Avenue; Will Use It as Patriotic Center, If Consent to Variance of Zoning Restrictions Can Be Obtained.
-----

With opposition diminishing, Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion, hopes that it may soon be able to announce that the acquisition of the historic Pell House and plans for its transformation into a headquarters for patriotic effort in the Pelhams, has been carried out and the title to the property secured.

When negotiations for the purchase of the building were first announced, there was opposition from owners of nearby properties who professed to see in the new use of the big stone house, the probability of large crowds gathering there, with dances and concerts, almost nightly and the usual late-at-night hub-bub.

Rumors were circulated that it was intended to provide a U.S.O. Center, with hotel accommodations for returning veterans and that the probability of a noisy centre in the midst of a residential neighborhood would destroy value of nearby properties, because of a large number of parked cars in the vicinity.  

Before asking the Board of Trustees of Pelham Manor to issue the necessary permits for alteration of the premises and a hearing on the proposed change of zoning restrictions, delegates from Pelham Post 50, American Legion have been interviewing owners of properties within 1,000 feet of the building, it being necessary to obtain approval from sixty per cent. of them before submitting the proposal for a zoning change to the village trustees.

The Legion Post 50 has an option that can be exercised based on securing approval to the contemplated use of it by the new occupant from the neighboring taxpayers.  

The Pell House was once the residence of John Pell, a member of the family which founded Pelham.  It was used by General Lord Howe in 1776 as his headquarters when he commanded a British invading force during the Battle of Pell's Neck.  Some parts of the original building remain.  The Legion intends to remodel its interior and provide large parking space within the grounds, which overlook the Hutchinson River Parkway at Iden avenue and Carol Place.  A janitor will be the only permanent resident.

While signing the Legion's petition, a resident of Manor Lane said:  'It was because of our men who fought so well, that we are able to enjoy our homes in this community.  We were not attacked.  We did not know what destruction war can bring about.  Because of this and in a sense of appreciation of their service, I am in favor of signing this as a mark of appreciation.  I hope they will appreciate this privilege."

Source:  VETERANS WORKING TO STOP OPPOSITION TO PELL HOUSE SITE -Have Secured Option on Historic Premises on Carol Place and Iden Avenue; Will Use It as Patriotic Center, If Consent to Variance of Zoning Restrictions Can Be Obtained, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 29, 1945, Vol. 36, No. 33, p. 1, cols. 1-2.  

"Protest Against Legion Plan to Invade Residential Area by Club at Pell House
-----
Proposed Remodeling of Historic Building Into Headquarters for Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion Brings Strong Objection from Neighboring Residents; Legionnaires Will Continue Plans for Acquiring Building and Seeking Approval from Required Majority of Neighborhood Property Owners.
-----

Armed with a petition purporting to bear the signatures of more than 90 of the 177 property owners within the zone of protest, a delegation of taxpayers appeared at the monthly meeting of the Village Trustees of Pelham Manor on Monday night and demanded that any request for a variation of the zoning restrictions with regard to the Pell House property at Carol Place and Iden Avenue be rejected, and that they be notified if and when application for a change be made.  To obtain sanction to the use of a building for other than residential purposes, the approval of two-thirds of the property owners within 1,000 feet from any part of the property must be obtained.

Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion has obtained a conditional sales agreement on the Pell House property and wish to use it as headquarters for Legion activities in the Pelhams.

To obtain the necessary signatures representatives of Pelham Post 50 have been interviewing property owners within the zone.

Donald Phillips of No. 479 Wolf's Lane, was spokesman for the delegation on Monday night.  He referred to the petition which was signed by taxpayers living adjacent to the Pell House property last summer when it first was rumored that the American Legion wishes to buy the property and transform it into a clubhouse.  When attempt was made to file the petition with the zoning board it was discovered that Post 50 had not made an application for a variance of zoning restrictions.  Now that the Legion activities have been resumed, and he had read in the Pelham Sun that Pelham Post 50 had obtained a contract for purchase of Pell House he wished to file the protest.

