r OS 013^ CORHELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Articles of incorporation constitution 3 1924 025 959 770 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tile Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924025959770 < f : > t — < ( — > € ••< * *— -«« If ■ K ■ W ■ ■ W ■■ W ■ ■ K ■ ■ I f •' « - «- ' <-* -■ « -■ -»— -«—. It •■ t • < t • ^79 INEIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT UTICA .. W "- !» ' W X ' < ■ < ■ O !• » ' . < ■■ W i » ir • te -' K - i ■ 1 • « ■ * < • Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, By-Laws, Officers and Members OF THE Oneida Historical Society ^T XJT lO A. WITH THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE OFFICERS FOR 1878, AND SOME ACCOUNT OF THE COLLECTIONS OF THE SOCIETY AND ITS NEEDS AND PURPOSES. Founded 1876; Incorporated 1878. UTICA, N. y. Eixis H. Roberts & Co., Book and Job Printers, 60 Genesee Street. 1879. f IX- fl, LyL^-fL The Oneida Historical Society was organized December 1, 1876, at an informal meeting held in the oiBce of Hon. Charles W. Hutchinson, at whicli a committee consisting of John F. Seymotjb, Alexander Sew- ard and Egbert S. Williams was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws, and to nominate a list of officers. At a subsequent meeting, held December 15, 1876, this committee submitted its report, wMcb was adopted. The officers elected were the same as those elected in 1879, (page 15) with the exception of Dr. M. M. Bagg, Recording Secretary, who resigned that office in January, 1878. ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION. We, the undersigned, citizens of the United States, residing in the county of Oneida and State of New York, and being also citizens of the State of New York, of the age of twenty-one years and over, do hereby associate ourselves and form a corpora- tion, pursuant to the provisions of the statutes of the State of New York, and particularly under Chapter 26V of the Laws of 18Y5, as amended by Chaister 53 of the Laws of 1876. The name by which such corporation shall be known in law is "The Oneida Historical Society at TJtica." Said corporation is formed for historical and literary purposes, and the particular objects and business thereof shall be the discovery, collection, preservation and publication of the history, historical records and data of and relating to the territory or districts of country formerly occupied or claimed by the Oneida and Mohawk tribes or nations of Indians ; the collection and preservation of books, pam- phlets, maps, genealogies, portraits, paintings, relics, manuscripts, letters, journals, surveys, field-books and any and all other articles and materials which may establish or illustrate such history, or the growth and progress of population, wealth, education, agri- culture, arts, science, manufactures, trade and commerce in said territory or districts. The principal office and place of business of said society shall be in the city of Utica, in the county of Oneida. The said corporation shall be managed by its President, three Vice Presidents, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, a Treasurer, and five members of said society, who shall constitute its Board of Managers. The names of said Managers for the first year of the existence of said corporation are Horatio Seymour, President; Charles^W. Hutchinson, Alexander Seward and Ed- ward Huntington, Vice Presidents ; S. N. Dexter North, Recording Secretary ; Morven M. Jones, Corresponding Secretary ; Robert S. Williams, Treasurer; and WilUam J. Bacon, John F. Seymour, Daniel Batchelor, Richard TJ. Sherman, and Simon G. Visscher, Said Managers, and Roscoe Conkling, Pomroy Jones, Luther Guiteau, Philo White, Daniel B. Goodwin, Charlemagne Tower, John Stryker, Ward Hunt, Ellis H. Roberts, DeWitt C. Grove, Francis Kernan, John H. Edmonds, Michael Moore, Alexander S. Johnson, Edward North, Othniel S. Williams, William D. Walcott,^ Daniel E. Wager, John P. Gray, John G. Crocker and Theodore S. Faxton, constitute a Board of Councilors of said Society — ^the foregoing being all the officers of said society for the first year. [Signed] Horatio Seymour, Deerfield, N. T. ; Alexander Seward,. Utica, ]Sr. Y. ; Charles W. Hutchinson, Utica, IST. Y. ; Pomroy Jones, Lairdsville, IST. Y. ; Robert S. Williams, Utica, N. Y. ; Ellis H. Roberts, Utica, N. Y. ; M. M. Bagg, Utica, N". Y. ; John F. Sey- mour, Utica, ]Sr. Y. ; E. D. Buckingham, Utica, K Y. ; S. N. Dex- ter JSTorth, Utica, N". Y. ; Andrew McMillan, Utica, N. Y. ; Harold Frederic, Utica, K Y. ; M. M. Jones, Utica, K Y. ; James Benton, Utica, N. Y. ; Francis Kernan, Utica, N. Y. ; Samuel G. Wolcott, Utica, K Y.; Joseph E. West, Utica, K Y. ; S. G. Visscher, Rome, ISr. Y. ; Richard U. Sherman, New Hartford, N. Y. ; J. L. Earll, Utica, N. Y. ; Edgar O. Wagner, Utica, "N. Y. ; P. G. Web- ster, Fort Plain, N. Y. ; W. H. Christian, Utica, N. Y. ; George Graham, Oriskany, K Y. ; Matt. D. Bagg, Utica, N. Y. ; William J. Bacon, Utica, N. Y. ; DeWitt 0. Grove, Utica, K Y. State of New Yoek. ) L eg Oneida County, City of Utica, i On the 18th day of September, ISVS, personally appeared before me, Charles W. Hutchinson, Alexander Seward, Robert S. Wil- liams, and on the 30th day of September, 1878, personally appeared before me, Moses M. Bagg, John F. Seymour, E. D. Buckingham, Andrew McMillan, Harold Frederic, and on the 7th day of Octo- ber, 1878, personally appeared before me, James Benton, Joseph E. West, S. G. Visscher, Richard U. Sherman, Peter G. Webster, S. G. Wolcott, Francis Kernan, and on the 18th day of October, 1878, personally appeared before me, Horatio Seymour, Pomroy Jones, William H. Christian, George Graham, M. D. Bagg, Wil- liam J. Bacon and D. C. Grove, all of whom are to me welf kLown, and whom I know to be the persons who executed the above written articles of association, and they severally acknowledged that they had subscribed their names to said articles of association. M. M. JONES, Justice of the Peace, TTtica, JV. Y. ■OjiTBIDA COUNTT, [ City of TJtica, ) On the ^eth day of October, 1818, before me personally came Ellis H. Roberts, S. !N". Dexter North and Morven M. Jones, who , are to me well known, and whom I know to be three of the persons who executed the above written articles of association, and they severally acknowledged that they had subscribed their names to said articles of association. GEORGE L. ROBERTS, Notary Public, Oneida County. .State of New Toek, Oneida County, vss. I, Taliesin Evans, Clerk of said county, hereby certify that Morven M. Jones, who subscribed the within certificate of ac- knowledgment as a Justice of the Peace, and George L. Roberts, Tvho subscribed the within certificate of acknowledgment as a Notary Public, were, during the months of September and October, respectively, a Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, of Oneida County, duly sworn and residing in the city of TJtica, and were duly authorized to take such acknowledgments, and that their sig- natures are genuine. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand [l. S.] and affixed the seal of said county, at TJtica, Novem- ber 14, 1878. TALIESIN EVANS, Glerh. State of New York, Ojs^eida County, I hereby consent to and approve of the foregoing certificate, and of the objects therein expressed, and of the Society therein named. Utica, N. Y., ISTovember 6, 1878. M. H. MERWIN, Justice Supreme Court. State of New York, Office of the Secbbtaet of State, } ss. I have compared the preceding with the original certiiicate of incorporation of the Oneida Historical Society at Utica, with, acknowledgments thereto annexed, filed in this office on the 16th day of November, 1878, and do hereby certify the same to be a correct transcript therefrom, and the whole of said original. Witness my hand and the seal of the office of the Secre- tary of State, at the city of Albany, this nineteenth day [l. s.] of November, one thousand eight hundred and seventy- eight. GEORGE MOSS, Deputy Secretary of State, CONSTITUTION.