Stowell's Pharmacy in Pelham Manor and its Stunning Early Real Photo Postcards

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Opening of Stowell's Pharmacy in 1907

One of the earliest pharmacies to open in the tiny Village of Pelham Manor was "Stowell's Pharmacy" operated by J. S. Stowell.  It was not Pelham's first pharmacy.  That distinction belongs to a tiny pharmacy opened by a member of the Roosevelt family in the 1890s.  That pharmacy quickly failed.  Its fixtures were sold to Seth T. Lyman of the Village of North Pelham who opened his pharmacy at Fifth Avenue and First Street with those fixtures.

Before opening his Pelham Manor pharmacy, J. S. Stowell was with the Chambers Pharmacy operated by James Chambers in Bronxville.  In 1907 Stowell decided to strike out on his own and open a pharmacy in the region.  He settled on the Village of Pelham Manor which had about 450 residents but no pharmacy.  

First Stowell had to locate the building to house his new business.  He was in luck.  A building at a prime location had just become available -- the old Pelham Manor Post Office.

The story of that old Pelham Manor Post Office building is interesting in and of itself.  In 1897, the Village Clerk of the Village of Pelham Manor, Gervas H. Kerr, became Pelham Manor postmaster.  He oversaw the post office in the Pelham Manor Depot until 1904, when it was moved out of the Depot to a nearby residence on Terrace avenue, a roadway that no longer exists due to the construction of Interstate 95 during the 1950s.  The post office remained in that residence (a home later owned by F.C. Allen, Jr. of Pelham Manor) for only three years.  In 1907, Postmaster Kerr oversaw construction of a new post-office building nearby, near the front entrance to the nearly-new Pelham Manor Train Station built of stone, designed by noted architect Cass Gilbert and opened in about 1907.  Stowell seized on the opportunity and took over the vacant Terrace Avenue residence formerly used as the Post Office.   

Detail from 1908 Map Showing Likely Location of the

Old Post Office Building That Became Stowell's Pharmacy

in Lower Right Corner on Property Owned by Mrs. Emma

J. Roosevelt.  Source:  Fairchild, John F., Atlas of the City

of Mount Vernon and the Town of Pelham Compiled from

Official Records, Personal Surveys, and Other Private Plans

and Surveys, Plate 35 (Mount Vernon, NY:  John F. Fairchild,

1908).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Stowell successfully opened his new business.  A brief newspaper reference published before he opened Stowell's Pharmacy indicated plans for a "first class" and "attractive pharmacy" with an "up to date prescription department" as well as a classic soda fountain.  According to the same reference, the soda fountain would serve not only "ice cream sodas and sundaes," but also "a long list of popular drinks such as egg phosphate, malted milk and egg, vishy and milk, lemonade to order, etc."

It is not known with certainty how long Stowell's Pharmacy operated in Pelham Manor.  It certainly operated for at least three years.  References to the pharmacy in 1910 can be found in a variety of sources.  In the short time that the pharmacy existed, it seems, it left one fascinating, historic, and beautiful legacy.

The Stowell's Pharmacy Real Photo Postcards

At about the time J. S. Stowell was opening his pharmacy, the golden age of American Postcards was underway.  More significantly, a recent development in the creation of such postcards was generating excitement throughout the country.  Stowell's Pharmacy, it seems, took advantage of this excitement.  

In 1903, Kodak introduced a camera (the 3A Folding Pocket Kodak Camera) designed to use film that produced postcard-size images to allow consumers to take photographs and have them printed on postcard paper with postcard backs.  The camera was such a success that Kodak introduced a new service in 1907 that it named "Real Photo Postcards."  The service enabled customers to make postcards from any photograph they took regardless of the camera used.  

At about the same time, Federal law changed to permit -- for the first time -- the inclusion of a message on a portion of the back of a postcard.  Until that change in the law, only the address was allowed on the back of a postcard.  Any message had to be included on the front of the postcard where, typically, an image of some sort appeared.  