Mr. Phillips made himself clear that the delegation was protesting against the use of building for any other than residential purposes.  There was no objection to the Amerian Legion or to that organization having a clubhouse in the town somewhere else, but there was a feeling that the activities of any clubhouse in that location would be detrimental to the value of property and not serve the best interests of those living in the vicinity.  He claimed that the Board of Trustees of the Christian Science Churches had registered objection to the clubhouse which would be in the vicinity of the church.

Acting-Mayor Bieber told the delegation that the Zoning Board of Appeals had jurisdiction over such matters and whenever a change of zoning is requested due notice is given fifteen days before action is taken and zoning hearing takes place [illegible] But those interested may have an opportunity to be heard.

Village Clerk Clyde Howes - No petition for a variance at Pell House has been filed.

Mr. Phillips -- I would like a ruling on which part of the property the 1,000 foot ruling begins, the center or the boundary lines.

Village Clerk Howes -- It is 1,000 feet from any part of the property.

The Board instructed the Village Clerk to prepare a zoning map on which the boundary lines of the 1,000 foot area are clearly shown so that the eligibility of the signers of the petitions for and against the change may be determined.

Daniel Brown, Commander of Pelham Post 50, was not present at Monday night's meeting.  One Tuesday he told a Pelham Sun representative that Legion Post 50 was going right ahead with its plans, that it possessed a contract of sale for the Pell House property and that when the proper time arrived a petition for a variant use of the Pell House would be presented and it would then have sufficient signatures to ensure its approval.  He indicated that he was optimistic about the result."

Source:  Protest Against Legion Plan to Invade Residential Area by Club at Pell House, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 20, 1945, Vol. 36, No. 36, p. 1, cols. 7-8.

"No Action In Zoning Dispute
-----

Inquiry of Clyde Howes, village clerk of Pelham Manor, showed that no application for a variance of zoning laws has been yet filed by Pelham Post 50, American Legion, in order to obtain the use of the historic old Pell House as headquarters for the activities of the Legion post.  

Similar inactivity is reported in the case of the reopening of the service station of Burgess B. Field, on Washington avenue.  The owner is in Florida and further action will be delayed until his return."

Source:  No Action In Zoning Dispute, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 27, 1945, Vol. 36, No. 37, p. 1, col. 6.  

"Post 50 Seeking New Clubhouse

PELHAM -- Pelham Post 50, American Legion, has abandoned its efforts to secure Pell House in Pelham Manor as a clubhouse and is seeking another place, Commander Daniel E. Brown announced today.  The Post seeks a building which can be used as a clubhouse after renovation, but if this is unobtainable it will purchase property and erect a building, Mr. Brown said.

The post will send a boy to represent it at the Boys' State encampment to be held in June at Manlius Military Academy near Syracuse, N. Y.  The boy will be selected by the high school faculty."

Source:  Post 50 Seeking New Clubhouse, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 21, 1946, p. 5, col. 3.  

"Historic Old Pell House Sold, Built Before Revolutionary War

PELHAM MANOR -- Pell House, almost 200 years old and one of Westchester's historic landmarks, Carol Place and Iden Avenue, has been sold by the estate of W. W. Taylor to Joseph Boucher, 2534 Woodhull Avenue, the Bronx.

John K. Miller, Mount Vernon real estate broker, who handled the transaction, and who has been managing agent of the property for 16 years, said the new owner will occupy the house and plans extensive alterations.  The old stone house, which stands on a plot of an acre-and-a-half, has 13 rooms.

Dates From 1750

The house, the only pre-Revolutionary mansion still standing in Pelham Manor [incorrect], was erected around 1750-1760, according to Lockwood Barr, town historian.  Mr. Barr, in his book, 'Ancient Town of Pelham,' relates that the house originally was called Pelham Dale, from which Pelhamdale Avenue derives its name.  It was built by Philip Pell, II, grandson of the third Lord of the Manor of Pelham.

According to Mr. Barr, the house, on a small triangular tract bounded by Carol Place, Iden Avenue and the Hutchinson Parkway, is all that remains of the original large farm.  After the Revolution, Colonel David Pell, a son of Philip Pell II, lived in the old homestead until hs death in 1823.  His widow sold the tract to James Hay who named the place Pelham Dale.

