376 The Story of The Bronx 



construction; and at the rate at which it is progressing, the 

 historian of a century hence may repeat the above statement 

 and still be correct. In proportion, its cost will probably 

 equal that of the Capitol building of the State at Albany. 

 Perhaps it will be completed about the same time as the new 

 county court-house in Manhattan, if ever. 



Lucy Randall Comfort, a well-known writer of children's 

 stories, a generation or more ago, lived on Franklin Avenue, 

 one of the oldest streets in Morrisania. Henry B. Dawson, 

 the historian, formerly lived in the eastern part of the town; 

 he has the posthumous honor of having a street named after 

 him. Dawson was a wonderful man at research; and his 

 statements, based upon his authorities, which he nearly always 

 gave, were very frequently opposed to the traditional ideas 

 of matter and things; and, in consequence, he was often en- 

 gaged in controversial correspondence with others, in which 

 he seldom came out second best. His accuracy was recognized 

 and appreciated, and so most of his statements are accepted 

 without further confirmation. He was the author of many 

 historical works; and, after the death of Mr. Valentine, he 

 contributed the historical matter for the Manual of the Common 

 Council. George H. Bristow and Francis H. Nash, both 

 musicians and composers, were also residents of Morrisania. 

 Among the very earliest recollections I have are the Sunday 

 visits of the former to Mount Vernon, to visit his friends, 

 the Aylyffe brothers, both of whom were musicians, and one 

 of whom, James, was the ringer of Trinity's chimes for a great 

 many years. 



Another resident of the Borough at one time was the Hon. 

 Peter H. Wendover, after whom was named the avenue con- 

 necting Clarcmont and Crotona parks. While a member of 

 Congress, he introduced a bill to regulate the shape and design 