These two developments combined to create a boon in the creation and use of Real Photo Postcards (often known to collectors as RPPs or RPPCs).  According to one source:  "No other single format has provided such a massive photo history of America, particularly of small-town and rural America where photography was often a luxury."  "Real Photo Postcard" in Wikipedia -- The Free Encyclopedia (visited Dec. 3, 2016).  

A fascinating series of Real Photo Postcards created in about 1909 seems to be connected to Stowell's Pharmacy.  Although only one in the series uncovered so far has a Stowell's Pharmacy designation on it, the images are remarkably similar and contain handwritten titles that appear to be in the same handwriting in each instance -- handwriting that matches that on the only example in the series uncovered so far that includes a Stowell's Pharmacy reference.  

The Stowell Pharmacy postcards represent an important and fascinating group of RPP images taken at about the same time.  The images reveal, if nothing else, long-gone views of Pelham that were deemed significant enough to capture as part of an entrepreneurial scheme to profit from those views through postcard sales.  It now seems certain that among the many things one could purchase in Stowell's Pharmacy were these lovely postcards to collect or to mail to family and friends.

Below are the Real Photo Postcard images I have been able to identify so far that likely are part of the Stowell's Pharmacy series of such cards.  Since not all are labeled as "Stowell's Pharmacy" cards, there is no definitive way to determine if they all are part of the same series.  However, you may judge for yourself based on the "look" of each postcard and the handwritten titles in identical handwriting whether they seem to be part of a series of cards prepared by (or for sale at) the pharmacy.  Most importantly, since some of the cards have legible postmarks that seem to compare favorably with the time we know Stowell's Pharmacy existed, it is now even easier to assign a narrow date range for all the images including those without postmarks (or without legible postmarks).

This undated postcard shows the "RES. [i.e., Residence of] MUNROE CRANE PELHAM MANOR, N.Y. 5981."  The note on the left contains the following reference important for present purposes "FROM STOWELL'S PHARMACY."  Pay close attention to the handwritten titles as you will see similar handwriting on each of the following postcards as well.  (Click on image to enlarge.)

This undated postcard shows the "R.R. STATION.  PELHAM MANOR, N.Y."  This is the Pelham Manor Depot designed by famed architect Cass Gilbert that opened in about 1907 when Stowell opened his new pharmacy only a few steps away from where this photographer stood.  The postmark is somewhat illegible, but the card clearly was postmarked in 1910 when Stowell's Pharmacy was known to be operating.  This photograph was taken from one of the station platforms opposite the station.  The Pelham Depot Plaza is on the other side of the station.  The station obscures the view of the new Pelham Manor Post Office and Grocery that is entirely "behind" and, thus, blocked by the station in this photograph.  Stowell's Pharmacy would have been located to the right in this image, somewhat behind the photographer.  Note that the handwriting used for the title as well as the "look and feel" of the image is the same as before.  (Click on image to enlarge.)

This undated postcard shows the "POST OFFICE PELHAM MANOR, N.Y."  This is the Post Office building built by postmaster Gervas H. Kerr in 1907 almost directly adjacent to the Pelham Manor Depot.  The shadow of the roof and lightning rod of the Pelham Manor Depot can be seen in the foreground of the photograph.  This photograph was taken with the Pelham Manor Depot behind and to the left of the photographer.  The photographer would have had to walk through the underground tunnel that connected the station area to the platform from which the photograph immediately above was taken.  Stowell's Pharmacy would have been almost directly behind the photographer, a few dozen feet away.  Note that the handwriting used for the titles as well as the "look and feel" of the image is the same as before.  (Click on image to enlarge.)

This postcard view of the "Little Red Church" (the original Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church) located at Four Corners (the intersection of Boston Post Road and Pelhamdale Avenue) is titled "5819 PRESBT. CHURCH.  PELHAM MANOR, N.Y."  The postcard is postmarked November 3, 1911.  Stowell's Pharmacy is known to have been operating in 1910 and may have been operating in 1911 as well.  This image was taken from Boston Post Road facing the church which stands essentially where the sanctuary of today's Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church is located.  Note the same handwriting for the title and the same "look and feel" of the image.  (Click on image to enlarge.)  Note that there is a handwritten four digit number "5819" on the postcard very similar to the four digit number in the same handwriting (5981) on the Munro Crane postcard.  The purpose of the number is not known.

