Historic Pelham

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The Three Original Neighborhoods Planned by the Pelham Manor & Huguenot Heights Associations in the Early 1870s

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During the 1870s, real estate speculators who owned lands in the area of today's Village of Pelham Manor began to dream. They formed the Pelham Manor & Huguenot Heights Association to develop a first class, elegant suburban respite from the giant metropolis nearby. Their plans were grandiose. They developed an Esplanade "in the center of which rows of trees are left standing with such care as to give it the appearance of one of the drives in the famous Bois de Boulogne."

They placed the center of the new development at the location we know today as Four Corners. They had a grand plan to build a magnificent church at the corner. The developers flooded the Metropolitan region with handbills, sales brochures, newspaper advertisements, and even a stock prospectus in connection with the sale of shares in the venture.

I have written on numerous occasions about the Pelham Manor & Huguenot Heights Association, as well as the development of the suburb that came to be known as Pelham Manor. See the end of this article for a lengthy list of such postings with links to each.

The Pelham Manor & Huguenot Heights Association developers envisioned three neighborhoods that would form the initial basis of the new development. The three were: (1) Pleasant Ridge Division; (2) Glen Mitchill Division; and (3) Chestnut Grove Division. Where were these three original Pelham Manor neighborhoods? It turns out that one of the three was not even within the boundaries of today's Village of Pelham Manor. Rather, it was within an area now part of Pelham Heights in today's Village of Pelham.

Marketing materials for the Pelham Manor & Huguenot Heights Association shed light on the locations of the three original neighborhoods. In 1875, the Association released a large map entitled "MAP of THREE DIVISIONS AS PLOTTED of Lands of the PELHAM MANOR & HUGUENOT HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION. PELHAM, WESTCHESTER CO. N.Y." (see below).

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

The map provides a fascinating glimpse of the original vision of the Pelham Manor & Huguenot Heights Association developers. For example, the map shows that a large hotel once was planned along the Esplanade near its eastern end adjacent to the Pelham Manor Depot that once stood where I-95 now cuts through Pelham Manor. The hotel would have stood roughly adjacent to the home that now stands at 1084 Esplanade. A store and post office was planned for the area across the street from Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church where today's Four Corners Shopping Center stands.

The rough center of the development was expected to be today's Four Corners intersection of Boston Post Road and Pelhamdale Avenue, anchored by the beautiful church building of the Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church known as the "Little Red Church." A detail from the map above showing the planned Little Red Church roughly a year before it actually was built appears immediately below.

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

The central avenue of the new development was the exceptionally-wide boulevard known as "Esplanade." According to text included with the map, the planned development would include:

"Dwelling Houses of new & tasteful designes for sale, -- (or may be rented,) as now built, or building, -- $4,000 to $12,000 for Estate Complete fitted for residence the year roudn, -- having furnaces on sanitary principles, (from Gold's Heater Co. of New York,) -- Hot and Cold Water circulation, Lavatories, Closets, etc., -- Gas, (at less than one-half City cost,) -- Sidewalks, Graded Lawns, &c. Built after best models from Boston Suburbs and elsewhere in the Healthful, well privileged including liberal and handsome grounds and select suburb called  Pelham Manor and Huguenot Heights, extending from the New Haven Railroad to the Sound. Accessible from N. Y. City business centres -- with over 40 trains daily, by two thoroughly equipped railroads, and the well appointed East River Boats. One commutation ticket serves on both railroads. Two Depots, Two Churches, Schools, etc. on premises. About one hour's ride to Fulton Street, by Cars and Boat, -- or by all rail, about half hour only to Grand Central Depot. Also, -- Choice Lands in parcels, large or small, on good Avenues, for sale favorably. This Westchester County suburb is now so endowed and regulated as to offer almost everything sought for in the externals of a home; -- its healthfulness is proven by the Sanitary Record for nearly forty years of the adjacent 'Priory' (Young Lades') School, -- by the continuous health and longevity of the several families there resident from the beginning of the century, -- as well as by its gravelly, well drained soil. Those subject to Asthma elsewhere, having come to Pelham Manor to live, find themselves rid of that distressing malady. All family supplies daily served at residences; -- good public and social privileges; -- associations refined; absolute restrictions insuring against nuisances; landscape beautifully wooded, and combined with attractions of Sound, most picturesque; delightful drives, with boating and fishing ad libitum; Neptune House and Pelham Bay Hotels near by, &c., &c. Taxes in Pelham are very light, about one-eighth of city imposition. Agents effecting sales fairly dealt with. Excursions, -- pleasures, -- plans, -- etc., furnished by Stephens Brothers, Managers for Corporation, 187 Broadway, New York City. R. M. Mitchill, Sup't residing at Pelham Manor."

