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.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Lawsuit Over the Will of John Hunter of Hunter's Island


During the 19th century, when wealthy New Yorkers built some of the region's most beautiful mansions along the shore of the Long Island Sound in the Town of Pelham, the mansion of one wealthy New Yorker stood out among all others.  It was the home of John Hunter on Hunter's Island in Long Island Sound.  

John Hunter was born August 4, 1778 and died in his home on Hunter's Island on September 12, 1852.  John Hunter executed his will on May 8 1852.  He added a codicil to his will on September 8, 1852, four days before his death.  

After Hunter's death, his son and executor. Elias Desbrosses Hunter, filed a lawsuit against family members seeking construction of the will.  The lawsuit does not appear, on its face at least, to be indicative of a family dispute over disposition of the assets of John Hunter.  Rather, it seems to have been an honest effort to obtain judicial guidance regarding vague elements of John Hunter's will.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes a very large portion -- though not all -- of the judicial decision construing the terms of John Hunter's will.  I have transcribed the editor's case notes at the outset that summarize the judicial determinations of the will.  I have transcribed the entirety of the will and the codicil added by Hunter shortly before his death.  I also have transcribed a very small portion of the judicial decision to provide context regarding important issues such as the codicil to the will.  For those who wish to read the entirety of the lengthy decision, it may be accessed via a link at the end of today's posting.

"ELIAS D. HUNTER vs. JOHN HUNTER, JUN., ELIZABETH D. HUNTER, ANN M. HUNTER, ADELE HUNTER AND ELIAS D. HUNTER, JUN.

Rents reserved upon perpetual leases are incorporeal hereditaments, and as such they are descendible from those to whom they are reserved.

The word 'seised,' in a conveyance, does not confine the description to tangible property.  Seisn has reference to the estate, and not to the thing in which the estate exists.

Where a deed conveyed property to J. H. to be held by him in trust to and for the use of the grantee and his wife, during their natural lives, and for the use of the survivor during his or her life; and upon the death of the survivor the property was to be held in trust for the use of their son, E. D. H. if he should ten be a minor, until he should attain the age of twenty-one years; or if he should then be of full age, or when he should attaint that age, it was to vest in him absolutely; Held that the deed was to be construed as providing that the property should be held for the use of the parents, [Page 25 / Page 26] and the survivor, during life; and that upon the death of the survivor and the full age of the son it should vest in him absolutely.

Authority was also conferred, by the same deed, upon J. H., his heirs and assigns, or the guardians of such of his heirs as might be minors, to make sales or leases of all or any part of the estate included in the deed; but it was expressly provided that the considerations, rents, issues and profits of what might be sold should be subject to the trusts specified in that conveyance.  Under this power J. H. sold a portion of the lands, and received a part of the consideration money.  He also leased another portion of such lands, in perpetuity, and received a part of the rents accruing during his life.  He also entered into contracts for the sale of another portion of these lands and received a part of the rents accruing during his life.  H also entered into contracts for the sale of another portion of these lands and received a part of the consideration money, and made contracts for the extinguishment of the rents of a portion of the lands held under the perpetual leases, and received a part of the consideration money.  Held, that in all those cases where the contracts were not consummated by conveyances, the property had not been divested, but after the death of J. H. was in his son E. D. H.; and the requisite conveyances should be executed by the latter.

Held also,, that J. H. was entitled, during his life, to the rents, issues and profits of the unsold lands, and to the interest accruing on the consideration moneys of such portions of the real estate as he had sold, or contracted to sell.  And that upon his death, his son E. D.. H. became seised in fee of the unsold lands, and the rents on the then existing and unaffected leases, and entitled to the consideration moneys for that portion of the estate which had been sold; whether it had been paid to J. H. or remained unpaid at the time of his decease.

Held further, that the principal moneys which had been received by J. H. in his lifetime, on account of the lands, or which remained unpaid at the death of J. H. was the property of J. H. and passed under his will, as a portion of his personal estate.

Where such deed conveyed lands in trust for J. H. and his wife, during life and for their son, E. D. H., during his minority; and on the death of both parents, and the termination of such minority, E. D. H. was to stand seised of all the estate, to and for the sole use of himself, his heirs and assigns in fee, without any further trust of and concerning the same; HELD that this was clearly a legal estate, and was exempt from a power of revocation reserved to J. H. and his wife, in respect to 'the trusts' contained in such deed.

A deed, executed by J. H. and his wife to J. H. jun. was confided to the custody of P. and was not to be delivered to the proposed grantee until he should attain the age of 25 years.  If he should die under that age, having married with the consent of his parents, and having lawful issue at the time of his death, the title to the premises was to vest in, and the deed was to be delivered immediately to, or for the benefit of, such issue.  Held, 1.  That [Page 26 / Page 27] the term having lawful issue, applied to the time when the grantee might die under the appointed age.

2.  That, the revised statutes providing that as to any ulterior disposition of property by way of remainder, the failure in such cases is at the time of the death of the ancestor, the use of those terms did not create an estate tail, by implication, in J. H. jun. during his minority, to be forfeited, (in the event of his death under 25,) at the time when he would, if living, have attained that age.

3.  That the ulterior estates were not made dependent upon a contingency too remote to take effect; the suspension of the power of alienation being limited to the single life of J. H. jun.

4.  That the deed did not become inoperative and void, by the death of one of the grantors previous to the time specified for its delivery; but that the title might be perfected by a delivery of the deed by the depositary to the grantee, after he attained the age of 25.

When a deed is at first delivered to a third person as an escrow, such delivery is good and valid, and vests the title on the performance of the condition, or the happening of the specified contingency.  Therefore if either of the parties dies before the condition is performed, and the condition is afterwards perfected, the deed avails, and takes effect by the first delivery.

Where it was expressly declared in an explanatory instrument accompanying a deed that those papers were to be placed in the hands of P. as an escrow, yet there were some provisions for intermediate action -- such as reservations or creations of power to manage, lease or sell the lands, to collect the rents, and moneys due on contracts of sale, and to invest the moneys which might be received for the benefit of the grantee, provided he should eventually be entitled to the property -- Held, that these provisions, to give them any effect, must be deemed declarations of trust, which it was competent for the grantors to make; and that as P. might be considered the trustee of the grantee, to receive and hold the deed provisionally, for him, they became and continued effective.

A grantee of land, while the deed to him is held as an escrow, has no expectant estate which gives him a right to the intermediate rents and profits, under the 40th section of the title of the revised statutes relative to the creation and division of estates.

There can be no valid existing limitation of an estate, under an escrow, until it has become effectual by the eventual delivery.

Where a testator devised to his granddaughters all his lands 'in great lot No. 25 in the Hardenburgh patent lying in the county of Greene, and all my other lands in the said county of Greene, from and after the death of my said son,' and neither the patent nor the lot lay wholly in that county; Held, 1.  That this included only that part of lot No. 25 situated in the county of Greene, which belonged to the testator; the words 'lying in the county of Green' not being designed as descriptive of the last preceding [Page 27 / Page 28] antecedent -- the H. patent -- nor of the lot, but as referring to the lands intended to be devised.

