Table Of Content

\^^mi>^. <^°^. ^•^^ <5> ^'^.I^ji:^', J* I!<*f<P»C' ^ - . : A^-^. c^^^n aV-^. 0^ o> , •,- • • -^0 ^^s^ -Va^' ^^^^ ""^^^^ ^. ^^ /^ n HISTORY ^.y 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. A fl \K 70 '}') 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.