Although a number of the anticipated roadways either were not built or, subsequently, were rerouted or (in the case of those where I-95 now stands) were destroyed, it is still possible to determine the rough locations of the three original neighborhoods planned by the Pelham Manor & Huguenot Heights Association.

The Pleasant Ridge Division stood in a portion of today's Pelham Heights. It was bounded, roughly, by Colonial Avenue (designated as Old Boston Post Road on the map above), Wolfs Lane, properties plotted on the north side of today's Boulevard (designated as "Ridge Avenue" on the map, and properties plotted on the north side of what looks to be, roughly, today's Cliff Avenue (designated as "Glen Avenue").

The Glen Mitchill Division, apparently named after the on-site Superintendent of the Pelham Manor & Huguenot Heights Association, Robert M. Mitchill, stood in an area now part of today's Village of Pelham Manor. It was bounded, roughly, by Colonial Avenue (designated as Old Boston Post Road on the map above), Pelhamdale Avenue, an area near but not adjoining today's Boston Post Road (designated "Boston Boulevard" on the map above), and properties plotted on the north and east sides of the curving Monterey Avenue (designated "Lake Avenue" on the map above).

The final neighborhood was the Chestnut Grove Division that likewise was planned in an area that is part of today's Village of Pelham Manor. That neighborhood was bounded, very roughly, by the New Haven Branch Line Railroad tracks still in use that run parallel to today's I-95, today's Lake Drive to the northeast of Pelhamdale Avenue (designated as a planned "Continuation of Glen Avenue" on the map above"), today's Boston Post Road (designated "Boston Boulevard" on the map above), and properties plotted on the east and south sides of the curving roadway consisting of today's Prospect Avenue and Highland Avenue.

If you live in one of these three areas today, congratulations! You live in what were the first planned suburban neighborhoods designed by the founders of the Pelham Manor & Huguenot Heights Association in the early 1870s!

1874 Newspaper Advertisement for Pelham Manor and Huguenot Heights.

Source: Westchester County Property for Sale and to Rent, N.Y. Daily

Herald, Jun. 28, 1874, p. 14, col. 5 (Note: Paid subscription required to

access via this link). NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

Labels: 1875, Chestnut Grove Division, Development, Glen Mitchill Division, Pelham Manor and Huguenot Heights Association, Pleasant Ridge Division, Real Estate, Robert M. Mitchill, Village of Pelham Manor

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Real Estate Boom Began the Roaring Twenties in the Town of Pelham

As early as mid-April, 1920, the "Roaring Twenties" were well underway in the growing Town of Pelham. Indeed, the local economy was humming. Real estate was hot. Local builders and real estate speculators already were buying up land and building new homes on spec. The bulls and their run up to Black Friday and the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929, followed by the Great Depression, already were stampeding.

A nearly full-page real estate "puff piece" on "The Pelhams" appeared in the New-York Tribune published in New York City on April 18, 1920. The breathless article highlighted the incredible history of the little town, like nearly all such articles. (And, like nearly all such articles, much of the local history it recounted was incorrect.)

Significantly, the article noted that four hundred new homes were planned for construction in The Pelhams that year with 325 of them already sold. There were, of course, 75 homes remaining to be sold; hence, the purpose of the article that provides a wonderful glimpse of the little Town of Pelham at a time when its number of homes and its population were exploding.

The cost of the homes ranged from $7,500 to $47,500 (about $94,000 to about $600,000 in today's dollars). The article featured homes (and their photographs) on Storer Avenue in Pelhamwood, Wolfs Lane, Roosevelt Heights, Highland Avenue, and Highbrook Avenue. Many of the homes were built by some of Pelham's most storied builders of the Roaring Twenties including John T. Brook, Harry S. Houpt, and the Van Ness Brothers.

The photographs that appeared with the article are included below, followed by the text of the article as well as a citation and link to its source. The article provides an enjoyable snapshot of the Town of Pelham at a seminal moment in its history at the outset of the Roaring Twenties.