2.  That the words 'from and after the death of my said son,' which followed both devises, were applicable to each.

A devise in general terms, of all the testator's lands in a particular county, passes his right to rents under perpetual leases on lands lying in such county.  

Where a testator gave a legacy of $20,000 to each of his three granddaughters, with a positive direction that such legacies should be paid out of the personal estate; and in a previous specific bequest of certain funds in the hands of P. to his grandson, it was declared that they were subject to the payment of the legacies to the granddaughters; it was held that this clause neither directed nor implied that those legacies should be paid out of such funds primarily, but that a resort might be had to them, if it should become necessary; in other words, that if either should fail, it should be the specific legacy.

Held also, that those funds might be applied towards the payment of the legacies to the granddaughters, in aid of that portion of the estate liable therefor, according to the usual rule, but not otherwise.

A testator devised a farm to his son, for life, and directed that after the son's death the farm should be divided into three parts, and he gave one share to each of his three granddaughters in fee; and in case any of his granddaughters should die before the termination of the life estate of his son, leaving lawful issue or lineal descendants her surviving, then he gave and devised to such lawful issue, &c. the same share which the mother would have taken if she had lived.  And in case any of his said granddaughters should die without leaving lawful issue, &c. then the share of the one so dying was to be divided equally between her surviving sisters, and the issue of such of them as might then be dead.  Held, that the devise over to the issue must necessarily take effect, if at all, immediately upon the termination of the life estate of the testator's son; and that, although the devise to the survivor or survivors, or the issue of any who might have previously died, was not confined in terms to a death within the lifetime of the son, yet that as both clauses related to the same property, and provided for consistent alternatives, the testator contemplated in each the same period; that neither, therefor, suspended the power of alienation beyond the life of one person.

A testator devised to his grandson, J. H. jun. the Bayard farm, on condition that he should not sell or dispose of the same until he should have attained the age of twenty-five years; and he directed that upon the decease of his son E. D. H., and within forty days thereafter, J. H. jun. should have his election either to remain in the occupation of the Bayard farm, or to remove to Hunter's Island that he should leave to his mother and sisters the Bayard farm, &c. for their residence, free of rent, as long as they should remain single, and desire [Page 28 / Page 29] to occupy the same.  And in the event of J. H. jun. electing to remove to Hunter's Island, &c. the testator devised to him Hunter's Island, Hart Island and the Provoost farm, from and after the death of E. D. H.  But in case J. H. jun. should survive E. D. H. and omit to make his election, or shoudl die before E. D. H., leaving lawful issue, then he ordered the islands and farm to be sold and the proceeds divided; and in case J. H. jun. should die before E. D. H., leaving no issue him surviving, then upon the death of E. D. H. the islands and farm were given to the testator's three granddaughters.  By a codicil the testator directed that upon making the election mentioned in the will, J. H. jun. should execute a deed for the Bayard farm to his three sisters, subject to the use and occupation thereof by his mother and sisters, so long as they should remain unmarried.  Held, 1.  That there was nothing in the devise of the Bayard and Provoost farms, or of the islands, which could suspend the absolute power of alienation, as to either, for more than two lives in being at the death of the testator.  

2. That neither the requisition in the will that J. H. jun., on making the election, should leave the Bayard farm to his mother and sisters, so long as they should remain single, nor the direction in the codicil that, on making such election, he should execute a deed of said farm to his sisters, subject to the use and occupation thereof by them and their mother, and the survivors, so long as they should remain unmarried, would effect a suspension of the power of alienation at all, within the meaning of the statute.

3.  That J. H. jun. took a present fee in the Bayard farm, with a restriction as to selling it until he should attain the age of 25 years, determinable on his electing, at the death of E. D. H. to remove to Hunter's Island, or -- on his refusal or omission to do that -- at his death, if he should leave no lawful issue then living.

4.  That he could sell the farm, on his attaining the requisite age, and give a title for it, defeasible only upon his dying without lawful issue.

5.  That he, upon the death of E. D. H., on his electing to remove to Hunter's Island and executing a deed to his sisters, for the Bayard farm, would take a fee, subject to the privilege to them and their mother mentioned in the codicil, in the two islands and the Provoost farm, determinable in favor of the granddaughters, on his dying withoout leaving lawful issue.

6.  That upon J. H. jun. acquiring the fee he could dispose of the property, and confer a title therefor, subject to be defeated only upon the specified contingency.

A devise of lands to E. D. H. for life, then to J. H. jun. in fee, and upon his dying without leaving lawful issue at the tiime of his death, over to his three sisters, in fee, is not too remote; the power of alienation not being suspended by the lives of the children of J. H. jun.

The statute has reference to the lives the continuance of which actually suspend the power.

A suspension of the power of alienation, resulting simply from minority, is not such as is contemplated by the statute.  [Page 29 / Page 30]

A charge upon the income of the testator's estate, for the education of his grandchildren, is not void as illegally suspending the power of alienation of the real estate, and the absolute ownership of the personal property.

[EDITOR'S NOTE:  The Case Reporter's case notes end at this point and the actual opinion of the Court begins immediately below.]

The complaint in this cause was filed by Elias Desbrosses Hunter, individually, and as executor of the last will and testament of John Hunter, late of Hunter's Island in the county of Westchester, deceased, against the defendants John Hunter, jun., Elizabeth D. Hunter, Ann M. Hunter, Adele Hunter and Elias D. Hunter, jun. for a construction of the will of the testator, and of sundry deeds upon which his title depended.  The complaint alleged that the testator died on the 12th of September 1852, having in his lifetime and on or about the 8th of May, 1852, duly made and published his last will and testament, in due form of law to pass real estate, by which he devised and directed as follows:

