History of Westchester county : New York, including Morrisania, Kings Bridge, and West Farms, which have been annexed to New York City, Vol. II, Part 124

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898,
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.E. Preston & Co.
Number of Pages: 1286

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HOTELS .- The oldest inn or hotel in the town is located near its northeastern bonndary, just on the edge of the village of North Salem. It has been used as a hotel over a century, though for a few years past it has been occupied as a privatedwelling. It was kept as an inn by the Lockwood family in 1794, and was a noted stopping-place for drovers and showmen for many years. Standing, as it did, on the main highway from the east to Sing Sing and New York, it became a well-known hostelry to all the travelers of those days. George Bailey, a veteran showman, owned and occupied it for a number of years, and this rendered it a notable resort for his contemporaries iu the same line of business. Jackson Mead was the last proprietor of the building as a hotel in 1883. It is now owned by Platt Bailey, and occupied as a dwelling. On the west shore of Lake Pehquenna- konck, and near the north line of the town, is another large building, which has been modernized and en- larged, but which has always been kept as an inn or boarding-place. It is owned by Thouras Vail, and has always been held by the family ; formerly by Major Vail, then by his son, William Vail, and now by Thomas, the son of William. This has also been a noted resort, more especially for partics of sports- men, who come to enjoy the excellent fishing in the waters of the lake, which, from the carliest days, has divided with Long Pond, as it was formerly known, now Lake Waceabuc, on the southern line of North Salen, the honors of being the best fishing-grounds in this section of the State. These two houses were the oldest hotels in the town.

Another building, situated on the cross-roads near St. James' Church, and a short distance from Salem Centre, was used as a hotel for a number of years by members of the Close family, who owned a tract of land here and who were very early settlers of the town. The building still belongs to the family, al- though now unoccupied. At the present Bogtown lived, during the Revolution, John Yerks, who after- wards removed to Mount Pleasant, and who kept a general country store. The building still stands, a long, low, colonial-looking house, with sloping roof and long veranda. Although it was not considered

an inn, yet "refreshments for man or beast" could generally be found here. At this period, and for years after, this was an important point in the town, situ- ated. as it was, on the road to Lower or South Salem, and about midway between the two points. It was then denominated Yerks' Corners, and for years the general training of the militia of this section was held here. It was also from this place that the party started out on the memorable expedition that re- sulted in the capture of Major Andre. When the railroad came through the town, in 1846, and people began to gather around the stations, hotels at these places became a necessity, and Isaac H. Purdy had one constructed at Purdy's, and Thomas R. Lee erected one at Croton Falls. Both of these houses have been conducted as hotels ever since. The one at Purdy's was at first a large, plain, two-story building, with full accommodations for the public who traveled at that time, some forty years ago. It was leased by Normau Smith at first, who was its proprietor for a number of years. Then Hart Crosby became the land- lord and it was noted throughout this section for its excellent accommodations. He kept it some nine years and was suceceded by William T. Ganung, who, in turn, gave place to C. H. Rundle. Eli Reynolds, a native of the town and a direct descendant of one of the early familics, who, at this time, was engaged in the blacksmith business, determined to change his occupation, aud accordingly purchased thic hotel property, which he has now occupied for a number of years.

The building was enlarged by additions and the height increased by a Mansard roof, until at pres- ent it is one of the most attractive and pleasant houses of entertainment on the line of the Harlem Railroad. Mr. Reynolds is also an extensive property owner in Purdy's, exclusive of the hotel. A few years ago he purchased a large, two-story building, which had been used as a hotel for a few years, located on the west side of the track, and removed it to the hotel lot, where he had it refitted as a hall for public meetings, lectures, etc., with a fine ball-room on the second floor. The hotel building at Croton Falls, known as the Croton House, is located just a few rods north of the passenger depot and but a few feet from the tracks of the Harlem Railroad.

It is a plain building, commodious and well-ap- pointed, pleasantly located and surrounded with a wide veranda on three sides. It fronts the south and Main Street of the village. It was crected in 1847-48 by Thomas R. Lce, who owned considerable property in and near Croton Falls, and whose liand- some residence was located just across the Croton River, in the town ofSomers, now owned and occupied as a summer residence by Mr. Ettinger. Previous to the erection of the hotel David Hitchcock, a car- penter and builder, who still resides in the village, and who was engaged in some large contracts for the railroad company, put up a building for a dining-

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LEWISBORO.