"HOUSE on STORER AVENUE, PELHAMWOOD THAT YOU MAY BUY"

Source: The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0. (NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"SPLENDID DWELLING ON WOLFE'S [SIC] LANE"

Source: The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0. (NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"ATTRACTIVE HOME ON WOLFE'S [SIC] LANE"

Source: The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0. (NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"ONE OF THE MANY DWELLINGS UNDERWAY ON ROOSEVELT HEIGHTS"

Source: The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0. (NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"HOMES OF THIS TYPE ARE GOING UP

ON HIGHLAND AVE. A FEW ARE STILL FOR SALE"

Source: The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0. (NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"HOUSE GOING UP ON HIGHBROOK AVENUE"

Source: The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0. (NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.)

* * * * *

"The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families
-----
Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500
-----
Historic Westchester Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big Season to Meet Demand
------

The Pelhams are practically the same as to physical formation and natural beauty as when Thomas Pell gave some rum, trinkets and other things, then of small value, to the Indians previous to 1666 for this land and extensive lands to the east along Long Island Sound. The oaks under which the crafty Englishman, refugee from Kent in England because of his unqualified support of Oliver Cromwell, meet the original owners are still there. The highway up from Pell's Point now is the same followed by the 4,000 British and German soldiers under General Howe who came there in 200 boats from Throg's Neck at 1 o'clock in the morning of October 18, 1776, in a campaign against White Plains. The same boulders and hillocks and some of the stone walls behind which the 600 hardy Marblehead fisherman-soldiers waited for the advancing foreigners are still there.

Built His Home in Land of Beauty

Thomas Pell lived in Fairfax [sic] County, Conn., when he acquired the land now known as the Pelhams and New Rochelle. So fascinating was the beauty of the country that he decided to establish his home there. He called it Pelham, which is a coinage of the first three letters of the family name and 'ham,' which means residence. He was a loyal Britisher, and, what is more, a good business man. Pell thought that it would not be amiss to have his ownership confirmed by the Crown, so he petitioned Governor General Dongan, his majesty's representative in New York. By promising sovereignty to the Crown and that he would defend the faith of the King, in addition to paying over a lamb every May 1 to the Governor General in New York, his deal with the Indians was given royal sanction.

First Lord of the Manor

John Pell, gentleman by profession, son of Dr. Pell, Cromwell's ambassador to the Swiss Canton and nephew of Thomas Pell, got the Pelham hills and dales, craigs and swamps, islands and water front on his uncle's death in 1680 [sic]. His inherited estate included also the land now the township of New Rochelle. That the Pelhams have not lost their natural beauty in these many years may be credited to the care and the measures of protection taken by this young man. Coming from Kent said to be the prettiest countryside in all England, nature's handiwork in the Pelhams impressed him so much that he decided to hedge it with restrictions that would retain for all time that which his eyes beheld. The great area had been made a township by agreement with Governor Dongan, but that was not absolute enough. Having a desire, perhaps, to be officially one of the great gentry on this side of the ocean, he petitioned Governor Nicolls to make him Lord of Pelham Manor which would give him feudal rights [sic] -- make him ruler, magistrate and owner of the entire country. On the vow of allegiance and on the payment of 20 shillings at New York once a year he was clothed with these great powers which he used wisely so far as the preservation of the country was concerned.

New Rochelle at $1 an Acre

He gave the Huguenots from La Rochelle 200-odd acres near the shore to settle and later sold the remainder of the 6,000 acres in the township of New Rochelle at $1 an acre to his French neighbors. After the Revolutionary War 300 acres along the Sound front were sold for $5.20 an acre by the government to a man named Bailey.

This was the start of the partition and upbuilding of the Pelhams. Albert [sic] Roosevelt bought 250 of the confiscated acres in 1800 at $25 an acre. In 1850 acres there brought as high as $300. To-day these acres are not to be had for love nor money.

Homes of Just a Few

The Pelhams, as we know them, the living place of prosperous professional and business men, date back not more than a quarter of a century. R. C. Black, of the firm of Black, Starr & Frost, former Congressman B. L. Fairchild and B. F. Corlies and their families owned practically all of this land. It had been their summer places. They decided to surrender part of these great estates to folks who would appreciate the park-like country. Since the newcomers were to be their neighbors, they saw to it that there would be no reason for regretting inviting folks to Pelham to live. Restrictive covenants were placed on the land, which will continue forever. No crowding has been permitted and the social life is the best.

