Historic Pelham Blog Archive
May 19, 2006

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For more than two hundred years, Pelham residents have unearthed many things left from the Battle of Pelham (also known as the Battle of Pell's Point) that occurred on October 18, 1776. In 1921, however, laborers unearthed what officials concluded likely were the remains of one of those who fought in the battle.

The remains were discovered while workmen were digging the foundation for a home on Wolfs Lane near Reed Avenue. It appears from an article about the discovery that the remains were reinterred at the same location shortly after discovery.

An article about the discovery appeared in the May 21, 1921 issue of The Pelham Sun. Today's Historic Pelham Blog posting publishes the text of that article.

Digging the foundation for a house on Wolf's Lane near Reed avenue, an italian laborer in the employ of Smith Bros. unearthed a peculiar looking object just before noon Wednesday. Calling the attention of the foreman to his discovery, he showed him, what he thought was a 'soft piece of rock'. The man in charge, however, in turning the object over, was startled to learn that he was holding the skull of a human being in his hand, and, dropping it, he never stopped running until he landed in the Pelham Manor Police Station where he revealed the nature of the discovery to Chief Philip Gargan who hurried to the scene. Health Officer McGuire was also notified.

The news of the finding of the skull spread quickly around the neighborhood and in a short time there was a large number who gathered to view the wierd [sic] object.

Examining the skull, Dr. McGuire stated that he was of the opinion that it must have been in the earth for more than a hundred years, it being possible that it was from the time of the Revolution. He further stated that it has often been said that it was through Wolf's Lane that General Howe led his men during the time of the skirmish at White Plains.

At the suggestion of Chief Gargan the laborers were ordered to continue their digging in an endeavor to locate additional portions of the body, and in a comparatively short time a number of bones were located which were also stored with the skull nearby.

Judging from the large size of the jaw bones and teeth it was believed that the skelton [sic] was that of a man.

Coroner Engle came over from Yonkers on an official visit to see the remains and ordered its immediate burial, saying that it probably has been in the ground for centuries. Chief Gargan, Dr. McGuire and Engineer Campbell all agreed with the Coroner, so all suspicion of foul play was immediately dispelled."

Source: Laborer Digs Up Skull and Bones Near Wolfs Lane, The Pelham Sun, Vol. 12, No. 12, May 21, 1921, p. 1, col. 4.

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posted by Blake A. Bell @ 5:07 AM Comment

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