More About Hawkswood, Also Known as the Marshall Mansion, Colonial Hotel, and Colonial Inn

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A spectacular mansion known as Hawkswood once stood on Pelham Neck overlooking Long Island Sound and City Island.  Hawkswood was built in the 1820s by Elisha W. King.  King was a successful and wealthy New York City lawyer who practiced with Peter W. Radcliff in a law office at 27 Beekman Street in Manhattan.  King also served as a City Alderman for more than twenty years.  King also served as a member of the New York State Assembly (1813-14). 

Late in his life in about the 1820s, Elisha King built his lavish mansion in Pelham on Pelham Neck (today's Rodman's Neck) opposite City Island.  King reportedly purchased nearby High Island in 1829 and quarried stones from the island which he used in the construction of a foundation for his country mansion.  

Hawkswood faced the Long Island Sound.  Its grounds were nearly as lovely as the mansion itself.  In the 1881 edition of Bolton's History of Westchester County, Bolton noted that the "grounds, containing a great variety of choice trees, were laid out by the celebrated gardener, Andre Parmenteer." Bolton, C.W., ed., The History of the Several Towns, Manors, and Patents of the County of Westchester, From Its First Settlement To the Present Time Carefully Revised by its Author By the Late Rev. Robert Bolton, Vol. II, p. 71 (NY, NY: Chas. F. Roper, 1881).  King built his mansion on a lovely little knoll that looked over the waters of the Sound and City Island.  Once his mansion was built, King retired there and lived in it until his death in 1836.  Following King's death, his Pelham estate was sold.

"VIEW FROM COLONIAL INN.  CITY ISLAND, N. Y."

Postcard View Looking from Hawkswood in About 1917.

Today's Historic Pelham Blog article reproduces an advertisement published in 1853 offering the Hawkswood estate for sale.  The advertisement is significant for a number of reasons.  It reveals how much it cost King to build the mansion.  It reaffirms that Martin Euclid Thompson was the architect and builder of the mansion and that famed landscape architect André Parmentier laid out the grounds.  

Hawkswood clearly was a lavish and stunning master work designed by Martin Euclid Thomson, about whom I have written before.  See Fri., Feb. 14, 2014:  Martin Euclid Thompson, the Architect of the Pelham Mansion Known as Hawkswood and the Marshall Mansion.  According to the advertisement, it cost $30,000 to build the Hawkswood mansion.  That would be roughly the equivalent of about $1.31 million in today's dollars.

I never have written about the famed landscape architect, André Joseph Ghislain Parmentier, who laid out the grounds of the estate.  Parmentier was born July 3, 1780 in Enghien, Belgium.  He and his wife emigrated to the United States in 1821 and lived in Brooklyn.  He was an active and successful horticulturalist who created a magnificent garden of ornamental trees and shrubs and greenhouse plants that he sold from "The Horticultural and Botanic Garden of Brooklyn."  

In 1828, Parmentier published an important horticultural catalog entitled "Periodical catalogue of fruit & ornamental trees and shrubs, green-house plants, etc.. Cultivated and for sale at The Horticultural and Botanic Garden of Brooklyn, corner of the Jamaica and Flatbush roads, about 2 miles from the city of New-York."  The publication included a plan and description of his famed Brooklyn garden and likely caught the attention of Elisha W. King who hired Parmentier to lay out the grounds of his new estate.

The advertisement published in 1853 makes brief reference to Parmentier's work on the estate.  It says "The surrounding lawn, consisting of about twelve acres was laid out and planned with American and European ornamental trees of every description, by the late Andrew Parmentier."

The advertisement also sheds light on some of the grounds and outbuildings associated with the mansion.  According to its text:  "The Farm House, Barns, and all necessary outbuildings, built in the best manner, are in complete order, and are conveniently near the house, being effectually screened by ornamental shrubbery.  The farm consists of about 60 acres of the richest land, and walled in by stone fences.  --  The waters of Long Island Sound surround the estate on three sides, presenting some of the finest views in America, and affording an excellent opportunity for yachting, fishing, &c."

An image of the advertisement appears immediately below.  It is followed by a transcription of its text to facilitate search and a bibliographic reference with link to the source.

1853 Advertisement Offering Hawkswood Estate for Sale.

Source:  FOR SALE [Advertisement], Morning Courier and New-York

Enquirer, Apr. 4, 1853, Vol. XLVIII, No. 8047, p. 5, col. 7.  NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge.

"FOR SALE.
-----
COUNTRY SEAT FOR SALE -- THE ELEGANT residence of the late ELISHA W. KING, known as Hawkswood, situated in Pelham, Westchester County, New York.  The mansion was designed and erected by the eminent architect, Martin E. Thompson, Esq., at a cost of $30,000.  The surrounding lawn, consisting of about twelve acres was laid out and planned with American and European ornamental trees of every description, by the late Andrew Parmentier.  The Farm House, Barns, and all necessary outbuildings, built in the best manner, are in complete order, and are conveniently near the house, being effectually screened by ornamental shrubbery.  The farm consists of about 60 acres of the richest land, and walled in by stone fences.  --  The waters of Long Island Sound surround the estate on three sides, presenting some of the finest views in America, and affording an excellent opportunity for yachting, fishing, &c.  There are few, if any country seats in the United States, more beautifully located, elegant, and altogether desirable in every respect, than Hawkswood, the immediate neighborhood being exclusively occupied by the country seats of some of the first families in the State.  The access to the city is easy and frequent; a steamboat landing and a station of the Boston, New Haven and New York Railroad being within a distance of three miles, and a new track will soon be laid, to pass within three quarters of a mile of the premises.  For further particulars apply to

P. V. KING, 41 South street,
J. B. KING, Brooklyn,
B. W. BONNEY, 38 Wall street
Or to E. H. LUDLOW, 11 Wall st.

ap4 2taw1m     (B698)"

Source:  FOR SALE [Advertisement], Morning Courier and New-York Enquirer, Apr. 4, 1853, Vol. XLVIII, No. 8047, p. 5, col. 7.