In the North wall of the house is imbedded [sic] a large piece of red sandstone on which is cut in relief the coat-of-arms of the Hay family.

Sought as Historic Shrine

'Pelham Dale was one of the magnificent country estates of Westchester,' Mr. Barr writes 'It has passed through many ownerships; yet today, in spite of its use and abuse, it still is a fine example of the mansions of its day.  Numerous unsuccessful attempts have been made to interest some patriotic society in purchasing this old Pell place and restoring it as a historic museum for the Pelhams.'

Last year Pelham Post 50, American Legion, was considering buying the property for a clubhouse but Pelham Manor residents objected.  Last January a proposal by the Pelham Realty Board that the mansion be purchased by popular subscription as a town public library for a World War II memorial fell through from lack of public interest."

Source:  Historic Old Pell House Sold, Built Before Revolutionary War, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 4, 1948, p. 5, cols. 4-6.  

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I have written about the lovely historic home known as "Pelhamdale" (and "Pelham Dale") on numerous occasions.  For a few of many examples, see:

Wed., Feb. 01, 2017:  Pelham Historic Marker Placed on Hutchinson River Parkway in 1927.

Wed., Nov. 30, 2016:  Article on the History of Pelhamdale Published in 1925 After Tragic Fire.

Thu., Nov. 03, 2016:  1860 Auction Offering Pelhamdale Lots from the Estate of James Hay.

Thu., Oct. 20, 2016:  Fears in 1934 and 1935 that the Historic Home Known as Pelhamdale Would Be Razed

Fri, May 13, 2016:  1851 Advertisement Offering Farm and Mansion Known as Pelhamdale for Lease.

Wed., Sep. 23, 2015:  Yet Another Tale of Buried Treasure in the Town of Pelham

Thu., Sep. 17, 2015:  An Account of the February 28, 1925 Fire at Pelhamdale, A Home on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fri., Sep. 04, 2015:  Sale of the Pre-Revolutionary War Home Known as Pelhamdale in 1948.

Tue., Sep. 09, 2014:  The October 18, 1927 Unveiling of the Historic Marker at Pelhamdale, the Historic Home at 45 Iden Avenue.

Tue., Jun. 24, 2014:  Story of Pelhamdale, the Old Stone House by the Bridge, Once Owned by David J. Pell.

Thu., Jan. 03, 2008:  Charges in 1808 Against Lieutenant-Colonel David J. Pell of Pelham that He "Indulges in Inebriety and Habitual Drunkeness." 

Mon., Oct 15, 2007:  Town Proclamation Recognizes Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Pelhamdale at 45 Iden Avenue

Thu., Oct. 26, 2006:  Genealogical Data Regarding David Jones Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Revolutionary War Officer

Wed., Nov. 02, 2005:  Engraving by P.M. Pirnie Showing Pelhamdale in 1861

Thu., Oct. 13, 2005:  Two More Pelham Ghost Stories

Mon., Sep. 19, 2005:  The Long-Hidden Pastoral Mural Uncovered in Pelhamdale, a Pre-Revolutionary War Home

Mon., Apr. 11, 2005:  More From the William R. Montgomery Glass Negative Collection (includes photograph of fire at Pelhamdale on February 28, 1925)

Tue., Mar. 22, 2005:  The 1790 U.S. Census Information for the Township of 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."

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Monday, March 27, 2017

More on Francis Secor of Pelham, Father of James Francis Secor and Grandfather of James Frances Secor, Jr.


For more than two centuries, virtually every American schoolchild has learned about Robert Fulton who is credited with the creation of the earliest commercially-successful steamboat.  Few, if any, of those schoolchildren, however, learned of the important involvement of Pelhamite Francis Secor in that venture.  Today's Historic Pelham article documents a little of the life of Francis Secor and his reported involvement with Robert Fulton's first commercially-successful steamboat.  