"First.  I direct my just debts and funeral expenses to be paid out of my personal estate.  Second.  I give, devise and bequeath unto my son Elias Desbrosses Hunter, his heirs and assigns forever, all my land in great lot forty-one (41) of the Hardenburgh patent in Delaware county:  my lot number eleven (11) in the town of Mamakating in Sullivan county:  my house and lot of groudn in Batavia-street or lane in the city of New-York: my two houses and lots of ground in Cherry-street in said city: my two houses and lots of ground in Water-street in said city: and my store and lot of ground in Front-street in said city: which property formerly belonged to my wife and has been in the possession of my said son for many years.  And I also give, devise and bequeath unto my said son, for and during his natural life, the use, possession, income and profits of the residue of my estate, real and personal, not hereinafter other wise expressly disposed of.  Third.  Having given unto my grandson John Hunter, my land in great lots numbers four (4) and five (5) of the Hardenburgh patent, lying in the county of Sullivan, by deed of fee simple, I do hereby ratify and confirm forever my said gift and deed to him: and I give and devise unto my said grandson, his heirs and assigns forever, all my other lands in that vounty, except the premises above devised to [Page 30 / Page 31] my said son.  And I also give and devise unto my said grandson, John Hunter and his heirs, my farm on Throgs Neck, in Westchester county, known as the Bayard farm, with the buildings and appurtenances thereof, upon condition however that he shall not sell or dispose of this farm, until he shall have obtained the age of twenty-five years.  Fourth.  Upon the decease of my said son, and within forty days thereafter, it is my desire that my said grandson John Hunter, shall have his election either to remain in the occupation of the Bayard farm, or to remove to Hunter's Island, where I now reside: and in case he should elect to remove to Hunter's Island, that he will lease to his mother and his three sisters, Elizabeth, Ann and Adele, the Bayard farm with its cottage, for their residence, free of rent as long as they shall remain single, and desire to occupy the same.  In the event of my said grandson electing to remove to Hunter's Island, and providing a residence for his mother and sisters as aforesaid, in accordance with my wishes, then I give and devise until my said grandson, John Hunter, his heirs and assigns forever, Hunter's Island aforesaid, Hart Island and the Provoost farm, all in the said town of Pelham, with the buildings and appurtenances thereto belonging, from and after the death of my said son: and also a right of way with cattle and teams over the lane now used by me across my farm commonly called and known as the Sackett farm, situated in the said town of Pelham, opposite Hunter's Island and getween the farms of Mr. Thatcher and Elbert Roosevelt, and also a right of way from the said lane, through the woods of said Sackett farm, to and from the said Provoost farm.  But in case my said grandson should survive his said father and omit to make his election as aforesaid, then I order and direct my executors hereinafter named, and the survivor of them at their or his discretion, to sell and dispose of in fee simple, the said Hunter's Island, Hart Island and Provoost farm, with the right of way across and through the Sackett farm as aforesaid, at public or private sale for cash, or on credit, as may be deemed best; and upon making such sale, or sales, and receiving the purchase money or security for the same, I authorize and empower my said executors and the survivor of [Page 31 / Page 32] them to execute and deliver to the purchaser or purchasers thereof good and valid deeds of conveyance for the same, in due form of law.  And the net proceeds of such sales I direct to be divided into two equal parts, which I dispose of as follows:  One equal part thereof I give and bequeath unto my said grandson John Hunter, absolutely forever; and the other equal part I give and bequeath unto his said three sisters, Elizabeth, Ann and Adele, and their legal representatives, share and share alike, forever.  But should my said grandson die before his said father, leaving lawful issue, then on the death of my said son, I direct may said executors to sell the said Hunter's Island, Hart Island and Provoost farm, with the right of way as aforesaid; and the proceeds thereof I give and bequeath as follows:  One-fourth part thereof to the issue of my said grandson, and one-fourth part thereof to each of my said grand daughters or their legal representatives absolutely, forever.  And in case my said grandson should die before his said father, leaving no issue him surviving, then upon the death of my said son I give and devise the said Hunter's Island, Hart Island and Provoost farm, with the said right of way, to my said three granddaughters, Elizabeth, Ann and Adele, equally in fee.  Fifth.  I give and devise unto my said granddaughters Elizabeth D. Hunter, Ann M. Hunter and Adele Hunter, all my lands in great lot number twenty-five (25) in the Hardenburgh patent lying in the county of Greene, and all my other lands in the said county of Greene, from and after the death of my said son, share and share alike forever.  And also my said Sackett farm from and after the death of my said son, to be divided into three parts as follows: the first part being all that portion of said farm lying between the creek on the southerly side, the farm of Mr. Thatcher on the westerly side, my Provoost farm on the northerly side, and a straight line to be run from the said creek up to and through the center of the lane leading through said Sackett farm to the said Provoost farm, containing by estimation fifty acres of land, I give and devise to my said granddaughter Ann M. Hunter, her heirs and assigns forever, from and after the death of my said son, subject to the right of way as aforesaid.  All that portion [Page 32 / Page 33] of said Sacket farm, containing by estimation fifty acres, and lying between the easterly line of the piece hereby devised to my said granddaughter Ann, and a straight line to be run northerly and southerly through the said Sackett farm, from the said creek to the Provoost farm, so as to divide the residue of said Sackett farm into two equal parts, I give and devise to my said granddaughter Elizabeth D. Hunter, her heirs and assigns forever, from and after the death of my said son, subject to the right of way as aforesaid.  And all that portion of my said Sackett farm lying between the easterly line of the piece hereby devised to my said granddaughter Elizabeth, and the farm or land of Elbert Roosevelt, containing by estimation fifty acres, I give and devise to my said granddaughter Adele Hunter, her heirs and assigns forever, from and after the death of my said son.  In case any of my granddaughters should die before the termination of the life estate of my said son, leaving lawful issue or lineal descendants her surviving, then I give and devise to such lawful issue or lineal descendants, the same share which the mother would have taken if she had lived.  And in case any of my said granddaughters should die without leaving lawful issue or lineal descendants, then the share of the one so dying shall be divided equally between her surviving sisters and the issue of such of them as may then be dead.  Sixth.  I give and devise to my said granddaughter Elizabeth D. Hunter, in fee from and after the death of my said son, my house and lot number seventy-two (72) Walker-street, in the city of New-York, purchased from the estate of the late Peter Jay Munro.  In case the said Elizabeth should die before the termination of the life estate of my said son, leaving lawsul issue or lineal descendants her surviving, then I give and devise the said house and lot to such lawful issue or lineal descendants.  But should the said Elizabeth die before the termination of such life estate, leaving no issue or lineal descendants her surviving, then I give and devise the said house and lot, after the death of my said son, unto my granddaughters Ann and Adele, or such of them as shall be living at the death of my said son, and the issue of them as may then be dead.  Seventh.  