"G. Kotzenberg's 'Colonial Inn' City Island, New York"

A Post Card View of Hawkswood On Pelham Neck,

Overlooking City Island.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

I have written about the Hawkswood / Marshall Mansion on other occasions.  Below are a few linked examples.

Thu., Jan. 14, 2016:  1846 Notice of Executor's Sale of the Estate of Elisha W. King Who Owned Estate in Pelham.

Tue., May 19, 2015:  Advertisements for Two Nineteenth Century Sales of Large Properties on Rodman's Neck in the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Feb. 14, 2014:  Martin Euclid Thompson, the Architect of the Pelham Mansion Known as Hawkswood and the Marshall Mansion.

Mon., Feb. 10, 2014:  Hawkswood, Also Known as the Marshall Mansion, Colonial Hotel and Colonial Inn, Once Stood in Pelham Near City Island.

Thu., Feb. 13, 2014:  More Information About Elisha W. King, the Builder and Original Owner of Hawkswood. 

Wed., Apr. 5, 2006:  "Hawkswood", Later Known as the Marshall Mansion on Rodman's Neck in Pelham. 

Thu., Jun. 28, 2007:  19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King. 

Fri., May 07, 2010:  Image of Hawkswood Published in 1831. 

Thu., June 28, 2007:  19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King. 

Mon., Apr. 26, 2010:  Public Service Commission Couldn't Find Marshall's Corners in 1909.

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1846 Notice of Executor's Sale of the Estate of Elisha W. King Who Owned Estate in Pelham

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Elisha W. King was a notable 19th century resident of the Town of Pelham.  He was the builder and original owner of the famed mansion and estate known as "Hawkswood."  Hawkswood was a Greek Revival mansion that once stood on Pelham Neck in the Town of Pelham.  I have written about Elisha W. King and Hawkswood on many occasions.  For a few examples, see:

Tue., May 19, 2015:  Advertisements for Two Nineteenth Century Sales of Large Properties on Rodman's Neck in the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Feb. 14, 2014:  Martin Euclid Thompson, the Architect of the Pelham Mansion Known as Hawkswood and the Marshall Mansion.

Thu., Feb. 13, 2014:  More Information About Elisha W. King, the Builder and Original Owner of Hawkswood.

Mon., Feb. 10, 2014:  Hawkswood, Also Known as the Marshall Mansion, Colonial Hotel and Colonial Inn, Once Stood in Pelham Near City Island. 

Wed., Apr. 5, 2006: "Hawkswood", Later Known as the Marshall Mansion on Rodman's Neck in Pelham.  

Thu., Jun. 28, 2007: 19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King. 

Fri., May 07, 2010: Image of Hawkswood Published in 1831. 

Thu., June 28, 2007: 19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King. 

Mon., Apr. 26, 2010: Public Service Commission Couldn't Find Marshall's Corners in 1909.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of a notice advertising the Executor's sale of properties held by the executor of the estate of the late Elisha W. King, Theodore F. King, by the auctioneer Anthony J. Bleecker at the Merchants' Exchange in Manhattan on December 1, 1846.  The notice is particularly interesting because it details many of the properties -- including Hawkswood -- that Elisha W. King owned at the time of his death.  It gives a sense of the wealth of the man who built and lived in Hawkswood, a significant early 19th century estate in the Town of Pelham.

Hawkswood in 1831. Source: Atkinson's Casket Or

Gems of Literature, Wit and Sentiment, No. 10, p. 457

(Oct. 1831) (image appears between pages 456 and 457).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Detail from Page 35, Beers, F.W., Atlas of New York and

Vicinity, 1868 (Published by Beers, Ellis & Soule, New York)

("City Island, Pelham Township, Westchester Co., N.Y. with Town

of Pelham, Wetchester Co., N.Y.") Shows Estate of L.R. Marshall

Known as "Hawkswood."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

Below is the text of the notice of Executor's sale.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source.  

"EXECUTOR'S SALE. -- ESTATE OF THE LATE ELISHA W. KING. -- The subscriber will sell at auction on Tuesday, 1st December next, at 12 o'clock, at the Merchants' Exchange, (ANTHONY J. BLEECKER, Auctioneer,) the following property belonging to the estate of the late Elisha W. King, viz:

The four story brick house and lot of ground No. 65 Beeckman street, corner of Gold st.  Lot is 50 feet on Beeckman st., 47 feet in the rear, 64 feet on Gold street, and 58 ft., 9 inches on the southerly side.  House in complete order.

Also, the three story brick store and lot No. 36 Ferry st. next adjoining the above, together with a rear building on the same lot, 25 feet in front and rear, 101 feet 6 inches on the N. E. side, and 100 ft. 9 inches on the S. W. side.

Also, the brick dwelling house and lot of ground No. 273 Water st. together with one-half of an alley-way adjoining.  Lot 24 ft. 6 1/2 inch. by 72 ft. 2 inches.

Also, the three story brick house and lot of ground No. 18 Cherry street, near Pearl st.

Also, 2 lots on the south side of Broome street, known as Nos. 43 and 45 Broome st., being the 2d and 3d lots east from Lewis st.

Also, 4 lots of ground with cottage building thereon, situated on the southerly corner of Fleet and Fulton sts. in the city of Brooklyn, containing 52 feet on Fulton st. and 200 ft. on Fleet street.

Also, 80 acres of fine land beautifully situated on Rodman's Neck, in the town of Pelham, county of Westchester, being a part of the homestead of the late Elisha W. King.  The land fronts on East Chester Bay, and affords several beautiful building spots, with a fine water prospect and privileges.  It is bounded north and east by the main road, south by property of Samuel Bowne, Esq., and west by the Bay.  The premises will be sold in one or more parcels.

