Foster's Meadow Events of 1840-1859
Wednesday, March 31, 1841	Foster's Meadow has its first post office opened.
Tuesday, July 05, 1842	The Post office, opened for little more than 15 months is closed.
Wednesday, September 29, 1852	John Ellis of Foster's Meadow lost his new barn and contents to fire after a small boy playing with matches set fire to some straw near the barn. The Glen Cove Insurance Co policy covers about $200 of the $800 loss.
Wednesday, August 02, 1854	Foster's Meadow farmer William Baylis was robbed of 8 baskets of potatoes off the rear of his market wagon. The robbery took place about 1 mile west of the intersection of Myrtle Plank Rd (n.b. Ave.) and the Jamaica (Ave) Brooklyn Road in the woods. He discovered his loss when he reached the ferry to Manhattan in Williamsburg. Another farmer traveling the same route later was shot at in the same area where he found an abandoned Baylis basket.
Tuesday, February 20, 1855	Peter Engelhard's home in Foster's Meadow was destroyed by fire about 1:00 AM in the morning. The family escaped in their nightclothes but saved very little of the household furniture because of the fire's rapid spread. Some insurance with the Glen Cove Company.
Monday, January 12, 1857	Benjamin Carman, a Foster's Meadow farmer was killed Monday, January 12th by highwaymen while returning from Brooklyn after selling a load of hay. He had been clubbed on the head, his pockets had been found turned out although an interior breast pocket held $25 undiscovered. He was found by two local residents about 9:30 PM on the Hempstead Turnpike just outside Jamaica. His horses and wagon were found about one quarter mile away. He was about 33 years old and had a wife and two children.
Thursday, June 03, 1858	Eliza Radford, twelve year old daughter of Henry Radford, while driving a buggy to meet a train from Brooklyn, was hit by a train at the Brushville (n.b. Queens Village) station. The last minute avoidance maneuver failed to prevent buggy damage and horse injury although she was unharmed.
Monday, June 21, 1858	William Conselyea, 8 years old, while playing around his Foster's Meadow home, fell and was pierced six inches into the abdomen by a fence picket. After several days, lockjaw set in and he died on June 28th.
Thursday, December 16, 1858	George Helpman, a German from Foster's Meadow was shot by Jamaica depot watchman Michael Kelly. He had stopped at a Washington St. German saloon, departed by crossing through the Jamaica rail yard where he was confronted by the watchman. In the confrontation, Kelly fired his shotgun into Helpman's thigh. Jamaica Justice Snedeker and Constable Conklin came to the scene.
Saturday, December 18, 1858	Railroad watchman Kelly is examined before Judge Snedeker for assault with intent to kill. He is remanded over for grand jury action. Kelly's lawyer Cogswell says he was justified in his action. Helpman's claim was that he understood little English and was just trying to cross the tracks rather than steal from the rail carriages.
More to come soon.