I give and devise to my said grand- [Page 33 / Page 34] daughter, Ann M. Hunter, in fee, from and after the death of my said son, my house and lot number seventy-four (74) Walker-street in the city of New-York, purchased from the estate of the late Peter Jay Munro.  In case the said Ann should die before the termination of the life estate of my said son, leaving lawful issue or lineal descendants her surviving, then I give and devise the said house and lot to such lawful issue, or lineal descendants.  But should the said Ann die before the termination of such life estate, leaving no issue or lineal descendants her surviving, then I give and devise the said house and lot, after the death of my said son, unto my granddaughters Elizabeth and Adele, or such of them as shall be living at the death of my said son, and the issue of such of them as may then be dead.  Eighth.  I give and devise unto my said granddaughter Adele Hunter, in fee from and after the death of my said son, two of my houses and lots in Elm-street, in the city of New-York, described in a conveyance to me therefor, as numbers eighty-five (85) and ninety-one (91).  In case the said Adele should die before the termination of the life estate of my said son, leaving lawful issue or lineal descendants her surviving, then I give and devise the said houses and lots to such lawful issue or lineal descendants.  But should the said Adele die before the termination of such life estate, leaving no issue or lineal descendants her surviving, then I give and devise the said houses and lots, after the death of my said son, unto my granddaughters Elizabeth and Ann, or such of them as shall be living at the death of my son, and the issue of such of them as may then be dead.  Ninth.  I give and bequeath unto my said grandson John Hunter, all my stock in the Westchester County Bank, all my stock in the Tanners' Bank at Catskill, and all such bonds and mortgages and other securities and moneys which may be in the hands of my friend James Powers, Esquire, at the time of my decease: subject, however, to the payment of the legacies hereinafter given to his sisters, and subject also to such costs and charges as may exist against the same.  And I do also hereby ratify and confirm the gift heretofore made by me to my said grandson, of a certain bond and mortgage upon lands in Newtown, Queens [Page 34 / Page 35] county, executed by my brother Robert R. Hunter, unto me.  To have and to hodl the said bond and mortgage with the moneys due and to grow due thereon, unto my said grandson for his own use absolutely forever.  Tenth.  I give and devise all the lands I own throughout the state purchased at tax sales, or obtained from my brother Robert R. Hunter, or from the assignees of John Kiersted, except my lands in the county of Sullivan, unto my said granddaughters, Elizabeth, Ann and Adele, share and share alike, forever; which lands I hereby authorize and empower my executros, or whoever shall execute this will, to sell at public or private sale, in their or his discretion, and to execute good and valid deeds of conveyances for the same: and to invest the proceedss of such sales on bond and mortgage, on unincumbered real estate of double the value of the sum so invested, for the benefit of my said granddaughters.  Eleventh.  I give and bequeath unto my said granddaughters, Elizabeth, Ann and Adele, each the sum of twenty thousand dollars, and I direct the same to pbe paid to them immediately after my decease out of my personal estate.  Twelfth.  I give and bequeath unto my said grandson John Hunter, from and after the decease of my said son, all my plate, books, and pictures, household furniture, horses, carriages, harness, farming utensils, and stock, on my farms.  Thirteenth.  I give and devise unto Mary Mills, now residing with me, the use and enjoyment of the island, formerly called Hog Island, purchased by me from Captain Sheffield, and of the land purchased by me from Elbert Roosevelt, contiguous thereto, up to the post road, as long as she shall remain unmarried, and upon her death or marriage, I give and devise the same unto my grandson, John Hunter, forever.  Fourteenth.  I give and bequeath unto the said Mary Mills, an annuity of three hundred dollars a year, as long as she shall remain unmarried; and I direct the same to be paid to her in half-yearly payments of $150 each, out of the income of my personal estate, any thing hereinbefore contained to the contrary notwithstanding.  Fifteenth.  It is my will that all my grandchildren be liberally educated.  I do therefore direct my executors, or whoever shall execute this will, to have them educated in the best manner out of the income [Page 35 / Page 36] of my estate; and I do hereby charge the expenses thereof upon such income, any thing herein before contained, to the contrary notwithstanding.  Sixteenth.  I do hereby authorize and empower my executors or whoever shall execute this will, to sell and dispose of my bank and other stocks, as he or they may think proper, and in case of a sale of any part thereof, I direct the proceeds of the stock so sold, to be immediately invested upon bond and mortgage, on unincumbered real estate, of double the value of the sum invested, for the benefit of the legatees thereof, under this my will.  Seventeenth.  All the rest, residue and remainder of my real estate, not hereinbefore otherwise disposed of, I give and devise to my said grandson, John Hunter, subject to the life estate of his father, in fee simple forever.  And in case he should die before the termination of this father's life estate, leaving lawful issue, or lineal descendants him surviving, then I give and devise the said residue of my real estate, from and after the death of my son, unto such lawful issue or lineal descendants.  But should my said grandson die before the termination of said life estate, leaving no lawful issue or lineal descendants him surviving, then I give and devise the said residue of my real estate unto my said three granddaughters and the issue of such of them as may ten be deae, in representation of its deceased parent, share and share alike, forever.  Eighteenth.  All the rest, residue and remainder of my personal estate not hereinbefore otherwise disposed of, I give and bequeath unto my said grandson and granddaughters or their legal representatives from and after the death of my said son, equally share and share alike, forever.  Nineteenth.  I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my son Elias Desbrosses Hunter, and my said grandson John Hunter, the executors of this my will; and in case the said John Hunter should die before his father, then I appoint my said granddaughter Elizabeth D. Hunter as a executrix of this my will, in his place.  Twentieth.  I direct and request my said son to pay all taxes and assessments, which may from time to time be imposed upon the real and personal estate, the use of which I have given to him during his natural lief.  And inasmuch as my son is the natural guardian of his children, it is my will and [Page 36 / Page 37] desire that he, as my executor, should continue and be during their respective minorities the trustee of the estates and interests which I have given unto my said grandson and granddaughters.  Twenty-First.  Whereas many contracts for the sale of portionss of my real estate may be made by me in my lifetime, and remain unperformed at my decease, I do therefore authorize and empower my executors or whoever shall execute my will, to carry such contracts into effect, and perform the conditions thereof as fully as I could do if living; and to execute and deliver to the persons with whom such contracts have been made by me, good and sufficient deeds for such lands and premises.  And the proceeds of such contracts and sales shall be invested  by my executors or whoever shall execute my will, on bond and mortgage for the benefit of the devisees thereof, under this my will, in the same manner as other investments are hereinbefore directed to be made.  Twenty-second.  I do hereby authorize and empower my executors, or whoever shall execute this will, to lease or sell such wild lands, as he or they may in their or his discretion think proper, and to execute good and sufficient deeds therefore, and to invest the proceeds of such sales on bond and mortgage, for the benefit of the devisees thereof, under this my will, in the same manner and with the like securities as other investments are hereinbefore directed to be made.'