Can Accommodate Another Seventy-Five

There is room now for about seventy-five new families in the Pelhams, due to the activities of builders and the various developers. These houses will be found in Pelham Heights, Pelhamwood, Pelham Manor and Pelham Knolls. The man who can afford to pay $130 a month or more toward the ownership of a home can very likely be accommodated in Pelham. The lowest-priced house is $7,500. Prices range up from that figure to $47,500, which is asked by Harry S. Houpt, automobile dealer, who is erecting twelve houses on Pelham Heights, the cheapest of which is $35,000.

Real estate men estimate that the building program in the Pelhams has added, or will add, close to 400 homes to the town before the close of the year. All but seventy-five have been sold.

Because of the constant pressure for homes in this ideal section it would be well for those who have the home idea in mind to lose no time in looking over the dwellings at Pelham. You will find the real estate dealers courteous. They know the country and much about construction details.

Many Pelhams in Pelham Township

There are three Pelhams in the town of Pelham -- namely, Pelham Manor, Pelham and North Pelham. Pelham Manor is the section nearest to the Sound. It extends from the water north to Colonial Avenue and is the oldest settlement, it being in that section that Thomas Pell built Pelham Manor.

Then comes Pelham, which extends north to the main line of the New Haven road. North Pelham, of course, is beyond Pelham. These sections are localized -- that is, they are sub-divided into small local communities. For instance, in the Manor are Manor Heights, Pelham Manor Park, Roosevelt Heights, Chestnut Grove, Pelham Knolls, Glen Mitchell and others.

Pelham has no subdivisions. It is said to be the smallest village in the state, yet one of the most attractive. It is estimated that there are not more than a few hundred acres in Pelham village, which flanks the Pelham station to the south. On the north side of the station is Pelhamwood, which is a subdivision of North Pelham. Every locality and every section is protected and safe from nuisances and obnoxious looking homes.

In Pelham Knolls there are twenty-five houses under construction and twenty additional homes are planned. Those under way are in varied stages of completion. The builders have placed prices on them ranging from $18,500 to $28,000. The latter riced homes are of eight and nine rooms with baths, and the lower priced dwellings contain seven rooms. They are buildings of attractive design and well planned. They are of stucco and known locally as the Herkimer houses.

At Least 50 Homes in Pelham Manor

In the community known as Pelham Manor, which is the oldest of the Pelham settlements, there are now available about fifty dwellings. They are for the most part, still under construction. Those which have been completed have largely been taken out of the market by folks from the city. It is estimated that the building program for Pelham Manor launched last spring will add about two hundred homes to this comfortable home section.

The lowest priced homes that can be had in the Manor will cost you about $15,000. It will have six or seven rooms with baths. Most of the homes are held at $20,000 to $23,000, these being the popular prices.

Of course there are homes of greater cost, being larger and in locations which represent high land cost. On Highland Avenue there are five houses completed of a row of nine which the John T. Brooks Company is building there. They are for sale at $22,000 to $33,000. Of stucco construction in very taking designs, adaptations of Colonial and old-time architecture, they make a very attractive home group. Some of them have eight rooms, others nine rooms and some more have ten rooms. The builders are preparing to erect sixteen additional dwellings on Wolfe's [sic] Lane. They will likely sell at prices being asked for the Highland Avenue dwellings.

On Roosevelt Heights, which also is in Pelham Manor and up over the hill from the entrance to the New York Athletic Club's grounds, thirty [dwellings with] every known feature installed. There are perhaps twelve other homes at Pelham Heights which may be purchased at about $22,000.

What These Homes Contain

Hardwood floors are in all these [dwell]ings are [sic] being erected by Van Ness Bros. Twenty thousand dollars is the lowest price that will take any of these homes. The highest price is $30,000. They range in size from seven to nine rooms.

Harry Houpt has several dwellings on Pelham Heights. You must be prepared to pay at least $35,000 for these homes. One of the Houpt houses is held at $47,500. It is a stucco building of ten rooms and baths and with houses; some of oak, some of maple and others of fine comb yellow pine; open fireplaces; electric fixtures for extensive use in household work as well as for lighting purposes; closets for the storage of clothing and other things; sun parlors; breakfast porch or alcove, with permanent table, benches and scores of other things which will appeal strongly to the womenfolks.

