Mammy Goose of Goose Island, An Epic Pelham Character

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One of the most eccentric characters ever to live in Pelham, NY may have been Abigail Tice who became known as "Mammy Goose."  I have written extensively about Mammy Goose for more than a decade.  See, e.g.:

Thu., Mar. 10, 2005:  "Mammy Goose" of Goose Island. 

Tue., Apr. 25, 2006:  More About "Mammy Goose" of Goose Island.

Tue., May 05, 2015:  More About the History of Goose Island, Once the Home of Mammy Goose.

Mammy Goose lived on "Goose Island" in the middle of East Chester Creek near Pelham Bridge and the railroad bridge adjacent to it.  According to legend, Goose Island was so named because an unbelievably large flock of wild geese landed on the little island in about 1810 and made it their annual resting place thereafter. It was only about an acre and a half in size. 

According to news accounts, Mrs. Tice was the daughter of a Philadelphia sea captain who, as a young girl, eloped with a stone mason named William Tice.  William and Abigail Tice moved to Mount Vernon, NY in about 1840.  Mr. Tice began working for Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island. 

In 1843, William and Abigail visited Goose Island. It was "a lonely, barren spot and hadn't even a good reputation."  Even so, according to one account, "it pleased Mrs. Tice and she said to her husband, "Here I'm going to make my home."   

Although the record is unclear, newspaper accounts suggest that Abigail Tice was able to convince the Town of Eastchester, which owned Goose Island at the time, to lease the island to her for $1 a year during her life, plus the payment of property taxes on the island.  After her death Eastchester claimed that despite the arrangement, Mammy Goose never paid the rent or taxes and the Town never levied the taxes.  Some news reports, however, claimed that she dutifully paid both each year. 

In any event, Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island provided materials for William and Abigail to build a comfortable house on the tiny little island.  William worked hard to clear the island of trees, stumps and stones, then fenced it and planted numerous fruit trees. Sadly though, during the 1850s William Tice died. Abigail buried him near their little house on the island. 

To support herself, Mrs. Tice began hosting fishing parties that visited the area.  After her husband's death, as her reputation for hosting local fishermen with broiled clams and beer grew, she became known as "Mammy Goose."  According to an account published in 1885: "The island became a favorite resort for fishing parties. 'Mammy Goose' was . . . adept at broiling clams, and kept a good brew of beer always on tap. She dressed more like a man than a woman, and on fine days was to be seen raking oysters or 'treading out' clams.  On such occasions she always wore trousers." The Owner of Goose Island - Death of the Odd Old Woman Who Presided Over That Desolate Place, N.Y. Times, Mar. 28, 1885, p. 8 (see below). 

Mammy Goose seemed to have a kind heart.  After her husband died, she welcomed an old fellow to the island who "inducted himself into the position of general superintendent". His name was Oglesby Stinnard.  News accounts spell his name in countless ways, but family genealogists have established that his name was, indeed, Oglesby Stinnard.  He seems to have been a rather sad character.  According to one account: "His work consisted generally of getting drunk as early in the day as possible and of remaining so as late as could be managed. One day last Summer [in 1884] he fell out of his boat while fishing for tomcods. His heels caught in the rowlocks, and he was almost drowned when he was pulled out by a fellow-fisherman. Not many days afterward Stannerd walked into deep water and sank to the bottom. He was drunk at the time. He was dead when brought to shore."  Mammy Goose, who claimed she was not married to Mr. Stannerd, buried him on the island near her husband's grave. 

Captain Leviness kept a close watch on Mammy Goose and helped her fill her basic needs by supplying her "few wants."  When she grew too old to take care of herself, he arranged to bring her as a guest to a hotel he owned on City Island. Although he planned to open a small shop for her to oversee during the summer of 1885, Mammy Goose died in her room at the hotel on Thursday, March 26, 1885.  People believed her to be about 92 since she always said she was born in 1793. Only two days before her death, Mammy Goose made a will. In it she gave everything she owned -- including Goose Island despite accounts that she only leased it during her life -- to her beloved friend, Captain Joshua Leviness.

Captain Leviness wasted no time.  Within days of Mammy Goose's death he began building a dock on the island.  Reports indicate he planned to create a hotel there as well in order to develop a "resort" for fishing enthusiasts and summer visitors.

The Town of Eastchester, however, would have none of it.  The Town hired a lawyer who filed an ejectment action against Leviness.  The litigation dragged for at least two years.  Though research has not yet revealed the outcome of the lawsuit, clearly Joshua Leviness had the last laugh.  At about this time Goose Island became part of Pelham Bay Park and New York City took ownership.  The City's Park Board issued a license to Joshua Leviness and, later, his son, George, authorizing the "letting [of] boats and selling refreshments" on the island.  The arrangement continued well into the mid-1890s.  

Detail from Map Published in 1893 Showing Goose Island on Left Near

Branch Line Railroad Tracks Crossing Eastchester Bay. Source: "Towns

of Westchester and Pelham (With) Villages of Westchester and Unionport

(With) Village of Pelhamville" in Atlas of Westchester County, New York

Prepared Under the Direction of Joseph R. Bien, E.M., Civil and

Topographical Engineer from Original Surveys and Official Records, pg. 3

(NY, NY: Julius Bien & Co., 1893).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Google Maps Satellite Image Showing Goose Island in Upper Left

Corner, Near Railroad Bridge Across Eastchester Bay.  NOTE:  Click

on Image to Enlarge.

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"TOWN OFFICERS ACCOUNT.

During the greater part of last week the Board of Town Officers acting as a board of audit were engaged in auditing, the Supervisor's, Road Commissioners', Trustees of Public Lands', Excise Commissioners' and Overseers of the Poor accounts. . . . 

The property known as Goose Island was also referred to in their report as having been originally leased to Mrs. Stinard during her natural life in consideration that she should pay the taxes on the same which she had failed to do, and that the Receiver of Taxes had never made a levy.  They recommended that the receiver cause a levy to be made for this years taxes.

That there should be a revenue from that pleasant little spot, Goose Island, there can be no question, and when a lease was given to Mrs. Stinard, some specified sum of money should have been named as the yearly rental, and that amount ought to have been collected or else she should have been compelled to vacate for a more profitable tenant, but why Goose Island should be assessed as taxable property, sold, and the town take leases of the same, any more than the town dock, or any other town property, we are certainly at a loss to know.  We certainly can see no reason why any of property owned or held by the town as town lands should be assessed. . . ."

