The Wild Man of Calverton: Beckwith on the Loose in 1894

 

The Wild Man of Calverton: Beckwith on the Loose in 1894

In the spring of 1894, Eastern Long Island was gripped by a strange and unsettling story: a “wild man” was loose in the woods around Riverhead and Calverton. Known to authorities as Arthur Beckwith, a lunatic who had escaped from a private asylum in Flushing, NY called Sanford Hall. Beckwith was described as a 50-year-old man with a dark complexion and a full gray beard — a look not uncommon among rural farmers of the day, which complicated efforts to locate him.

Two New York detectives had been stationed in Riverhead for several weeks, making daily forays into the countryside after scattered reports from frightened locals. Residents were on edge. Children were kept indoors. Strangers were scrutinized.

Farmer Barney Smith of Calverton claimed he spotted the man on Fort Pond Hill. As Smith approached, the wild man dashed into the woods. Smith followed the trail to the long-abandoned Gillett homestead, where signs indicated someone had recently taken shelter.

The next day, Butcher Clark of Calverton had an unexpected visit from a ragged stranger who asked for food. Clark handed over a meal, which the man snatched before sprinting across a field and disappearing into the woods. Clark later suspected he had encountered Beckwith himself.

Fear spread across the community. Rumors swirled that the wild man had stopped several women and children on the road, attempting to kiss them. Although the detectives raised the reward for Beckwith’s capture to $900, few locals were willing to take up the chase, wary of confronting a possibly violent madman.

The old Gillett house was placed under watch. If Beckwith was not apprehended soon, the detectives warned, a formal posse would be organized to scour the woods and bring the wild man to justice.

By 1891, both Arthur and his brother, Leonard Forbes Beckwith, had been committed to asylums. Their once-substantial family estates—Arthur's alone, in 1895 was valued at nearly $500,000 (equivalent to over $18 million today)—were placed under the guardianship of attorney Allen Evarts. Troublingly, there were accusations that Evarts may have misappropriated their funds. Even before this, Leonard had faced allegations of mismanaging their sister Helen’s estate. However, Arthur was also accused of misappropriating his brother's estate! What a mess and I'm sure it was a difficult task to understand the truth behind all of the allegations.

1894 wasn't the first time Arthur was hospitalized for mental illness. A year before, he was a patient of Buell's Sanitarium in Litchfield, CT which he also escaped. He was found in Cuba and brought back to New York City, placed into the asylum in Flushing and then escaped again and sparking this manhunt. 

What really happened behind the closed doors of the Beckwith family's legal and financial affairs? Who were the Beckwiths, and where did their significant fortune originate? There are more questions than answers about a once-prominent family, considered Aristocrats of the time, whose legacy slipped into obscurity—and scandal. 

Leonard and Arthur were the sons of Nelson Marvin Beckwith (pictured), an import merchant of New York City and avid abolitionist. His wife was Frances Forbes. He died at. his residence of 75 5th Ave in NYC, an Avenue with strong ties to the Gilded Age. Sadly his home was demolished by 1926. 

Leonard Forbes Beckwith (1844-1895) became the Chief Engineer of the New York Telephone Company. Leonard and Arthur, together, received a patent for a "Coke Oven" in 1870. At his father's death, Arthur was labeled an Artist, however he may have been confused with another Arthur Beckwith of the time who was, in fact, an artist. 

Arthur was never found again and was presumed officially dead c.1906.

I have to wonder if the Beckwith brothers suffered from mental illness or if all that transpired were a form of control by their family and associates to perhaps gain hold of their fortunes. Did Arthur survive and assume a new identity on Long Island, leaving his fortune behind him? What do you think?

Tragedy in the Pines: The Mysterious Death of Arthur McFalls, 1912

 

Tragedy in the Pines: The Mysterious Death of Arthur McFalls, 1912

On a quiet November morning in 1912, the peaceful woods near Brookhaven, Long Island, became the scene of a tragic and haunting discovery.

Arthur McFalls, a 38-year-old hunter and Adirondack guide, was found dead along the Yaphank Road, his head destroyed by a shotgun blast. The weapon lay beside him, and in his hand was a forked stick, apparently used to trigger the gun—a clear sign of a premeditated act. The man who found him was Lorenzo Jones, a local resident of Brookhaven.

A satchel beside McFalls held the key to his identity. Inside were letters, a comb and brush, a drinking glass, and a New York State hunter’s license for 1912 issued in Rondout, NY. Through these belongings, authorities traced McFalls back to his family—most notably a sister, Mrs. William Hart of Tarrytown, New York, and another, Mrs. W. D. Davis of 105 West 45th Street in Manhattan.

McFalls had recently been visiting his half-brother, Charles Maltman, in Yaphank. He left his brother’s home at 8 a.m. on November 6, telling him he was heading to Brookhaven to catch a train back home. He never made it to the station.

A letter found in his satchel confirmed suspicions of suicide. Addressed to his sister in Tarrytown, the note revealed McFalls’s intention to return to “the woods with a light heart.” He bequeathed to her property he owned in Rondout, giving a final, sorrowful glimpse into a man burdened by unknown troubles.

While the details of what led McFalls to take his own life remain a mystery, his story echoes through the pine barrens of Long Island more than a century later—a somber reminder of the personal struggles hidden behind even the most rugged and self-reliant of men.