Also, 2 lots of land in the village of New Rochelle, lying on the east side of the White Plains road, and being the 2d and 3d lots north of Mechanic street, now or lately so called, in the said village, together with the buildings thereon: 

Further particulars may be obtained by applying to the subscriber, at Perth Amboy, New Jersey -- of John B. King, No. 3 Front street, Brooklyn -- or of Anthony J. Bleecker, auctioneer, No. 7 Broad street, New York.

THEODORE F. KING,
Executor, &c of Elisha W. King, dec'd.

n7 2awts"

Source:  EXECUTOR'S SALE -- ESTATE OF THE LATE ELISHA W. KING [Advertisement], The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Nov. 9, 1846, p. 2, col. 6 (NOTE:  Paid subscription required to access via link).  

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Advertisements for Two Nineteenth Century Sales of Large Properties on Rodman's Neck in the Town of Pelham

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Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog includes images of two nineteenth century newspaper advertisements offering major sections of Rodman's Neck in the Town of Pelham for sale.  The first is an advertisement placed in the April 10, 1820 issue of The New York Evening Post offering the farm of Nicholas Haight on Rodman's Neck for sale.  Clearly Nicholas Haight had some difficulty selling this property.  I have written of his efforts to sell the property before.  See:

Mon., Dec. 03, 2007:  Notice of Chancery Court Order Directing Auction Sale of Nicholas Haight's Farm in Pelham in 1820.

Fri., Nov. 30, 2007:  1820 Advertisement for Sale of Nicholas Haight's Farm on Rodman's Neck.

Immediately below is the image and the transcribed text of another advertisement in the long series of advertisements placed in connection with efforts to sell Haight's farm on Rodman's Neck in 1820.  

"A FARM FOR SALE AT AUCTION.

On Friday, the 14th day of April, at the Tontine Coffee House, at 12 o'clock, will be sold at auction, by JAMES BLEECKER, a farm belonging to the subscriber, situate at Pelham, in the county of Westchester, about 15 miles from the city of New York, commonly called Rodman's Neck.  This farm contains about 130 acres of as good land as any in this state, is in good cultivation & repair, and is well watered.  There are on the premises two farm houses, good barns and out-houses; there are also several sites for dwelling houses, commanding extensive and beautiful prospects.  The farm also contains a thriving young peach orchard, plenty of cherry trees, and about 100 bearing apple trees; also, from 12 to 15 acres of wood-land.  The title is indisputable. -- A map of the premises is left with the auctioneer, and upon application to him the terms of sale may be known.

NICHOLAS HAIGHT.
mh2514ta"

Source:  A FARM FOR SALE AT AUCTION, The N.Y. Evening Post, Apr. 10, 1820, No. 5556, p. 4, col. 5.  

Below is a second nineteenth century advertisement for the sale of another estate on Rodman's Neck in the Town of Pelham.  The advertisement appeared in the November 30, 1846 issue of the Evening Mirror published in New York City and offered the estate of Elisha W. King on Rodman's Neck known as Hawkswood for sale.  I have written about Elisha W. King and Hawkswood on a number of occasions.  See:

Fri., Feb. 14, 2014:  Martin Euclid Thompson, the Architect of the Pelham Mansion Known as Hawkswood and the Marshall Mansion.

Thu., Feb. 13, 2014:  More Information About Elisha W. King, the Builder and Original Owner of Hawkswood.

Mon., Feb. 10, 2014:  Hawkswood, Also Known as the Marshall Mansion, Colonial Hotel and Colonial Inn, Once Stood in Pelham Near City Island. 

Wed., Apr. 5, 2006: "Hawkswood", Later Known as the Marshall Mansion on Rodman's Neck in Pelham.  

Thu., Jun. 28, 2007: 19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King. 

Fri., May 07, 2010: Image of Hawkswood Published in 1831. 

Thu., June 28, 2007: 19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King. 

Mon., Apr. 26, 2010: Public Service Commission Couldn't Find Marshall's Corners in 1909.

"We invite the attention of capitalists and others to the sale of real estate belonging to the estate of the late Elisha W. King, which takes placce TO-MORROW, at 12 o'clock, at the Merchant's Exchange, ANTHONY J. BLEECKER, Auctioneerr.  The property is eligibly situated in Gold street, and corner of Beekman street, on Ferry street, on Water street, on Cherry street, on Lewis street; also, in Brooklyn, in the village of New Rochelle, and the very desirable country residence at Rodman's Neck, in the town of Pelham, Westchester county.  Maps of the whole of this improved estate, can be had of the auctioneer.

Also, the valuable lot and buildings thereon, No. 55 East Broadway, the five story house and rear buildings, No. 39 East Broadway, and the buildings known as No. 192 and 194 Division street, occupied as stores and dwellings, the sale of which will be positive."

Source:  [Untitled], Evening Mirror [NY, NY], Nov. 30, 1846, Vol. V, No. 46, p. 2, col. 4. 

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Martin Euclid Thompson, the Architect of the Pelham Mansion Known as Hawkswood and the Marshall Mansion

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In the late 1820s, Elisha W. King hired a fellow Mason named Martin Euclid Thompson to design a new summer home for him in the Town of Pelham near the City Island Bridge.  The home and estate came to be known as Hawkswood.  Later, when the home was acquired by Levin R. Marshall, it became known as the Marshall Mansion.  Thompson was a prolific and acclaimed artist and architect whose work was then -- and remains today -- widely respected.  A few of his notable works include:  (1) the Second Branch Bank of the United States (1824), now preserved as a facade in the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art; (2) The Arsenal (1847-1851) in Central Park (830 Fifth Avenue, New York City); (3) the Merchants Exchange Building destroyed in the Great Fire of New York City, December 1835; (4) Naval Hospital, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York (1830-38); (5) the Admiral's House on Governor's Island (1843); and (6) the Greek Revival Colles Mansion (now The Kellogg Club) in Morristown, New Jersey (1838).