The conditions on which these homes may be purchased vary. Some builders are asking 50 per cent in cash, while others will take less. Talks with real estate folks there leave the impression that there is no need trying to do better than 30 per cent cash and that it is doubtful if there are very many houses which can be had on these terms.

Land of Sport and Sociability

There are ample facilities in the section for engaging in every kind of sport. The Sound is not more than a few miles from any section which may be reached by machine or trolley car. There folks may swim, row and motor boat to their hearts' content. There are a number of boat clubs in the section. The country club in Pelham indeed is a fine institution. A new golf links has been added to the club, and there are several other golf links in the immediate vicinity, among them being Wykagyl, Gedney Farms, and the public links at Pelham Bay Park just to the west of the Pelhams. It costs about eleven cents a trip on monthly commutation to get to or come from this attractive gathering of homes."

Source: The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families -- Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12, cols. 1-8.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "The Haunted History of Pelham, New York"
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Labels: 1920, Construction, Harry S. Houpt, Highbrook Avenue, Highland Avenue, John T. Brook, Real Estate, Real Estate Puff Piece, Roosevelt Heights, Storer Avenue, The J.T. Brook Construction Company, Wolfs Lane

Monday, August 06, 2018

More on Why Natives Sold Lands Including Today's Pelham First to the Dutch and then to Thomas Pell

Local historians long have wondered why Natives sold lands including today's Pelham first to the Dutch and then to Thomas Pell. Indeed, I have written about this very issue before (and about evidence of a number of so-called "Indian Deeds" that may have covered Pelham lands). See:

Mon., Sep. 07, 2015: Why Did Native Americans Sell Lands Including Today's Pelham First to the Dutch and then to the English?

Thu., Aug. 02, 2018: What We Know of Early So-Called "Indian Deeds" Transferring Pelham Lands.

In such articles I have noted previously that as Kieft's War in the mid-1640s became increasingly brutal, Wiechquaeskeck Natives fled the area, leaving sachems or representatives of the group to participate in treaties or to execute deeds to sell land that the group once controlled. For example, on August 30, 1645, Dutch authorities and local Natives appeared at Fort Amsterdam to sign a peace treaty. No Wiechquaeskeck sachem appeared at the ceremony. Instead, a Native referenced as "Aepjen" appeared "personally, speaking for the Wappinox, Wiquaeskeckx, Sintsings and Kichtawanghs." Aepjen was described in the Council Minutes recording the agreement and signing ceremony as "Aepjen, sachem of the Mahikans." See Scott, Kenneth & Stryker-Rodda, Kenn, eds., New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch -- Translated and Annotated By Arnold J. V. Van Laer, Volume IV Council Minutes, 1638-1649, pp. 278-81 (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1974).

Similarly, no evidence yet has been uncovered that any Wiechquaeskeck participated in the July 14, 1649, sale by Natives of lands including today's Pelham to Dutch authorities. See Mon., Sep. 07, 2015: Why Did Native Americans Sell Lands Including Today's Pelham First to the Dutch and then to the English? In that transaction, the Wiechquaeskecks purportedly were represented by a non-Wiechquaeskeck Native referenced in the deed as "Seyseychkimus" who was described as "chief" and signed the deed as a "witness."

In addressing the question regarding why Natives sold lands including today's Pelham first to the Dutch 1n 1649 and then to New Englander Thomas Pell in 1654, I previously have posited:

"[O]ne hypothesis, yet to be proved or disproven, is that the 1649 sale of lands including today's Pelham to the Dutch was made by Native Americans who did not have a true claim to those lands and had no consent from its Wiechquaesgeck owners to sell those lands. Only six years later, true Wiechquaesgecks sold the same lands to Thomas Pell."

There is additional evidence that the Wiechquaeskecks who sold the land to Pell never consented to any earlier sale of the lands by Seyseychkimus and the other sachems who executed the 1649 deed. It turns out that Seyseychkimus was also present at Fort Amsterdam and signed the peace treaty four years earlier on August 30, 1645. He is referenced in the Council Minutes reflecting the agreement as "Sesekemu" and "Sesekenins." Perhaps significantly, during that ceremony and in the peace treaty, Seyseychkimus did NOT represent the Wiechquaeskecks. He is listed with "Willem" as "chiefs of Tappaens and Rechgawawanck." Instead, Aepjen (listed in the same material as "Aepjen, sachem of the Mahikans").