Francis Secor (b. May 22, 1776, d. Aug. 23, 1863), was a merchant, shipwright, and ship chandler who reportedly was associated with Robert Fulton in the construction of the first successful steam vessel.  Secor was a son of Eli Secor (b. 1743, d. 1830) and Ann Gedney.

Secor bought a 150-acre estate in Pelham Manor and built a grand summer home on the grounds.  The family first alternated between their fashionable Murray Hill residence and their grand summer home in Pelham Manor until they suffered a major financial setback and lost a large portion of the family fortune.  At that time, they gave up their New York City residence and moved to the Pelham Manor home where they lived thereafter.

I have written before about Francis Secor and his large estate and home in Pelham Manor.  See Wed., Apr. 15, 2015:  The Secor Estate in the Village of Pelham Manor.

The beautiful Secor family home stood at Wolf's Lane near the Boston Post Road.  The extensive property of the Secor estate was known as "Secor Hill."  With the death of the last Secor family member living in Pelham, Anna M. Secor, in 1939, the final remainders of the estate were carved up into smaller lots and sold for residential construction.



Detail from Photograph Showing the Main Secor
Residence in 1915. NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.


Photograph Showing an Interior View of the Main House
on the Secor Estate in 1915. NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.


Detail from 1867 Map Showing Location of the Home of "F. Seacor,"
the Secor Home Near the Intersection of Wolf's Lane and the Boston
Westchester Co., N. Y." in Beers, Frederick W., Atlas of New York
and Vicinity From Actual Surveys by and Under the Direction of F. W.
Beers, p. 7 (Philadelphia, PA: 1867). NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.


Detail from 1868 Map Showing Location of "F. Secor Est."
Near Intersection of Wolfs Lane and Boston Post Road.
Source: Beers, Frederick W., "City Island, Pelham Township,
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 (Philadelphia, PA: 1868).
NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.


Detail from 1881 Map Showing the "F. Secor Est." Source:
County, New York. From Actual Surveys and Official Records by
G. W. Bromley & Co., Civil Engineers, pp. 56-57 (Washington, D.C.:
G. W. Bromley & Co., 1881). NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.


Detail from 1914 Map Showing "Anna M. Secor Est." and
Location of Main House and Service Buildings and Also Showing
Beginning of Development of Portions of the Estate. Source:
Bromley, George W., "Pelham Manor" in Atlas of Westchester
County, N. Y. Pocket, Desk and Automobile Edition, Vol. 1, pp.
128-29 (NY, NY: G.W. Bromley & Co., 1914).
NOTE: Click Image To Enlarge.

Francis Secor married Hannah Carpenter (b. 1782, d. 1861).  Hannah was a daughter of Daniel Carpenter and Sarah Merritt.  According to family tradition, Francis Secor was a friend of noted American author James Fenimore Cooper -- who is known to have written of Pelham in various of his works including "The Spy" -- and of John Jay, founding father and first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.  

Though Francis Secor made his fortune as a merchant, a shipwright, and a ship chandler, a number of sources indicate that he served either as "superintendent" or "foreman" of the construction of Robert Fulton's steamboat.  Most importantly, Secor seems to have invented an important part of the steamboat system.  During early tests of the Fulton Steamboat known as the North River Steamboat (or the North River), the paddle wheel showered passengers and crew with water.  According to family tradition, Francis Secor designed the "box that was used to cover" the paddle wheel of subsequent steamboats that was used for many years thereafter.


  

1909 Replica of the North River Steamboat Designed by
Robert Fulton for Which Francis Secor Reportedly Served
as Foreman or Superintendent During its Construction.
Note the Uncovered Paddlewheel that Showered Passengers
and Crew with Water as the Steamboat Moved Under Steam
Power.  Source:  "North River Steamboat" in Wikipedia - The
Free Encyclopedia (visited Feb. 22, 2017).  NOTE:  Click on
Image to Enlarge.


Francis Secor and his wife, Hannah Carpenter Secor had a number of children, including:

Zeno Carpenter Secor (b. 1799, d. 1875)
Henry Reynolds Secor (b. 1805, d. 1877)
Sarah Ann Secor (b. 1814)
James Francis Secor (b. 1816)
Charles A. Secor
Thorn Secor (Thorn Secor died young.)  