Source:  TOWN OFFICERS ACCOUNT, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Mar. 28, 1884, Vol. XV, No. 758, p. 1, col. 6.  

"DEATH OF AN OLD SWIMMER.  --  Coroner Tice, on Tuesday, held an inquest over the body of Oglesby Stinard, aged 70, who for a good many years, had lived at Goose Island, at the mouth of Hutchinson Creek.  The old man had been accidently [sic] drowned in sight of his home.  He was a little under the influence of liquor, and had made the boast that he could swim from the Island to Eastchester, a distance of two miles.  He was considered an expert swimmer, and having plunged into the water from his float almost immediately sunk [sic].  He was very soon brought to land, but too late to save his life.  The verdict was in accordance with those facts.  Some of the villagers consider this a temperance sermon, while others contend it was just the reverse -- to much water instead of liquor."

Source:  DEATH OF AN OLD SWIMMER, The Yonkers Statesman, Aug. 20, 1884, Vol. I, No. 238, p. 1, col. 4.  

"DEATH OF AN ODD OLD WOMAN.  --  Mrs. Abigail Tice, otherwise known as 'Mammy Goose,' the proprietress of Goose Island, so called because a flock of geese made it a resting-place nearly a century ago, died on Thursday last.  The island is located in Eastchester Creek, near Bartow.  Mr. and Mrs. Tice became residents of Mount Vernon 45 years ago.  Three years later they paid Goose Island a visit, and Mrs. Tice determined to make it her home.  Her husband was employed at the time by Joshua Leviness, of City Island.  They built quite a comfortable house, planted fruit trees and fenced it in.  Thirty years ago Mr. Tice died, and was buried near the house.  After his death his widow was given the name of 'Mammy Goose.'  The island became a favorite resort for fishing parties.  Last fall she left the island, as she had no one to assist her in taking care of the property, and went to live in Leviness's Hotel, and it was there she died, from lingering consumption.  She was conscious to the last moment.  She always said she was born in 1793.  On the Tuesday night previous to her death she made a will, and bequeathed her island, on which she had always paid taxes, and all her other effects to Capt. Leviness."

Source:  DEATH OF AN ODD OLD WOMAN, The Yonkers Statesman, Mar. 30, 1885, Vol. II, No. 424, p. 1, col. 4.

"THE DEMISE OF 'MAMMY GOOSE'

Goose Island, situated in Eastchester Creek, a few hundred yards from Bartow, is said to have been so called because a flock of wild geese saw fit to make it a resting place about 75 years ago.  It belongs to the town of Eastchester and contains about an acre and a half of ground, and is notable as the residence of Abigail Tice, otherwise 'Mammy Goose,' who died on Thursday of last week, at the residence of Capt. Josh. Leviness, City Island.  Forty five years ago Mrs. Tice and her husband became residents of Mount Vernon.  At that time she was a plump, good looking middle-age woman.  She was a daughter of a Philadelphia sea Captain, and had, when a girl, run off and married William Tice, a fascinating stone mason.  Forty-two years ago she and her husband paid Goose Island a visit.  It was then a lonely, barren spot and hadn't even a good reputation.  But it pleased Mrs. Tice and she said to her husband, 'Here I'm going to make my home.'

Tice was employed at the time by Capt. Josh. Leviness, of City Island.  The latter furnished the materials and Tice built a comfortable house.  He cleared the island of stumps and stones, planted it with fruit trees, and fenced it in.  He died 30 years ago and was buried near his house.  After his death his widow was given the title of 'Mammy Goose.'  The island became a favorite resort for fishing parties.  'Mammy Goose' was an adept at broiling clams.  On fine days she could be seen raking oysters or 'treading out' clams.  On such occasions she always wore trousers.  Some years after the death of her husband, Oakley Stinnerd took up his abode on the island, and inducted himself into the position of general superintendent.  His work consisted generally of getting drunk as early in the day as possible and of remaining so as late as could be managed.

One day last summer, while in a state of intoxication, he fell out of his boat but was rescued, and a second time he fell out and was again rescued and taken home, but, after being safely landed, he persistently jumped in the water and after swimming a few feet, sank and before he could be rescued the third time drowned.  His body was also buried on the island.  Mrs. Tice stated that she was not married to Stinnard.

During her residence on Goose Island, Mrs. Tice found a firm friend in Capt. Leviness.  He supplied her few wants and intended to present her with a small shop on City Island next summer.  Last Fall she left her island, as she had no one to assist her, and became a guest at the Captain's hotel.  The physician who attended her attributed her death to lingering consumption.  She was conscious to the last moment.  Mrs. Tice always said she was born in 1793.  On Tuesday night she made a will, and she bequeathed her island, as she always called it, and all her other belongings to Capt. Leviness."

Source:  THE DEMISE OF "MAMMY GOOSE," The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 3, 1885, Vol. XVI, No. 811, p. 1, cols. 5-6.

"COUNTY ITEMS. . . .

--  Mrs. Abigail Tice late of City Island, who for 42 years had resided on Goose Island, and who was better known as 'Mammy Goose' died last week from consumption.  She was born in 1793.  On Thursday of last week she made her will and gave the spot to Capt. Joshua Leviness, who had befriended her in her old age and at whose house she died. . . ."

Source:  COUNTY ITEMS, Supplement to Eastern State Journal, Apr. 10, 1885, p. 1, col. 4.

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND. . .

--  Capt. Josh Leviness is building a dock on Goose Island and intends to open a summer resort there.  He claims to own the Island under the will of Mrs. Tice, otherwise known as Mrs. Stinard, who lived there for nearly forty years.  She recently died at the residence of the Captain, City Island. . . ."

Source:  PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND, New Rochelle Pioneer, Apr. 25, 1885, p. 3, col. 6.  

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND. . . .

Capt. Josh. Leviness, it is said, is erecting a hotel on Goose Island.  He claims to own the island under the will of 'Mammy Goose,' but he may wake up some fine morning and find his hotel confiscated by the town of Eastchester.  Goose Island is in the town of Eastchester and is a part and parcel of the town property. . . ."

Source:  PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND, SUPPLEMENT [The Chronicle, Mount Vernon, NY], May 1, 1885, p. 1, col. 2.  

"BOARD OF TOWN OFFICERS.

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Town Officers was held Tuesday afternoon, May 5th.  All the members present. . . . 