room and restaurant, of which he was the proprietor. This latter was the first building at Croton Falls which was in any manner devoted to refreshment. After the completion of Lec's building it was leased to Lyman Bailey, who immediately opened it as a hotel proper. Mr. Bailey was a member of the Bailey family of Putnam County and Somers, many mem- bers of which have been interested in the hotel and show business from early days. It immediately became a successful enterprise, and has long been known as a first-class country hotel. After Mr. Bailey as proprietor came for a time H. Williams, and then Harrison Pardee purchased the property, improved its appearance, added to the house, and, for many years, until his death, some five years sinee, rendered the place widely and favorably known to the traveling public. While Mr. Pardee was the pro- prietor of the house the passenger and freight travel eame to this station from Lake Mahopae, and it was no uneominon sight to see a line of wagons and car- riages, extending several rods in length, awaiting the arrival of the trains from New York. Crotou Falls was then a station of importance and business prosperity. Mr. Pardee died while in possession of the property, and it was sold to elose the estate. Henry Bernd, a business man of Danbury, Conn., became the pur- chaser. He is the present owner. It was then leased by Ward Brouson, of Brewster, who continued to maintain its excellent character until the spring of 1885, when Mr. Bronson removed to the Elephant Hotel, in Somers, and Joseph O. Carpenter succeeded him. Mr. Carpenter immediately refitted the house throughout, and continues its well-earned popularity. This and the hotel at Purdy's are the only places of the kind now in operation in the town.

Charte Culver

CHAPTER IX.

LEWISBORO.

BY J. W. KEELER, ESQ.

THE town of Lewisboro' is situated twenty iniles northeast of White Plains, and is bounded on the north by North Salem, east by Connecticut, south by Connecticut, Poundridge and Bedford, and west by Poundridge, Bedford and Somers. One of the prin- cipal features of the topography is its lakes, the ehicf of which are Waccabuc (Long Pond), South Pond and North Pond. These lakes are all connected, North Pond flowing into South Pond, and that into Lake Waccabuc, the largest of the thirce, covering over two hundred acres, or as much as the other two together. The waters of these lakes are deep and pure and abound in fish, viz. : black bass, pickerel,

white and yellow perch, bull-leads, cels, etc. The scenery around them is exceedingly picturesque and beautiful. On the north side Long Pond Mountains rise abruptly from the shores of Lake Waccabuc and North Pond, while around the southern shorcs green fields and shady groves slope to the water's edge. At the west end of Waeeabue is situated the "Waceabuc House," a popular summer resort for New York City people. In 1870 the Croton Water Department of the city of New York took possession of these lakes and placed a gate in the outlet of Lake Waccabuc, for the purpose of storing water to increase the supply for the city. . They also improved and enlarged the - water-way between the lakes, so that boats can now easily pass from one lake to the other.

The outlet of Lake Waccabue is the Peppenegheck or Cross River, which flows south to near the centre of the town and then west, emptying into Croton River at Wood's Bridge, near Katonah. The Croton River flows along the western border of the town, while the Tatomuck and the west branch of Nor- walk River flow through the eastern portion. In every portion of the town ever-living springs of pure water abound.

The general surface of Lewisboro' is broken and hilly, in the extreme northern part mountainous; The soil, a clay mixed with sandy loani, though rugged, has generally been well tilled, the inhabit- ants being mostly agriculturists, and good crops of corn, rye, oats, potatoes, ete., are raised annually. Much attention is also paid to grazing and producing milk for the New York market.

Lewisboro' was first organized under the Van Cort- landt patent as Salem, and then included the pres- ent town of North Salem. To distinguish it from the upper part of the town, it was called Lower Salem up to 1806. In 1783 the town was divided by act of Legislature, Long Pond Mountain being the dividing linc. The part south of the mountain retained the name of Lower Salcm. In 1806 the name was chang- ed to South Salem, and in 1840 again changed to Lewisboro', in honor of Jolin Lewis, a leading citizen, who had contributed largely to the growth of the publie schools. Most of the early settlers came from Connectieut,-Norwalk, Stamford, Greenwieli, etc.

The first purchase of lands within the limits of the town was made of the Indians in 1640, when Mehack- em, Narawake and Pemeate, Indians of Norwalk, agreed to convey to Daniel Patrick, of Greenwich, all their lands on the west side of " Norwake River, as far up in the country as an Indian can goe in a day, from sun risinge to sun settinge," etc. The consider- ation was "tenn fathoms wampum, three hatchets, three hows, six glasses, twelve tobacco pipes, three knives, tenn drills and tenn nedles." Again we find that on August the 15th, 1673, Ponus and Onox, his son, sold to the people of Stanford all their lands extending sixteen miles north of Stamford bounds for the pasture of their cattle. In the