In short, in 1645 when the Wiechquaeskecks required representation for action by proxy on the peace treaty, Seyseychkimus did NOT represent them despite the fact that he was in attendance at, and participated in, the peace treaty signing ceremony. It is, therefore, at least possible that four years later when Wiechquaeskeck lands including those that later became the Manor of Pelham were sold to the Dutch, Seyseychkimus and the other non-Wiechquaeskeck sachems were not true "representatives" of the Wiechquaeskecks.

View of Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, 1651. Note The Native
Americans in a Variety of Canoes. Source: Hartger, Joost, Befchrijvinghe
Van Virginia, Nieuw Nederlandt, En d’Eylanden Bermudes, Berbados,
en S. Christossel (Amsterdam, 1651) (Original in The Lenox Library, The
New York Historical Society, The Andrews Collection).
NOTE: Click on Image To Enlarge.

* * * * *

For more about Seyseychkimus, see: Mon., Aug. 31, 2015: Seyseychkimus, The Native American "Chief" and Signer of 1649 Indian Deed Encompassing Pelham.

August 30, 1645 Announcement of Terms of Peace Treaty with Natives Including Wiechquaeskecks

"[232] August 30, 1645

Whereas there is a fair promise of obtaining a firm and durable peace with the Indians, it is resolved and concluded in council in Fort Amsterdam to order Philip de Truy, the court messenger, to notify the burghers all around to come to the fort when the flag shall be hoisted and the bell rung and there to hear the terms which shall be agreed upon and, if any one should have any good advice to offer, freely to express his opinion.

Philip de Truy, court messenger, having been ordered to notify the burghers pursuant to the foregoing resolution, appears and reports that he served on all the burghers round about on the Manhatens, from the highest to the lowest, no one excepted, the order which he received from the director and council their good advice in the matter. He, the court messenger, says that all the burghers gave them their kind attention and a favorable answer, except one Hendrick Kip, tailor.

Articles of peace concluded in the presence of the Mohawks between the Dutch and the River Indians.

This day, being the 30th of August 1645, appeared before the director and council in Fort Amsterdam, in the presence of the entire community, the following sachems or chiefs of the Indians, as well for themselves as in the capacity of attorneys of the neighboring chiefs, to wit: Oratany, chief of Achkinckeshacky; Sesekemu and Willem, chiefs of Tappaens and Rechgawawanck, Pacham [and] Pennekeck having been here yesterday and emp;owered them to act for them, and answering further for those of Onany and their neighbors; Mayauwetinnemin, for those of Marechkawieck, Nayeck and their neighbors; as also Aepjen personally, speaking for the Wappinox, Wiquaeskeckx, Sintsings and Kichtawanghs.

1. They agree to and conclude a firm and inviolable peace with us, which they promise, as we likewise do, to maintain and nevermore to break.

2. If it happen, which God forbid, that any dispute should arise between us and them, no war shall be commenced on that account, but they shall come to our governor and we to their sachems to make complaint and if any one be killed or murdered the slayer shall be promptly brought to justice [233] and both sides shall henceforth live together in amity.

3. They shall not be allowed to come with arms to the houses of the Christians on this island of Manhatans; neither shall we come to them with guns, without being accompanied by an Indian who can warn them.

4. Whereas there is still an English girl among them [i.e., Susanna Hutchinson, a daughter of murdered settler Anne Hutchinson who was abducted and held captive after the attack], whom they promised to take to the English at Stamfort, they agree to do so and, if she is not taken there, they promise to bring her here and we shall pay them the ransom promised therefor by the English.

We promise that all that is above written shall be strictly observed throughout New Netherland. Thus done in the fort, under the blue canopy of heaven, in the presence of the council of New Netherland and the entire community called together for the purpose, in the presence of the Maquas ambassadors, who were requested to assist as mediators in this peace negotiation, and of Cornelis Antonisen, their interpreter and co-mediator in this matter. Dated as above. The original was signed with the mark of Sisiadego, the mark of Claes Noorman, the mark of Oratamin, the mark of Auronge, the mark of Sesekenins, the mark of Willem of Tappaen, Willem Kieft, La Montangne, the mark of Jacob Stoffelsen, Jan Onderhil, Francis Douthey, Go: Bacxter, Ritchert Smith, Gysbert Opdyc; the mark of Aepjen, sachem of the Mahikans, Jan Eversz Bout, Oloff Stevensz, Cornelio vander Hoykens; the mark of Cornelis Tonisz. Below was written: Acknowledged before me, and was signed, Cornelis van Tienhoven, secretary.

