New-York tribune., 1899-06-09
VALUABLE PROPERTY CLAIMED.
WEsTCHEsTERS SURROGATE ASKED TO
LOOK INTO A NATTER INVOLVING
THE SITE OF ST. JOHNS
COLLEGE. FORDHAM


White Plains. n. Y. June s-Surrogate Theodore
II. Siikman OF Westchester County has received a
letter from Mrs. c. Davenport Bolsbrdge Of No.
70 Middagh-st., Brooklyn, In which she tells a
curious story and desires the Surrogate 10 assist
her in getting what she thinks is some OF her
property.
In this letter she says the historic family Of
Corsa once owned the property where ST. Johns
College now stands. In Fordham the birthplace Of
Andrew Corsa the last OF the westchester Guides
who was the grandunce OF John II. Corsa OF
West Farms.
Andrews brothers settled in West Farms. and
their descendants to be found there to-day.
The Guide owned seven acres In West Farms. He
died In 1876. and by his will. which was probated
ne left all his property 10 his wife Ann Corsa,
executrix. only mentioning child. Charles, one
OF the minor children. and providing for him.
There were three minor chlldren-James. John
and Charles James died soon afterward leaving
John as the minor The mother secured the sigma
lures OF the rest Of the children. who were twenty
one years old and proceeded 10 sell all the prop
erty. giving deeds. OF which there appears TO be
record in White Plains.
In 1858 Ann Corsa widow OF John Corsa died
Her estate. consisting OF the homestead was sold
at sherir's sale. OF that also there is record IN
White Plains. Each child received portion and
signed release, John Corsa among the rest, being
the first and only time his name appeared on any
document.
the rights Of John II. Corsa in the property left
by his father. William.
In 1851 a Mr.. Rogers OF West Farms, called at
Mrs. Bolsbrdges house in New York. and wished
TO see John II. Corsa. This Mr Rogers had pur-
chased property from Ann Corsa and desired 10
sell II TO Benjamin Richardson but the latter's
lawyers refused to write the papers necessary for
Mr.. Richardson TO secure the property unless John
II. Corsa signed of. which seemed 10 be neces-
sary TO a clear title The purport of Mr.. Rogerss
visit to John H. Corsa was to offer him money for
his signature. John did not sign off. and died,
leaving Mrs Bolsbridge. the writer Of this letter
to the Surrogate, to tight this battle for the rights
Of the children and grandchildren.
In 1873 John n. Corsa's brother died, and his
will was proved in 1874. He had bought hotel on
the debatablc ground and II seemed necessary that
Mrs. Bolsbrdges children must be settled with.
This brothers name Governor Corsa vet
eran Of the Mexican War who received a pension
from the United States Government. Her hus-
band. John II. Corsa, also veteran OF the
Mexican War but did not receive a pension. and
was alsc q soldier OF the Civil War.
In the mean time the properly constantly cnaneeo
John H. Corsa was necessary 20 perfect the tlte,
and the children and grandchildren are In sore
The historic name OF Lincoln is borne by four Of
them. whose father became irresponsible ana iheir
maintenance has fallen upon Mrs. Bolsoridges
Now Mrs Bolsbridge asks the Surrogate II they
apply to any court for relief OF orphans, hal-
orphans and minors. She complains that all law
$500 to get the title She asks the Surrogate II ne
do anything for them. and wants him 70 re. re-
country their ancestors having given their N ives
and property for their country. The Lincoln cnil-
dTen grandchildren Of John H. Corsa,, nave d
lineage OF 200 years being of Huguenot and Puritan
stocE