536

HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

month of May, 1708, some gentlemen, citizens of Norwalk. petitioned the General Assembly of the col- ony of Connecticut, then in session at Hartford, to grant them " libertie " to purchase of the Indians a certain tract of land bounded south on Norwalk bounds, northeast on Danbury and west upon York line. The General Assembly granted the petitioners such "lib- ertie," and appointed Major Peter Burr, of Fairfield, Jolın Copp, of Norwalk, and Josiah Starr, of Danbury, a committee to make a survey of the aforesaid tract of land and make a report to the General Assembly in October following. On the 30th of May, 1708, the purchase was made as shown by the following deed :

"To all to whom these presents shall come greeting : Know ye that I, Catoonah, Sachem of Ramapoo Indians and associates within Hler Majes- tie's Province of New York, in America: For and in consideration of One Ilundred Pounds as Current Money of Sd Province to usin hand be- fore the ensealing hereof, well and truly paid by John Belden, Samuel Keeler, Sen', Mathew Seamer, James Brown, Benjamin Wilson, Joseph Birchard, John Whitne, Sent, Matthias Saintjohn, Benjamin Hickcock, John Beebe, Samuel Saintjohn, John Bonton, Joseph Keeler, Samnel Smith, Junior, Jonathan Stevens, Daniel Olmstead, John Sturdivant, Samuel Keeler, Jun, Joseph Bouton, Jonathan Rockwell, Edmund Wareing, Joseph Whitne, Daniel Hait, Thomas Hlyatt, James Benedict, Joseph Crampton, Ebenezer Sension, Mathew Saintjohn, all of ye Town of Norwalk, in ye County of Fairfield, within her Majestie's Colony of Connecticut, in New England, and Thomas Smith, Thomas Canfield and Samuel Smith, of ye Town of Milford, in ye County of New Haven, and Colony aforesaid. The receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge, and ourselves herewith fully satisfied and contented, and thereof, and of ev- ery part and parcel thereof, Do Exonerate, Acquite and Discharge the Sd John Belden, Samuel Keeler, Sent, Matthias Saintjohn, Etc., their heirs, Executors, Administrators, forever by these presents, llave given, granted, bargained, sold, Allowed, conveyed and Confirmed, and by these presents Do freely, fully and absolutely give, grant, bargain, sell, Alien, Convey and Confirm unto them the said John Belden, Samuel Keeler, Senz, Matthias Saintjohn and their Associates, heirs, assigns for- ever a certain tract of land sitnate, bying and being so esteemed within her Majestie's Colony of Connecticut aforesaid. Batted and Bounded as followeth : at a Rock with Stones layed thereon that lyeth npon ye West side of Norwalk River, about twenty rods Northward of ye crossing or whero Danbury old cart path crosseth the River, which said rock is ye South-East corner, nud from Sd corner a line Runneth upwards unto Umpewauge pond to a White Oak Tree standing by ye Northwest corner of skid pond, the said Tree being Marked and Stones lay'd about it and Is the North East Corner, and from the Så Corner Tree another line Run- ning near two points to the North of West into a pond Called Jesopack, and continues ye same course until it ineets with a second pond called Aokrets, crossing by ye South End of both ponds, and from thence ran- niug near Wert until it Extends to a place Called Mamanasquag, where is an Oak Tree Marked, on ye North Side of ye Outlet of Water that comes out from a sort of grassy pond which is known and Called by Sd name, which Tree is ye North West Corner; and from Sd Tree another line Running Sonth, bearing to ye East About one Mile and half, Run- ning by ye Fast sale of another Mountain Called Asoquatah until its Meets Stamford Bound line about a quarter of a Mile to ye Eastward of Cross River pond, where stands a marked White Oak Tree with stones about it and in ye South West Corner and from Sd Marked Tree along by Stan- ford line until it comes to Norwalk purchase Bounds, to the &d Rock at the South East Corner, containing by Estimation Twenty Thousand Acies, bethe same more or less, Indian Names South East Corner, ' Wheer Cock,' North Fast Corner, "Wononkpa Koonk,' North West Corner, ' Mamanasquag,' South West Corner, 'Naruhawnis.'

" To llave and to Hohl the &t granted and bargained premises with all the appartenances, privileges and Comottities to the same belonging or in any wise Appertaining to them yo Above Named persons, their asso- ciuten, heirs, and signs forever, to them and their only proper l'se, ben- nefitt nud behoof forever. And I, the said Catovih and Associates, for Ourselves, our heirs, Executors, administrators, Do covenant, prom- ixe and grant to and with the above said persons, their Associates, kelrs, and assyns, that before the Ensealing hereof. We are the true

Sole and Lawful Owners of ye above bargained premises, and by Native Right Seized and possesed of the Same in our own proper Right us a Good, perfect and Absolute Estate of Inheritance in fee Simple, and have Ourselves good, Rightfull power and Sufficient Anthority to grant, bargain, Sell, Convey and Confirme Sd Bargained prenrises in manner as above Sd, and that the Sd John Belden and the rest above said, their Associates, heirs and assignes, Shall and may from time to time, and at all times forever hereafter, by force and virtue of these presents, Law- fully and peaceably and quietly Ilave, Hokl, U'se, Occupie, posses and enjoy the said Demissed and bargained premises.