The complaint then alleged the making of a codicil to this will by the testator, on the 8th of September, 1852, as follows: 

'Whereas I have in my saide last will and testament, given to my grandson, John Hunter, his election in a certain contingency, either to remain in the occupation of the Bayard farm or to remove to Hunter's Island, where I now reside.  Now, therefore, in case my said grandson, John Hunter, shall make his electionn on the happening of the contingency aforesaid, to remove to Hunter's Island, then I order and direct my said grandson, John Hunter, to execute to his sisters, Elizabeth D. Hunter, Ann M. Hunter, and Adele Hunter, a conveyance in fee simple of the said Bayard farm, with its appurtenances, subject to the use and occupation thereof by his mother and his said sisters so long as they respectively remain single and unmarried; and if any of [Page 37 / Page 38] them are then dead or married, then subject to the use and occupation thereof by the survivors or residue of them so long as they respectively remain single and unmarried -- the survivor or survivors to remain in and have the use and occupation thereof so long as they respectively remain single and unmarried.  And whereas I have in my said last will and testament, devised large real estate to my said grandson, John Hunter, now therefore, in case the said John Hunter, (my grandson) shall die without leaving any lawful children or descendants at the time of his death, I give,  devise and bequeath all and every part and portion of said real estates to my said granddaughters, Elizabeth D. Hunter, Ann M. Hunter, and Adele Hunter, their heirs and assigns forever.  And whereas I have in the twenty-first clause or section of my said last will and testament, conferred certain powers and imposed certain duties upon my executors, or the person or persons executing my will, in regard to certain contracts for the sale of portions of my real estate, and the proceeds and investment of the avails thereof:  -- Now therefore, I desire to make the subjects of that clause or section, and the powers and duties of the persons executing my will in relation thereto, more clear and comprehensive; and I desire to embrace, and do hereby include within the operation of that clause or section, all contracts for the sale of portions of my real estate, whether made before or after the date and execution of said will, or before or after (at any time during my life) the date and execution of this codicil thereto, and I desire to confer and impose and do hereby confer and impose, the same powers and duties in relation thereto upon the survivor or survivors of my executors that I have therein conferred or imposed upon my executors, or whoever shall execute my will.  And whereas some or all of  said contracts do or may embrace covenants or conditions in regard to said lands, on my part to be fulfilled, performed and kept, now therefore, I desire and direct my said executors or the survivor or survivors of them, or whoever may execute my said will and this codicil, to fulfill, perform and keep such covenants and conditions, so far as it may be lawful for them to do so in their said character of executors or persons executing my will [Page 38 / Page 39] and so far as it may be lawful and proper for them as such executors or persons executing my will to do so, to insert in the instruments and conveyances to be executed by them the necessary covenants and conditions to carry out and effectuate the said contracts, and the covenants, conditions and provisions thereof, and so far as it may be lawful and proper for them to do so in the character aforesaid, and without incurring personal liability in that behalf, to bind my estate and assets to the performance and execution of such covenants and conditions -- intending hereby to confer upon them full power and authority to execute and carry out said contracts in the same manner, and to the same extent, as I might, could or ought to do if living.  And whereas I have heretofore paid, or agreed to pay, and am or hereafter may be liable to pay, certain costs, counsel fees and expenses in establishing or defending the line between the Hardenburgh patent and the Rochester pagent, and also in establishing or defending my title to great lots Nos. 4 and 5 in the Hardenburgh patent, in and by my said will devised to my said grandson, John Hunter, now therefore, it is my will and intention, and I do hereby order and direct that my said grandson, John Hunter, shall be liable for and pay all of said costs, counsel fees and expenses for which I am or hereafter may be so liable for as aforesaid, and also all such as I have heretofore paid or may hereafter pay, or become obligated to pay in my lifetime.'

The complaint then alleged that on the 25th day of September, 1852, the said will and codicil were duly admitted to probate, and proved and recorded as a will, both of real and personal property, before the surrogate of the co0unty of Westcheaster, where the said John Hunter resided, at the time of his death, and at the same time letters testamentary thereon were granted to the plaintiff alone, the other executor named therein, to wit, John Hunter, jun. then and still being under the age of twenty-one years.  And the plaintiff further stated that the said John Hunter, deceased, at the time of his death, died without leaving any widwo, and without leaving any next of kin or heirs at law him surviving, except the plaintiff, Elias D. Hunter, who is the son of the said John Hunter, deceased.  And the plaintiff fur- [Page 39 / Page 40] ther stated that various questions had arisen as to the valideity and as to the true intent, meaning and construction of various devises, bequests and provisions contained in the said will and codicil, and as to the legal effect thereof, and as to the disposition and appropriation of the property of the said John Hunter in pursuance thereof, and as to the nature and extent of the interest and estate of the said John Hunter, in the property and moneys therein devised, bequeathed and disposed of, and as to the personal estate and assets, which under the provisions of said will, should bo upon the inventory of, and be accounted and estimated as part of the personal estate and assets of the said John Hunter, deceased, and that the plaintiff, both in his individua and representative capacity as executor of the last will and testament of the said John Hunter, deceased, was embarrassed in the execution of his duty and apprehensive that he might make mistakes and incur hazard and responsibility in the disposition of the property under said will and codicil, and the plaintiff believed and charged that it was important and necessary that said questions should be judicially determined, and said provisions, devises and bequests receive a judicial construction, and that all parties interested, so far as the plaintiff has been enabled to ascertain, were willing and desirous to have the same construed and determined by the judgment of this court without delay, and that the interest of all parties required that the same should be done.  And the plaintiff further stated that the said John Hunter, at the time of his death, was seised and possessed in his own right, and in that of his wife, of large real and personal estates, the same or a part thereof lying and being in several counties in this state, and among others in the counties of Westchester, Albany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauque, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Ontario, Otsego, Oswego, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Scholarie, Saratoga, Seneca, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, and Yates in the state of New-York. . . .

Source:  Elias D. Hunter vs. John Hunter, Jun., Elizabeth D. Hunter, Ann M. Hunter, Adele Hunter and Elias D. Hunter, Jun., in Reports of Cases in Law and Equity in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Vol. XVII, pp. 25-40 (Dutchess Co. Sup. Ct., July, 1853) (NY, NY:  Banks & Brothers, Law Publishers, 1859).

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I have written about John Hunter, his mansion, and Hunter's Island on many occasions.  Below are a few examples.

Fri., Dec. 2, 2005:  John Hunter of Hunter's Island in Pelham, New York.

Wed., Dec. 14, 2005:  New Information About John Hunter's Acquisition of Hunter's Island in the Manor of Pelham.

Thu., Apr. 27, 2006:  Burial Place of John Hunter (1778 - 1852) of Hunter's Island.

Mon., Aug. 14, 2006:  An Early Account of a Visit to Hunter's Island and John Hunter's Mansion in Pelham.

Mon., Aug. 28, 2006:  John Hunter of Hunter's Island in Pelham Obtained Special Tax Relief in 1826.

Tue., Nov. 21, 2006:  John Hunter Loses a Debate in the State Senate During the Winter of 1841.

Fri., Dec. 15, 2006:  References to John Hunter of Pelham Manor in the Papers of President Martin Van Buren.  

Thu., Jan. 17, 2008:  A Little More Information About John Hunter of Hunter's Island.

Mon., Nov. 10, 2014:  Obituaries And Notice of Art Auction Published Upon the Death of John Hunter of Hunter's Island in 1852.

Wed., Jan. 28, 2015:  Pelham Manor Resident Pushed for Removal of the Causeway from Shore Road to Hunter's Island in 1902.



Detail from 1905 Map Showing Area Addressed in Frederick H. Allen's
Statement Including the Stone Causeway Leading to Hunter's Island.
of the Bronx Easterly of the Bronx River" (1905) (Lionel Pincus and Princess
Firyal Map Division, The New York Public Library).
NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.


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

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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Research Regarding "Greystones," The Elegant DeLancey Estate that Became Hunter Island Inn and Once Stood in Pelham on Today's Shore Road


During the early to mid-nineteenth century, Pelham Manor became the summer playground of the wealthy. Country estate and fabulous mansions were built along Long Island Sound from the mainland near City Island to today's New York City boundary with the Town of Pelham. 

Among those mansions was one owned by the DeLancey family and built in the Second Empire style that was most popular between about 1865 and 1880. The Second Empire style evolved from 17th century origins into an eclectic mix of earlier European styles including the Baroque style, frequently combined with mansard roofs. See Copplestone, Trewin, ed., World Architecture: An Illustrated History, p. 310. (Publisher Paul Hamlyn, 1963). An early post card view of the mansion (see immediately below) showing it right after a rather crude "modernization" to turn it into an inn and restaurant, shows the Second Empire architecture of the lovely stone mansion fairly well. 