This is a postcard view of "ESPLANADE PELHAM MANOR, N.Y." postmarked November 2, 1909 during the time Stowell's Pharmacy was operating.  This image, taken on the Esplanade (with the dividing median between the Esplanade lanes on the left), shows the rear of the horse watering fountain at the intersection of Esplanade and Boston Post Road.  Note the same handwriting for the titles and the same "look and feel" of the image.  This image was taken just off of Boston Post Road a few hundred feet west from where the photographer took the image of the Little Red Church included above.  On the extreme right, the buildings of Mrs. Hazen's School for Girls may be seen.  (Click on image to enlarge.)

This is a postcard view of "MRS. HAZEN'S SCHOOL PELHAM MANOR, N.Y." with an illegible postmark.  All three "houses" of Mrs. Hazen's School for Girls that stood on the Esplanade at Boston Post Road are depicted in the photograph which was taken from across the Esplanade (both lanes visible in the foreground).  Chester House is on the left.  Edgewood House is in the center, slightly in the rear (it was named after the street it was closest to).  Marbury House, named after Anne Marbury Hutchinson, is on the right.  This image was taken just off of Boston Post Road on the opposite side of the horse drinking fountain, once again only a few hundred feet away from where the photographer took the image of the Esplanade showing the rear of the horse drinking fountain included above.  (Click on image to enlarge.)

This is a postcard view of "BOSTON POST ROAD PELHAM PELHAM MANOR, N.Y." postmarked September 4, 1909 when Stowell's Pharmacy was operating.  This image, taken on Boston Post Road facing its intersection with Esplanade, shows the horse watering fountain in the distance on the left.  Once again the same handwriting is used in the title and the photograph has the same "look and feel" of the other images.  This image was taken from Boston Post Road a few hundred feet west from where the photographer took the images of the rear of the horse watering fountain and the buildings of Mrs. Hazen's School for Girls included above.  (Click on image to enlarge.)

This is a postcard view of "'RES. [i.e., Residence of] MONT D. ROGERS PELHAM MANOR, N.Y." postmarked June 7, 1910 when Stowell's Pharmacy is known to have been operating.  This residence (which no longer exists) was located near the intersection of Wolfs Lane and Secor.  Thus, the photograph was taken only a few hundred feet away from the photograph of Boston Post Road immediately above. The same handwriting is used in the titles and the photograph has the same "look and feel" of the other images.  (Click on image to enlarge.)

This is an undated postcard view of "WOLFS LANE.  PELHAM MANOR, N.Y."  This image was taken on Wolfs Lane (likely somewhat near Boston Post Road but further along Wolfs Lane than Secor).  Admittedly, though, it has not yet been placed geographically with certainty.  It seems likely, however, that it was taken only a few hundred to a few thousand feet away from the photograph of the residence of Mont D. Rogers immediately above.  Note the same handwriting and the same "look and feel" once again.  (Click on image to enlarge.)

This is a postcard view of "'THE RESERVOIR.' NO. PELHAM, N.Y." postmarked January 8, 1911.  Stowell's Pharmacy is known to have been operating in 1910 and may have been operating in 1911 as well.  This image seems to have been taken from the New Haven Line railroad embankment looking down over the reservoir showing the facilities of the New York Inter-Urban Water Company that provided drinking water from the reservoir to Pelham at the time.  Once again the same handwriting is used in the titles and the photograph has the same "look and feel" of the other images.  (Click on image to enlarge.)  For more on the history of the Pelham Reservoir, see:  Wed., Mar. 11, 2015:  Research Regarding the History of the Pelham Reservoir in Today's Willsons Woods Park.