"With the appartenances free and clearand freely and clearly Aquitted, Exonerated & Discharged of from all and all Mlannor of former and other gifts, grants, bargains, Sales, Leases, Mortgages, Wills, Intails, Joynters, Dowries, Judgments, Executions, Incumberances & Extents.

"Furthermore, I, the said ('atoonah, and Associates for ourselves our heirs, Executors, administrators Do Covenant and Ingage ye above De- missed premisses to them, the Sd John Belden, and the rest above Sd, their Associates, heirs, Assigns, against the Lawfull Claims or Denminds of any person or persons whatsoever forever hereafter to Warrant, se- cure and Defend.

"In Witness whereof we have hereunto Sett our hands and Seals, this Thirtieth Day of September, in the Seventh year of ye Reign of our Sovereign Lady Ann Queen of England, &c., and in ye year of our Lord God 1708.

" Signed, Sealed and Delivered in presence of

Gootquas,

" Catoonalı, Wawkamawwee, Woquacomick Mahke,

Naroneka, Waspahchain,

Tawpornick, John Holmes, Jr.,

Cawwehorin, Joseph Seeley,

John Copp.

" This above Written Bill of Sale is acknowledged by ye Grantors this 30th Day of September, 1708.

" Before me,

" SAMI'EL HAIT, " Justice of Peace."

The purchase and survey having been made, the commissioners reported to the General Assembly at New Haven, in October, 1709. On the 13th of Octo- ber, 1709, the following grant was made to them by the General Assembly :

" H'hereas, the General Assembly of this Colony, lloklen at Ilartford, May 13th, 1708, Upon the petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of the town of Norwalk, praying for liberty to purchase of the Indians a cer- tain truct of Land, lying within this Colony, Bounded Northerly and Northeasterly with the Town of Danbury, Sontherly with the Sd Town of Norwalk, and West or Westerly with ye line or Boundary between this Colony & ye province of New York, to the end they might make a Plantation there and settle upon the same-Did Graut to the said peti- tioners a liberty to purchase the same Tract of Land.

"And pursuant thereto ye sd Petitioners did buy and purchase of Ca- toonah, a Sachem, and other Indians, the aforesaid tract of Land as by their Deed of Conveyance thereof, under their hands and Seals hearing Date September 30th, 1708, now laid before this Assembly, had been nnudle appear.

"And whereas, the General Assembly of this Colony Hloklen at Ilart- ford, May ye 12th, 1709, Did desire and Impower Major Peter Burr, Mr. Jobin Copp, and Mr. Josiah Starr to make a survey of the &d tract of Lund and to lay out a Town Platt there, and to Make Return of their doings thereinto this Assembly at this time, and the &1 Peter Burr and John Copp, in puranance thereof having taken a view of the said Tract of Land & having thereupon made a Return or Report thereof to this Assembly, which hath been read and considered.

" T'Iris Assembly Do now give and Grant to the said petitloners, that is to say, to the Persons hereafter named, viz. : John Beklen, Samnel Keel- er, Sent, Matthew Senmor, Matthias Salutjohn, Benjamin WIIson, San- nel St. John, James Brown, Benjamin Ilickcock, Joseph Keeler, Samuel Keeler, Jr., Samuel Smith, Matthew St. John, lonatimn Stevens, Daniel Olmstend, John Stirdivant, Jonathan Rockwell, Joseph Whitney, Thomas Ilyntt, James Benedict, Joseph Crampton and Richard Olmsted, of the Ss Town of Norwalk, and Thenas Smith, Thomas Canfield, Samuel Smith and Ebenezer Smith, of ye Town of Milford, and to their heirs and assigne forever, WII the afore Mentioned Tract or Parcel of Land, Butted & Bounded as followeth : that is to may, On the South or Southerly, with