Proclamation ordering a day of themskgiving to be observed

On August 31

It is resolved in council to issue a proclamation for a day of general thanksgiving, which thanksgiving shall take place on the sixth of September next in all the Dutch and English churches within the limits of New Netherland. the proclamation reads as follows:

Whereas it has pleased Almighty God in his infinite grace and mercy, in addition to many previous blessings, to let us come to a long desired peace with the Indians, it is deemed necessary to send notice thereof to all the people of New Netherland, in order that [234] in all the places in the aforesaid country where Dutch and English churches are open to the public God Almighty may be especially thanked, lauded and praised on Wednesday next, being the 6th of September, in the forenoon, the text to be chosen accordingly and the sermon to be applicable thereto. You will please announce the same to the congregations next Sunday, in order that they may be informed thereof; upon which we shall rely. . . ."

Source: Scott, Kenneth & Stryker-Rodda, Kenn, eds., New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch -- Translated and Annotated By Arnold J. V. Van Laer, Volume IV Council Minutes, 1638-1649, pp. 278-81 (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1974).

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Labels: 1643, 1645, 1649, 1649 Deed, 1654, Indian Deed, Native Americans, Real Estate, Seyseychkimus, Thomas Pell, Wiechquaeskecks

Monday, July 23, 2018

Horton Family Application for Underwater Land Grant in 1855 to Build a Dock in Pelham

In 1855, the tiny little Town of Pelham had a population of only about 600 people, most of whom lived on City Island. City Island only then was becoming a small maritime center for oystermen, ship repair, fishing, and regional amusement and resort fishing. Much of the southern tip of the island was still held by members of the Horton Family including Stephen Decatur Horton and George Washington Horton.

Stephen Decatur Horton and his wife, Caroline Lucilia (Skidmore) Horton, were important early settlers of City Island in the Town of Pelham. Stephen D. Horton, born January 18, 1821 and died October 23, 1900, became a notable Hellgate Pilot during the mid-1870s. Stephen and Caroline Horton, an affluent local couple, eventually built a lovely mansion on Belden point at the southern tip of City Island known simply as "The Mansion." See Fri., Jul. 10, 2015: The Mansion Built by Stephen Decatur Horton and His Wife on Belden Point, City Island, Town of Pelham.

"Stephen Decatur Horton" and "Caroline Lucilia (Skidmore)

Horton" Source: Pelletreau, William S., Historic Homes and

Institutions And Genealogical and Family History of New York,

Vol. II, p. between pp. 204-05 (New York and Chicago: The Lewis

Publishing Company, 1907). NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

Stephen Decatur Horton's father, George W. Horton, was born February 21, 1786. He died September 22, 1860. He married Elizabeth Horton, April 24, 1813. She, in turn, was born April 6, 1794 and died in June, 1861. Among the children of the couple was Stephen Decatur Horton (see above) and George W. Horton, Jr. who was born June 27, 1827. See Tue., Oct. 28, 2014: Genealogical and Biographical Information Regarding George Washington Horton and His Family, Early Settlers of City Island in the Town of Pelham. See also Tue., Jul. 11, 2006: Genealogical and Family History Information Regarding Members of the Horton Family of City Island, Once Part of Pelham.

"Old George W. Horton Homestead. Foot of Main Street, City

Island. Borough of Bronx. New York." Source: Pelletreau,

William S., Historic Homes and Institutions And Genealogical

and Family History of New York, Vol. II, p. between pp. 202-03

(New York and Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1907).

NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

In early 1855, it appears that the two brothers, George W. Horton, Jr. and Stephen D. Horton joined forces to develope one of the first commercial docks in the Town of Pelham at the southern end of what then was called "Main Street" at the southeastern tip of City Island. The pair repeatedly published a legal notice in regional newspapers dated February 28, 1855. (It must be noted that George W. Horton, Sr. was still alive at the time, so it is possible that it was him and his son who published the notice, although evidence suggests it was the two brothers.) The notice provided public notification that the pair would appear before the Commissioners of the Land Office at the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of New York in Albany on April 10, 1855 to seek a "grant in perpetuity" of "land under the waters below high water mark" in Long Island Sound at the southern tip of City Island. The purpose of the grant they sought, according to the legal notice, was "the purpose of promoting the commerce of the State, by erecting a Dock thereon."

