As far as I can tell, French's Gazetteer of 1861 doesn't mention the Port
Wardens by name. It does however refer to legislation, dated March 30, 1855
and April 7, 1857. The former established a five-man commission to study
the encroachment of expanding streets on "the channel". and the later
approved Coast Guard surveys of New York harbors and shores. The reference
cited is "Assem. Doc. 8, 1856; Sen. Doc. 40, 126, 1857."
Lacking any confirmation, I can only speculate that the legislation "might"
be connnected with the Port Wardens, especially since you refer to their
existence from about 1857.
I also wouldn't be suprised to learn that the organization had gone out of
busines in 1898, with the city consolidation. I know that the system of
coroners, for example, was replaced with a medical examiner's office.
Let me know if this helps; I'd be interested in learning more about these
characters.
David
>While I can find short references in Law and other publications to this
>elusive organization, The Board of Port Wardens of New York continue to
>elude me. I have searched the NY City Archives, The Library at the South
>Street Seaport, The New York State Archives and the Port Authority. None of
>them have any documents or material pertaining to this organization.
>I know it existed from about 1857 through the turn of the century. I know
>that there usually were five wardens who inspected ships cargo and ships
>worthiness of sailing. I know that a fee was charged and that the five
>wardens split the fees at the end of the year. Wardens were appointed by
>the Governor of the State Of New York. I also know that the office of this
>organization was at 17 South Street between Coenties Slip and Broad Street.
> There was also an office in the 1809s at No.1 Broadway Room 149. Can
>anyone lead me in the right direction in my search for records of this
>organization?
>Jerry Reed
>Whitesboro, NY
>Jerry Reed - Whitesboro, NY
>Otsego County NYGENweb Page at http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyotsego
>Lewis County NYGENweb Page at http://www.rootsweb.com/~nylewis
David Minor
Eagles Byte Historical Research
Pittsford, New York
716 264-0423
[log in to unmask]
http://home.eznet.net/~dminor
includes NYNY, a series of timelines covering New York City and State, from
approximately 450,000,000 BC to 1990 AD.
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