One item to be investigated is Goose Island.  This was leased to Mrs. Tice, better known as 'Mammy Goose,' by the Trustees of Public Lands, in 1866, during her natural life for a consideration of one dollar per annum and the payment of the taxes thereon.  Neither provision, we believe, has ever been complied with.

Prior to the death of Mrs. Tice, last Winter, she executed a lease of this Island to Capt Joshua Leviness, of City Island, for a term of 99 years, and the lease, by some mischance, was filed in the town clerk's office of this town. . . ."

Source:  BOARD OF TOWN OFFICERS, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], May 8, 1885, Vol. XVI, No. 816, p. 1, col. 6.  

"COUNTY ITEMS. . . . 

--  The Trustees of Public Lands have taken the initiatory steps toward getting possession of Goose Island, in the Sound near City Island, now claimed by Joshua Leviness.  They have appointed Norman A. Lawler, of Mount Vernon, counsel, and proceedings will be instituted at once. . . ."

Source:  COUNTY ITEMS, Supplement to Eastern State Journal, Jun. 12, 1885, p. 1, col. 3.

"WESTCHESTER COUNTY. . . . 

Judging from the following paragraph which appeared in last week's Westchester Independent, Eastchester stands a fair chance of some litigation before getting possession of Goose Island.  It says, 'Eastchester wants Goose Island.  The authorities there claim it because some fifty years ago, when the channel was on the east side of the island, in Pelham Bay, it divided Pelham Bay from Eastchester Creek.  Trustee Tremaine of Eastchester was town clerk some fifty years ago, and he executed a life lease to Mrs. Tice.  She was always known as 'Mammy Goose,' and when Tice died in 1851, she shortly married Mr. Stiner.  Last year Stiner was drowned, and then she went to live with Mr. Joshua Leviness, of City Island, to whom she gave a lease of ninety-nine years.  She signed this Will as Mrs. Tice.  The island is about two acres long and one in breadth, and it would make a capital summer resort.  Mr. Leviness claims to own it, and will contest his right in the courts.  As Mr. Leviness has possession and retained counsel, it is reasonable to infer, that he will at least remain this season.  The house on the island is worth $500, and taxes are only about $4.50 per year.'"

Source:  WESTCHESTER COUNTY, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jun. 19, 1885, Vol. XVI, No. 822, p. 3, col. 4.  

"LOCAL NEWS . . .

The town of Eastchester has taken steps to eject Capt. Josh Leviness from Goose Island, and get possession of the property.  The case may be reached on the calendar this week, in the Circuit Court, at White Plains. . . ."

Source:  LOCAL NEWS, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 25, 1885, Vol. XVII, No. 836, p. 3, col. 1.  

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND. . . .

The chances are that Capt. Josh Leviness will have to vacate Goose Island, unless he can make satisfactory terms with the Trustees of Public Lands of the town of Eastchester, for its rental. . . ."

Source:  PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 25, 1885, Vol. XVII, No. 836, p. 3, col. 5.

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A Pelham Scandal and Resultant Lawsuit Set Pelham Tongues Wagging in 1885

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Twenty-year-old Mary Amelia Ross of City Island seemed to have it all in 1884.  She was the "prettiest girl for miles around."  She was, according to one account, "admired by all the young men" of lower Westchester County.  She was "very highly accomplished" and was a daughter of wealthy City Island oysterman James Ross.

In early 1884, Mary Amelia Ross became the object of the affections of twenty-year-old George Leviness.  Leviness was a son of another wealthy City Island oysterman, Joshua Leviness, and was the proprietor of City Island Hotel.  George Leviness began an "ardent courtship" of Miss Ross.  

Leviness called on the young woman frequently "and took her walking in the evening."  On only the second or third such stroll, George Leviness proposed to Miss Ross who readily accepted his proposal.

Only a few weeks later, George Leviness called on Mary Amelia Ross at her home.  Her parents were away that evening.  During that visit, George Leviness, reportedly "took improper liberties with her under promise of marriage."  Within a few months, Miss Ross was visibly pregnant or, as local newspaper reports put it so delicately, experienced "her condition."  

George Leviness did not deny "improper intimacy" with Miss Ross.  He did, however, deny that he promised to marry her.  Whether he had a change of heart, or never intended to keep his promise, however, young George Leviness refused to marry Miss Ross.  In 1885, Mary Amelia Ross hired a lawyer, Norman A. Lawlor of Mount Vernon, New York.  Lawlor promptly filed a civil lawsuit on his client's behalf against George Leviness seeking $25,000 damages for "seduction under promise of marriage."

Pelhamites became obsessed with the scandal.  According to one news report, "The suit has occasioned considerable of a flutter on the Island and in the town of Pelham, where the persons interested are well-known."  

On Monday, March 15, 1886, the lawsuit filed on behalf of Miss Ross was tried before a jury in the Supreme Court of the State of New York before Justice J. O. Dykman sitting in White Plains.  Once again Leviness "did not deny the improper intimacy, but repudiated the promise to marry."  At the close, the jurors deliberated for only ten minutes before returning a verdict for Miss Ross of $6,000 (about $207,000 in today's dollars).  With interest and costs, the total due from George Leviness was $6,400.

Twenty-one-year-old George Leviness simply did not have the money to pay the judgment.  On Wednesday, June 30, 1886, police served a warrant for "execution against his body" and carted young Leviness off to the White Plains Jail where he was to be kept in jail until he paid the judgment or arranged to have it paid.  Leviness was able to arrange several bondsmen to post his $12,800 bail, but the terms of his bail placed limits on his ability to leave White Plains.

George Leviness lapsed into a routine of remaining in White Plains all week, then quickly returning home to City Island on Sundays before traveling back to White Plains early each Monday to avoid forfeiting the bonds placed by his bondsmen, Frank Vail and Everett Leviness, each of whom posted half of the $12,800 bail.

 Mary Amelia Ross certainly was not finished with George Leviness.  On July 12, 1886 she and her attorneys appeared before a local Judge and swore out a criminal complaint against Leviness charging him with "betrayal."  On Sunday, July 18, two police officials from Eastchester, Thomas Woods and C. T. White, appeared on City Island with an attachment against Leviness on the criminal charge.  They arrested Leviness and tried to haul him before local Justice Edmonds for a bail hearing.  When Justice Edmonds could not be found, Leviness was jailed.