For a time Francis Secor operated "Francis Secor & Son," ship carpenters and proprietors of a marine railway at 103 Washington Street in New York City.  The son with whom he worked at the time was Henry Secor.  (At the time, according to one account, "West Street was not continued out so far north, and Washington at that point was open to the river.")  This concern was operating as early as 1827 and, likely, earlier.

It appears that for a time in the early to mid-1830s, Francis Secor formed a "Ship Chandlery" co-partnership with Frederick E. Gibert while still operating his shipwright and spar making business.  The pair apparently operated the ship chandlery business also at 103 Washington Street.  On January 24, 1835, an announcement appeared in a New York City newspaper indicating that the ship chandlery co-partnership was being dissolved and that the business would continue to operate at 103 Washington run by Francis Secor.  The notice read in full:

"DISSOLUTION. -- The Copartnership heretofore existing between the subscribers, under the firm of Gibert & Secor, was dissolved on the 19th inst. by mutual consent.  Frederick E. Gibert and Zeno Secor are authorized to settle the concerns of the late firm,
FRED'K E. GIBERT.
FRANCIS SECOR.
January 24, 1835.
-----
NOTICE.  -- The Ship Chandlery business will be continued at the same place on his own account, by
FRANCIS SECOR, 
103 Washington street
jy24 2w"

Source:  DISSOLUTION, The Evening Post [NY, NY], Jan. 26, 1835, p. 3, col. 3.

During this time Secor, a Democrat, was an active member of Tammany Hall.  His name appears in a number of newspaper accounts of Tammany Hall meetings, occasionally designated as a "Vice President."

Francis Secor's sons, Zeno, Henry, Charles, and James Francis Secor, followed in their father's footsteps.  They formed the shipbuilding firm of Secor Brothers that operated out of Jersey City.  During the Civil War, Secor Brothers constructed at least five ironclads for the U.S. Government and delivered one, the Mahopac, to the government only a week or so before their father's death.  



Source:  U.S. National Archives Photograph, No.
NWDNS-111-B-409.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

During the 1840s, Francis Secor attempted to purchase and add to his estate a large section of land that once belonged to Philip Pell I, then Philip Pell II, then David Jones Pell from various heirs of the widow of David Jones Pell.  He purchased the land at auction, but the sale was not completed and the heirs sold the land to James Hay of Pelhamdale fame.  Francis Secor filed a lawsuit in Chancery Court in 1846 in an effort to unwind that sale and to complete sale of the land to him.  The record of that lawsuit contains a wealth of information regarding Pelham in the mid-19th century and is more than four hundred pages long.  See SUPREME COURT (LATE IN CHANCERY) -- FRANCIS SECOR VS. MARY PELL, et al. (NY, NY:  Banks, Gould & Co., Law Publishers, 1854).  Although it took more than nine years to resolve the action, Secor eventually lost the lawsuit.  James Hay retained the lands that formed his Pelhamdale estate.


Francis Secor was infirm and in poor health in the last years of his life.  On June 7, 1862, he executed his last will and testament in the offices of his lawyer, Thomas C. Fields of New York City.  Unable to sign his name, Secor's attorney guided his hand to make the mark of an "X" on the document and then signed Secor's name to the will also indicating that the X was his mark.  At the end of the will, the attorney included the following statement:  "Thos. C. Fields Bloomingdale Road and 117th street in the City of New York who signed the name of the Testator at his special request."  This later led to a very extensive probate hearing by the Surrogate who took extensive testimony from witnesses regarding the execution of the will, the records of which are quite extensive.

Francis Secor died on August 23, 1864.  He was buried in the Eleazor Gedney Burial Ground in Mamaroneck.  A photograph of his gravestone appears below.  Images of the pages of his will, with the text transcribed, also appear below.

James Francis Secor, a son of Francis Secor, succeeded to the Secor home on Secor Hill after his father's death.  Like Francis Secor, James Francis Secor and his son James Francis Secor, Jr. and his daughter, Anna M. Secor, became notable Pelham residents who shaped the early Village of Pelham Manor and various of its important institutions including the Manor Club.  