Undated Post Card View of the DeLancey Mansion After It Was Remodeled to Serve as the "Hunter Island Inn" (See Below)

In its earliest days, the DeLancey mansion (and the estate that surrounded it) was known as "Greystones." It was located in a place familiar to all Pelhamites. It overlooked Shore Road just within today's New York City boundary on a small hill just past the low spot on Shore Road at the small cove often referenced as "Plum Cove" where a small creek sometimes called Roosevelt Creek still floods the roadway occasionally. The roadway curved at that spot and, consequently, was the scene of countless automobile accidents in the early days of the twentieth century. The three map details immediately below (each followed by a citation to its source) show where the structure once stood. 



Map Detail from Beers, F.W., Atlas of New York and Vicinity, p. 35 (NY, NY: F.W. Beers, et al., 1868) (plate entitled "City Island, Pelham Township, Westchester Co., N.Y. (with) Town of Pelham, Westchester Co., N.Y.").  Note: References the structure and estate as "GREYSTONES Wm. H. De Lancey."


Map detail showing area around Delancey Mansion from hand-drawn map entitled “Hunter Island – Being a Map of an Ancient Isle First Inhabited by the Siwanoy Indians in the Pellucid Waters Off Pelham Shore. – Now the Residence of John Hunter, Esq. of New York City” by local historian John McNamara (original in the collections of the City Island Historical Society and Nautical Museum). Image Courtesy of Jorge Santiago. Note: References the structure and estate as "DELANCEY."


Bromley, G.W., Atlas of Westchester County, New York From Actual Surveys and Official Records by G. W. Bromley & Co., Civil Engineers, pp. 56-57 (Philadelphia, PA: G.W. Bromley & Co., 1881) (Plate entitled “Town of Pelham, (with) Pelham Manor”). Note: References the structure and estate as "De Lancy."

Greystones once stood almost directly across Shore Road (then known as Pelham Road) from the two gate posts and causeway that led to John Hunter's grand estate on Hunter's Island. That estate also once was owned by the former New York City Mayor, Ambrose Cornelius Kingsland, who purchased Hunter's Island in 1864. 

Numerous sources indicate that the mansion belonged to Elizabeth DeLancey, a daughter of Elias DesBrosses Hunter. See, e.g., Cook, Harry T., The Borough of the Bronx 1639-1913: Its Marvelous Development and Historical Surroundings, p. 178 (NY, NY: Published by the Author 1913); Jenkins, Stephen, The Story of the Bronx: From the Purchase Made by the Dutch from the Indians in 1639 to the Present Day, p. 315 (NY, NY: 1912). Other sources indicate that the mansion belonged to William Heathcote Delancey, Jr., a son of the famed clergyman of the same name, the Right Reverend William Heathcote DeLancey (1797- 1865), who was appointed the first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York in 1839. See, e.g., Fifteenth Annual Report, 1910, of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society to the Legislature of the State of New York Transmitted to the Legislature April 19, 1910, pp. 63-64 (Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, Printers 1910); Beers, F.W., Atlas of New York and Vicinity, p. 35 (NY, NY: F.W. Beers, et al., 1868) (plate entitled "City Island, Pelham Township, Westchester Co., N.Y. (with) Town of Pelham, Westchester Co., N.Y."). 

Elizabeth DesBrosses Hunter, a granddaughter of John Hunter of Hunter's Island, Town of Pelham, was born about 1838 on Hunter's Island, only steps away from what later became her estate on the mainland known as Greystones. Elizabeth was a daughter of John Hunter's son, Elias DesBrosses Hunter, and his wife, Anna Maria Munro Hunter. On September 6, 1860, Elizabeth DesBrosses Hunter married William Heathcote DeLancey, Jr. in a ceremony held on Hunter's Island. See The New York City Society Library, New York City Marriage and Death Notices, Vol. III, 1857 to 1870, p. 22 ("MARRIED 1860: DeLancey-Hunter-At Hunter's Island, Westchester County, Sept. 6, by Rt. Rev. Dr. DeLancey, Bishop of Western New York, William Heathcote DeLancey, Jr., to Elizabeth DesBrosses, daughter of E. Des Brosses Hunter, Esq."). The couple soon kept house in the beautiful gray granite Greystones mansion overlooking Hunter's Island where Elizabeth was born and the couple was married. 

In 1881, the second edition of Robert Bolton's two-volume history of Westchester County, released shortly after Bolton's death, described the Delancey mansion as follows: 

"On the main, nearly fronting the causeway leading to the Island [Hunter's Island], is situated the residence of Mrs. Elizabeth DeLancey, eldest daughter of the late Elias DesBrosses Hunter, (who died on the 22d of March, 1865, aged 65.; son of John Hunter, Esq., the former proprietor of those lands and the adjoining Island). The building is of native granite, and commands beautiful views of the Sound and adjacent creeks and islands. Here is the original portrait of the Hon. Caleb Heathcote, Esq., Lord of the Manor of Scarsdale in this County. Surveyor General of H. M. Customs, and Judge of the Court of admiralty, and one of H. M. Council for the Province of New York. On the day of his death, Feb. 28, 1721, this excellent man went about doing good in procuring a charitable subscription. Adjoining this estate on the south, is the residence of John Munro, Esq., son of the late Peter Jay Munro, and grandson of Rev. Harry Munro, first Rector of St. John's church, Yonkers." 

Source: Bolton, Robert, The History of The Several Towns, Manors, and Patents of the County of Westchester, From Its First Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, p. 89 (NY, NY: 2d Edition, Chas. F. Roper 1881).

Within a few years of Bolton's description of the mansion quoted above, New York City's efforts to acquire the lands encompassed by Pelham Bay Park intensified. Elizabeth DesBrosses Hunter DeLancey moved to the Washington, D.C. area, but later became involved in a lengthy litigation back in New York regarding underwater lands near City Island. I have written about that litigation on a couple of previous occasions. See

Mon., Nov. 27, 2006: The 19th Century Ejectment of Henry Piepgras from Land Beneath the Waters Surrounding City Island

Mon., Sep. 07, 2009: More on the Ejectment of Henry Piepgras from Land Beneath the Waters Surrounding City Island.  

Soon the Greystones mansion and estate were owned by New York City and were under the oversight of the New York City Parks Department where they languished for a number of years. With the annexation of the area by New York City during the mid- 1890's, the former Greystones estate passed from within the boundaries of the Town of Pelham to an area within the boundaries of the City of New York. 

In 1898 or 1899, New York City began to develop a tiny nine-hole golf course called the "Pell Golf Course" on some of the lands that once were part of the Greystones estate. According to the 1900 New York City Parks Department Annual Report, as the course was being built, the Parks Department removed stone walls and trees that once served as boundaries between various of the estates that previously occupied the land including the Greystones estate. The first hole of the Pell Golf Course was only a few short steps away from the rear of the DeLancey mansion. Indeed, a portion of the mansion served as the clubhouse for the tiny nine-hole course. 