When Frank Vail, one of the two bondsmen who guaranteed half of the bail set for George Leviness in White Plains learned of his arrest, Vail hustled to the Westchester County Sheriff's office and arranged a "surrender" of Leviness to the Sheriff so as not to lose the bond he had placed for Leviness in connection with the civil action judgment that Leviness had failed to pay.  The Sheriff's officer, in turn, hustled to the lockup where Leviness was being held and fought with one of the constables over who had the right to hold Leviness.  In any event, Justice Edmonds was found in the morning and held a bail hearing for Leviness.

At that hearing, an attorney for Mary Amelia Ross appeared and argued that bail on the criminal charge should be placed at $2,000 (in addition to the $12,800 bail already placed in the related matter).  An attorney for Leviness argued that bail on the criminal charge should be $500.  Justice Edmonds decided bail should be $1,000.

Poor George Leviness.  He was returned to White Plains because he was still subject to "the limits" placed in connection with his first bail.  Would he raise the money to pay the $6,400 judgment to Miss Ross?  

The answer, sadly, remains for another day.  Research has not yet revealed how the matter was resolved.  One thing seems certain, however.  George Leviness learned a lesson. . . .

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"CITY ISLAND'S SOCIAL SENSATION.
-----
MISS ROSS, A LOCAL BELLE, SUE FOR $25,000 DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF PROMISE.
[From Yesterday's Edition.]

Assemblyman-elect Norman A. Lawlor has begun a suit for breach of promise for Miss Helen [sic; should be "Mary Amelia"] Ross, aged twenty-one years, against Mr. George Leviness, proprietor of the City Island Hotel, and son of the wealthy oysterman, Joshua Leviness.  Miss Ross is also a resident of City Island and is the daughter of James Ross, an oysterman, who is also quite wealthy.

The young lady claims $25,000 damages.  Miss Ross has been admired by all the young men of that part of the county, and is considered to be the prettiest girl for miles around.  She is small of stature and very highly accomplished.  The suit has occasioned quite a flutter on the Island and in the town of Pelham, where both parties are well known.

In her complaint Miss Ross states that she got acquainted with Mr. Leviness about a year and a half ago, and he began making love to her the first time they went out together for a walk.  She did not at that time fully comprehend his intention:  but as their acquaintance grew and she saw more of him she learned to love him and then to trust him, and then comes the old, old story of loving too carelessly and subsequent desertion.  Of course the people on the Island are not aware of the extremity to which the intimacy went; but in her affidavit Miss Ross states that the intimacy went too far.  He promised to marry her six months ago and has not kept his promise and steadily refuses to do so.

Mr. Leviness denies that he ever promised to marry the young lady, and denies that he is responsible for her condition.  The suit is on the calendar for the December term."

Source:  CITY ISLAND'S SOCIAL SENSATION -- MISS ROSS, A LOCAL BELLE, SUE FOR $25,000 DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF PROMISE, The Daily Graphic [NY, NY], Nov. 23, 1885, p. 147, col. 3.  

"SUING A HOTEL MAN FOR BREACH OF PROMISE.

Assemblyman elect Norman A. Lawlor has begun a suit for breach of promise for Miss Helen Ross, age twenty-one, the daughter of James Ross, an oysterman, against George Leviness, proprietor of the City Island Hotel, and the son of the wealthy oysterman, Joshua Leviness.  The young woman claims $25,000 damages.  The suit has occasioned considerable of a flutter on the Island and in the town of Pelham, where the persons interested are well-known.  The defendant denies that he ever promised to marry Miss Ross."

Source:  SUING A HOTEL MAN FOR BREACH OF PROMISE, New-York Daily Tribune, Nov. 22, 1885, p. 5, col. 1.  

"COURT PROCEEDINGS. . . .

SUPREME COURT. -- CIRCUIT.

Before Hon. J. O. DYKMAN, Justice.

The supreme court convened at the court house on Monday, March 15.  The following cases were tried: . . . 

Mary Amelia Ross against George Leviness. -- This action was for seduction under promise of marriage.  Both parties reside at City Island.  Miss Ross is 20 years old, and is the daughter of a well-to-do oysterman.  George Leviness is 20 years old and is the son of Joshua Leviness, a wealthy resident of the above place.  Leviness made her acquaintance about a year ago, and began an ardent courtship.  He called frequently and took her walking in the evening, and on the second or third occasion made a proposition to marry her, and she accepted him.  A few weeks later he called at her house one evening when her parents were away, and there he took improper liberties with her under promise of marriage.  The defendant did not deny the improper intimacy, but repudiated the promise to marry.  The jury after an absence of ten minutes rendered a verdict for Miss Ross of $6,000. -- Lawlor & Swits, for plaintiff; H. M. Henderson, for defendant."  

Source:  COURT PROCEEDINGS. . . . SUPREME COURT. -- CIRCUIT, The Eastern State Journal [White Plains, NY], Mar. 20, 1886, Vol. XLI, No. 50, p. 2, cols. 2-3.  

"THE COUNTY. . . . 

LODGED IN JAIL. -- George Leviness, of City Island, was taken to White Plains Jail on Wednesday, by Officer Mark Skennion, under an execution against his body, he having failed to pay the sum of $6,400 damages awarded Miss Mary Amelia Ross in her suit in the Supreme Court against Leviness for betrayal under promise of marriage, which he failed to keep.  He will now be kept in jail until he pays up or arranges to have it paid."

Source:  THE COUNTY . . . LODGED IN JAIL, The Yonkers Statesman, Jul. 1, 1886, Vol. III, No. 809, p. 1, col. 4.

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND. . . .

George Leviness was taken to White Plains, last week, under an execution for failing to pay the sum of $6,400, awarded to Miss Amelia Ross in her suit for betrayal under promise of marriage. . . ."

Source:  PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 9, 1886, Vol. XVII, No. 896, p. 3, col. 2.  

"LOCAL NEWS. . . .

Geo. Leviness, of City Island, was arrested last Sunday, by Officers Thos. Woods and C. T. White, of Eastchester, on a warrant issued on the 12th inst., by Justice Edmonds.  The complainant was Miss M. A. Ross, and the charge seduction under promise of marriage.  In a civil suit, last spring, Miss Ross obtained a verdict against Leviness for $6,400.  He refused to pay the amount, and an attachment for him was issued, and he was taken to White Plains Jail and locked up.  Subsequently he was admitted to the limits, and Saturday night last went to his home at City Island, where he was arrested on Sunday.  An effort was made to find Justice Edmonds Sunday evening and have Leviness admitted to bail, but he could not be found.  In the meantime Mr. Frank Vail, who was bondsman for Leviness in the sum of $6,400, surrendered him to the Sheriff, and there was quite a lively time between the Sheriff's officer and Officer Woods; the former threatening to take their man away from the constable, but the constable didn't see it in that light.  Monday morning Officer Woods produced his man before the Justice, who after hearing the argument of counsel on both sides, admitted him to bail in the sum of $1,000."