This is an undated postcard view of "R.R. STATION.  PELHAM, N.Y."  This image was taken from near the western end of the Connecticut-bound platform of the New Haven Line Pelham Station.  Note the same handwriting and the same "look and feel" once again.  (Click on image to enlarge.)

This is an undated postcard of "L. EPPLE NORTH PELHAM, N.Y."  It shows the home, florist business, and greenhouses of Louis Charles Epple once located at Seventh Street near Fifth Avenue.  The photographer was standing on 7th Street near its intersection with Sixth Avenue facing toward Fifth Avenue.  As with the earlier postcards in the series, the same handwriting is used in the title and the photograph has the same "look and feel" of the other images.  (Click on image to enlarge.)  To read more about this postcard and Louis Charles Epple, see:  Tue., Sep. 20, 2016:  Louis Charles Epple and His Florist Business in the Village of North Pelham.

This is an undated postcard view of the "CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.  NO. PELHAM, N.Y."  It shows the tiny clapboard chapel of the Church of the Covenant, Congregational that was known as the "Congregational Church" in the Village of North Pelham.  It was located on Second Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets.  The photographer was located on Second Avenue in front of the chapel.  Again, the same handwriting is used in the title and the photograph has the same "look and feel" of the other images.  (Click on image to enlarge.)  To learn more about this postcard and the Congregational Church, see:  Thu., Jul. 23, 2015:  The Home at 45 Maple in Chester Park Built to Serve as a Church.

Conclusion

These thirteen postcards seem to be part of a series of related postcards with a possible connection to Stowell's Pharmacy in Pelham Manor.  It seems almost positive that there are other examples out there of similar postcards in the same series that have the same handwriting and the same "look and feel" as these thirteen examples.  Although it is impossible to know with certainty, it seems most likely that the photographs used in these postcards were taken in 1909 given the historical context of all these images and given that the earliest postmark on any of them (at least as known for now) is September 4, 1909.

Most likely the photographs were taken on different dates.  However, the shadows and greenery suggest that the images were taken on a spring day (or on spring days) with the sun nearly directly overhead in most images.  

It is easy to imagine, at times, how the photographer may have walked along a particular route to snap some of the photographs.  For example, it may have been the case that on one occasion the photographer took a photograph of the Pelham Manor Depot, then wandered in the tunnel beneath the tracks and emerged to photograph the Pelham Manor Post Office adjacent to the Depot.  The photographer, we imagine, then walked a few thousand feet up Pelhamdale Avenue to Four Corners.  

At Four Corners, the photographer took a photograph of the Little Red Church and turned west on Boston Post Road, stepping briefly onto the Esplanade to take a picture of that roadway (showing the rear of the horse watering fountain).  Next the photographer remained on the Esplanade, but crossed Boston Post Road to photograph Mrs. Hazen's School for Girls on Boston Post Road at the Esplanade on the side of Boston Post Road opposite the horse drinking fountain.  

The photographer next took the few steps back onto Boston Post Road and walked a few hundred feet west.  Standing in the middle of Boston Post Road, the photographer turned around toward the Esplanade and took a photograph of Boston Post Road (with a dog seated in the roadway and the horse watering trough in the distance).  The photographer next turned onto Wolfs Lane and walked a few hundred feet to the intersection of Wolfs Lane and Secor and photographed the monumental mansion of Mont D. Rogers (one of a number of nearby monumental mansions).  

Next, the photographer walked a few hundred to a few thousand feet further on Wolfs Lane and took a picture showing a few homes on Wolfs Lane.  Then the photographer continued on Wolfs Lane to the Pelham Station on the New Haven Line and took a picture there.  Thereafter the photographer would have taken a brief detour along the railroad right-of-way to take a photograph of the nearby Pelham Reservoir.  (And so on, and so on.)

These photographs are rare images of a Pelham that no longer exists:  Pelham in 1909.  They are beautiful.  There are so many clues in each that have yet to be explored.