Robert Mulligan—A Boy, A Dream, and a Homemade Plane

 

Robert Mulligan—A Boy, A Dream, and a Homemade Plane

In a story that captures the spirit of perseverance and ambition, 16-year-old Robert Charles Mulligan of Bellerose, built and flew his own airplane in 1938 after saving his earnings for more than two years. Robert’s goal wasn’t fame or thrill-seeking—it was pure passion for aviation.

Starting with nothing but determination, Robert earned his money as a soda jerk and invested every dime into building his dream plane. He completed the aircraft using a motorcycle engine and took off from the then-active Roosevelt Field—now the location of Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, Long Island.

With just a short hop over the field, Robert demonstrated the impossible was possible with enough grit and vision. He didn’t need fancy training or deep pockets—just unshakeable belief in his dream.

Whatever Happened to Robert Mulligan?

It is not surprising that by 1942, Robert was working for the Brewster Aeronautical Corporation that manufactured naval aircrafts. After the company folded at the end of World War II, Robert enlisted in the National Guard. He died in 1991 at the age of 69 in Miami, FL as a husband, father and grandfather. I can only imagine that he left amazing stories with those who knew him. If any readers know more about his life story, I would love to hear from you!

Legacy of Roosevelt Field

Robert’s takeoff site, Roosevelt Field, holds its own legendary status—it’s the same airfield where Charles Lindbergh departed for his historic transatlantic flight in 1927. Today, the field has transformed into Roosevelt Field Mall, a place of commerce layered over the dreams of past aviators like young Robert.

The Moral of Robert’s Story?
Never underestimate the power of persistence. Robert Mulligan didn’t wait for opportunity—he built his own wings.

24 Gotham Street

 

24 Gotham Street, Valley Stream NY (Source: Zillow)

The home at 24 Gotham Street in Valley Stream, NY is a charming Starter Cape built in 1950. The address was part of Enumeration District 30-253 in 1950. At that time of the 1950 Census the following families were living on Gotham (note there is no House #24): 

 

House No. 29 - John & Katie Fell

House No. 22 - William & Constance Fellinger

House No. 21 - Adolph & Elizabeth Schoder

House No. 19 - James & Elsie Ferril

House No. 26 - Mrs. Mae Moors

House No. 30 - Joseph & Genevieve Grady

Based on the above household names, this area was primarily occupied by German families. I am unsure if the McNeils built the home at No. 24, however they are the earliest family I found at the address. Further deed research would be required to learn more and this home and property.

Owner/Resident History:

1969 - Mrs. M. McNeil

1988 - Anthony J. & Mary Bencivenga

1994 - James J. & Victoria Langdon 

1998 - Paul A. Damato

2017 - Salvatore S. Modica 

Prior to 1950 this land was uncleared and mostly Forest. The blue dot below shows you where house would later be built in a newly constructed neighborhood.

1926 Aerial View of 24 Gotham St. before the home was built between Gotham and Mill Rd. After World War II, this land was developed and some of the original homes on Gotham St. date back to 1936. By 1950 the population of Valley Stream was around 25,000. Today it is over 39,000.

Remembering Asa Partridge’s Young Lady’s School in Sag Harbor

Long gone are the days of ladies’ schools—dedicated institutions where women and girls were taught everything from etiquette and elocution to secretarial skills and domestic management. These schools served as vital stepping stones for women seeking refinement, education, and social opportunity in eras when formal schooling options for females were scarce.

In 1791, one of Sag Harbor’s earliest newspapers, Frothingham’s Long Island Journal, featured an advertisement for a “young lady’s school” opened by Asa Partridge in what was then spelled “Sagg-Harbour.” This marked the founding of the first private school in Sag Harbor—a significant milestone in the village’s educational history.

Among the skills taught was elocution, the art of clear and expressive speech, a valuable skill for young women of the time, often tied to social mobility and personal poise.

I often wonder where the hall that housed Asa Partridge’s school once stood. If you have any insight into its location—or better yet, a current photo of the property—I’d love to know!

By 1805, the school had come under the direction of a Mr. Moody, though Asa Partridge continued to serve as a trustee alongside four other men, suggesting he maintained an active role in its operations.

Records indicate that Asa owned land in what was referred to as the "Common" area of Sag Harbor. In 1818, he expanded his lot—located north of the property of Pelletiah Fordham and along what was then known simply as the “highway,” possibly Main Street—by purchasing 14 additional feet of frontage for $29.51.

It’s believed that this site later became home to the Meyer & Sons store, which stood on the property as of 1924. This connection offers a fascinating glimpse into the layered history of Sag Harbor’s built environment.

By 1850, Asa Partridge—then retired—owned property valued at $10,000, equivalent to roughly $400,000 today. Between 1849 and 1851, his land was gradually sold off to Sheriff David R. Rose, Charles Douglas, and E.M. Cooper.

Asa and Betsy on the 1850 Census in [Sag Harbor] Southampton, NY

Asa Partridge was born around 1762 and lived to the age of 92, passing away in Sag Harbor and being laid to rest in the Old Burying Ground. His wife, Betsey Conklin, died just a year before him. One can’t help but wonder—did Betsey help manage the school alongside him?

Old Burying Ground, Sag Harbor - Source: Nancy Remkus