Source:  LOCAL NEWS, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 20, 1886, Vol. XVII, No. 899, p. 3, cols. 1-2.  

"THE COUNTY. . . .

HAVING A HARD TIME. -- George Leviness, of City Island, is 'on the limits' to satisfy a judgment for breach of promise of marriage attained by Miss Amelia Ross.  On Sunday he has been in the habit of going home and returning to White Plains before Monday morning, thus avoiding the forfeiture of his bonds, which are $12,800.  Last Sunday he was arrested on a criminal warrant for betrayal sworn out by Miss Ross, and taken to Mount Vernon, where he was detained until Monday morning.  His bondsmen then surrendered him.  He subsequently gave bail in $1,000 and returned to his limits. . . ."

Source:  THE COUNTY. . . . HAVING A HARD TIME, The Yonkers Statesman, Jul. 20, 1886, Vol. III, No. 824, p. 1, col. 4.  

"Arrest of George Leviness.

George Leviness, of City Island, who is on the limits at White Plains, in default of payment of a judgment of $6,000, visited home last Sunday.  In the afternoon Officers Wood and White drove over to City Island and arrested him on a criminal warrant, for the same case for which he was on the limits.  On their return to this village with Mr. Leviness, they could not find Justice Edmonds, and prisoner was held.  In the morning the prisoner was brought before Justice Edmonds When H. C. Henderson, Esq., of Westchester, appeared for Leviness, and Messrs. Lawlor & Swite, Jr., of Mount Vernon, for plaintiff, Miss Ross.  Leviness pleaded not guilty and waived an examination, and offered Messrs. Frank Vail and Everett Leviness as bondsmen.  Attorney Lawlor requested that bail be placed at $2,000.  Attorney Henderson argued for $500, in view of the $13,000 bail under which he is held.  After a patient listening to learned counsel on both sides, His Honor put the amount at $1,000. -- Record."

Source:  Arrest of George Leviness, New Rochelle Pioneer, Jul. 24, 1886, p. 3, col. 5.

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Pelham's Most Entrepreneurial Oysterman Was Forced To Sell His Steam Engine Oyster Dredge in 1882

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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."

How could one tiny little news story about Pelham published in 1882 contain so much significant history about our little town?  

First, it tells us that what likely was Pelham's first "photograph gallery" opened on Main Street on City Island in June, 1882.  "Mr. Hilbert" opened the gallery.  

Second, it tells us that shipyard entrepreneur and owner, John Hawkins was building yet another significant "ship."  This one, however, was "patented."  It was unusual because it was a large garbage scow -- a nasty trash dumping barge that, according to the article, was "considered a great success."

A larger City Island success, however, was the amazing three-masted schooner laid at Carll's Yard.  It was to be a 900 tonnage ship with a "double deck."  Moreover, plans were underway to build a 1200 ton vessel with a keel of 150 feet -- the largest vessel ever built on City Island up to that date.

Perhaps the most interesting reference in the news story, however, was an announcement that famed Pelham oysterman Joshua Leviness had sold his oystering steamboat.  Leviness was a true oyster entrepreneur -- a successful and affluent one at that.  He was the first on City Island to have a specialized steamboat built to haul oyster dredges in Long Island Sound.  Many, however, were horrified.

Oystermen feared that such specialized steamboats would be so ruthlessly efficient that they quickly would wipe out natural oyster beds and destroy the natural resource on which so many Long Island Sound oystermen depended.  New York quickly passed legislation outlawing the use of steamboats to dredge oysters.  

Leviness quickly tested the new law.  He was hired by a City Island resident to harvest oysters from the resident's planted oyster bed.  Leviness used his steamboat to harvest the oysters and was charged with violations of the law.  At trial Leviness and his lawyer argued that the statute applied only to natural beds and that a steamboat could be used on privately-owned planted oyster beds.  The court rejected the argument and found Leviness guilty of violating the law.

Thus, the June 24, 1882 issue of The Chronicle, published in Mount Vernon sadly reported:

"WE understand Capt. Joshua Leviness has sold his oyster steam boat to parties in Westchester for to run as a freight boat between that place and New York.  It will be remembered Capt. Josh had this boat built in a peculiar manner and expressly to dredge by steam for oysters.  Afterwards an act was passed by the Legislature prohibiting the use of same."

Steam technology to harvest oysters in Long Island Sound would not be permitted.  Captain Leviness had to resort to the oystering methods that had been used off the shores of Pelham for the previous fifty years.

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"CITY ISLAND NOTES
-----

MR. HILBERT has opened a photograph gallery on Main street.

MR. ISAIAH KINSEY is building a two story house on Fordham ave., for Mr. Fred Gianisure.

AN exhibition of the pupils of District School No. 2 [City Island] has been given of late, every Friday afternoon, under the supervision of the principal, Mr. Sterne.

MR. JOHN HAWKINS is building another large dump scow for Mr. Goodyear of New York.  The patent is one of Mr. Hawkins own and is considered a great success.  

The keel for a new three masted schooner has been laid at Carll's yard recently.  Tonnage to be 900 tons with a double deck.  Also at this same yard there will soon be laid the keel for a vessel of 1200 tons, with a keel of 150 feet.  This will be the largest vessel ever built on City Island.  

THE boat race on Saturday last between Ayres and Nelson (colored) was not a very satisfactory affair.  Nelson took the lead from the start and kept it throughout.  The race was for $25, checks undoubtedly.  These checks are the same as cash.  But as a general thing it is a bad practice to pull an eight mile boat race for any man's check.

MESSRS. A. B. WOOD & Son are building a steam launch for William Astor to be used as a tender to the yacht Ambassadress.  The English launch formerly owned by Mr. Astor has been sold to Mr. Dermouth, of New York city, and is undergoing repairs at the same yard.