According to various genealogists, Martin Euclid Thompson was born April 10, 1787 at Connecticut Farms, a small village west of Elizabeth, New Jersey.  He was a member of the fifth generation descended from Thomas Thompson who settled in the area of today's Elizabeth, New Jersey after living for a time on Long Island in about 1664.  See McGregor, D. A Great Building, The New York Masonic Outlook, Vol. VII, No. 1, Sep. 1930, p. 22 (hereinafter, "McGregor, A Great Builder").  

Thompson's father was a schoolmaster and a talented mathematician.  Thompson never really knew his father, though.  "Martin was but five years old when his father met a tragic death by his own hand, during a period of temporary aberration, brought on by excessive application to his favorite study, Mathematics - his keen interest in the subject is seen in the fact that he gave the name Martin Euclid to his oldest son."  Id.  

As a youngster, Thompson showed a talent for woodworking and carpentry.  At the age of twelve, Martin began serving an apprenticeship to the building and carpentry trade in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Id.  Thompson moved to New York City and became an architecture student under New York City architect Joseph R. Brady.  See Russell, Daniel E., Martin Euclid Thompson 1786 - 1877 Architect and Painter, Glen Cove Heritage, available at http://glencoveheritage.com/legacy_site/martinethompson.pdf (visited Feb. 13, 2014) (prepared by the City Historian of Glen Cove, New York; hereinafter "Russell, Martin Euclid Thompson").  In New York City, "he applied himself so assiduously to the study of architecture that in 1823 his name appears in the City directory as a professional architect."  McGregor, A Great Builder, p. 22.  

Black and White Image of Oil on Canvas Portrait of Martin Euclid Thompson

by William Sidney Mount (American, Setauket, New York 1807-1868; Setauket, NY)

Original in Collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

On February 10, 1810, Thompson married Mary "Polly" Kitchell at Hanover Neck in Morris County, New Jersey.  Thompson was 22 years old.  Polly was 21.  Polly, a daughter of Aaron Kitchell and Phoebe Wilson Kitchell of Hanover Neck.  She was born on October 4, 1788 in Hanover Neck and died there on February 9, 1854.  Eventually the couple had at least ten children:  Elizabeth Allen (b. Jan. 12, 1811; d. May 5, 1836; m. Henry Beach); Susan Louise (b. Oct. 3, 1812; d. ?; m. George James Price); Matilda (b. Nov. 30, 1814; d. ?; m. Eliab Tompkins); Aaron (b. Sep. 8, 1817; d. Feb. 16, 1873; m. Grace Worthington); Charles Augustus (b. Oct. 11, 1819; d. Jan. 19, 1822); William Potter (b. Jan. 14, 1822; d. ?; m. Priscilla Amoreaux); Mary Emma (b. Jul. 22, 1824; d. ?; m. Jabez Munsell); Jacob Martin (b. Feb. 13, 1829; d. Dec. 23, 1829); Edwin Belknap (b. Feb. 4, 1831; d. ?; m. Helen E. Osborne); and Henrietta Elizabeth (b. Nov. 6, 1834; d. ?).  See Martin Euclid Thompson, 1787 - 1877, Onondaga and Oswego Masonic District Historical Society, available at http://www.omdhs.syracusemasons.com/sites/default/files/history/Thompson,%20Martin%20Euclid%20-%20Architect.pdf (visited Feb. 13, 2014).  

After studying architecture under Joseph Brady, Thompson partnered briefly with architect Ithiel Town.  At the age of 28, Thompson was commissioned to design the New York City branch of the Bank of the United States located at 15-1/2 Wall Street.  According to Daniel E. Russell:

"The building was completed in 1824. . . . After President Andrew Jackson abolished the Bank of the United States, the magnificent edifice would become the United States Assay Office for Manhattan.  [When the Assay Office was slated for demolition in 1924, Rober W. deForest undertook the preservation of the building's facade.  It was moved, stone by stone, to Central Park and reassembled to become the south facade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing -- where it can still be enjoyed today.]"

Russell, Martin Euclid Thompson, p. 1.

In 1826, Thompson and his partner, Ithiel Town, participated in the founding of the National Academy of Design, an honorary organization with the charge to "promote the fine arts in America through instruction and exhibition."  Among others involved in the founding of the organization were Thomas Cole,  Rembrandt Peale, Samuel F. B. Morse, and Asher B. Durand.  The Academy was modeled after the Royal Academy in London.  

The following year (1827), work was completed on the grand New York Merchant's Exchange, described as follows:

"This truly noble and extensive building is situated in Wallstreet [sic], below William-street, and extends southward one hundred and fifty feet to Exchange-street.  It presents a front on William-street, of one hundred and fifteen feet, and three stories in height, exclusive of the basement, which is considerably elevated.  Its southwest front, in Exchange-street, is one hundred and fourteen feet long, and also three stories high, including the basement story, which is only one step above the pavement.  The Wall-street front is the principal one, and is built entirely of white marble, from the quarries of Westchester."

Russell, Martin Euclid Thompson, pp. 1-2.  

During the late 1820's, Thompson was retained by New York City attorney and long-time City Alderman Elisha W. King to design a summer estate for King in the Town of Pelham, New York near City Island Bridge.   Thompson designed the residence in the Greek Revival style "near the height of the Greek Revival craze."  See Russell, Martin Euclid Thompson, p. 2. King's choice to use Thompson to design his Greek Revival style residence that became known as "Hawkswood" (a 50 foot by 62 foot mansion), should come as no surprise.  By the late 1820's, architectural designs in the Greek Revival style had become the "hallmark" of Thompson's architectural firm.   

Martin Euclid Thompson and Ithiel Town practiced together as partners for only a brief time.  For some of that time they were joined by Alexander Jackson Davis who joined the firm as an "architectural composer" and designed public buildings and residences in the firm's hallmark Greek Revival style.  By at least the early to mid-1830's, Thompson left the partnership followed soon by Alexander Jackson Davis who likewise parted ways with Town.  

