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TABLE OF CONTENTSInventory |
Guide to the Henry S. DeBevoise Litigation Papers
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Descriptive Summary | ||
| Creator | DeBevoise, Henry S. | |
| Title | Henry S. DeBevoise Litigation Papers, | |
| Dates: | 1851-1894(Bulk 1869-1894) | |
| Abstract: | Apparently, these papers relate primarily to this litigation, even though the majority is dated in the 1870’s. However, it is not clear if all or only a portion of them were actually used in this case. Only a minor portion (for example, some bonds dated 1869) have the notation “Defendants exhibit" on them. Indeed, these notations have the date Jun 12, 1878. If this is the case, the litigation against DeBevoise began not in 1880 but 1878; or perhaps there may have been other litigations both proceeding and after this. | |
| Extent: | 1 box, .2 cubic feet | |
| Identification: | D-4 | |
| Location: | The material is located in the Archives at Queens Library. | |
Historical/Biographical Note
Henry S. DeBevoise was Mayor of Long Island City during the most of the 1870’s. In 1880 he again was elected Mayor by a small majority, and upon the election being contested, the outcome was decided against him. Shortly after, some more litigation against DeBevoise was brought up by the Attorney-General for misappropriation of the city's money. Again the verdict went against him. Very brief mention of the affair 1s found in Kelsey's History of Long Island City (1896). DeBevoise, nevertheless assumed office again shortly after around 1882.
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Scope and Content Note
Apparently, these papers relate primarily to this litigation, even though the majority is dated in the 1870’s. However, it is not clear if all or only a portion of them were actually used in this case. Only a minor portion (for example, some bonds dated 1869) have the notation “Defendants exhibit" on them. Indeed, these notations have the date Jun 12, 1878. If this is the case, the litigation against DeBevoise began not in 1880 but 1878; or perhaps there may have been other litigations both proceeding and after this.
Because of the lack of provenance and the difficulty of ascertaining with complete accuracy the background of this small collection, they have not been sub-grouped in any way, but left together as a whole. All documents are arranged in chronological order. We have disregarded those few instances where an exhibit date is included (1878 for example, on an 1869) document, and have filed that document as 1869 not 1878. A brief description of each chronological division follows. This may help perhaps to clarify matters and make it clearer if the documents were part of the litigation (s) proceedings. This collection consisting of about 100-105 documents.
1869 Bonds (most of which are identified as being defendants' exhibits, June 12, 1878 issued by the Town of Newtown. ca. 10 items
1870 Bonds (completely different format from the above) issued by the Town of Newtown. Nearly all of these have attached to them the actual little bonds which presumably were to be given to individuals who purchased them. At least one item is marked "Supreme Count Town of Newtown against Long City Defendants' exhibit". ca. 20 items
1871 1 item, namely a copy of a statement issued by the Supervisors of the Town of Newtown listing the amount of bonds issued by them.
1872 Printed notice to attend a meet1ng of the supporters of A.D. Ditmars for Mayor.
1873 Letter transmitting resolution to DeBevoise informing him of his impeachment as mayor; a bill involving a livery stable; a report of the Finance Committee to the Common Council of Long Island City; and a brief report of the City Surveyor
1874 Two receipts and a letter addressed to the Mayor suggesting an individual for the position of Excise Commissioner.
1875 Two receipts for bonds an agreement between DeBevoise and Acting Mayor John Quinn regarding bonds.
1876 Certification of election of DeBevoise as Mayor; two financial statements; and a Letters of Administration regarding administration of the estate of Sarah DeBevoise. The last item appears to be part of the personal papers of DeBevoise.
1877 Financial documents including "Amount of Claims presented and audited by the Board of Audit …". 5 items
1878 Financial statements or letters as well as an extract from the Mayor's Message regarding the Funded Debt 6 items
1879 Copy of an announcement or minutes of a special meeting of the Supreme Court of Brooklyn; 2 copies of a printed letter from the Mayor to Daniel A. Moran regarding the amount of the public debt.
1881 Mainly letters to Mayor DeBevoise on a variety of topics ca. 9 items
1882 Letters and financial documents Among the latter are some accounts of the City Treasurer and the Mayor. Among the letters is one which may be a telegraph copy from the Mayor to the Honorable Winchester Britton. ca. 17 items
Other 1880’s Letters and financial documents, as well as a notarized statement regarding an incident in the Queens County Jail. Among the letters is one from the Mayor to the Honorable Winchester Britton. ca. 8 items
1890s Letters and financial documents. Virtually all, however, concern apparently the Bedford Branch of the Brooklyn Board of Charities of which according to one letter, Mr. DeBevoise was Secretary ca. 10 items
Undated There are about 15 items in this file, many of which can probably be dated by examining the contents. Most are financial in character such as a "Statement showing the Classes of Claims for which the Bonds were issued for the Redemption of the Debt by Long Island City". Also included is a document titled “Analysis of the Complaint on re: 'The People vs. H.S. DeBevoise’”. In this file are also two items dated 1851 and 1860 which may very well be "stray" items not really belonging to the collection.
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Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Creator of item, date of item (if known), identification of item, if a photograph its control number. The Henry S. DeBevoise Litigation Papers, Archives at Queens Library, Queens Borough Public Library.
Access Restrictions
Open for research without restrictions. Manuscripts are only available in the Archives at Queens Library, please call (718) 990-0770 for hours. Manuscript users will be required to complete the division's Manuscript Usage Form and deposit their photograph identification or Queens Borough Public Library card with a staff member. The identification will be returned to the user after she/he has returned the material. Manuscript users will deposit all their personal items behind the reference desk. Manuscript users must use the division's loose sheets of paper for note taking. To reiterate, no pen of any type is permitted. Paper and a pencil are available upon request. Manuscript users may be required to use special handling procedures depending on the conditions of the material.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the:
- Archives at Queens Library
- Queens Borough Public Library
- 89-11 Merrick Boulevard
- Jamaica, NY 11432
- Phone: (718) 990-0770.
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Access Points
Subject Names:
- DeBevoise, Henry S.
Subject Places:
- Long Island City (New York, N.Y.)
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Inventory
[The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.]