* ARTICLE I. This society shall be called The Oneida Histoeical Society AT TJncA. ARTICLE n. The objects of this society shall be the discovery, collection, preservation and publication of the history, historical records and data of and relating to that portion of the State of New York formerly known as Tryon county, and originally occupied or claimed by the Oneida and Mohawk tribes of the Iroquois; the collection and preservation of books, newspapers, pamphlets, maps, genealogies, portraits, paintings, relics, manuscripts, letters, jour- nals, surveys, field-books, and any and all other materials which may establish or illustrate such history, or the growth and prog- ress of population, wealth, education, agriculture, arts, manufact- ures and commerce in central ISTew York. ARTICLE in. The society shall consist of resident, corresponding and honorary members, who shall be elected by a majority of ballots ; and of life members, as hereinafter provided. Resident members shall consist of persons residing in the county of Oneida; corresponding and honorary members of persons residing elsewhere. ARTICLE IV. Resident members shall pay an admission fee of two dollarr,, and also an annual fee of two dollars, which shall be paid on or before the 1st day of May in each year after that in which they shall have been elected. Any member in arrears for annual dues on the second Tuesday in January in each year, shall no longer be considered a member of the society. * As Amended, December 17, 1878. ARTICLE V. The officers of the society shall consist of a President, three Vice Presidents, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secre- tary, a Librarian, and a Treasurer, who shall be elected annually, on the second Tuesday in January, by a majority of ballots ; and •who, together with an Executive Committee of five, to be elected annually in the same manner from among the number of the Board of Councilors, shall constitute the Board of Managers of the society, exercising the duties and discharging the responsibilities which belong to boards of trustees in general. Five members of the Board of Managers, if the number include the President or one of the Vice Presidents, shall constitute a quorum at any regularly called meeting. ARTICLE VL There shall be a Board of twenty-six Councilors, te-be-^leetedr^t thft-J«Blr-aMnuai-TireetiHrg~t)rf-i;be-s«eiety', who shall hold office for life. An Executive Committee of five shall be elected annually from among the number of the Councilors. All vacancies in the Board of Councilors, by resignation or death, shall be filled at the next succeeding annual meeting of the society, by a majority "^ ARTICLE Vn. ISTone but resident or life members shall be eligible to office, or qualified to vote. ARTICLE Vm. The payment of twenty-five dollars at one time shall constitute a life member, exempt from the payment of annual dues. ARTICLE IX. The President shall preside at all meetings of the society, regu- late its proceedings, and have a casting vote. He shall be chair- man of the Board of Managers. Either of the Vice Presidents may discharge the duties of the President in his absence. ARTICLE X. The Eecording Secretary shall have the custody of the constitu- tion, by-laws and records of the society. He shall give due notice of all regular and special meetings, and keep a record of the pro- ceedings of the same. At least two days notice shall be given of all special meetings. He shall be secretary of the Board of Man- agers, and keep a record of its proceedings. ARTICLE XL The Corresponding Secretary shall have the custody of all letters and communications on the business of the society, and shall read to the society all communications received by him as such Sec- retary. He shall, under the direction of the society, prepare all communications to be addressed to others in the name of the Society, and keep true copies af thA a^m^. 0/ g^-— M^'., (>™y 'O-oA-.e-n^ ( ARTICLE XII. The Librarian, under the direction of the Board of Managers, shall have the custody of the library and cabinet, including all manuscripts, documents, coins, relics, pictures and maps, and shall, tinue a catalogue of the same. He shall arrange the collections of the society in a manner suitable for convenient reference and in- spection. He shall keep a record of all donations to the society, :and make a report of the same at each regular meeting. He shall prepare and read at each annual meeting, a statement of the growth .and condition of the library and collections of the society. ARTICLE Xm. The Treasurer shall receive and keep all securities and moneys due and payable or belonging to the society. He shall keep the funds of the society on deposit to his credit as such Treasurer, in some institution to be approved by the Board of Managers, and shall pay such sums as the socie ty^ s baU direct^ ^V°^J^^^^^i^ order or warrant of the President orKoneJortEe VicePresISents, or the warrant of the chairman of a standing committee directed by the society to incur a particular expense. He shall keep a true account of his receipts and disbursements, and render a statement thereof at the annual meeting of the society, or whenever called upon to do so by the society or the Board of Managers. He may also •be required to give such bonds as the Board of Managers may direct. 10 ARTICLE XIV. It shall be the duty of the Board of Managers to discharge to- ■wards the society the duties which ordinarily belong to Boards of Trustees of corporations, subject only to the restrictions of this constitution. It shall exercise a general supervision over the funds and afiairs of the society, and at any time may restrain any ex- penditure of money authorized by the society, which in its judg- ment is not warranted, or is forbidden by article eighteen of this constitution. It shall make annually, on the second Tuesday in January, a detailed report to the society of its transactions for the preceding year with such recommendations for the develop- ment of the society as seem to it best. ARTICLE XV. All officers shall continue in office until their successors are elected. Any vacancies in office, except in the number of the coun- cilors, may be filled for the unexpired term at any regular meeting of the society. ARTICLE XVL ■ The society shall meet monthly, on the second Tuesday of eac-h month. The President, or either of the Vice Presidents may direct the call of a special meeting at any time. ARTICLE XVII. Those members who shall attend any regularly called meeting of this society shall constitute a quorum. ARTICLE XVIII. No debt shall be incurred in the name of the society, for any purpose whatsoever, beyond the amount of its unappropriated funds in the hands of the Treasurer at the time any expenditure may be authorized by the society. ARTICLE XIX. This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the- members present at a regular meeting of the society, provided notice of the proposed amendment is given at tRe previous regu- lar meeting, and notice thereof mailed to each resident member or published in the daily papers of Utica. BY-LAWS 1. The regular meetiDgs of this society shall be held at the rooms of the society, in the City Library Building, at four o'clock p. ST., unless a different hour shall be designated by the previous meeting. 2. Special meetings may be called at such time and place as the President or either of the Vice Presidents may designate. The Recording Secretary shall give notice through the press or otherwise, of both regular and special meetings of the society. 3. Any meeting may be adjourned to such time as a majority of the members present shall determine. 4. The annual meeting of the society shall be held on the second Tuesday in January of each year. The election of officers shall then take place, and the annual reports of the officers of the previous year shall be received, and if approved, adopted. At each annual meeting there shall be an address delivered before the society, by sorne person to be appointed by the society, on the recommendation of the Committee on Addresses and Publications. 5. At the next regular meeting after the annual election of officers, the President shall appoint from among the active mem- bers of the society, the following standing committees, to consist of three members each, to-wit: 1. A Committee on Finance. 2. A Committee on Library and Exchanges. 3. A Committee on Donations and Collections. 4. A Committee on Property and Fixtures. 5.«^A Committee on Addresses and Publications. A Committee on Natural History and Geological Specimens. ^ A Committee on Biography and Historical Material. ^. A Committee on Statistics. / 3r A Committee, on Membership. f 12 6. The President shall be ex-offioio chairman of the Committee on Finance. It shall be the duty of such committee to super- vise the books, accounts and reports of the Treasurer, and of the financial receipts and expenditures of the society; it shall also be its duty to consider and recommend all suitable measures to in- crease the revenues of the society, and promote economy in its expenditures. It shall examine and report upon all accounts and claims against the society, and upon all propositions for the appropriation and expenditure of its funds, when such propositions have not been made or reported upon by some other standing committee of the society. It shall also recommend to the society a proper investment of its funds. 