Throughout this time and thereafter, Thompson designed many significant public buildings and private residences.  He designed the New York Institute for the Blind, a building that was completed in 1841.  He designed a mansion for Robert Ray at 17 Broadway that "was considered to be among his finest works; it was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1845."  Russell, Martin Euclid Thompson, p. 2.  He designed the facades of residences on Murray Street on land owned by Columbia University.  Id.  He designed the United States Naval Hospital at the Navy Yard in Brooklyn, built between 1831 and 1838.  Id.  

Thompson also designed the "Admiral's House" on Governor's Island (built in 1843).  Id., p. 3.  Not long after the Admiral's House was completed, work also was completed (in 1845) on the New York City Post Office designed by Thompson.  Id.  One of Thompson's last works was the Tradesmen's Bank in New York City in 1861, locate on the northwest corner of Broadway and Reade Street.  Id.  

Thompson was a fellow Mason with Elisha W. King for whom he designed Hawkswood.  "In view of his chosen profession, and the zeal with which he promoted the study of the liberal arts and sciences, it is not surprising to learn that he early became a member of the Masonic Fraternity.  He joined St. Andrew's Lodge No. 7, the third oldest Lodge in the City, and one [that] figured large in the organization of New York State.  Originally known as No. 169 on the register of the Grand Lodge of England, it was given its rightful place as No. 3 in the rearrangement of the Lodge in 1789.  Thirty years later it was changed to No. 7, and continued to hold its regular meetings at Tammany Hall, corner of Frankfort and Park Row, until 30 Dec. 1834, when it was dissolved.  The notification of this act sent to Grand Lodge was signed by W.'.Bro. Thompson, and two other members, showing that he had stuck to it to the last."  McGregor, A Great Builder, p. 22.  Thompson served as Master of St. Andrew's Lodge No. 7 in 1820.  Id.  

Thompson spent his later years in the care of one of his daughters Susan Louise Thompson Price.  According to one source:

"Thompson's daughter married George James Price, who had purchased 'Dosoris,' the sprawling estate of Rev. Benjamin Woolsey north of the village of Glen Cove, in 1850.  Price died in 1864, he abandoned New York City to live with his daughter and help manage the farm.  The urban architect adapted quickly enough to rural life that he was able to chair a roundtable [sic] discussion on commercial apple production in the same year at the American Institute's annual meeting."  

Russell, Martin Euclid Thompson, p. 4.

Undated Photograph of  Martin Euclid Thompson Taken Late in His Life.

Thompson died on July 24, 1877.  Rev. John Cavarly Middleton of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Glen Cove delivered Thompson's eulogy, saying:

"On the 24th of July Mr. Martin E. Thompson passed away in hope of the resurrection.  He was ninety years of age, and until a year or two before his death a remarkably vigorous old man.  As is usual with persons of great age he lived very much in the past.  Indeed the past seemed to him more real than the present because he had been so active in it.  For he had been a marked man in his younger days.  As an architect, when architecture was in its infancy in America, he did noble work and left the impress of his art on many churches, banks, and public buildings whose fine proportions are silent witnesses today of the quality of his genius and the culture of his taste.  He was repeatedly called to fill positions of honor, among which was one of which he might well be proud.  For it was he who was appointed by the Grand Lodge of Free Masons to welcome Lafayette to our shores when at the invitation of Congress he returned as the nation's guest in 1824.  When the weight of years pressed heavily upon him and his active life was over he retired to the home of one of his daughters in our midst, where he remained till his death the recipient of the tendered filial care and Christian love."

Russell, Martin Euclid Thompson, pp. 4-5.

Recently I have devoted much effort to assembling and distilling information about Hawkswood, the Greek Revival mansion that once stood in Pelham, as well as information about the architect and early owners of Hawkswood.  For examples of prior postings I have published about the mansion, see:

Mon., Feb. 10, 2014:  Hawkswood, Also Known as the Marshall Mansion, Colonial Hotel and Colonial Inn, Once Stood in Pelham Near City Island. 

Thu., Feb. 13, 2014:  More Information About Elisha W. King, the Builder and Original Owner of Hawkswood.

Wed., Apr. 5, 2006: "Hawkswood", Later Known as the Marshall Mansion on Rodman's Neck in Pelham.  

Thu., Jun. 28, 2007: 19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King. 

Fri., May 07, 2010: Image of Hawkswood Published in 1831. 

Thu., June 28, 2007: 19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King. 

Mon., Apr. 26, 2010: Public Service Commission Couldn't Find Marshall's Corners in 1909.  

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More Information About Elisha W. King, the Builder and Original Owner of Hawkswood

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Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

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

Recently I have devoted much effort to assembling and distilling information about Hawkswood, the Greek Revival mansion that once stood in Pelham, as well as information about the architect and early owners of Hawkswood.  For examples of prior postings I have published about the mansion, see:

Mon., Feb. 10, 2014:  Hawkswood, Also Known as the Marshall Mansion, Colonial Hotel and Colonial Inn, Once Stood in Pelham Near City Island. 

Wed., Apr. 5, 2006: "Hawkswood", Later Known as the Marshall Mansion on Rodman's Neck in Pelham.  

Thu., Jun. 28, 2007: 19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King. 

Fri., May 07, 2010: Image of Hawkswood Published in 1831. 

Thu., June 28, 2007: 19th Century Notice of Executor's Sale of "Hawkswood" After Death of Elisha W. King. 

Mon., Apr. 26, 2010: Public Service Commission Couldn't Find Marshall's Corners in 1909.  

Today's Historic Pelham Blog posting provides a detailed biography of the man who first built Hawkswood:  Elisha W. King.  Friday's posting will finish the series by identifying the architect of the mansion and providing a detailed biography of that gentleman.  

Detail from Photograph of Hawkswood (aka the Marshall Mansion) During the 1930s.

Elisha William King was a successful New York City lawyer and a City Alderman in New York City for more than twenty years.  He built the estate known as Hawkswood in the Town of Pelham near City Island Bridge during the 1820s.  