Gravestone of Francis Secor Reflecting His Burial
in the Eleazor Gedney Burial Ground, Mamaroneck,
Westchester County, New York.  NOTE:  Click on
Image to Enlarge.


*          *          *          *          *



1827 Advertisement for Francis Secor & Son Shipwrights and
Spar Making with Locations on Washington Street in Manhattan
and on the Beach at Brooklyn.  Source:  SHIPWRIGHTS & SPAR
MAKING [Advertisement], The Evening Post [NY, NY], May 26,
1827, p. 3, col. 1.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.
Transcription of Text Immediately Below.

"SHIPWRIGHTS & SPAR MAKING. -- The subscriber respectfully informs his friends and the public that he still continues the Shipwright and Spar making business at his old establishment, between Carslile [sic] and Rector streets, North river:  and in addition he has established the same business at Brooklyn, below the old ferry, where he has a convenient beach for laying vessels ashore to grave and repair -- and all kinds of materials suitable to do the same; and, also, he has erected a railway for hauling up vessels, where a vessel may be hauled up and graved in three hours and launched again; and it may be further understood that a vessel having a private leak may be hauled up with water enough in her to discover the same as she stands on even keel. --

For further particulars inquire of Francis Secor, No. 106 Washington street, or
HENRY SECOR, at Brooklyn.
m262n+"  

"PELHAM.

DEATH OF FRANCIS SECOR.  --  This venerable merchant and citizen, who has resided for many years at Pelham, in this county, died on Tuesday, the 23d inst., at his late residence, in the 89th year of his age.

Mr. Secor was in the ship-chandler's business, in the ship-chandler's business, in the City of New-York, for nearly half a century.  He was widely known and greatly esteemed.

Mr. Secor's sons, Henry, Zeno, Charles A., and James F. Secor, compose the firm of Secor Brothers, the great ship builders of Jersey City.  They have constructed five of the new monitors for the Government, the last one, the Mahopac, having been delivered only about a week ago."

Source:  PELHAM.  DEATH OF FRANCIS SECOR, The Statesman [Yonkers, NY], Sep. 1, 1864, Vol. IX, No. 446, p. 8, col. 2.  

"The following biographical sketch was written in 1875 by Thomas Ely Secor for his Harvard Class of 1875 ClassBook, and rewritten by his younger sister Anna Amelia Secor. Underlined names are direct-line ancestors of William Wright Conklin. 

FRANCIS SECOR 1776-1864 

'Francis Secor (my grandfather) married Hannah Carpenter whose father, Daniel Carpenter married Sarah Merritt, and he owned Byron Point' 

'Francis Secor’s father Eli Secor married Ann Hadden.  She was surrounded during the Revolutionary War by Skinners for not telling where her husband was hidden.  Was shot in the shoulder and walked three miles to a doctor to have her wound dressed.  The man who shot her was afterwards shot for cruelty to a man by hanging him and then letting him down, and he vowed to shoot the skinner, and when he did the jury exonerated him' 

'My grandfather Francis knew Fennimore Cooper also John Jay who lived near him in Rye.  I think John Jay was our first ambassador to England.' 

'Grandfather Francis Secor superintended building the first steamboat and went on trial trips.  The paddlewheel showered them with water and grandfather designed the box that was used to cover the paddlewheel, which was used on steamboats for many years.  He went in business in the ships chandlery business (sold ropes and supplies to sailing vessels and these vessels came in at a dock on West Street near grandfathers store.)   Many men of note used to wait in his office.  I think Uncle Charles, Zeno and father carried on the business after their father gave up on account of failing eyesight.  Grandfather lived near his place of business.' 

'Francis Secor and Hannah Carpenter ran away and got married; she only 14 years old.  They had twelve children, among them Thorn, Henry, Zeno, Sarah Ann, Charles A. and James F. Secor survived.  They, my father’s mother and father formed the Baptist Church, McDougal St., N.Y.  Spencer H. Cone was the minister.  Spencer H. Cone was an actor and after his theatre burned down he was converted and studied for the ministry.  Was one of the most noted ministers of his time.' 