WE understand Capt. Joshua Leviness has sold his oyster steam boat to parties in Westchester for to run as a freight boat between that place and New York.  It will be remembered Capt. Josh had this boat built in a peculiar manner and expressly to dredge by steam for oysters.  Afterwards an act was passed by the Legislature prohibiting the use of same.  

MR. WILLIAM BELDEN, on Saturday afternoon last, gave the Saturday Night Club, of New York city, a sail up the Sound in the yacht Yosemite.  The water was smooth, and all enjoyed themselves.  An elegant dinner was served on board and addresses made by L. M. Bates, Chas. M. Beech, the Hon. B. A. Willis, Richard B. Kimball, Bronson Howard and Fred Taylor.  The health of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor was drank [sic] and the former was nominated for a member of the club."

Source:  CITY ISLAND NOTES, New Rochelle Pioneer, Jun. 24, 1882, Vol. XIII, No. 12, p. 3, col. 6.  

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The oystering industry was, for decades, a critically-important economic activity in the Town of Pelham.  Many residents of City Island made their living from the industry or ran businesses that catered to the oystermen.  Accordingly, I have written about Pelham oystering on many, many occasions.  See, e.g.:

Tue., Jun. 27, 2017:  John E. Price of City Island, One of Pelham's Earliest Commercial Oystermen.

Thu., May 11, 2017:  Nineteenth Century Fake News: Announced Discovery of Another Great Oyster Bed in 1871 Led to a Near "Oyster Riot".

Wed., Mar. 29, 2017:  Important Description of the Oyster Industry in Pelham in 1853.

Thu., Feb. 11, 2016:  Was a City Island Hotel Keeper Among the First to Learn of the Great Oyster Bed Discovered in 1859?

Wed., Jun. 24, 2015:  The 1895 Oyster War Involving City Island Oystermen - Part I.

Thu., Jun. 25, 2015:  The 1895 Oyster War Involving City Island Oystermen - Part II.

Mon., Dec. 01, 2014:  Jury Finds City Island Oystermen Guilty of Stealing Oysters from Planted Bed in 1878.

Tue., Nov. 11, 2014:  Efforts by Herman Le Roy, Jr. of Pelham to Build an Oyster Pond in the 1830's.

Thu., Aug. 07, 2014:  Oysterman Joshua Leviness of City Island Accused of Stealing Oysters Near High Island in 1883.

Tue., Feb. 04, 2014:  Pelham: Once Oyster Capital of the World.

Thu., Mar. 25, 2010:  Discovery of "The Great Oyster Bed" in Long Island Sound in 1859.

Wed., Mar. 24, 2010:  The Oyster War of 1884 Between Glen Cove and City Island Intensifies.

Tue., Mar. 23, 2010:  Yet Another "Oyster War" in 1884; Glen Cove Officials Feud with City Island and Connecticut Oystermen.

Mon., Mar. 22, 2010:  77-Year Old City Island Oysterman Joshua Leviness Reminisces in Testimony Provided in 1884.

Fri., Mar. 19, 2010:  The New York Legislature Stepped Into the Oyster War on Long Island Sound in 1895.

Thu., Mar. 18, 2010:  1859 Town of Huntington Record Reflecting Dispute with City Island Oystermen.

Wed., Mar. 17, 2010:  Report of September 13, 1884 Tour of Oyster Beds by Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island.

Tue., March 16, 2010:  More on 19th Century Oystering in Pelham - Descriptions of Oyster Beds Off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay Published in 1887.

Mon., Mar. 15, 2010:  More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complaint of Pollution.

Fri., Mar. 12, 2010:  Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., Mar. 11, 2010:  The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Thu., Dec. 3, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.

Mon., July 30, 2007:  1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Jul. 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Thu., Jul. 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., Apr. 13, 2007:  Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Fri., Jan. 26, 2007:  A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Mon., Sep. 18, 2006:  A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

John E. Price of City Island, One of Pelham's Earliest Commercial Oystermen

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

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

Not much is known of the earliest oystermen in the Town of Pelham.  Not much, of course, was done to document their lives during the early to mid-19th century.  By piecing together snippets from a wide variety of sources, however, it is possible to assemble a rough portrait of some of those pioneer oystermen.  One such pioneer oystermen was John E. Price, among the earliest oystermen to operate from City Island in the Town of Pelham.

According to a host of sources including several Federal census records, John E. Price was born in New York in about 1826.  As a young man in the 1850s he began oystering from City Island in the Town of Pelham.  At the time, the natural oyster beds off the shores of Pelham were rich with the bivalves.  Additionally, oystermen in the region were just developing the practice of "planting" oyster beds in the waters of Long Island Sound.  Thus, Price began oystering at the best possible time.

According to an obituary, Price soon "started a string of boats, and made a comfortable fortune" by oystering off the shores of Pelham.  

As one might expect, John E. Price planted and maintained oyster beds in Long Island Sound.  This is known because in 1879, famed City Island oysterman Joshua Leviness became the first person in the State of New York charged with illegally dredging oysters using steam power.  At trial, the attorney for Leviness argued that Leviness was hired by the owner of an artificial oyster bed that was adjacent to a bed planted by John E. Price to harvest the owner's oysters from his bed.  The attorney contended that the statute did not bar steam-powered equipment when dredging one's own oysters from one's own artificial bed -- only when dredging natural beds or unlawfully dredging the artificial beds of others.  The argument failed and Leviness was convicted.

The Federal Censuses for the Town of Pelham in 1850, 1860, and 1870 suggest that oysterman John Price married a woman named Caroline who was born in New York and was three years younger than he and that the couple had several children including:  (1) Stephen, born in about 1847; (2) John E., born in about 1850; (3) Robert H., born in about 1856; (4) Charlie S., born in about 1858; (5) Annie, born in about 1861; (6) Sarah, born in about 1863; (7) Maura, born in about 1866; (8) Mable E, born in about 1868; (9) Jennie, born in about 1869; and (10) William, birth date unknown.   A brief obituary in a local newspaper indicates that Jennie died at the age of 16 in 1885 of "lingering consumption."

Brief newspaper clippings from the 1880s and 1890s shed a little light on the life of John E. Price.  For example, he was hailed as a hero in December, 1881 for saving the life of City Island oysterman Joseph Horton.  Horton was operating a skiff with a sail while oystering off the shores of City Island.  The sail snagged on a stake marking the boundary of an oyster bed, capsizing Horton's boat.  Horton scrambled out of the cold water and climbed onto the bottom of the skiff bobbing upside down in the waters of Long Island Sound.  He began to shout.  