*          *          *          *          *

Below is the text of a number of items that shed some light on Stowell's Pharmacy.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"-- J. S. Stowell, recently of the Chambers Pharmacy, is going into business for himself in Pelham Manor.  That happens to be the one prosperous village in the heart of things that has no drug store.  It likewise has a new post office building which leaves the old one vacant.  Mr. Stowell has taken this building and will put it in first class shape for an attractive pharmacy, with an up to date prescription department and a soda fountain where a long list of popular drinks such as egg phosphate, malted milk and egg, vishy and milk, lemonade to order, etc. will be on tap for the automobilist in addition to the ice cream sodas and sundaes for home consumption.  E. S. Sawyer of New York has taken Mr. Stowell's place at Chambers'."

Source:  [Untitled], The Bronxville Review, Aug. 15, 1907, Vol. VI, No. 33, p. 5, col. 2.  

"PELHAM MANOR, Westchester Co. . . . . [Population 638] Stowell's Pharmacy"

Source:  The ERA Druggists Directory of America - 14th Edition - 1910, p. 134 (NY, NY:  D.O. Haynes & Co., Publishers, 1910).  

Fascinating Advertisement that Included Local Businesses

Including Stowell's Pharmacy in Pelham Manor that Sold

"ELECTRIC DEATH," A "1000 Volts Strong" Way to Destroy

Cockroaches, Bedbugs, Waterbugs, Ants and Fleas.  And, it was

"Warranted to do the Work."  Source:  ELECTRIC DEATH

[Advertisement], The Daily Argus, Mar. 23, 1910, p. 2, cols.

3-4.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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Pelhamville's First Pharmacist and Veterinarian

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There was a time, long ago, when the local pharmacist was the first line of first aid for residents of Pelham.  There were no ambulances, fly cars, or fire departments.  Physicians, if they resided in Pelham at all in some years, were few and far between and not always reliably available in the event of an emergency.  Indeed, reports are legion of injured Pelhamites who were carted to Seth Lyman's pharmacy in the building at One Fifth Avenue that still stands today to be treated for their wounds or to be stabilized until a physician could reach them.  Seth Lyman, however, was not Pelhamville's first pharmacist.  A man named Henry B. Boyd preceded Seth Lymano and appears to have been the first pharmacist and the first veterinarian to practice in the settlement known as Pelhamville that later became the Village of North Pelham.

Little is known of Henry B. Boyd, although what is known suggests a sad end for him.  He was born in 1847 in New Rochelle, a son of William Boyd.  As a young man, Boyd graduated from the School of Pharmacy in New York City.  Following graduation, he was employed in the New Rochelle Drugstore Welling & Coutant, established in 1847 as New Rochelle's first pharmacy.  Quite a number of the employees of the establishment went on to become pharmacists in a number of local communities during the nineteenth century.

Boyd served as a drug clerk with Welling & Coutant.  He was with the firm when, in 1870, the business dissolved and one of its two proprietors, J. L. Coutant, assumed sole proprietorship of the firm.  Henry B. Boyd remained with Coutant Pharmacy and continued there as a drug clerk.  

In about 1872, Henry B. Boyd married Mary (at least one account says "Mollie") Shute, the daughter of the proprietor of the Huguenot Hotel, William Shute.  According to one account, at that time Boyd was "probably the most popular man in New Rochelle."  The marriage, which took place in the First Presbyterian Church, and was described as "one of the largest ever held in the village" of New Rochelle at the time.  The couple had one daughter.

While working as a drug clerk with J. L. Coutant, Boyd took up "the studies of veterinarims and surgeon."  In 1880 Boyd received his Doctor of Veterinary Surgery (D.V.S.) from New York University in New York City with high honors.  See General Alumni Catalogue of New York University 1833-1906 - Law, Graduate, Pedagogy, Veterinary, Commerce and Collegiate Division Alumni, p. 208 (NY, NY:  General Alumni Society, 1906).