1. The Committee on Library and Exchanges shall have the general charge and supervision of the library, and of all proposi- tions in regard to its use, increase and management ; or in regard to the procurement, exchange, or other disposition of books, peri- odicals and pamphlets, or their binding and preservation. It shall supervise the cataloguing of the collections of the society, and shall take such steps, from time to time, as may be necessary to secure a proper accountability for said collections and library. 8. The Committee on Donations and Collections shall have supervision of the discovery, solicitation and transportation of donations for the collections of the society; it shall make such recommendations to the society in regard to the procuring of historical materials, by purchase or otherwise, as shall seem to it desirable. 9. The Committee on Property and Fixtures shall have the charge and supervision of the rooms of the society and its prop- erty, otherwise than its catalogued collections; shall keep the same in repair, and shall recommend such additions, from time to time, as the growth of the society shall render necessary. 10. The Committee on Addresses and Publications shall ar- range for the delivery of papers and addresses on historicaV topics and investigation connected with the objects of the society, to be read at the regular meetings, and shall recommend an orator to address the society at its annual meetings^^/Tf shall have the '"cbargeanTsupBlTision of all the publications of the society, in order that the same may be properly and correctly printed whenever 13 directed by the society. It shall also recommend for publication by the society, such material as it may deem desirable. 1^ The Committee on Geological and Natural History Speci- mens shall have the whole charge and supervision of these depart- ments of the society's collections, their procurement, arrangement and cataloguing, and shall make such recommendations to the society regarding these departments, as the needs of the cabinet may require. l|. The Committee on Biography and Historical Material shall shall have charge of the procuring of details and data respecting the history of central New York, and the individuals prominent in that history ; and it shall be the duty of its members to prepare and arrange these data in a manner suitable for preservation and reference. 1^ The Committee on Statistics shall have the charge and supervision of the collection and arrangement of statistics of the manufactures, trade, commerce, agriculture and business of Utica and central New York, and place them in proper shape for pres- ervation and reference. 1<(Q The Committee on Membership shall have full charge over- all questions relating to the membership of the society ; and it shall be its duty to labor to increase the membership, by inducing all proper persons to become members. 1». All reports of the standing committees shall be made to the society in writing, and placed upon file ; but the committees may report by resolution if they shall deem it expedient. 16» All books, manuscripts and other articles belonging to the society, shall be plainly marked with the name of the society, and with the name of the donoi-. They shall be numbered and entered correspondingly in the catalogue. 1^ No books, maps, charts, manuscripts, or copies thereof, nor any other article belonging to the library or cabinet of the society, shall be taken from its rooms without the written permis- . sion of the members of the committee on the library. Is^ The printed books in the library of the society shall be acce'ssible to all members, whether resident, honorary or corre- 14 spending, and its manuscript collections at the discretion of the Librarian. To visitors who are not members, access to the manu- script collections of the society can be had only by the consent of the committee on the library. ■^ Any member of this society may be expelled by the aflarmative vote of two-thirds of all thej»**etrt members present at a regular meeting, but no such vote shall be taken unless notice of the motion to expel shall have been given at a meeting held at least four weeksjprevious thereto. 2(Jr^ Any of these By-Laws may be suspended in case of a temporary emergency, by the unanimous vote of a meeting, duly organized. They may be amended from time to time, by a ma- jority vote of the members present at a regular meeting, provided notice of the proposed amendment has been given at least four weeks previous to a final vote thereon. 21. At the regular meetings of the society, the following shall Tbe the order of business : 1. Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting. 2. Acknowledgment of donations to the society. 3. Reports and communications from the officers of the society. 4. Reports from the standing committees. 5. Reports from special committees. 6. Election of Members. 7. Miscellaneous business. 8. Reading of papers and delivery of addresses. OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY— 1879. President, HOEATIO SBYMOUB. Vice Presidents, CHARLES W. HUTCHINSON, ALEXANDER SEWARD EDWARD HUNTINGTON. Mecording Secretary, S. N. DEXTER NORTH. Corresponding Becretary and Librarian, MORVBN M. JONES. Treasurer, ROBERT S. WILLIAMS. Executive Gommittee, John F. Sbtmotib, John L. Eajrll, S. Q-. VissoHBB, William J. Bacon, RiCHAKD U. Sherman. Board of Councilors, 1876— EOSCOB CONKLING, 1876— Peancis Kbenan, POMROT JONBS, " JOHN H. EDMONDS, " LUTHBR GUITBAir, " MiCHAKL MOORB, " Philo White, " Edward North, " Daniel B. Goodwin, " Othniel S. Williams, Charlemagne Tower, " William D. Walcott John Strykeb, " Daniel E. Wager, " Ward Hunt, " John P. Gray, " Ellis H. Roberts, " Daniel Batchelor, ■' Richard U. Sherman, " John F. Sbtmoue, « DeWitt C. Grotb, " William J. Bacon, 1878— Simon G. Visschbr, 1878— John G. Crocker, " Theodore S. Paxton, 1879— John L. Earll. Deceased Members of the Board of Councilors. ^^1877— Stoers Barrows, *1877— Rdtgee B. Miller, *1877— Gilbert A. Foster, , *1878— Alexander S. Johnson STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY. Committee on Finance, The Peesidbkt, ex-offlcio, Charles S. Symonds, P. V. Rogers, Charles K. Geannis. Oommittee on Library and SIxehanges, Matthew D. Bagg, Kobbrt S. Williams, M. M. Jones. Gommittee on Propm'ty and Fixtures, George D. Dimon, Andrew McMillan, William Kernas. Committee on Donations and Collections, John F. Seymour, S. G. Visscher, C. W. Hutchinson. Committee on Geological and Natural History Cabinet, Edwin Hutchinson, William H. Christian, S. G. Wolcott. Committee on Biography and Historical Material, M. M. Bagg, P. H. Fowler, George Walker. Gommittee on Statistics, Theodore P. Cook, Alexander T. Goodwin^ James C. P. Kincaid. Gommittee on Addresses and Publications, Alexander Seward, Rbes G. Williams, S. N. D. North. Committee on Membership, Charles B. Foster, John L. Earll, Joseph E. West.. Special Standing Committee on OrisTcany Monument, John F. Seymour, Charles W. Hutchinson,. Alexander Seward, S. G. Visscher, S. N. D. North. Special Standing Committee on Early JJtica Publications, Alexander Seward, m. M. Bagg Robert S. Williams, Dolphas Bennett, D. E. Wagbk. RESIDENT MEMBERS. •^ Abbott, Henry G., Utica. Adams, Charles D., Utica. Andrews, Judson B., Utica. Andrews, G. P., Utica. Armstrong, Jonas W., Kome. yt Bacon, William J., Utica. Bagg, Matthew T>., Utica. /. •f Bagg, Moses M. , Utica. y Bagg, Egbert, Jr., Utica. BaUey, B. Prentiss, Utica. / Ballon, Theodore P., Utica. Barnard, Charles E., Utica. / Barnard, Henry H., Utica. jd Bamett, Milton D., Rome. "f- * Barrows, Storrs, Trenton. ^ Batchelor, Daniel, Utica. Beach, Bloomfield J., Rome. /. Bedell, Harvey S.. Rome. Beers, Franldin B., Rome. % Benham, Thomas L., Ulica. Bennett, Dolphas, Utica. ){ fL Benton, James, Utica. Bigelow, Horace P., WatervlUe. /> Birt, Thomas, Utica. Bissell, John G., Rome. / Bliss, William B., Rome. Brower, A. G., Utica. ^ < Wager, D. E., Rome. Wagner, Edgar 0., Utica. Walcott, William D., N. Y. Mills. Walcott, Stewart, N. Y. MiUs. Ward, Charles W., Rome. Waterman, Daniel, Utica. Watson, William H., Utica. Weaver, Abram B. , Deerfield. )^ Wells, L. B., Utica. West, Joseph E., Utica. Wetmore, Ezra F., N. Y. Mills. / Wheeler. Russel, Utica. White, David P., Utica. White, Philo, Whitesboro. Williams, B. Whitman, Rome. Wiley, George H., Utica. Williams, Othniel S., Clinton. y Williams, Rees G., Utica. jl Williams, Robert S., Utica. Wolcott, Samuel G., Utica. Wood, Frank G., Utica. Wright, Erastus Z., Utica. LIFE MEMBER. j(t George