John Price and one of his sons were out oystering as well.  They heard Horton's shouts and rescued him from his imperiled condition.

Several different accounts emphasized John Price's love for sailing and rowing in the waters of Long Island Sound for fun.  Indeed, an obituary noted that he rowed all around in the waters off the shores of City Island only days before his death in 1910 at the age of 85.  Another example was a sailing race Price ran against Samuel Pell of City Island in September, 1885.  Pell raced his large oyster sloop Louise H.  Price raced a smaller oyster sloop, the Wm. H. Lockwood.  Because Pell's boat was so much larger, Pell had to give a "time allowance" (i.e., spot Price some time).  Although the race was highly anticipated, there was no wind that day.  The race began at 1:00 p.m. from City Island Bridge and only involved a ten-mile course, but with no wind it took the sloops until dark to complete the race.  Pell's sloop, the Louise H., finished 3 minutes and 20 seconds ahead, but when the time allowance was considered, Price's sloop, the Wm. H. Lockwood, was declared the winner by 47 seconds.  

As one of the earliest oystermen on City Island, John E. Price became one of the most respected mariners in the Town.  His counsel and guidance were sought by oystermen throughout the island.  

Members of John E. Price's family also gained similar respect.  For example, one of his sons, John E. Price, Jr., was a leader of City Island oystermen during the infamous 1895 Oyster War about which I have written before.  See:

Wed., Jun. 24, 2015:  The 1895 Oyster War Involving City Island Oystermen - Part I. 

Thu., Jun. 25, 2015:  The 1895 Oyster War Involving City Island Oystermen - Part II.

In 1899 John E Price had the sad duty of searching for and discovering the body of his friend, Thomas Collins.  Collins was 80 years old at the time of his death and was said to have been, at the time, "the oldest fisherman of City Island."  Since the 1840s Collins had been engaged in the oystering trade and fished the waters around City Island.  Indeed, he and John Price had virtually grown old together oystering in Long Island Sound near City Island.  Yet, on April 8, 1899, Collins headed to the oyster beds near City Island for the last time.

No one knew what happened.  In the evening, two of his sons returned home and were surprised not to see their father.  They searched for him, but found only his rowboat overturned on a nearby beach where it had been washed ashore.  All of City Island was called out to search for old Thomas Collins in the waters around City Island.  According to the New York Times:

"It was almost 9 o'clock, however, before John Fordham, John Price, and Henry Glazier, grappling from the sides of their boat, came upon something heavy.  It was the body of their old friend Collins.  They towed the body to shore and stretched it on the beach.  A doctor sad the body had been in the water for at least four hours.  It was taken to the Collins home at 31 Carroll Street."

John E. Price died in his home at 146 King Avenue on November 24, 1910.  He was found dead "of paralysis" (likely a stroke) by William Price, one of his sons.  According to his obituary, "until a few days ago was able to row around the island as easily as any boatman of the younger generation.  He owned some property near his home."

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Below is the text of a number of newspaper articles that touch on the life of City Island oysterman John E. Price.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"STEAM DREDGING FOR OYSTERS.

Yesterday in the Court of Sessions, at White Plains, the first case under chapter 302 of the Laws of 1878, providing that in none of the waters of the State of New York shall dredging for oysters be done by steam power, was tried before Judge Silas D. Giffor and Associate Justices Howe and Lawrence.  The District Attorney was assisted by ex-Judge J. M. Peters, and Martin J. Keogh was counsel for the defendant.  The indictment in the action charges that Joshua Leviness, an oysterman, dredged on John Price's oyster-bed with his steam dredge in violation of the statute.  It appeared that Charles McClellan owns, or is reputed to own, an adjoining oyster bed, and that Leviness had been engaged to take up some of the oysters for him.  When he got to the boundaries of the bed he had to go upon Price's bed but did not dredge thereon or raise any of the oysters.  These beds are in Long Island Sound, off the Town of Pelham, near City Island.  The defense claimed that they had the right to dredge for their property by whatever means they chose.  Inasmuch as it was not a natural bed of oysters.  The prosecution, and the Judge in charging the jury, said that the letter of the law 'dredging for oysters in the waters of the State by steam power,' had been violated, and the jury found Leviness guilty of dredging upon private grounds."

Source:  STEAM DREDGING FOR OYSTERS, N.Y. Times, Dec. 9, 1879, p. 5, cols. 1-2.  

"City Island. . . .

Just before sunrise on Saturday morning last, Mr. Joseph Horton, with a sail in his skiff, started out to work.  The sail caught in an oyster stake off House Rock, capsizing his boat.  Mr. Horton climbed up on the bottom of the boat and set his vocal powers to work, and was heard by some oystermen and was rescued by Capt. John Price and Son.  Mr. Horton was very numb with the cold when picked up and is now confined to his bed. . . ."

Source:  City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 16, 1881, Vol. XIII, No. 639, p. 2, col. 4.  

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND. . . .

Miss Jennie, daughter of Mr. John Price, died of lingering consumption on Monday afternoon last, and was buried from the M. E. Church, Wednesday.  The young lady was 16 years of age. . . ."

Source:  PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], May 15, 1885, Vol. XVI, No. 817, p. 3, col. 3.  

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND. . . .

The match race between the oyster sloops, Louise H. owned by Mr. Samuel Pell, and Wm. H. Lockwood, owned by Mr. John Price came off last Saturday, as announced, but it was rather a tame affair as there was little or no wind, the boats being nearly six hours going over the course of ten miles.  The boats started about one o'clock from City Island bridge and it was nearly dark when they returned to the starting point.  The Louise got in 3 minutes and 20 seconds ahead, but as she is a larger boat than the Lockwood, and had to give time allowance, the later won the race by 47 seconds.  The friends of the respective boats each think their favorite is the smarter and the late contest will, in all probability, result in another, when it is hoped the conditions of the weather will be more favorable to a more exciting race."

Source:  PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 4, 1885, Vol. XVI, No. 833, p. 2, col. 4.  

"OLD FISHERMAN DROWNED.
----
Thomas Collins's Boat Comes Ashore Alone at City Island -- Body Found.

The body of Thomas Collins, known as the oldest fisherman of City Island, was found last night in the oyster beds near Rodman's Neck, from which he had gained a livelihood for the last fifty years.  He was 80 years old.

