A Hit-and Run accident happened in 1837 in New York that affected an Alabama woman

It is hard to understand why the driver of this carriage did not stop to assist the women he hit. The Astor House was the first luxury hotel in New York City. Located on the corner of Broadway and Vesey Street in Lower Manhattan, it opened in 1836 and soon became the best-known hotel in America. On June 1, 1836 the doors opened to the public and the lavish hotel made news as far away as England. A London newspaper called it “A model of architectural beauty and of massive grandeur, luxurious and elegant in its appointments.” The Astor House was demolished in December 1913.

This hit-and-run accident was published in the Jacksonville Republican in 1837.

January 18, 1837

MOST EXTRAORDINARY AFFAIR

A Mrs. Bradford, wife of a gentleman from Alabama, (who are both residing at the Astor House) accompanied by another lady, were walking in Howard …. on Saturday, about 2 o’clock. Just as they were crossing the street they were driven against by a coach, apparently a private one, in which were two ladies.

Astor House in 1862, with St. Paul’s Chapel to the left (Wikipedia)

Mrs. Bradford and her companion were both thrown forward by the concussion, and the coachman had plenty of time to pull up; this he did not think it worth while to do, and the horses passed over Mrs. Bradford, and one of the wheels ran right across her forehead, while she had a sever contusion on the leg from the hoof of one of the horses. Mrs. Bradford describes her feelings at the time of the accident as if she raised her arms, and actually lifted the wheel by a convulsive effort. The two women in the carriage looked out of the window, surveyed the accident, and then coolly (sic) drove on without, enquiry or assitance. Luckily Mr. French; who lives in the neighborhood, happened to pass, and assisted Mrs. Bradford into his own residence; sent for medical aid, and then escorted her in his own carriage to the Astor House, where we are happy to hear she is doing well.

N. Y. Paper

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About Donna R Causey

Donna R. Causey, resident of Alabama, was a teacher in the public school system for twenty years. When she retired, Donna found time to focus on her lifetime passion for historical writing. She developed the websites www.alabamapioneers and www.daysgoneby.me All her books can be purchased at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. She has authored numerous genealogy books. RIBBON OF LOVE: A Novel Of Colonial America (TAPESTRY OF LOVE) is her first novel in the Tapestry of Love about her family where she uses actual characters, facts, dates and places to create a story about life as it might have happened in colonial Virginia. Faith and Courage: Tapestry of Love (Volume 2) is the second book and the third FreeHearts: A Novel of Colonial America (Book 3 in the Tapestry of Love Series) Discordance: The Cottinghams (Volume 1) is the continuation of the story. . For a complete list of books, visit Donna R Causey