At about the same time, Jacob P. Schwind, who was the steward at the summer facility of the New York Athletic Club for several years, resigned his position and leased the DeLancey Mansion with the intent of developing "a modern hotel to be known as Hunter's Inn." Source: Hunter's Island Inn, New Rochelle Pioneer, May 5, 1900, p. 1, col. 4. According to the same article:

"The building is being refurnished and decorated and will be opened about the 15th inst. [I.e., May 15, 1900.]  The hotel is at the entrance of Pelham Bay Park and is beautifully situated. A fine view of the Sound is afforded from the verandas and the hotel grounds cover a large area. Mr. Schwind will have the services of his chef and force from the New York Athletic Club. Mr. Schwind has an enviable reputation as a steward, and has a large circle of friends who wish him success in his new venture. Hunter's Island Inn under his management will be synonymous with courtesy and excellence." 

Source: Hunter's Island Inn, New Rochelle Pioneer, May 5, 1900, p. 1, col. 4. 

The decision to lease the mansion to Schwind was criticized as another in a series of "'graft' in renting buildings in city parks for trifling sums." See Ellison Shakes Up Brooklyn Offices, The N.Y. Press, Mar. 12, 1907, p. 3, col. 1.  According to one report, although the City funded "several thousand dollars" worth of repairs to the DeLancey Mansion, "The Hunter Island Inn, Pelham Bay Park, brings the city $50 a month" in rent. Id. 

Schwind converted the structure and operated it as a destination road house and hotel for those who wished to get away from New York City for a brief stay or merely for a lovely evening of good food and drink. Schwind only operated the establishment for a few years before his death on August 30, 1907. His obituary read: 

"'JAKE' SCHWIND DEAD ----- -Jacob P. Schwind, proprietor of the Hunter Island Inn, on the Pelham Parkway, died yesterday at his home, after a lingering and painful illness. He was removed there sometime ago from a New York hospital, and his death was not unexpected. 

Mr. Schwind was one of the most popular and well known hotel men in Westchester County. He came to this city [New Rochelle, NY] from the Lotus Club of New York, to fill the position of manager and steward of the New York Athlectic Club. Of late years he has been the proprietor of the Hunter Island Inn. He was born in Lohr, Bavaria, forty-one years ago, and was a widower. Relatives in this country consist of a nephew, niece and sister-in-law, who lived with him. 

Deceased was an honorary member of Huguenot Lodge, F. & A.M., of this city, and a member of Majestic Lodge, 348, of New York City. 

The funeral will probably take place to-morrow afternoon." 

Source: "Jake" Schwind Dead, New Rochelle Pioneer, Aug. 31, 1907, p. 1, col. 6.

Following Schwind's death, a New York City police officer became the next proprietor of the Hunter Island Inn. According to an announcement published in 1911: "John F. Tappin, a captain in the New York City police department, it is reported, has purchased the business at the Hunter Island Inn and will continue that hostelry." Source: Town Topics, New Rochelle Pioneer, Apr. 15, 1911, p. 5, cols. 1-2. 

John F. Tappin seems only to have served as proprietor and operator of the Hunter Island Inn for a short time. In 1915, Arthur E. MacLean became the new proprietor of the Hunter Island Inn. MacLean seemed to reinvigorate the road house and even remodeled it, according to a story published in Variety magazine in 1915. That article stated: 

"Hunter Island Inn is preparing for the summer season by having its interior remodeled. A new maple dance floor has been laid in the big room that runs at right angles. With the new arrangement Hunter Island has as large a dancing space as any downtown place. Along with the floor improvement Arthur MacLean, its proprietor, has refurnished the Inn. Everything from tables to the ceiling is in pure white. The scheme for a road house is a very pretty one and inviting. Hunter Island Inn has been about the most popular road house around New York this winter. Mr. MacLean says it is his best season. Hunter Island has taken the trade away from a number of places around Pelham Park and along the Boston Post Road. It has also built up an afternoon business. With anything like a break in the weather even in the coldest spell, Hunter Island does business. Located just above Pelham Park, it draws patronage from up and down the road." 

Source: Cabarets, Variety, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 3, p. 8, col. 1 (1915). 



Undated Post Card View of Hunter Island Inn with Following Notation:
"HUNTER ISLAND INN, PELHAM BAY PARK, N.Y.C.  A.E. MACLEAN, PROP."

By the Roaring Twenties, the Hunter Island Inn was roaring itself. It attracted national radio artists as performers and had its own nationally-renowned "Dinty Moore's Hunter Island Inn Orchestra." Henri Gendron served as Musical Director for the establishment. Dinty Moore served as Producer and Manager. 



Advertisement Touting "Internationally Famous Dinty Moore's Hunter Island Inn Orchestra" from the Wed., Apr. 9, 1924 Issue of Variety magazine, p. 45, cols. 1-5. Note that the foot of the advertisement says "This will be my ninth successful summer season on the Pelham and Boston Road," suggesting that Arthur E. MacLean became proprietor in 1915. 

In the early morning hours of May 25, 1922, the Hunter Island Inn was saved from burning to the ground only through luck and a hard fight by local firefighters.  Arthur E. MacLean and his family lived in the Inn and had closed the roadhouse for the night.  There were half a dozen guests in the Inn.  Two employees lived in an adjacent two-story frame building also used as a garage and storehouse a few feet away from the Inn.  Shortly after the two employees retired for the night in the frame building, they were awakened by flames.  They raced out and awoke the occupants of the Inn.  They removed two automobiles from the garage.  Directly across Shore Road, near the Hunter's Island causeway, there was a police booth manned by New York City policeman Edward Au.  They alerted him and he telephoned an alarm.  MacLean and employees began to fight the flames with a garden hose.  According to one account:

"Many times the rear of the Inn smoked and cracked and all but burst into flames, but when firemen arrived from city Island three miles away, and from the Williamsbridge Road, five miles away, it was still safe, though badly scorched."

Source:  Hunter's Island Inn Saved From Blaze After Hard Fight, The Evening World, May 25, 1922, Wall Street Final Edition, p. 25, col. 1.

In the 1920's, the Hunter Island Inn was extraordinarily popular with New Rochelle, Pelham and New York City residents. There was at least one important reason. It was the height of Prohibition and Hunter Island Inn had evolved into a speakeasy where liquor flowed freely.

Indeed, during a Federal bribery, graft and corruption trial in 1924 involving allegations that prohibition agents had been bribed to "look the other way," one defendant brewery owner took the stand in his own defense and was forced to admit that at a party at the Hunter Island Inn "there was 'plenty to drink'" and, during that party he passed a prohibition agent named Saul Grill a package containing $10,000 as a bribe. Grill disputed the allegation. He testified that "the sum was only $6,000". . . . Source: Katz Admits Paying Dry Agent $25,000, N.Y. Evening Post, Mar. 28, 1924, p. 2, col. 1. 