Grandmother was a sincere Christian woman, well educated for her time, and used to entertain visiting ministers and even had a Catholic priest for a friend.  Father said, ‘Those ministers had wonderful appetites’.'"

Source:  Francis Secor 1776-1864, "Written by grandson Thomas Ely Secor and granddaughter Anna Amelia Secor," Ancestry.com (visited Feb. 20, 2017; paid subscription required to access via this link).  

"OTHER DEATHS.
-----
CHARLES FREDRICK SECOR.

Charles Fredrick Secor, esteemed one of the finest practical authorities in the science of metallurgy and mining engineering, died suddenly on Tuesday at the residence of his father, Charles A. Secor, No. 62 West Fifty-fifth-street, at the age of 47.  Mr. Secore was a native of this City.  His grandfather, Francis Secor, was the foreman of Robert Fulton in the construction of his celebrated experimental steam-boat.  He was also the the inventor of the dry-dock system now in use in this City.  The grandson at an early age became interested in metallurgical studies and was accordingly sent to the Freiberg School of Mines, in Germany, where he was graduated with distinction.  From Freiberg he went to Paris and studied for several years at the Ecole Polytechnique.  On his return to America he settled in San Franisco, and was soon spoken of as one of the best practical authorities on the Pacific slope.  He was one of the discoverers and original promoters of the famous Comstock lode.  He remained in California and Nevada for 17 years, and only returned to his native City after his health had been permanently impaired.  The immediate cause was the bursting of a retort in his laboratory, and the consequent exposure to the fumes of quicksilver -- an accident from the effects of which he never recovered.  On Tuesday, about 12 o'clock, Mr. Secor was in his usual health.  A few minutes later he fainted, and was removed to his room insensible.  Death supervened before a physician could be summoned, probably from a stroke of apoplexy.  Mr. Secor was the inventor of an amalgamator, which is now being successfully introduced in the mining regions, and had amassed a comfortable competence.  The funeral services will take place at the residence of his father at 10 o'clock this morning, the Rev. Dr. Tiffany officiating."

Source:  OTHER DEATHS -- CHARLES FREDRICK SECOR, N.Y. Times, Mar. 10, 1881, p. 5, col. 5.

"Supreme Court -- General Term.
BEFORE JUSTICES BROWN, STRONG AND ROCKWELL.

Francis Secor vs. Mary Pell and others.  --  This cause was argued on the 10th and 11th instant.  Suit was commenced in 1846, for the specific performance of a contract to sell a farm in Westchester.  It appears that in October, 1845, the farm was sold at auction by E. H. Ludlow & Co., at the Merchants' Exchange in New York. -- Mr. Secor attended the sale, and the premises were struck off to him.

Subsequently the counsel of the seller met the counsel of purchaser but they could not agree as to the title, and although the purchaser's counsel offered to submit the questions discussed to other counsel, the offer was rejected, and the premises were afterwards sold to another purchaser.  A bill was then filed to compel the seller to perform the contract and give a title.

F. R. Tillow and P. T. Cutler for the plaintiff W. Silliman and Samuel Lyon for defendants.

The Court adjourned yesterday afternoon, having heard arguments in the cases on the calendar to 39, inclusive.

The decisions pronounced in cases heretofore argued, we will publish on Monday."

Source:  Supreme Court -- General Term. BEFORE JUSTICES BROWN, STRONG AND ROCKWELL. Francis Secor vs. Mary Pell and others, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Jan. 13, 1855, p. 2, col. 4.  See also Decisions made at a General Term of the Supreme Court for the Second Judicial District at the City of Brooklyn, July 21, 1855, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Jul. 25, 1855, p. 2, col. 4 ("Francis Secor against Mary Pell and others. -- The decree of judgment of the special term affirmed but without costs.").  