Collins was in the habit of going alone on the Sound to catch fish and gather oysters.  He had three sons, and for many years they helped him, but recently all got jobs as clerks and left their father to ply the old trade by himself.  

Yesterday afternoon, the sky being clear, he ventured to the foot of Carroll Street, where he had his boathouse, with the intention of rowing out to the oyster beds.  He was not expected home until suppertime, and his daughter set the table in anticipation of his return.

At about 6 o'clock his two sons, Frank and Stephen came home for their supper and inquired for their father.  They waited until 7 o'clock and then started a search.  They found their father's rowboat overturned on the beach north of the boathouse, the tide having washed it ashore.  Immediately the little colony of fishermen on the island was informed and about fifty of them went with lanterns and grappling hooks in rowboats and launches to the oyster beds, about 600 feet from shore.

It was almost 9 o'clock, however, before John Fordham, John Price, and Henry Glazier, grappling from the sides of their boat, came upon something heavy.  It was the body of their old friend Collins.  They towed the body to shore and stretched it on the beach.  A doctor sad the body had been in the water for at least four hours.  It was taken to the Collins home at 31 Carroll Street."

Source:  OLD FISHERMAN DROWNED -- Thomas Collins's Boat Comes Ashore Alone at City Island -- Body Found, N.Y. Times, Apr. 9, 1899.

"STORM AT CITY ISLAND.
-----
Wind and Lightning Combine to do Considerable Damage.
-----

During the thunderstorm which passed over City Island yesterday lightning struck the flagstaff on the large yacht shed in the shipyard of Robert Jacob.  This is the second pole struck by lightning in this shipyard within two weeks.

Another bolt struck the chimney of Dr. Seifert's residence, completely demolishing it and tearing away a portion of the roof of his house.  The occupants were badly frightened, but no one was injured.

A tree in the Pelham Cemetery was struck, and at the residence of John Price, an oysterman, the chimney was carried away by the wind."

Source:  STORM AT CITY ISLAND -- Wind and Lightning Combine to do Considerable Damage, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 28, 1900, p. 5, col. 4.

"Old City Island Oysterman Dead.

John E. Price, one of the first oyster men on City Island, was found dead of paralysis at his home, 146 King Avenue, last night, by his son, William.  He was 84 years old.  He was known to every one on City Island, and until a few days ago was able to row around the island as easily as any boatman of the younger generation.  He owned some property near his home."

Source:  Old City Island Oysterman Dead, N.Y. Times, Nov. 25, 1910, p. 11, col. 6 (Note:  Paid subscription required to access via this link).  

"Pioneer Oysterman Dead.

John E. Price, the pioneer oysterman of City Island, died suddenly at his home, No. 146 King Street, City Island, last night in his eighty-fifth year.  He went to City Island sixty years ago, when oysters were plentiful in the neighboring waters, started a string of boats, and made a comfortable fortune.  When the supply gave out he retired, but was very active up to a month ago, spending most of his time rowing about City Island."

Source:  Pioneer Oysterman Dead, The Evening Post [NY, NY], Nov. 25, 1910, p. 14, col. 4.  

"PIONEER OYSTERMAN DEAD.
-----

John E. Price, the pioneer oysterman of City Island, died suddenly at his home, 146 King street, City Island, on Thursday night of last week, in his 85th year.

He went to City Island 60 years ago, when oysters were plentiful in the neighboring waters, started a string of boats, and made a comfortable fortune.  When the supply gave out, he retired, but was very active up to a month ago, spending most of his time rowing about City Island."

Source:  PIONEER OYSTERMAN DEAD, New Rochelle Pioneer, Dec. 3, 1910, p. 2, col. 5. 

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The oystering industry was, for decades, a critically-important economic activity in the Town of Pelham.  Many residents of City Island made their living from the industry or ran businesses that catered to the oystermen.  Accordingly, I have written about Pelham oystering on many, many occasions.  See, e.g.:

Thu., May 11, 2017:  Nineteenth Century Fake News: Announced Discovery of Another Great Oyster Bed in 1871 Led to a Near "Oyster Riot".

Wed., Mar. 29, 2017:  Important Description of the Oyster Industry in Pelham in 1853.

Thu., Feb. 11, 2016:  Was a City Island Hotel Keeper Among the First to Learn of the Great Oyster Bed Discovered in 1859?

Wed., Jun. 24, 2015:  The 1895 Oyster War Involving City Island Oystermen - Part I.

Thu., Jun. 25, 2015:  The 1895 Oyster War Involving City Island Oystermen - Part II.

Mon., Dec. 01, 2014:  Jury Finds City Island Oystermen Guilty of Stealing Oysters from Planted Bed in 1878.

Tue., Nov. 11, 2014:  Efforts by Herman Le Roy, Jr. of Pelham to Build an Oyster Pond in the 1830's.

Thu., Aug. 07, 2014:  Oysterman Joshua Leviness of City Island Accused of Stealing Oysters Near High Island in 1883.

Tue., Feb. 04, 2014:  Pelham: Once Oyster Capital of the World.

Thu., Mar. 25, 2010:  Discovery of "The Great Oyster Bed" in Long Island Sound in 1859.

Wed., Mar. 24, 2010:  The Oyster War of 1884 Between Glen Cove and City Island Intensifies.

Tue., Mar. 23, 2010:  Yet Another "Oyster War" in 1884; Glen Cove Officials Feud with City Island and Connecticut Oystermen.

Mon., Mar. 22, 2010:  77-Year Old City Island Oysterman Joshua Leviness Reminisces in Testimony Provided in 1884.

Fri., Mar. 19, 2010:  The New York Legislature Stepped Into the Oyster War on Long Island Sound in 1895.

Thu., Mar. 18, 2010:  1859 Town of Huntington Record Reflecting Dispute with City Island Oystermen.

Wed., Mar. 17, 2010:  Report of September 13, 1884 Tour of Oyster Beds by Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island.

Tue., March 16, 2010:  More on 19th Century Oystering in Pelham - Descriptions of Oyster Beds Off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay Published in 1887.

Mon., Mar. 15, 2010:  More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complaint of Pollution.

Fri., Mar. 12, 2010:  Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., Mar. 11, 2010:  The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Thu., Dec. 3, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.

Mon., July 30, 2007:  1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Jul. 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Thu., Jul. 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., Apr. 13, 2007:  Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Fri., Jan. 26, 2007:  A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Mon., Sep. 18, 2006:  A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

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