King was born on March 19, 1781 in Lyme, Connecticut.  He was the penultimate child of the nine children born to Jeremiah King and his wife, Deborah Dominy King.  Elisha W. King's parents were residents of Long Island when the Revolutionary War began, but fled to Lyme, Connecticut when the British took possession of parts of Long Island early in the War.  During the family's period as refugees in Lyme, Elisha was born.  See Elisha W. King, Esq. in Thompson, Benjamin F., The History of Long Island From Its Discovery And Settlement, to the Present Time, Vol. II, pp. 524-25 (2d Ed., NY, NY:  Gould, Banks & Co. 1843) (hereinafter "Thompson II"). King's ancestry has been described as follows:

"[Elisha W. King] was the son of Jeremiah, grandson of William, and great-grandson of John King, who emigrated from England to Salem, Mass., in 1650, came to Long Island in 1654, and settled at Southampton, from whence he removed to Southold in 1664, after the conquest of New Netherlands by the English.  His wife was Frances Ludlow, whom, it is believed, he married in New England, and by whom he had issue three sons, John, Samuel and William, and six daughters.  These sons purchased a part of Oyster Ponds, where they settled.  Jeremiah, one of the sons of the said William, married a Miss Dominy of Easthampton, by whom he had nine sons . . ."  Thomson II, p. 524.  

Several of Elisha King's brothers were sea-faring men.  This apparently influenced King as a youngster.  He "likewise manifested a strong propensity for the same employment."  Thomson II, p. 525.  Although King's parents attempted to dissuade him from going to sea, he made an attempt to accompany one of his brothers on a "distant voyage."  This attempt turned out to be quite fateful as it led King to the discovery of an entirely different line of employment -- one in which he eventually succeeded mightily.  The story is told that young Elisha King ignored his parents' wishes and:  

"He traveled to New York, and went, with his brother, to the office of Francis Lynch, Esq., a practising [sic] lawyer in that city, to have some necessary papers drawn for his protection as an American citizen, in case of capture.  His personal appearance made such a favorable impression upon Mr. Lynch, as induced him to request the brother to leave the youth with him, till he should return from the present voyage, when, if still inclined to the seas, he might accompany him on the next.  The boy was then but twelve years old, and his new friend treated him with so much kindness and affection, that he became attached to him, and was, at the time, so much pleased with reading law, that he abandoned all thoughts of the sea, and resolved to make the law his profession.  For the more than parental attention of his excellent instructor, Mr. King was ever most grateful and always spoke of his professional preceptor with affectionate respect.  So assiduously did he apply himself to his juridical studies, and so great was his proficiency, that at the age of nineteen years, he felt himself qualified to pass an examination for admission to the bar.  But the rules of the supreme court required all candidates for this purpose to be of the age of twenty-one years.  In this emergency, Mr. King applied for diretion and advice to his friend, the late Col. Richard Varick, a veteran lawyer of the day, stating his wishes, and the obstacle that presented to prevent their gratification.  The answer he received from the venerable counsellor, reminded him that the first duty of a lawyer was to keep council, to which he added, 'keep your own council, and if no one asks your age, you need not disclose it.'  It is almost needless to say that this sage advice was strictly obeyed, and the applicant was admitted to the bar in the year 1800."  Thomson II, p. 525.

Indeed, records confirm that Elisha W. King was admitted as an "attorney at law" in New York County in 1800, a "counsellor at law" in New York County in 1806, and a "counsellor in chancery" in New York County in 1825.  See Skinner, Roger Sherman, The New-York State Register, For the Year of Our Lord 1830, the Fifty-Fourth Year of American Independence, with a Concise United States Calendar, p. 205 (NY, NY: Clayton & Van Norden, 1830).  

Shortly after he was admitted to the New York bar, Elisha W. King married Margaret Vandervoort (Born about 1783 - Died April 14, 1863).  Elisha was only twenty years old at the time.  Margaret, who was about 17 when the couple married, was a daughter of Anne Kouvenhoven Vandervoort and Peter Vandervoort of Bedford, Long Island, "a gentleman of great respectability, and who had frequently represented Kings county, in the legislature of the state."  Thomson II, at p. 525.  Margaret Vandervoort King's portrait, painted by famed artist Samuel Morse, is in the collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museums, control number IAP 83760060. The couple had at least eight children:  Sarah Chandler King, William Sterling King, John Bowne King, Peter Vandervoort King, Theodore Frederick King, Eliza Antonia King, Percy Rivington King, and Helen Frederika King.

King's marriage connected him with Peter Vandervoort and the well-connected Vandervoort family.  As one biographer has said:  "Perhaps no event in the life of Mr. King more advanced his happiness and success than this first and most important one.  By this means, he not only became connected with a family of great influence,, but found a companion every way qualified to aid his onward course to reputation and fortune.  She even assisted him in copying papers, when the urgency of his professional business made it necessary, and he ever found her, as she should be, his first, best friend in every emergency."  Thomson II, at p. 525.  

King practiced with Peter W. Radcliff in a law office at 27 Beekman Street in Manhattan for some period of time.  His law practice took off.  "As an industrious and sound lawyer, Mr. King rose rapidly into public notice, and acquired in a short time a high reputation, and a profitable professional business.  He was highly esteemed for his integrity, and a nice sense of honor, in all his engagements, and strict fidelity to the interests of his employers.  Few men possessed a more pleasing or effective elocution, and his persuasive eloquence procured him great success before a jury of his fellow citizens.  His personal appearance was highly prepossessing, and he possessed a voice which was harmony itself."  Thomson II, at p. 525-26.  

