Three Rivers
Hudson~Mohawk~Schoharie
History From America's Most Famous Valleys

The Book of Names
Especially Relating to The Early Palatines and the First Settlers in the
Mohawk Valley
Compiled and Arranged by Lou D. MacWethy
Published by The Enterprise and News
St. Johnsville, NY., 1933

Tryon County

In producing the names of the Committeemen who composed the various Correspondence Committees later to be known as the Committee of Safety some explanation may be of interest. These were the men who held the reins of government during the formative period of the present government. They were the very first to foresee the coming of a new era. They began cautiously as a Committee of Correspondence, hoping against hope that their letters of remonstrance would bring a headstrong King and Parliament to see the light of reason. To one who cares to follow the minutes of the committee it is easy to trace the gradual hardening in the tone which leads from remonstrance to defiance. At this stage, with the burden of government transferred from the King and Parliament to the Sturdy shoulder of the Committeemen the change is noted in the title. It became the Committee of Safety. And as such they levied the militia, administered justice, punished the guilty, confiscated public property and carried on in every way as a governing body. It should be recalled the Battle of Oriskany was fought under the direction of this governing body, and that the burden of decision, affecting the destinies of the entire people of the valley rested on the committee. The names presented herewith are taken from the book known as the Minute Book of the Committee of Safety, with introduction by J. Howard Hanson and notes by Samuel Ludlow Frey. The latter had the original minutes, which are still extant, before him. His work is probably the best authority that can be consulted. The committeemen are given here in order that all names connected with the Revolution in the Mohawk Valley may be incorporated in one volume. Many of these names are duplicated elsewhere in the military records. Many lost their lives during the war and all suffered financial loss. Perhaps among them were some who were too old for military duty but their services as committeemen will not be forgotten. They carried on at a time when only self reliance would suffice. They were the living building stones on which the republic was reared.

Palatine District