Walker, Utica. HONORARY MEMBERS. / Dix John A., New York. -^ Spmnei, Francis E., Mohawk, N. T. yt Parkman, Francis, Boston, Mass. J Trumbull, J. Hammond, ' Hartford, Conn. CORRESPONDING MEMBERS. Armstrong, Dr. George S., ^ Dorsheimer, Hon. WilUam, BufEalo, N. Y. Buffalo, N. T. Babcock, H. G., Little Falls. /.Draper, Lyman C, Madison, Wis. Babcock, B. P., Cayuga, III. Dygert, James M., Ilion. Bailey, W. T., Richfield Springs, N. Y. DeGrafE, Alfred, Fonda, N. Y. Barnes, Charles C, Canajoharie, N. Y. Ear], Hon. Robert, Herkimer, N. Y. Beebe,Prof.A.M.,MadisonUniversityjtEarl, Hon. Samuel, Herkimer, N. Y. Hamilton, N. Y. Eaton, Hon. John, Washington, D. C. Beecher, Dr. H. H., Norwich, N. Y. English, Thomas Dunn, Bartlett, Rev. Dwight K., D. D., Fort Lee, N. Y. Albany, N. Y. Pitch, Hon. Charles E., ■ Brooks, Erastus, Hon., New York. Rochester, N. Y. Bryant, William C, Builalo, N. Y. Eraser, Hon. Mclntyre, Camp, Walter B., Johnstown, N. Y. Sacketts Harbor, N. Y. Frost, Hon. Thomas H., Chicago, 111. Campbell, Major Douglas, New York. Frothingham, Rev. Washington, Campbell, Hon. William W., Tribes Kill, N. Y. Cherry Valley. Frey, S. L., Canajoharie, N. Y. Caton, Hon. John D., Ottawa, 111. Fox, Christopher G., BuSalo, N. Y. Clinton, Hon. George W., Gardner, James T., Director State BufEalo, N. Y. Survey, Albany, N. Y. Clyde, Jefferson N., Gebhard, John, Schoharie, N. Y. Cherry Valley, N. Y. Graves, Hon. Ezra, Herkimer, N. Y. •Colvin, Verplanck, Albany, N.Y. Griswold, Stephen B., Albany, N. Y. ' Constable, Hon. John, Hall, James, LL. D., Albany, N. Y. Constableville, N. Y. Hardin, Hon. George A., Cook, Hon. James H., Herkimer, N. Y. Canajoharie, N. Y. Haven, Rev. E. 0., D. D., Syracuse Dana, Prof. James, Yale College, University, Syracuse, N. Y. New Haven, Conn. Haven, S. D., LL. D., Amer. Antiq. Danforth, Hon. Peter S., Society, Worcester, Mass. Middleburgh, N. Y. Herkimer, Warren, Janesville, Wis. Dawson, Henry B., Heath, S. P., Amsterdam, N. Y. Morrisania, N. Y. Homes, Henry A., LL. D., State Li- DeLancey, Hon. Edward F., brary, Albany, N. Y. New York City. Hough, Franklin B., M. D., DePeyster, Hon. J. Watts, Lowville, N. Y. Tivoli, N. Y. Ingalls, Frederic C, Chicago, 111. DeFerriere, Charles, / Judson, Col. Roscius C, WampsviUe, N. Y. Ogdensburgh, N. Y. Dodge, Rev. Ebenezer, D. D., Kendrick, Prof. Ashael C, D. D., Madison University, Hamilton, N. Y. Rochester University, Rochester, 20 Kirkland, Hon. Charles P., LL. D., Roosevelt, Hon. Robert B.. New York. New York.+Root, Garrett L., D. D., Troy, N. Y. Knox, Rev. William B., D. D., Elmira, . N. Y. Knox, Rev. Charles E., New Jersey. Ledyard, L. W., Cazenovia, N. Y. Lewis, J olin L., Penn Yan, N. Y. Letchwortli, Hon. William P., f Sammons, Col. Simeon. , Johnstown, N. Y, Simms, Jeptha R., Fort Plain, N. Y. Snow, B. B., A. M., Auburn, N. Y. Starin, Hon. John H., Fultonville, N. Y. Buffalo, N. Y. Stephens, John Austin, New York. Litchfield, Hon. Edwin C, LL. D., Stone, William L., Brooklyn, N. Y. Jersey City Heights. Littlejohn. Rt. Rev. A. N., D. D., + Street, Alfred B., A. M., Albany, N. Y. Brooklyn, N. Y. Tracy, Hon. Charles, New York. Lossing, Benson J., Dover Plains, N. Y. Tracy, Hon. William, New York. Lothrop, Samuel Kirkland, Timmerman, George, East Creek, N.Y. ^jiA»wl- Boston, Mass. Upson, Rev. Anson J., D. D., Hack, Robert C, Londonderry, N. H. Albany, N. Y. Marshall, Orasmus H., Buffalo, N. Y. Van Schaick, Henry C, Manlius, N. Y. Merriam, Hon. Clinton L., Visscher, Frederick J., New York. Locust Grove, N. Y. Wagner, Hon. Webster, Messenger, I. N., Oneida, N. Y. Palatine Bridge, N. Y. Milligan, M. G., Little Palls, N. Y. Wagner, Peter J„ Fort Plain, N. Y. Miller, Hon. Anson S., Walrath, D. D., Chittenango, N. Y. Patchin, Santa Clara Co., Cal. Ward, Edward A., Morgan, Lewis H., Rochester, N. Y. Moss, Hon. George, Albany, N. Y. Morris, Rev. Edward D., D. D., Richfield Springs, N. Y. Webster, Prof. Horace B., Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. Cincinnati, O. Webster, Peter G., Fort Plain, N. Y. Munsell, Joel, Albany, N. Y. Wemple, Edward, Fultonville, N. Y. O'Callaghan, E. B., New York, N. Y. West, Hon. DeWitt C, Lowville, N. Y. Pierrepont, William C, White, Hon. Andrew D., LL. D,, Pierrepont Manor, N. Y. Cornell University, Ithaca. Pierson, Prof. Jonathan, Williams, Samuel, Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. San Francisco, Cal. Potter, Rev. Bliphalet N., D. D., i- Williams, Rev. S. Wells, D. D., Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. Yale College. New Haven, Conn. Potter, Hon. Piatt, Schenectady, N. Y. Woolworth, Hon. Samuel B., LL. D., Pratt, Daniel J., Albany, N. Y. Albany, N. Y. Redfield, Hon. Lewis H., / Wright, E. Kellogg, New York. Syracuse, N. Y. Yost, Hon. George, Port Plain, N. Y. Richmond, A. G., Canajoharie, N. Y. ANNUAL REPORTS FOR 1878. FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE ONEIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. The Board of Managers, in submitting its report for the year 1878, desires to express its gratification that the first year in "which the Oneida Historical Society can be said to have had an .active existence, has been marked by substantial progress in its work. By the courtesy of the Board of School Commissioners of the city of Utica, the society has been permitted to occupy rooms in the new library building ; and to this fact, more perhaps than to any other, is to be attributed the impetus of the past year. The fact that the society has safe and centrally located rooms where its collections can be preserved, arranged, catalogued and exhibited, has stimulated donations not only from friends in TJtica "but throughout central New York. The list of donors to the so- ciety, herewith submitted, already contains one hundred and thirty- seven names, some of whom have made very numerous donations. The Board of Managers takes this opportunity to express its grati- tude to all these donors, and to commend their example to the -community at large. The report of the Librarian shows a cata- logued collection aggregating 1,3Y0 in the several departments — nearly all of which are the accumulations of the year just closed. If the Oneida Historical Society can make a progress alike sub- stantial during the coming year, it will become entitled to the third rank among the historical societies of the State of New York. The present quarters of the society were first occupied at the regular meeting held September 23, 1878. At a previous meeting, a committee had been appointed to secure the incorporation of the society under the laws of the State. Articles of incorporation were filed in the office of the Secretary of State at Albany, No- vember 19, 1878. Senator Goodwin has been requested to secure, if possible this winter, the passage of an act enabling the society to hold real estate, in order to enable it to preserve and control .sites of historic interest. 22 The society now numbers one hundred and twenty enrolled members, and one hundred and five non-enrolled members, mak- ing a total membership of two hundred and twenty-five. It has one hundred and ten honorary and corresponding members, and one life member. In the latter respect, it is to be hoped that the society will mate some progress during the coming year,, and that the society may be able to set apart the funds re- ceived from the payment for life-memberships in a perman- ent investment, the income to be used only in promoting the special objects of the society. The report of the Treasurer shows that while the income during the past year has been moderate, it has still been sufiicient to meet such light expenses as it has been necessary to incur, and to leave a small balance in the treasury. The expenses will hereafter be increased, as the society already has on hand many donations of publications which must be bound to insure preservation, and every donor of valuable unbound pam- phlets, periodicals and newspapers should receive the assurance from the society that his contributions will be immediately bound in a substantial manner. The society has no other source of in- come than the annual dues of its members, which are fixed at a lower rate, if the managers are not mistaken, than the dues in any other like historical society. If this fact leads to a larger active membership, the board is confident that the society will gain in vitality without losing in revenue. The marked success that has attended the first year of active operations ought to enable the so- ciety to at least double its active membership during the coming year. During the year 1878, eleven regular meetings have been held, besides one annual and two special meetings, making fourteen in