Hurt Due to Bad Road on Prospect Hill in Pelham, Wagon Driver Sued Town of Pelham in 1883

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During the 19th century, by nearly all accounts, the "roads" in Pelham were constantly in a state of disrepair. Typically they were little more than muddy, rutted and eroding pathways. One wagon driver who was badly hurt in an accident on Prospect Hill due to the condition of the roadway sued the Town of Pelham seeking $20,000. A brief account of the accident and the filing of the suit appears below.

"Suing Pelham for $20,000.

A Mr. Steadwell of Stamford, while driving down Prospect Hill in Pelham, met with an accident, owing, it is alleged, to the bad condition of the road. Mr. Steadwell, it is reported, was permanently injured to such an extent as to entirely unfit him for business, while his wagon was broken and his horse badly hurt. Mr. Steadwell has urged his claims upon the town of Pelham for redress, but without any satisfactory result. He has begun an action against them in the Supreme Court, claiming $20,000 damages, and the papers have been served upon the Commissioners of Highways."

Source: Suing Pelham for $20,000, The Sun, Sep. 4, 1883, p. 1, col. 5.

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