1884 Advertisement for James L. Coutant's

"New Rochelle Drug Store" Published Shortly

After Henry B. Boyd Left the Pharmacy.  Click

Here to See Newspaper Page With Advertisement.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

After his graduation from Veterinary School, Boyd "embarked in the drug business."  He first conducted a pharmacy in the Village of West Chester.  One account says that "[h]e shortly afterwards gave this up and gave his entire attention to the practice of a veterinarian."  It is clear from multiple other accounts, however, that Boyd opened pharmacies in Pelhamville and in New Rochelle before ultimately concentrating his professional activies on his veterinarian career.

It appears that for a time Boyd combined his pharmaceutical practice with a veterinary practice in both communities, although he lived in New Rochelle.  Research has not yet revealed the existence of any earlier pharmacy or veterinarian practice in Pelhamville.

1886 Advertisement for Veterinary Services of Henry B. Boyd

of Banks Street and Main Street, New Rochelle, New York.

Source:  Veterinary - H. B. BOYD, D.V.S. [Advertisement],

New Rochelle Pioneer, Mar. 20, 1886, p. 4, col. 6.  NOTE:

Click Image to Enlarge.

It appears that the last years of Henry B. Boyd's life were quite sad.  In about 1887, his wife divorced him and married another man named John Thompson.  Several accounts say that thereafter Henry B. Boyd led a "wretched" life.  Moreover, his death (according to one account) "was due to general breaking up of his health."  One of his numerous obituaries stated that "A few years ago deceased began to fail in health, due to exposure and incessant attendance to his vocation, and gradually grew worse."  

Boyd died on July 27, 1897 in the County Alms House in Tarrytown, Westchester County, New York.  One obituary stated "In the last ten years Boyd had lived a wretched life and had completely lost his once valuable practice, and all his friends deserted him.  More than a year ago he entered the almshouse."  Another obituary stated "In the last 10 years Boyd had lived a wretched life, and all his friends deserted him.  He entered the Almshouse more than a year ago."  A third obituary stated "About a year ago, being without home or friends, he sought the protection of the County Alms House, where he spent the rest of his days."  Another obituary, apparently prepared by or with the assistance of Boyd's sister, Mrs. David Fields of New Rochelle, told a slightly different story.  It stated that Boyd "died at the County Alms-House on Tuesday last, where he was employed in the medical department of that institution."

Boyd's funeral was held at his sister's residence on North Street, officiated by Rev. A. H. Goodenough.  He was buried in Beechwood cemetery.

Map of Pelhamville Published in 1868. Source: Beers, F.W.,

Atlas of New York and Vicinity from Actual Surveys By

and Under the Direction of F.W. Beers, Assisted By A.B.

Prindle & Others, pg. 36 (NY, NY: Beers, Ellis & Soule, 1868)

(Detail from Page 36 Map Entitled "Town of New Rochelle,

Westchester Co., N.Y. (With) Pelhamville).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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Below is the text of a number of articles that mention Henry B. Boyd, the man who may have been Pelhamville's first pharmacist and veterinarian.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"OBITUARY.
-----
DR. HENRY B. BOYD.

A life which in its younger days gave every promise of being a brilliant and successful one came to a close on Tuesday of this week in the County Alms House, Tarrytown, when Dr. Henry B. Boyd, a well known citizen of this town, passed away, having been an inmate of the institution about one year.  His death was due to general breaking up of his health.

Dr. Boyd was the son of our well-known townsman William Boyd.  He was born in this town in the year 1847.  After leaving the public school, he entered the College of Pharmacy in New York City from which he graduated some few years afterwards.  Then he entered the drug store of Welling & Coutant, kept on Main street, where P. H. Mullen's dry goods store now is.  In the year 1870 when the firm dissolved, and J. L. Coutant assumed the proprietorship of the business, Dr. Boyd continued as drug clerk with Mr. Coutant.  While in this store he took up the studies of veterinarism and surgery.  He entered the Veterinary College soon afterwards and graduated in due time with high honors.  He then embarked in the drug business, conducting a store in the village of West Chester.  He shortly aferwards gave this up and gave his entire attention to the practice of a veterinarian.  He was known and recognized throughout the county as one of the best and most careful doctors of the times.  He was thorough and honest in all his treatments and soon established an enviable practice.  