Elisha W. King clearly was a talented and respected attorney.  Indeed, he was remembered for his talents and integrity by those who knew his work for decades after his death in 1836.  See, e.g., Silliman, Benjamin D., Personal Reminiscences of Sixty Years at the New York Bar in McAdam, David, et al., eds., History of the Bench and Bar of New York, Vol. I, pp. 226 & 243 (NY, NY: NY History Company, 1897) (from an address by Benjamin D. Silliman at a complimentary dinner tendered to him by the bar of New York and Brooklyn, May 24, 1889, the sixtieth anniversary of his admission to practice). See also Chester, Alden & Williams, Edwin Melvin, Courts and Lawyers of New York: A History, 1609-1925, Vol. 1, p. 924 & n. 25 (The American Historical Society, Inc., 1925).

Throughout his illustrious legal career and even after, Elisha W. King was very involved in public service, philanthropic initiatives, and corporate endeavors. For example, in 1816, King gathered with others to participate in the first meeting that led to the establishment of the New-York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb.  See Twenty-Fifth Annual Report of the Directors of the New-York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb - Appendix No. 1: List of Officers and Directors of the New-York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, from 1817 to 1844 in pp. 31-33 (also noting Elisha W. King was deceased as of the publication date of 1844).  King served as a Director of the New-York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb 1818-1819.  See Picket, Albert & Picket, John W., The Academician, Containing The Elements of Scholastic Science, and the Outlines of Philosophic Education, Predicated on the Analysis of the Human Mind and Exhibiting the Improved Methods of Instruction, pp. 137-38 (NY, NY: Charles N. Baldwin, 1820). He remained involved with the institution in his later years.  See Skinner, Roger Sherman, The New-York State Register, For the Year of Our Lord 1830, the Fifty-Fourth Year of American Independence, with a Concise United States Calendar, p. 205 (NY, NY: Clayton & Van Norden, 1830) (noting that King was elected as 2nd Ward School Fund Commissioner for the New-York Institution for the Deaf and Dumb in May 1829).  

King also served as a trustee and stockholder of the Manhattan Company in 1833. He held 50 shares on Sep. 1, 1833 and 50 shares on Oct. 1, 1833. See List of the Stockholders of the Manhattan Company, furnished in conformity with a resolution of the Senate of the United States passed on the 11th December, 1833, and by order of a circular of the Treasury Department, dated on the 16th December, 1833 in Public Documents Printed by Order of The Senate of the United States, First Session of the Twenty -Third Congress, Begun and Held at the City of Washington, December 1, 1834, and in the Fifty-Eighth Year of the Independence of the United States in Ten Volumes, Vol. II, pp. 58 & 64 (Washington, D.C.: Duff Green, 1834).  Likewise he served as a Director of Tradesmen’s Bank (177 Chatham Street, NY, NY) in 1833. The bank was incorporated in 1823 for 10 years and the incorporation was renewed in 1831 for 24 years. It was capitalized with 400,000 through shares sold at 40 dollars each. Williams, Edwin, ed., New-York As It is, In 1833; And Citizens’ Advertising Directory, pp. 97-98 (NY, NY: J. Disturnell, 1833).

Elisha W. King made his mark on the City of New York through nearly two decades of service as a City Alderman and member of the New York City Common Council, a predecessor to today's City Council.  In addition to years of dedicated legislative and committee work as a member of the Council, as an experienced "elder statesman" member of the Council he often represented the City in ceremonial events.  For example, in 1825 King was a member of the Common Council of the City of New York. With the opening of the Erie Canal on October 26, 1825, celebrations were held throughout the State of New York. As part of the celebration, King and William A. Davis “journeyed to Buffalo to extend the hospitalities of New York City to the committees along the whole line of the canal; Henry I. Wycoff and Philip Hone were sent to meet King and Davis with the city’s guests as they should enter the Hudson at Albany, and provide facilities for their passage down the river.”  Lamb, Mrs. Martha J. & Harrison, Mrs. Burton, History of the City of New York – Its Origin, Rise and Progress, Vol. 3, p. 696-97 (A.S. Barnes & Co., 1877-1896).  Likewise, King was among those forming a corporation committee representing the City of New York in the arrangement of a banquet on May 4, 1813 at Washington Hall in Manhattan to honor Captain James Lawrence who commanded the Hornet during the War of 1812 and had a series of naval victories over the British including one against the British frigate Peacock off the South American coast on Feb. 22, 1813. See id., p. 624.  

One biographer has written about King's service in the municipal councils of the City of New York as follows:

"The services of Mr. King in the municipal councils of the city, will long be remembered.  Elected by no party, he was the representative of his ward.  Firm, judicious, independent and conscientious, he was swayed by no selfish motive; unfettered by party trammels, he followed the dictates of his own good sense, in the discharge of all his public duties.  He was elected assistant alderman of the fourth ward in 1810, and was continued till 1816, when he was chosen to the legislature.  He was afterwards elected alderman, and to the assembly again in 1825.  One of the most important and exciting questions discussed in the common council, while he was a member, was that of the law which prohibited interments in the city, in which he took a prominent and decided stand in favor of the act; and he lived to see it established, with the approbation of a great majority of citizens.  The dignity and sanctity of the pulpit, the talents of the medical profession, the rights of property, the prejudices and sympathies of the people, and the power of family pride, were arrayed against the law and its advocate; and though he strongly sympathized with those who desire, 'when life's fitful dream is o'er,' to repose with their kindred dead, yet he was not moved from his purpose, considering the safety of the living of more value than a regard for the last resting place of those who die."  Thomson II, p. 526.