all. The board directs attention to the gratifying benefits which have accrued from the frequency with which the regular meetings have been held during the last few months, and especially urges the importance of regular meetings at least once a month during the coming year. These meetings have convinced the public that the Oneida Historical Society is an active and beneficial institution, destined to be made, by your patience and perseverance, of great value to the whole community, and particularly to this central portion of the Empire State. In no other way can donations be better stimulated. During the year five papers or addresses have been read before the society, on topics connected with its work in the verification 23 and preservation of local history. These papers are deposited in its archives, and furnish the nucleus for society publications, as soon as the state of its funds warrants. An immense untilied field of work is here presented ; and many members of the society have expressed a willingness to contribute papers on phases of local history during the coming year. The collections of the society have already materially assisted in the correction of many errors of tra- dition and in the preparation of papers relating to the objects of the society. Very important amendments to the constitution have been adopted by the society during the past year, the general effect of which has been to greatly decrease the powers and responsibilities of the Board of Managers, and to throw their work upon the membership at large. It was intended by these changes to in- crease the interest which each individual member feels in the wel- fare of the society, by giving to each member a voice in its management. In a city the size of Utica, this method of organiza- tion seems to promise better results than that from which we have departed, and which was modeled upon the method of organization found necessary for efficiency in the historical societies of large cities like New York, Boston and Buffalo. The Board of Managers has no recommendations to submit to the society beyond the general one that the success of the first year of active work should stimulate to more earnest endeavor in the immediate future. In the return for the surrender which the Board of Managers has made to the active members, in the amendments to the constitution above referred to, it has the right to express the hope that each individual member will do his part to show that this new departure was a wise step. This will best be done, if each member will constitute himself a special agent of the society, commissioned to inquire among his friends arid acquaintances for the materials which are needed to add to the completeness and variety of the society's collections. A gen- erous rivalry in this respect will harm no one, and greatly advance the interests and welfare of the society. The Board of Managers desires to call the attention of the society to the unusual historical importance of the field of labor before it. It is obviously the mission of the Oneida Historical Society to cover in its collections and researches the entire terri- tory embraced in the original civil division of central New York — the county of Tryon, erected in 1772, rechristened Montgomery 24 in contempt of a royal governor in 1784, divided in 1791 into the counties of Montgomery, Otsego, Tioga, Ontario and Herkimer Oneida county being erected out of the latter in 1798. It is a wide field ; for the boundaries of Tryon county included all the territory lying west of a line running nearly north and south through the present county of Schoharie. All the State of 'Sew York west of that line is our legitimate field. If there are, or should hereafter be, kindred institutions in cities west of us, we welcome them as coadjutors in a broad field of investigation where the harvest will be abundant for all. That county included the hunting grounds of the Five Nations of Iroquois, who were the owners of this soil before our fathers possessed themselves of it, and whose civil and military achieve- ments form the only glorious chapter in the aboriginal history of America. We are at the center of the famous "long house," within fifty miles of the spot where the council fires were held, and so directly in the home of the Oneida tribe of Iroquois— the only one of the original Five Nations which stood by the colonists in their struggle for independence — that Utioa's Cemetery Asso- ciation is permitted to be the custodian of its sacred stone. There is no association in this country which makes it its special mission to preserve and perpetuate the history of the Iroquois. By rea- son of our exceptional advantages of location, that should be the special mission of the Oneida Historical Society. In many ways the original Tryon county is peculiarly and ex- ceptionally interesting, in a historical point of view. Hither pene- trated the earliest of the Jesuit missions. Here lived and labored and died Sir William Johnson — in many respects the most prom- inent figure in the colonial annals of America. Here also lived his sons and their ally Joseph Brant, who made the Mohawk valley forever memorable as the scene of the fiercest and most relentless Indian and tory massacre. Hither migrated the chief segment of the exiled Palatinates; and the story of their pioneer battles with the wilderness, their revolutionary patriotism under circum- stances the most perilous that tested the nerve of any colonists, with the later record of their remarkable assimilation with the American race— a story never yet fully written out— offers inspira- tion for song, romance and history. Here also settled one of the earliest and most important Welsh colonies in the United States ; and their story is likewise yet to be written. Here were the frontier and defensive forts and castles both of the French, the In- dians, the English and the colonists— Fort Bull, Fort Plain, Fort 25 House, Fort Hill, Fort Hunter, Fort Dayton, Fort Schuyler, Fort Stanwix, Fort Oswego, Fort Brewerton. Here passed and re- passed along the water-courses, over the Indian fords, and through the trackless forests, the military expeditions of French and Eng- lish, until the prowess of the latter at length determined that the English race and civilization should predominate upon the conti- nent. Here were fought the battles of Oriskany and Saratoga, upon whose fields the war for independence ceased to be a re- bellion and became a revolution. Here the Western Inland Look ^Navigation Company made the first attempt at artificial water navigation in America — an attempt which soon developed into the Erie canal, upon whose waters the commerce of a continent traverses from the lakes to the Atlantic. Here was the scene of the romantic adventure and the untoward fate of the Castorland Company. Here was the home, and here is the grave and the monument of the brave Baron Steuben. Here was constructed the most famous turnpike thoroughfare in Ifew York State. Here was tested one of the first railroads ever built, and perhaps the first trunk road. Here was organized the first express company. Here the telegraph was put to its first practical utility. Here were erected the first cotton factory and the first woolen factory char- tered by the State of New York. Here the first cheese factory was built. Here were founded the second and third oldest colle- giate institutions within the borders of the State, in one of which — Hamilton College — was made the only attempt to educate and ■Christianize the savage Iroquois. Here the Holland Land Com- pany Isft its impress, and here were located the most princely grants of the royal governors. Here, on the lordly acres of Gerrit Smith, were the headquarters of the underground railroad. Here another enthusiast, in sympathy with Gerrit Smith, yet unlike him in many ways, undertook the experiment of the industrial edu- cation and failed. Here has been the home of more than a due proportion of the statesmen whose life-work is a part of the history of New Yoi-k and the nation. The Oneida Historical Society is the proper custodian of the documents, the manuscripts, the relics, the memorials of every description, which relate to and illustrate this remarkable history. Because our organization was late in the field many of the most valuable and interesting of these memoirs have gone elsewhere- It is for us to faithfully gather and preserve the valuable mater- ials of local history that still remain scattered and fast disappear- ing in the homes of central New York. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN, With Some Account of the Collections of the Society. To the Oneida Historical Society at TJtica : The undersigned, your Librarian, respectfully makes the fol- lowing Annual Report as required by the Constitution : Durin the short period of your active existence, your success in procuring^ materials for your Library and historical collections, has been highly flattering. The small beginnings and the meetings of less, than a dozen members for advice and consultation, but little over two years ago, have culminated in an Incorporated Society, vrhich now exhibits the signs of real vitality and long life. The citizens of XJtica, and many intelligent persons scattered over your field, once the domain of the Oneidas and Mohawks, are awake to the fact of your existence, to an appreciation of your objects, and to the propriety, if not the necessity of their co-operation. Only since the School Commissioners of Utica invited you toi make a home in the elegant new City Library building, have you had any abiding place. Now you have pleasant rooms for your meetings, and a fire-proof room for your property. This last fact, a security against fire, was absolutely necessary before you could ask the public to entrust to you their valuable books, papers and historical relics. CLASSLFICATIOW OP COLLECTIONS. The first donations to the Library and Cabinet, were received' September 19, 1878. I have made a descriptive catalogue of all donations to the present time, arranged under five heads. The total number given under each head in the first, second and fifth classes, indicates the number of bound books, pamphlets, relics and works of art received, while of newspapers, periodicals, documents,, manuscripts and maps, the numbers may indicate volumes, or lots^ or single specimens. This arrangement in five classes leaves the geological and mineralogical specimens to form a sixth, when somet one shall be found to catalogue and arrange them. 27 STJMMAET. Bound Books, Total entries, 513 Pamphlets,... " " 346 2ft5*%]^Brs and Periodicals, " " 322 Manuscripts, Documents, Maps, " " 337 Eelics and Works of Art, " " 67 1376 BOTJlirD BOOKS. Among the bound books are some of great rarity and value. Of course in the small number of five hundred and twelve volumes, there is but a fraction of those desirable and necessary for a his- torical library. Time and the considerate care of many friends ■will, it is hoped, make your Library what it should be. A knowl- edge of and taste for local history, and a good historical library, are mutually dependent upon each other. You have a good share of works of reference, and serials more or less complete. Of TJtica directories, you only need those for 1817, 1835, 1836, 1838, 1841 to complete the series. EAELT LOCAL PUBLIOATIOBTS. A surprisingly large number of local publications, mostly printed at Utica and Rome, have been searched out in garrets and out of the way places, and placed on your shelves. In this way many books bearing the names of Merrill & Seward, Seward & Wil- liams, William Williams and other printers of early Utica and Eome, and which were entirely unknown to the present generation, books of fiction, poetry, school books, works on science, theology, &c., have come to light. Fifty and sixty years ago, Utica was one of the great publishing centers of the State, and very many more books were issued from its enterprising presses than are now published in a city three times its size and with ten times as many printers. Some of these publications are as unique as any speci- mens of the art that ever issued from the American press. The aid of the community is earnestly solicited in the efibrt to make this collection as complete as possible. 28 WELSH PUBLICATIONS. Of works in the Welsh language, through the the industry and liberality of one gentleman, you have a nearly complete set of the bound books and many pamphlets printed in Oneida county, com- mencing with "Pigion o Hymnau, &c.," printed by Ira Merrell, in Utica, 1808. LOCAL HISTOEIES. Of local histories, histories of counties, towns and. villages, his- torical sermons and lectures, you have received many. You have also several works containing much relating to this section of the State in colonial times, to the Mohawk valley and its people, to Forts Stanwix, Schuyler, Bull and the large territory only known to the French and Indians in their irruptions from Canada. Much of this latter information was recovered at a recent date, through the eflforts of Mr. Brodhead, as agent of this State, from the record offices of England, Holland and France. It is in the direc- tion of local history, local to this society, that yoiir members should be ever on the lookout. It is your speciality. PAMPHLETS. Of pamphlets, you have many very curious and rare, among which are New England election sermons, Washington funeral sermons. Fourth of July orations, political speeches, &c. A stTidy of these would show us of this generation some of the peculiar theological and political notions held by our forefathers, and the spirit with which those of different sentiments and views were met and treated. Intolerance was an error of the age, rather than of any sect or party. Our forefathers had not learned that it was ^' safe to tolerate error when truth was left free to combat it." NEWSPAPER FILES. In newspapers and periodicals your collection is comparatively rich, and if your hopes in that direction are realized, these will be a prominent feature of the Library. Tou have one hundred and seven bound volumes of newspapers, and many in small lots and single. The following is a summary of the bound newspaper files: 29 Nine bound volumes of the Utiea Columbian Gazette, covering in whole or in part, the years 1803, 1805, 1811, 1814, 1822-3-4. Three bound volumes of Utica Sentinel and Gazette, for the years 1828-9, 30-32. One volume of Oneida Whig, 1834. One volume of Utica Intelligencer, for 1827-8-9-30. One volume of the Elucidator, (incomplete,) 1830-1-2-3-4. Two volumes of the Elucidator, 1830 and 1833. One volume Utica Weekly Observer, 1837-8. One volume Utica Daily Gazette, 1842. Fifteen volumes Utica Evening Telegraph, 1858 to 1865. One volume Utica Daily News, (for three months,) 1842. Thirty-six volumes Utica Morning Herald, from 1861 to 1878, inclusive. Seventeen volumes, (unbound,) of the Gospel Messenger, Utica,. 1855 to 1871. Seventeen volumes New York Daily Tribune, from February 1, 1862, to January 1, 1868. Nine volumes of the Albany Argus, 1833-40. One volume of Albany Gazette, 1812-16. One volume of Albany State Register, 1850-1-2. Six volumes of Richmond Enquirer, 1838-45. The list of miscellaneous newspapers, from a single specimen to a dozen or two, including the Western Gentinel, Patriot, the Utica Patriot, Whitestown Gazette and Cato''s Patrol, the Gluh, the Western Recorder, Evangelical Magazhie, and others from all parts of the world, would be too long for this report. The Historical Magazine, for the first nine years of its publication, is to the searcher after facts in history, among the most valuable works in your library. I would recommend early and persistent efforts to supply the numbei'S missing. THE PEIECE COLLECTION. A miscellaneous collection of early quarterly and monthly re- views, religious and literary, from the library of the late Rev. Isaac Bliss Peirce, of Trenton Falls, will i-epay an examination. A bun- dle of old sermons and pamphlets, mostly relating to the theo- logical discussions so rife in New England in the last century, is from the same source ; as are also a pitcher commemorating the visit to this country of General La Fayette, "the nation's guest," 30 and another commemorating the completion of the Erie canal, and the long pipe, pipe rest and tobacco box of the late Judge Van der Kemp. THE VAN DEE KEMP COLLECTION. Under the head of manuscripts, documents, works of art, the number two hundred and twenty-seven, gives but a faint idea of the extent of the collection. They extend to several thousands. A series of sermons on doctrinal subjects, and the manuscript history of the " Achaian Republic," by the late Judge Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, LL. D., are real gems. A series of letters from Judge Van der Kemp to his friend, Colonel Mappa, detailing the results of his observations, adventures and experiences in a trip from the Hud- son to Oswego, in 1192, throws a great deal of light upon the social, moral and physical condition of this part of the State at that period. The quaint English, the poetry and the enthusiasm of the writer, so recently a refugee on our shores, give these letters a zest not always found in those of explorers. They are found printed as an appendix of an address delivered by John F. Sey- mour, at