*          *          *          *          *

Below is the text, followed by images of the pages, of the last will and testament of Francis Secor.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"[Page 1]

In the name of God Amen -- I Francis Secor of the County of Westchester and State of New York, Shipwright, do make, publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament, hereby declaring to be null and void any other last Will and Testament heretofore made by me -- 

First I give, devise, and bequeath to my grand-daughter Matilda McCord the daughter of my deceased son Thorn Secor and wife of George McCord, the sum of Five hundred dollars which sum I hereby direct my executors to pay to the said Matilda within two years from my decease -- out of any personal Estate of which I may die possessed -- 

This sum I consider a proper amount to bequeath to her for the reason that I supported her mother and herself from the decease of her Father till her marriage --

Second one fifth part of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate real, personal and mixed I give devise and bequeath to Lydia S. Secor wife of my son Charles A. Secor to have and to hold the same unto her the said Lydia S. Secor her heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns for ever -- 

Third -- One fifth of my estate after paying the above legacy of five hundred dollars I do hereby give, bequeath, and devise unto

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Anna Mariah Secor wife of my son James F. Secor to have and to hold the same unto her the said Anna Mariah, her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns for ever --

Fourth  I do hereby give, bequeath, and devise one fifth of all my estate after paying the above mentioned legacy of five hundred dollars to Mary Ann Secor wife of my son Zeno Secor to have and to hold the same unto her the said Mary Ann Secor her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns for ever -- 

Fifth -- I do hereby give, devise, and bequeath unto Martha Mariah Secor wife of my son Henry R. Secor, one fifth of my estate real, personal, and mixed, after paying the above mentioned legacy of five hundred dollars to have and to hold the same to her the said Martha Mariah Secor for and during her natural life and at her decease it is my wish and I so direct that the share or portion of the said Martha Mariah Secor be divided equally between the children of my said son Henry R. Secor as follows -- Theodore Secor, H. Alonzo Secor, Charlotte A. Secor, Eviline Secor and Malvina Secor, share and share alike -- 

Sixth  I do hereby give, devise, and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Ann now the wife of John G. Merrell, one fifth of my estate real, personal and mixed, after paying the above 

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mentioned legacy of five hundred dollars and after deducting from said one fifth hereby devised to her the sum of Two thousand dollars to have and to hold the same to her and to her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns for ever -- 

Seventh.  One thousand of the two thousand dollars hereby directed to be deducted from the share of my daughter Sarah Ann, I hereby give and bequeath unto Martha Mariah Secor wife of my son Henry R. Secor.  The other one thousand dollars of said two thousand above mentioned, I hereby give and bequeath unto Anna Mariah Secor wife of my son James F. Secor in consideration for the care and attention she has bestowed upon me -- The reason I direct this deduction of Two thousand dollars from the share of my daughter Sarah Ann is that I have heretofore loaned her husband, John G. Merrell sums of money which with the interest thereon I consider equal to this sum.

Eighth I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my son James F. Secor and my son Zeno Secor Executors of this my last Will and Testament -- In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this seventh day of June in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty Two -- 

Francis Secor
X  his Mark

[Seal] 

Signed, seaed, published and declared by the testator as and 

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for his last Will and Testament in our presence, who in his presence, in presence of each other and at his request have signed our names hereto as witnesses --

Charles R. Truex
83rd St. & 3rd Avenue
City of New York

Thos. C. Fields Bloomingdale Road and 117th street in the City of New York who signed the name of the Testator at his special request."



New York Wills and Probate Records, 1659-1999:  New York,
New York Probated Jun. 8, 1865, Proceedings, 1865 (Available
via Ancestry.com; Note:  paid subscription required to access via
this link).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.


New York Wills and Probate Records, 1659-1999:  New York,
New York Probated Jun. 8, 1865, Proceedings, 1865 (Available
via Ancestry.com; Note:  paid subscription required to access via
this link).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.


New York Wills and Probate Records, 1659-1999:  New York,
New York Probated Jun. 8, 1865, Proceedings, 1865 (Available
via Ancestry.com; Note:  paid subscription required to access via
this link).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.


New York Wills and Probate Records, 1659-1999:  New York,
New York Probated Jun. 8, 1865, Proceedings, 1865 (Available
via Ancestry.com; Note:  paid subscription required to access via
this link).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

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