The underwater land the pair sought was described in the notice as follows:

"adjacent to land bounded southerly and easterly by the waters of the Sound, northerly by land belonging to the heirs of Samuel Bowne, deceased, and westerly by the waters of the Sound and land of Franklin Arcularius -- of which the subscribers are the owners and proprietors and the actual occupants, for the purpose of promoting the commerce of the State, by erecting a Dock thereon, viz: Beginning at a point at ordinary high water mark, 34 feet south-east of Main avenue, on City Island; thence from a point at high water mark, opposite the south-easterly termination of Main avenue on City Island, south 28 degrees 35 minutes east, 170 feet into the Sound; thence south 61 degrees 25 minutes west, 40 feet; thence north 28 degrees 35 minutes west, 40 feet; thence north 61 degrees 25 minutes east, 14 feet; thence north 28 degrees 35 minutes west, 126 feet, to a point on the shore, at ordinary high water mark; thence north 54 degrees east, 26 1/4 feet, to the place of beginning -- containing eleven one hundredths of an acre of land."

Of course, a dock was, indeed, built at that location. The map detail below, from a map published in 1868, shows a dock at that location, perhaps the first commercial dock built in the Town of Pelham.

Detail of Map Published in 1868 Showing Dock Extending from

Stephen D. Horton's Land at Southern Tip of City Island in the

Town of Pelham. Source: Beers, F. W., "City Island, Pelham

Township, Westchester Co., N. Y. [With] Town of Pelham, Westchester

Co., N. Y." in Atlas of New York and Vicinity, pg. 35 (NY, NY: Beers,

Ellis & Soule, 1868). NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

Legal Notice for Application to Obtain Underwater Lands

Dated February 28, 1855. Source: NOTICE OF APPLICATION

[Legal Notice], The Eastern State Journal [White Plains, NY],

Mar. 9, 1855, Vol. X, No. 43, p. 4, col. 6. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

* * * * *

"NOTICE OF APPLICATION for

GRANT OF LAND UNDER WATER -- Notice is hereby given, that application will be made by the subscribers to the Commissioners of the Land Office, at the office of the Secretary of State in the city of Albany, on the 10th day of April, A. D., 1855, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, for a grant in perpetuity of the following described land under the waters below high water mark of the waters of Long Island Sound, at City Island, in the town of Pelham, in the County of Westchester, adjacent to land bounded southerly and easterly by the waters of the Sound, northerly by land belonging to the heirs of Samuel Bowne, deceased, and westerly by the waters of the Sound and land of Franklin Arcularius -- of which the subscribers are the owners and proprietors and the actual occupants, for the purpose of promoting the commerce of the State, by erecting a Dock thereon, viz: Beginning at a point at ordinary high water mark, 34 feet south-east of Main avenue, on City Island; thence from a point at high water mark, opposite the south-easterly termination of Main avenue on City Island, south 28 degrees 35 minutes east, 170 feet into the Sound; thence south 61 degrees 25 minutes west, 40 feet; thence north 28 degrees 35 minutes west, 40 feet; thence north 61 degrees 25 minutes east, 14 feet; thence north 28 degrees 35 minutes west, 126 feet, to a point on the shore, at ordinary high water mark; thence north 54 degrees east, 26 1/4 feet, to the place of beginning -- containing eleven one hundredths of an acre of land. -- Dated Feb. 28, 1855.

GEORGE W. HORTON,
STEPHEN D. HORTON.

42w7"

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Labels: 1855, Caroline Lucilia Skidmore Horton, City Island, George W. Horton, George W. Horton Jr., Real Estate, Stephen D. Horton, Town Dock, Underwater Land Grant

Historic Pelham

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The Three Original Neighborhoods Planned by the Pelham Manor & Huguenot Heights Associations in the Early 1870s

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Real Estate Boom Began the Roaring Twenties in the Town of Pelham

Monday, August 06, 2018

More on Why Natives Sold Lands Including Today's Pelham First to the Dutch and then to Thomas Pell

Monday, July 23, 2018

Horton Family Application for Underwater Land Grant in 1855 to Build a Dock in Pelham

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