History of Herkimer county, New York

1893·38.7 MB·English

by  Hardin, George Anson, 1832-1900, ed

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HISTORY
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County
liERKi/ncR
NEW YORK
ILLUSTRATED WITH PORTKAFTS OF MANY OF
ITS "IZ^ V.s
GEORGE HARDIN
A.
ASSISTKU HV
FRANK WILLARD
H.
SYRACUSE, N. Y.:
D. MASON & CO., Publishers.
1893.
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To the Citizens of Herkimer County
When the publishers, in 1892, declared their intention to publish
another history of Herkimer County, they made inquiry as to the
unbound volumes of the history prepared by Judge Benton, and
issued in 1856. Such information as they desired was furnished them
on that subject, and then they asked ifconsent would be given to aid
and assist in supervising their proposed publication.
As a century had passed since the organization of the County, and
thirty-six years had elapsed since the publication of "Benton's His-
tory," it was believed that many events not noticed in that work could
be collected, and that, with the multitude of events transpiring since
that time, the proposed work would be welcomed. Therefore consent
wasgiven to aid in gathering material; in advising asto events known;
in suggesting sources from which facts could be obtained worthy of
being recorded.
After such consent was given, it was found necessary to have an
immediate assistant to look after details, and to prepare descriptions
and outlines of events worthy of notice. For such puipose Mr.
Frank H. Willard was mentioned and engaged by the publishers, and
he has with fidelity performed the work assigned to him.
It was known that the late Samuel Earl had collected much valuable
information concerning early events and written many articles record-
ingthem. An application was suggested and made to his son, Robert
Earl 2d, and to hisbrother. Judge Earl, who promptly and cheerfully
gave access to all the articles written and information gathered by
Mr. S. Earl, and the same have been valuable aids in preparing the
following pages.
12 PREFACE.
Valuable information has also been furnished byW.T. Loomis,Esq.;
by Mr. William G. Milligan and manj' others, to whom grateful ac-
knowledgments are due, and therefore given.
The County bears a patriot's name, and it is hoped that the reader
may find in these pages evidences that its citizens have in times past
and passing, honored tlie hero ofthe battle ofOriskany.
The bench and bar, as well as many distinguished members of the
legal and other professions who have had theirorigin in this Count}',
have been given extended notice.
Themanufacturingindustries developed in the County have received,
as tlieyjustlv merit, considerable attention.
The portraits found in the work, with biographical sketches accom-
panying them, serve to illustrate the character of citizens who have
had their homes within the bounds of the County, and it is believed
they will furnish interesting features ofthe work.
The publishershave given painstaking attention to every detail in
the mechanical preparation ofthis volume. The engravings have been
carefully executed by artists ofwell-known ability, and the letter-press,
bindingand gilding are in excellent style.
Vigilant eftbrts have been made to trace authoritatively the events
narrated, and give reliable information as to the scenes and deeds
which have given the County a worthy position in the Empire State.
To its citizens the work is submitted, in the hope that it will meet
with their approbation.
Respectfully,
George A. Hardin.
LittleFalls,N.Y., May, 1893.