The principal proprietors of the island in 1700 were William Euerden and Gabriel Umbriel. '• Upon the 27th of May, Robert Monckton, governor of the province, laid out for Benjamin Palmer and others the breadth of four hundred feet of the ground or soil now lying under the water, round the east side south, and part of the west side of a certain island lying in the Sound or East river, in the manor of Pelham, &c., called and known by the name of Minnefords Island. The petitioners on this occasion appear to have been David Hunt, Jonathan Fowler, Caleb Hunt, Edward Ward, Samuel Ward, John Wooley, Isaac Barnes, Enoch Hunt, Joseph Muliineux, James Lewis, Aaron Hunt, Benjamin Palmer, Joseph Palmer, Samuel Le Roux, and many other persons, proprietors of iVIinnefords Island, ^ &c."

The above right is now vested in Des Brosses Hunter, Esq. the state having sold it some years since for quit rent to an individual from whom Mr. Hunter purchased.

At an early period of our colonial history the erection of a large commercial city was proposed upon this island. The attempt was actually commenced, but is hasty projectors were soon compelled to seek a less exposed and more eligible site. From this circumstance the place acqin'red its present name. City Island. Flagging stones are frequently met with on various parts of the island. One of the principal proprietors is George W. Horton. On the north-west side reside the family of the late Thomas Pell, fifth in descent from John Pell, Esq., lord of the manor of Pelham.