Elisha W. King clearly had a profoundly positive impact on those with whom he worked and those whom he came to know during his legal career.  One of his nearly life-long friends was quoted saying about King:

"The late Hon. John T. Irving, whose acquaintance with Mr. King, for more than 30 years, was of the most intimate kind, and a person well qualified to judge, thus speaks of his friend.  'Mr. King's mind (says he) was of a varied character; for although his education had been limited, he had a natural tast for works of art, and possessed a genius which was original and refined.  This appeared espectially in his pleadings at the bar, which displayed great force and originality of thought.  There was nothing common place about him; he won the respect of his competitors by the great strenght and resources of his intellect.  Besides this vigor of understanding, which appeared to enlighten whatever it touched, his life was marked by a purity of purpose and by a spirit which was above every thing that was grovelling and mercenary.  He was a liberal practitioner, pursuing it with an elevation of mind, and a courtesy of manner toward his brethren of the bar, which soon obtained their confidence and esteem, and which he never lost.  Industrious, persevering, temperate and frugal, his reputation increased, and wealth flowed in upon him with an unfailing stream.  'Riches altered him not; they only enabled him to follow out more fully the benevolent impulses of his heart; his charity was 'fertile as the Nile's dark waters, undiscovered as their source.' And many objects of his bounty knew not whence relief came, until death stopped the source.'"  Thomson II, p. 526.

Throughout nearly his entire adult life, King was a Mason, having joined the organization as early as 1801.  He climbed the ranks of the organization until he became the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York in 1826.  He served in that role until the following year when he was renominated for further service but stepped aside to allow a colleague to take on the role.  King took the degrees of Knighthood in the organization at the same time as the Marquis de Lafayette, a fellow Mason, during General Lafayette's visit to the United States in 1825.  There is an interesting story of a Masonic relic that passed through King's hands at the time he served as Grand Master in New York.  The story is quoted in full, immediately below:

"AN INTERESTING RELIC.
Vergennes, August 17, 1854.

CHARLES W. MOORE, Esq.-Dear Sir and Br:-I have thought the following incidents might possess interest enough for publication.  

A few months since Mrs. Ann Maria Sherman, of this city, presented to me, as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Vermont, a very splendid MASTER's APRON, for which, as well on my own behalf as that of my Brethren, I desire to make this public acknowledgment.  

Mrs. Sherman is the wife of Captain Iahaziel Sherman, of this city, and the daughter of Elisha W. King, Esq. formerly Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York.  

Brother King became a Mason as early as 1801, and was Grand Master of New York, in 1826 and 1827.  He took the degrees of Knighthood at the same time with Gen. Lafayette, during the visit of that Brother to this country in 1825.

During Brother King's Grand Mastership, Br. John Jacob Astor presented him with the Apron which Mrs. Sherman has now presented to me.  It was sent to Br. King with a letter of which the following is a copy, and the original of which was presented me with the Apron and is now in my possession.

'DEAR SIR:-I take the liberty to send you an Apron, which I hope you will do me the favor to accept, and to believe me to be, very respectfully, 

Dear sir, your obedient servant,

JOHN JACOB ASTOR.

E.W. King, Esq.                April 18, 1827.'

Brother King resigned the office of Grand Master in June, 1827, in favor of Br. Stephen Van Rensselaer, and on that occasion the following proceedings were had in the Grand Lodge of New York, as appears by an original copy from the records now in my possession.

Grand Lodge of the State of New York.

On motion - Resolved, That the R.W. Oliver M. Lownds, R.W. Welcome Esleeck, and the W. Brs. Lebbeus Chapman, Henry Marsh and John O. Cole, be a committee to convey to the M.W.P.G.M. Elisha W. King, the thanks of this Grand Lodge for the able and disinterested manner in which he has discharged the duties of the Chair, and to request his acceptance of a piece of plate, with a suitable inscription, in testimony of the high respect entertained for his services.

O.M. LOWNDS, G. Secretary.

Grand Master King died on the first of December 1836, and it gives me great pleasure to be able to preserve this evidence of the high esteem in which he was held by his Brethren.

The Apron presented is precisely such a one as such a man as Brother Astor might be expected to present to his Masonic Brother and personal friend - rich but not tawdry.  It is wrought wholly by the needle in silk and gold and silver tissue, upon a beautiful satin, with a very choice selection of Masonic emblems.  It is not overloaded, and the selection seems to me to be made in the purest Masonic taste.  The All-Seeing Eye is more perfect than any thing I have ever seen accomplished by needle-work; the coffin is perfect; the sprig of acacia appears as if just plucked from its native tree, and it is difficult to convince ones self that the three lesser lights are not actually burning.  Most Fraternally yours,

PHILIP C. TUCKER"

Tucker, Philip C., An Interesting Relic in The Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XIII, No. 11, Sep. 1, 1854, pp. 321 & 347.

In 1826, Elisha W. King ran for Congress within District New York 3, a plural district with three seats in Congress.  Of the five candidates for the three seats, all three Jacksonian Party incumbents held their Congressional seats in the election.  Elisha W. King finished fifth among the five candidates with only 13.1% of the vote.  See United States House of Representatives Elections, 1826, Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_1826 (visited Feb. 12, 2014).  

It seems that after his loss in the Congressional campaign of 1826, Elisha W. King settled for lesser office.  He served as Justice of the Peace (together with Joseph Lyon) in the Town of Pelham, Westchester County, New York, where he built Hawkswood.  See Skinner, Roger Sherman, The New-York State Register, For the Year of Our Lord 1830, the Fifty-Fourth Year of American Independence, with a Concise United States Calendar, p. 280 (NY, NY: Clayton & Van Norden, 1830).

According to some sources, the same year (1827), King retired from the practice of law.  Yet, King is still shown in the New York City Directory of 1830-31 as an attorney and counselor with an address located at 27 Beekman in Manhattan.  See, e.g., 1830-1831 Longworth’s New-York Directory for the 55th Year of American Independence, p. 389.  In any event, at about this time, King moved to his country home known as Hawkswood in the Town of Pelham near City Island Bridge.  

King remained at Hawkswood as a retiree until November 1836 when he became ill.  He traveled to the home of his son, Dr. Theodore F. King, in Brooklyn where he sought medical relief. He remained under his son's care for a short time and died in his son's home on December 1 or December 3, 1836. Thomson II, p. 527.  

King's widow, Margaret Vandrvoort King, died at the age of 80 at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. A.T. Watson, on Staten Island.  See Died . . . King, N.Y. Times, Apr. 17, 1863.  

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