The Hunter Island Inn was under suspicion of Prohibition violations as early as 1919 (involving War time Prohibition provisions) when a Federal Grand Jury was impaneled and began an investigation of potential Prohibition violations by an entire group of roadhouses including The Hunter Island Inn as well as the Pell Tree Inn, the Pelham Heath Inn, Shanleys and The Arrow Head Inn.  Arthur MacLean was among those targeted in the investigation.  See Dry Law Graft Hunt Grows as One Confesses - Federal Grand Jury Starts Hearing Men from Large Cafes and Roadhouses on Monday in Big Inquiry, New-York Tribune, Oct. 24, 1919, p. 3, col. 1.  

Federal agents even raided the Hunter Island Inn on at least one occasion, in their quest to find and destroy demon alcohol during Prohibition. See Raid Inn, Dobbs Ferry Register, Jan. 4, 1929, p. 3, col. 2. 

Though Federal agents were never able to bring the Hunter Island Inn to its knees, the Great Depression did. The company that held the lease for the Hunter Island Inn declared bankruptcy at the height of the Great Depression in 1933. According to one account: 

"Hunter Island Inn Bankrupt 

A voluntary petition in bankruptcy was filed Friday in United States District Court by Zitland, Inc., holder of the lease of Hunter Island Inn, Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park. Liabilities of $22,819 and assets of $13,225 were listed. 

Among the creditors are John F. Curry Agency, Inc., 70 Pine Street, $1,600.73 for unpaid insurance premiums; Charles F. Zittel, $4,723, and Samuel Lanzer, $3,600. The Inn lease, which is due to expire in October 1934, is valued at $1,000. The Department of Parks of the City of New York is the lessor." 

Source: Hunter Island Inn Bankrupt, The Pelham Sun, Aug. 25, 1933, p. 6, col. 8. 

The road house continued to operate in bankruptcy for a short time after its voluntary petition was filed. Its days, however, were numbered because it faced the expiration of its lease in October 1934. What seems to have sealed its fate was a move by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses to shut down all parks concessions throughout New York City and to end all leases "except in cases where an investigation would show that such revocation would cause the public to suffer."  See Park Concessions That Remain Must Cut Their Prices - Moses Says Profiteering on Public Will End - Many Permits to Be Revoked, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, p. 15, col. 8.  In the case of the Hunter Island Inn, Robert Moses had particularly stinging words. He said Hunter Island Inn would be the first to be closed and the building would be demolished. According to Moses, "It was just a cheap, gaudy roadhouse" anyway.  Id. 

True to his word, Robert Moses had Greystones demolished with nary a trace. Today the area is wooded and silent except for the occasional automobile streaking along Shore Road. It is hard to imagine the magnificent grey granite Second Empire style mansion that once stood there, much less a Roaring Twenties roadhouse with music, dancing, drinking and the occasional raid by federal agents when, most of the time, all one can hear is the wind rustling the leaves of the trees above . . . .



Undated Post Card View of Hunter Island Inn with Notation:
"Hunter Island Inn [on Flag], SHOPE [SIC] ROAD
PELHAM BAY PARK N.Y."


Undated Post Card View of Hunter Island Inn from Shore Road with Notation:
View From [sic] Hunter Island Inn, Pelham Bay Park, N.Y.C.
A. E. MacLean, Prop.

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Below are transcriptions of references to the Greystones estate from a variety of sources to facilitate search for future research purposes. 

"Another early public golf course was the Pell Golf Course was, opened in 1901. The bucolic countryside of Pelham Bay Park, established in 1888, provided the new links with a scenic, natural backdrop. The pastures upon which the Pell course was laid out had once been productive farmland. The estate had been known as "Greystones," and was owned by the De Lancey family who were descendants of John Hunter (for whom Hunter Island is named). In 1911, the course was upgraded to a full 18–hole course. . . . The 1900 Parks Annual Report notes that when the original nine-hole Pell Golf Course was built, Parks removed trees and stone walls that demarcated the estates that previously occupied the land. The De Lancey family were descendants of John Hunter (for whom Hunter Island is named); their second empire-style mansion was leased by Parks from 1898 until 1918 and operated as a popular roadhouse, the Hunter Island Inn, also serving as the golf clubhouse until it was demolished." "On the Link in Parks" (New York City Department of Parks & Recreation), available at http://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/golf (visited Feb. 23, 2014). 

Greystones estate is attributed to "Wm. H. De Lancey" on Beers, F.W., Atlas of New York and Vicinity, p. 35 (NY, NY: F.W. Beers, et al., 1868) (plate entitled "City Island, Pelham Township, Westchester Co., N.Y. (with) Town of Pelham, Westchester Co., N.Y." -- available via DavidRumsey.com). 

"De Lancey Mansion: Almost opposite the twin gate posts of Hunter's island is 'Greystones,' the former splendid residence of William H. De Lancey. On the walls used to hang the original portrait of the Hon. Caleb Heathcote, lord of the manor of [page 63 / page 64] Scarsdale. This native stone building has been known as Hunter's island inn, and is situated at a sharp curve in the road that has provided such a thorn in the flesh to scorching automobilists." Fifteenth Annual Report, 1910, of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society to the Legislature of the State of New York Transmitted to the Legislature April 19, 1910, pp. 63-64 (Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, Printers 1910). 

"Opposite the gate-posts [to Hunter's Island] is the Hunter's Island Inn, formerly the mansion belonging to Elizabeth De Lancey, a daughter of Elias des Brosses Hunter." Source: Cook, Harry T., The Borough of the Bronx 1639-1913: Its Marvelous Development and Historical Surroundings, p. 178 (NY, NY: Published by the Author 1913). NOTE: "(b) Elias Des Brosses Hunter (1800-1865) lived on Hunter's Island until his death, and is buried in a Desbrosses vault in Trinity Church, New York City. Helped his father John 2nd, manage the Island and their several farms. Elias received a life interest in the estate, but John 3rd, his son, was Executor and principal beneficiary under the will of John 2nd. Elias was a Supervisor from New Rochelle, 1837 to 1840, and again 1846-47." See Lockwood Barr, History of Pelham, p. 108.

"Opposite the gateway, on the west side of the Shore Road, are the property and mansion belonging formerly to Elizabeth De Lancey, a daughter of Elias Hunter. The mansion is now used as a road-house, and is known as the 'Hunter's Island Inn.'" Source: Jenkins, Stephen, The Story of the Bronx: From the Purchase Made by the Dutch from the Indians in 1639 to the Present Day, p. 315 (NY, NY: 1912). 

"This view of the Hunter Island Inn was taken from the Shore Road in the early 1900s. A.E. MacLean served as its proprietor for many years. The inn stood along the Shore Road opposite the gateway to Hunter Island. The property and mansion formerly belonged to Elizabeth DeLancey, a daughter of Elias Hunter, a descendant of John Hunter." Scott, Catherine A., Images of America: City Island and Orchard Beach, p. 105 (Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing 1999). 

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