When quite a young man he married Miss Mollie Shute, daughter of the late William Shute, who bore him one daughter, who survives her father, her mother having died not quite a year ago.

A few years ago deceased began to fail in health, due to exposure and incessant attendance to his vocation, and gradually grew worse.  About a year ago, being without home or friends, he sought the protection of the County Alms House, where he spent the rest of his days.

His remains were brought to this village Tuesday and the funeral took place Thursday afternoon from the residence of his sister, Mrs. David Fields, North street.  The Rev. A. H. Goodenough officiated.  The remains were interred in Beechwood Cemetery."

Source:  OBITUARY -- DR. HENRY B. BOYD, New Rochelle Pioneer, Jul. 31, 1897, Vol. XXXVII, No. 19, p. 5, col. 4.

"OBITUARY.
-----
DR. HENRY B. BOYD

died at the County Alms-House on Tuesday last, where he was employed in the medical department of that institution.  Dr. Boyd was a well-known citizen of this village, and a son of William Boyd, and was born in this town in 1847.  He graduated from the School of Pharmacy in New York city, and entered the drug store of Welling & Coutant, and was afterwards with Coutant when that firm dissolved.  Later he entered the Veterinary College, from which he graduated with honors.  In the years following he kept a drug-store here and practiced his profession.

His remains were brought to this village on the same day of his death, and the funeral was held from the residence of his sister, Mrs. David Fields, North street, Thursday afternoon, Rev. A. H. Goodenough officiated, and interment was made in Beechwood."

Source:  OBITUARY -- DR. HENRY B. BOYD, The New Rochelle Press, Jul. 31, 1897, p. 5, col. 3.  

"DR. HENRY B. BOYD DIES IN ALMSHOUSE.
-----
Once a Prominent Veterinary in New Rochelle
-----

EAST VIEW, July 29. -- The death of Dr. Henry B. Boyd, a resident of the town of New Rochelle, which occurred in the county almshouse here Tuesday morning, marks the end of a varied career.

Henry B. Boyd was the son of William Boyd, and old and respected citizen of New Rochelle, and was born in that village fifty years ago.  He received an excellent education, and entered Willing's [sic] pharmacy.  He afterward owned drug stores in Pelhamville and New Rochelle.

Twenty-five years ago he married Miss Mary Shute, the daughter of the proprietor of the Huguenot Hotel.  At that time he was probably the most popular man in New Rochelle, and was the leading veterinary surgeon of that place.  His marriage, which took place in the First Presbyterian church, was one of the largest ever held in the village.  About ten years ago his wife was divorced from him and afterward was married to John Thompson.  She died about a year ago.

In the last ten years Boyd had lived a wretched life and had completely lost his once valuable practice, and all his friends deserted him.  More than a year ago he entered the almshouse.  The funeral was held this morning, and the burial will be in Beechwood Cemetery, New Rochelle."

Source:  DR. HENRY B. BOYD DIES IN ALMSHOUSE -- Once a Prominent Veterinary in New Rochelle, Mount Vernon Daily Argus [NY], Jul. 29, 1897, Vol. XXII, No. 1625, p. 1, col. 5.  

"A VARIED CAREER. -- The death of Dr. Henry B. Boyd, which occurred in the County Almshouse at East View early on Tuesday morning, marks the end of a varied career.  He was the son of William Boyd, a citizen of New Rochelle, and was born in that village 50 years ago.  He received an excellent education, and entered Welling's pharmacy.  He afterward owned drug stores in Pelhamville and New Rochelle.  Twenty-five years ago he married; at that time he was probably the most popular man in the village, and was the leading veterinary surgeon of that place.  In the last 10 years Boyd had lived a wretched life, and all his friends deserted him.  He entered the Almshouse more than a year ago."

Source:  A VARIED CAREER, The Statesman [Yonkers, NY], Jul. 29, 1897, Vol. XIV, No. 4201, p. 4, col. 4.  

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