Burglary Spree in Pelham Manor in 1880

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In the early 1880s, a group of local residents formed a “Citizen’s vigilante committee”. That committee, in turn, created an organization known as “The Pelham Manor Protective Club.” The Pelham Manor Protective Club was formally organized on December 15, 1881 – ten years before incorporation of the Village of Pelham Manor. Indeed, the Club might be viewed as a precursor to the organization of the Village because it was an important cooperative body created for the protection of the local citizenry.

Nearly the entire adult male population of the area – 52 local residents – subscribed as members of the Pelham Manor Protective Club. The list of subscribers reads like a “Who’s Who” of early Pelham, including such names as Robert C. Black, Robert Bolton, Benjamin Corlies, Henry W. Taft, Silas H. Witherbee and many others. The sole purpose of the Club was “to assist the public authorities in maintaining law and order within a radius of one mile from Pelham Manor Depot . . . and to prosecute all persons committing any crimes or misdemeanors within said district.” Given the importance of its work, the Protective Club was able to raise a substantial amount of money.

In 1880, there was a burglary spree in Pelham Manor. Such crime sprees were among the reasons the citizens of Pelham Manor formed the Pelham Manor Protective Club in the first place. The article below describes the crime spree that included a burglary at the home of Cortlandt W. Starr of Black, Starr & Frost fame.

"BURGLARS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

The house of Cortlandt W. Starr, at Pelham Manor, was entered by burglars Tuesday night, and robbed of silverware valued at $500. On the same night the new school-house at Pelham Manor was entered and robbed of a quantity of tools belonging to William H. Valentine, the builder, valued at $30.

On Chester Hill, several burglaries were also committed Tuesday night. The house of Mr. Bargin was entered and robbed of silverware, a French clock and mantle ornaments, all valued at $200. The dwelling of Mr. Riker was entered and robbed of linen valuded at $100. From the house of Mrs. Kauth a quantity of linen was stolen. A watch-dog kept on the premises prevented the robbers from completing their work. Burglars made an attempt Tuesday night to enter the house of Dr. Mitchell, on Chester Hill, by applying a 'jimmy' to the rear basement door; but the bars and belts with which the door was fastened caused them to abandon the attempt."

Source: Burglars in Westchester County, New-York Tribune, Oct. 1, 1880, p. 8, col. 1.

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