Trenton, July 4th, 181Q. Dr. Van der Kemp was born at Campen, in Netherlands, May 4, 1Y52, and died at Trenton, September 7, 1829. Born in camp, where his father was an officer of rank, at an early age he became a cadet, and his earlier education had reference to the military profession. Changing his mind, he pursued his education for many years at the schools in Zutphen and ZwoUe, and the universities at Groningen, Pranequer and Amsterdam. While at the latter, he studied theology, and prepared himself for the Gospel ministry. In IIIQ, he became pastor of a Baptist church, in Holland, a church which I presume has no synonym in this country. From his pulpit inveighing against the encroachments of the State Church upon the liberties of the people, and opposing all forms of tyranny, he consequently found himself prominent in 1785-6 in the attempted revolution in Holland, and putting in use his early mili- tary training, he was soon in command of a small military force. Overwhelmed by superior numbers, and through the apathy of the people, he with other leaders became prisoners in July, IVSO. In December, 1Y87, he was released, and with letters from Jeffijrson John Adams and LaFayette, he soon left Holland and landed in New York, May 4, 1788. After visiting General Washington, Dr. Franklin, Governor Livingston and many other distinguished men, 31 he took up his abode at Esopus, (Kingston,) on the Hudson. From thence, he removed in 1193 to a place he named Kenipwick, on the north shore of Oneida lake, but soon removed to Trenton village, (then Oldenbarneveld.) He was doubtless one of the most pro- found scholars ever a resident of this section, especially in ancient and modern languages. Under the auspices of Governor DeWitt Clinton, he translated most of the Dutch records, contained in over twenty volumes, in the office of our Secretary of State. MISCELLAlirEOTJS COLLECTIONS. The correspondence relating to the Oriskany centennial has found its appropriate place in your library. The handsome volume pre- pared by the chairman of the invitation committee, containing the replies by distinguished men, commencing with President Hayes, forms a collection of autograph letters of much interest. The vol- ume containing names of volunteers and recruits in this county, with names of substitutes and for whom, with full descriptions, for 1863-4 and 5, with a large mass of official documents relating to the re- cruiting service will prove valuable to soldiers and their families. A large number of autograph letters and documents, and a mass of political handbills and circulars of early dates, tend much to enrich the collection. A large number of deeds, mortgages, leases, contracts, surveys, maps, &c., from the papers of the late Judge Sanger, of New Hartford, many of which were never recorded, aside from the historical data they contain, may become useful in future investigation of land titles. For a long period Judge Sanger was extensively interested as owner or agent of large tracts of land in Oneida, Madison, Chenango, Onondaga and other counties. Jedediah Sanger was born in Massachusetts, February 29, 1151. In 1788 he settled New Hartford, then Whitestown, Mont- gomery county. Residing in New Hartford, he represented Herki- mer, Herkimer and Onondaga and Oneida counties in the Senate and Assembly most of the time from 1794 to 1804. He was first Judge of Herkimer county in 1797, and of Oneida county from 1798 to 1810, though not a lawyer. He died June 6, 1829. THE HEEKTMEE PAPEES. An interesting collection of papers relating to the Herkimer fam- ily, has been presented to the society by H. G. Bahcock, of Little Falls, a descriptive account of which has been prepared by Mat- 32 thew D. Bagg, Esq. Although they contain no manuscripts di- rectly from the hand of General Nicholas Herkimer, it is believed to be the fullest collection of papers relating to his family now in existence. The society is anxious to supplement it by additional documents and papers bearing in any way upon the history of the revolution in the Mohawk valley, and especially the part played therein by the Herkimers. INDIAN AND EEVOLUTIOWABY EELICS. Under the head of relics and works of art, although a fair beginning has been made, but few articles have been received. Some interesting relics from Oriskany battle field, Forts Stanwix and Bull, old Indian villages in the Mohawk valley, Gettysburg, and other localities are catalogued. With proper effort a large number of Indian relics can be procured. These are fast dis- appearing to grace collections in distant localities, and soon the flint, stone and earthen implements of the Oneidas and Mohawks will be very rare and expensive, and their history and uses will be as little known as those of the mound builders of the west. You will pardon me if I have painted in too high colors ; have been too sanguine, too enthusiastic over the beginnings of the Oneida Historical Society. January 14, 18V9. Respectfully Submitted, M. M. JONES, JUbrarian. TREASURER'S REPORT. The annual report of the Treasurer, Robert S. "Williams, showed a balance on hand of $139.46. PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 1. Memorial of the Celebration of the Centennial of the Battle of Oriskany: 1877. 2. Historical Fallacies Regarding Colonial New Tork. Annual Address before the Society, by Major Douglas Campbell: 1879. 3. The Men, Events, Lawyers, Politics and Politicians of Early Eome. Address before the Society, by D. E. Wager: 1879. 4. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting, with Constitution, Members, Col- lections, etc.: 1879. Papers and Addresses Read Before the Society. 1. October 39, 1878. Alexander Seward— "The Genealogy of a Utica Newspaper." 3. November 36, 1878. D. E. Wager— "The History of Journalism in Eome." 3. December 10, 1878. S. N. D. North—" The Needs and Purposes of the Oneida Historical Society." 4. December 17, 1878. Alexander Seward— "The History of the Title to the Oriskany Battle Field." 5. December 31. Alexander Seward-" The Telegraph and the Associated Press." 6. January 14, 1879. Douglas Campbell— " Historical Fallacies Eegarding Colonial New York." 7. January 38, 1879. D. E. Wager—" The Men, Events, Lawyers, PoUtics and Politicians of Early Eome." 8. February 35, 1879. Matthew D. Bagg— " The Herkimer Family Papers." OBJECTS OF COLLECTION. The attention of residents of the Mohawk valley, and of all the counties of central New York which are segments of the original Tryon county, is respectfully invited to the following suggestions regarding the nature of the donations solicited by the Oneida His- torical Society to render its collections what they are intended to be — a comprehensive receptacle for the archives of all central New York. Many citizens who stand ready to respond to the appeals of the society, have hesitated to make gifts within their power, because they are not sure that what they have to give comes within the legitimate domain of the society. To all such the following summary of articles solicited will be a guide. Donors may rest assured of three things — first, that whatever they may send, will be cared for ; second, that its individual value will be greatly enhanced for all purposes of historical investigation, by the association with the other collections of the society ; third, that in the altogether improbable event of the dissolution of the Oneida Historical Society, every donation will be returned to the donor or his heirs. The society has addressed its attention especially to the collec- tion of the following objects : I. — BOOKS. A — All books of whatsoever character, published within the limits of the territory represented by this society. B — All books published elsewhere by persons now or formerly resident with- in this territory. C— All books relating to the history of the Five Nations, and the Indians generally. D— All books relating to the history, the biography, the development, the characteristics, the manufactures, the commerce, and the agriculture .of the counties and towns of central New York. E— All the publications of other historical societies. P — All the publications of the State of New York. 35 Gt — All the publications of the United States hearing upon the history or the development of the country. H — All other publications which relate to American history — with a view to making the local library comprehensive on all questions relating to the history of this country. II. PAMPHLETS. A — All pamphlets which come under any of the above descriptions of books wanted. B — All published sermons having either a local, historical or personal sig nificance, and all historical and anniversary discourses. C — Catalogues and reports of all the schools, academies, colleges, and other institutions or associations of education or charity. Within the purview of the society. D — All published speeches of public men within these limits. E — All political, religious, commercial and statistical tracts and reports, pub- lished within this territory. in. — NEWSPAPER FILES. A — Bound files of all the newspapers that are or have been published with- in this territory. B — Odd copies of old newspapers which have been preserved for any purpose, and which will be valuable to the society in completing files. ■ The society will be glad to receive unbound files of newspapers, giving in each case a guarantee that they will be properly bound, except when they are duplicates of bound files already in its possession. IV. — MANUSCEIPTS. A — Deeds and indentures. B — Autograph letters. C — Pioneer Journals and narratives of early settlers. D — Surveys and field-books. E — Muster rolls, etc. V. — MAPS. All old maps, of a local or general character, are acceptable donations. VI. — ^PICTUEES AND PHOTOGRAPHS. A— Portraits and busts of local and historical personages. B— Views of historic spots and structures. C-All pictures and photographs which have a local or historical value 36 VII. — INDIAN' MEMOEIAIS. Prehistoric and Indian remains, of every variety and description. Till. — MISCELLANEOUS EBLICS. Relics or mementoes connected in any way with, the early history of a locality, or with the personal experiences of its early settlers, rarely fail to have a permanent value in the collections of historical societies. IX. — SPECIMENS IN GEOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTOET. All specimens which illustrate the geological formation of the territory of this society are welcome additions to its collections ; the same remark applies to all specimens which illustrate its natural history. The publishers, authors and compilers of the current circular, pamphlet and book literature of the day are respectfully solicited to deposit copies in the library of the society. The society will pay express charges upon all packages sent to it from out of town. The society will send a representative, when requested, to examine materials in other towns which the owners desire to deposit with the society. Charles L. Woodward, bookseller, No. 18 Nassau St., New York, will receive for the society, and forward to Utica, packages of donations for its collections. Such packages should be prop- erly prepared and addressed for forwarding by express. Parties in possession of any of the above objects which they do not desire to donate, are invited to deposit the same in the collec- tions of the society, to be reclaimed at pleasure. No property thus deposited will be permitted to be taken from the rooms of the society, except upon the written consent of the owner. A fire" proof vault in the library building is at the disposal of the society. The honorary, corresponding and resident members of the society are earnestly requested to aid its officers in the effort to increase the library, and to add to the completeness and value of each department of the society's collections. ))) DONORS. [Several gentlemen in this list of donors have contribnted very largely to the col- lections of the society, and the managers regret that they are not able to indicate the num- ber of donations received from each individual. At the annual meeting, the practice was inaugurated of electing to a life membership, the member making the most valuable contribu- tions during the previous year, and Mr. George Wallier was thus elected.] Adams, George W., Utica. Akeliurst, E. L., Utica. Arthur, Mrs. John, Utica. Babcook, H. G., Little Palls. Bacon, William J., Utica. Bagg, Col. Egbert, Utica. Bagg, Matthew D., Utica. Bagg, M. M. , Utica. Bailey, E. Prentiss, Utica. Bailey, W. T., Richfield Springs. Ballou, Theodore P., Utica. Batchelor, Julian, Utica. Batchelor, Peter W., Utica. Beers, Franklin B., Rome. Benham, Thomas L , Utica. Bennett, Dolphas, Utica. Brace, Mrs. Samuel W., Utica. Brayton, E. S., Utica. Brooks, Erastus, New Tork. Brown, Dr. Samuel G., Ham. College. Bryden, James W., Utica. Budlong, F. A., Utica. Butler, Charles A., Utica. Butler, Morgan, New Hartford. Butterfield, Theodore F., Utica. Campbell, Douglas, New York. Canfield, Charles, Utica. Carpenter, W. P., Utica. Chubbuck, H. Eugene, Utica. Church, J. M., Utica. Clark, Benjamin A., Utica. Cobum. Alexander, Utica. Collins, Selden, Utica. Crocker, John G., Utica. Curran, Edward, Utica. Darling, Charles W., Utica. Devendorf, L. B., Utica. Devereux, John C, Utica. * Donaldson, David, Utica. Doolittle, Charles A., Utica. Dorrance, D. G., Oneida Castle. Draper, Lyman C, Madison, Wis. DufEy, Edward, Utica. Earl, Samuel, Herkimer. Earll, John L., Utica. Eaton, Hon. John, Washington, D. C. Edmonds, John H., Utica. England, William, Utica, Prey, S. L., Canajoharie. Poster, Charles S., Utica. Foster, Sanford N., New Hartford. Fowler, Rev. P. H., Utica. Gallup, Dr. John C, Clinton. Gardner, James S , Whitesboro. Goodrich, Miss, Utica. Goodwin, Hon. Alexander T., Utica. Gray, Dr. John P., Utica. Haines, Rev. Selden, Rome. Hall, H. Clay, Little Palls. Hare, Oscar, Utica. Harrington, W. C, Utica. Harris, George, Utica. Hastings, John C, Clinton. Hodges, William H., Oriskany. Hoi-nung, J. Felix, Utica. Hubbell, Henry S., Utica. Hunt, Dr. James G., Utica. Hutchinson, Charles W., Utica. Jones, Miss A. A., Clinton. Jones, Mrs. Maria, Utica. Jones, M. M., Utica. Jones, Pomroy, Lairdsville. Jones, B. R., Remsen. Kincaid, J. C. P., Utica. Latimore, Frank H., Utica. Leach, Mrs. A., Utica. Lewis, Benjamin P., Utica. Lyman, Mrs. Samuel P., Utica. Mann, James P., Utica. MarshaU, 0. H., Buffalo. Marvin, J. H., New Hartford. McMillan, Andrew, Utica. McQuade, Gen. James, Utica. Miller, Addison C, Utica. Milligan, M. G., Little Falls. Mooney, Francis B. , Utica. Moss, Hon. George, Albany. Myers, Edwin J., Utica. North, Edward, Clinton. North, S. N. D., Utica. Owens, Charles S., Utica. Owens, Thomas M., Utica. Pavey, Darwin C, Utica. Peckham, Merritt, Utica. Peckham, S. Townsend, Utica. Peirce, Miss Mary B., Trenton. 38 / Philleo, Mrs. Julia, Utioa. Piper, Jotn, Utica. Purcell, Mrs. Sarah, Utica. Redfield, Hon. Lewis H., Syracuse. Roberts, Ellis H., Utica. Roberts, Ellis H. & Co., Utica. Sayre, Cbarles H., Utica. Seward, Alexander, Utica. Seward, Robert A., Utica. Seward, T. W., Utica. Seymour, Horatio, Utica. Seymour, John P., Utica. Sbattuck, Lewis H., Utica. Shearman, Joseph A., Utica. Sherman, Richard U., New Hartford. Simmons, John W. , Canton, N. Y. Simms, Jeptha R., Fort Plain. Spicer, L., Utica. Stafford, Spencer H., Oneida. Stone, William L., Jersey City. Street, Alfred B., Albany. Swartout, Eugene, Utica. Symonds, Charles S., Utica. Tryon, William, Jr., Richfield. Valiant, William S., Rome. Van Emberg, Thomas, Utica. Visscher, S. Gr., Rome. Wager, D. E., Rome. Walker, George, Utica. Ward, Charles W., Rome. Warnick, Leslie, Utica. Webster, Peter G., Port Plain. West, Dr. Joseph E., Utica. Wheeler, Russel, Utica. White, Philo, Whitesboro. Williams, Harvey, New Hartford. Williams, H. Dwight, Utica. Williams, Mrs. James Watson, Utica. Williams, Robert S., Utica. Wool worth. Dr. Samuel B., Albany. Wright, B. Huntington, Rome. Tounglove, Mrs. John, Utica. ADDENDA. The following additional members were elected April 8th : RESIDENT. Barber, A. D., Utica. Miller, Addison C, Utica. CORRESPONDING. Beach, Hon. Allen C, Watertown, N. Y. Dwight, Prof. Theodore W., LL. D., New York. Frey, John, Palatine Bridge, N. Y. Fuller, John W., Toledo, Ohio. Johnson, Charles A., Newburyport, Mass. Lathing, John J., New York. Ledlie, James H., Chicago, 111. Moore, Charles B., New York. Purple, Samuel L., New York. Schoonmaker, Hon. Abram, Kingston, Smith, Green, Peterboro, N. Y. Stiles, Henry R., New York. N. Y. INDEX. Introduction, 3 Articles of Incorporation, 3 Constitution 1^ By-Laws, -^-^ Officers for 1879, I5 Standing Committees, j^g Special Standing Committees, jg Besident Members, J7 Life Members, jg Honorary Members, ^ j^g Corresponding Members, jg Annual Eeports for 1878, 2I Report of Board of Managers, 2]^ Report of Librarian, 26 Classification of Collections, 26 Summary, gij' Bound Books, 27 Early Local Publications, 27 Welsh. Publications, 28 Local Histories, 28 Pamphlets, 28 Newspaper Files, 28 Peirce Collection, 29 Van der Kemp Collection gO Miscellaneous Collections, 31 The Herkimer Papers, 31 Indian and Revolutionary Relics, 32 Treasurer's Report, '^2 Publications of the Society, 33 Addresses and Papers delivered before the Society, 33 Objects of Collection, 34 List of Donors, 37 -,J»r-