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CROSS RIVER EXPLANATION :- "A plan or sketch of the town of Salem [now Nordicet armes of Parma Riego Lewisboro] in Westchester County, in the State of New York, Found Hedges Not live drawu by a scale of 40 chains to one inch, containing ye roads, course of ye streams of water, Public buildings, Ponds, Mountains, Taverns, Mills and Iron Works. The number of private dwelling-houses in Salem township is one hundred and eighty- three. The face of the township is generally composed of ridges and valleys, except some mountainous lands in ye North, South and East lines, and is generally proper for plowing or mowing. The soil produces wheat, rye, Indian corn, buckwheat, oats, and flax; and various sorts of grass, as clover, spear grass, foxtail, red-top, blue grass, and in the wet and swampy grounds coarser kinds of grass, at about one ton per acre, at an average. The timber consists of black, white and yellow oak, chestnut, white and black ash, maple, some beech and birch, walnut or hickory and white wood. It is well watered with springs, brooks and rivulets. It produces fruits, as apples, pears, peaches, plumbs, and vines thrive well. The fertile lands is generally under improvement. In the southeast part the land is hard and stony, and a considerable part of it lies to woods. Collected partly from old surveys and partly from actual mensuration and observation. Salem, December 16th, 1797. By the subscriber, in ye employment of Judge Gilbert, Super- visor .- BENJ. SMITH, Surveyor.

"N. B .- The variation of ve compass since the State line was settled 1y ye Commissioners, which was in A.D. 1732, in three degrees, equal to one degree in 22% years."

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538

HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

the So Town of Norwalk, On the West or Westerly, with the line or boundary between this Colony and the Province of New York, On the Kast or Easterly, partly with ye line to be continned and Run like unto ye line between ye S Town of Norwalk and ye Town of Fairfield, from ye North End thereof onto a Certain black Oak tree marked with Letters and haveing Stones layed about the same, Standing upon ye Mountain Co nmonly called the West Cedar Mountam, and partly with a direct and Strait line to be run from &d Black Oak Tree to a Certain Large White Oak Tree, marked and haveing Stones fayed abont it, Standing at or near the North West Corner of I'mpewange pond. And on the North or Northerly, with a direct Strait Line to be run from ye &d White Oak Tree to ye Sonth Westerly Corner of ye Town of Danbury, aud con - tinued unto ye $4 Line or Boundary between this Colony and ye Prov- ince of New York, be ye St tract of Land more or less, With all and Sin- gular ye rights, Members and appurtenances thereof. And this Assem- bly do hereby Enact & Grant that the Sd Tract of Land shall be an In- tire Township ofitself, and shall be called and known by Ye name of Ridgefield, and shall be held and enjoyed by ye sd John Belden, Samuel Kveler, sent, Matthew Seamor, Matthias St. John, Benjamin Wilson, Samnel St. John, James Brown, Benjamin Hickcock, Joseph Keeler. Sam- vel Keeler, Jr. Samuel Smith, Matthew St. John, Jonathan Stevens, Daniel Ohusted, John Stirdivant, Jonathan Rockwell, Joseph Whitney, Thomas Hyatt, James Benedict, Joseph Crampton and Richard Olmsted, of Nor walk, and Thomas Smith, Thomas Canfield, Samuel Smith and Ebenezer Smith, of ye Town of Milford, and their heirs and assigns in Equal and Even Shares & be divided accordingly into lotts and parcells, from time to time, by ye order of ye Major vote of them, to be accounted by ye Major part of interests therein. Provided that this act shall not be constrned to the prejudice of any former Grant of this Court, and provided always -- Nevertheless that if the $4 John Belden, Sammel Keeler, sen", Mat- thew Scamor, Nathan St. John, Benjamin Wilson, &c., their heirs, as- signs and Associates, Do not or shall not, within four years next, after the date of this act or Grant, Settle or Dwell npou the Sd Tract of Land to ye number of twenty-eight families, and after Continne and Dwell there for the space of four years next following, that then it shall be in the Liberty and power of this Assembly to Grant of ye Sd Tract of Land, Settlement to any other persons as they Shall See Canse.

" A true Copy of Record. Attest :

"CALEB STANLY, Secretary."

That those who received the above grant com- plied with all requirements and conditions contained therein is evident from the fact that on May 22, 1714, letters patent were issued to them by the Gov- ernor, Council and Representatives of Her Majesty's colony of Connecticut, in General Court assembled.

The original proprietors of the Ridgefield patent numbered twenty-five, but subsequently others were admitted to the association until there were twenty- nine members. Among the last to come in was Rev. Thomas Hawley, who afterward took an active part in the management. The association then took the name of Hawley & Co.

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History of Westchester county : New York, including Morrisania, Kings Bridge, and West Farms, which have been annexed to New York City, Vol. II, Part 124

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898, Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : L.E. Preston & Co. Number of Pages: 1286

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898,
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.E. Preston & Co.
Number of Pages: 1286