Three Narratives of Excessive Distress of Persons Taken at the Destruction of Salmon Falls, in the State of New Hampshire, on the Twenty-Seventh of March, 1690; Viz., The Cruel Torture of Robert Rogers, the Five Years’ Captivity of Mehetable Goodwin, and the Fortunate Escape of Thomas Toogood. From the Magnalia Christi Americana, of Doctor Cotton Mather.
The Five Nations, a confederacy of five Indian tribes, were significant allies of the English against the French during the Indian Wars. Their sophisticated governance and military strategies set them apart, allowing them to maintain supremacy over other tribes and engage effectively in war. Despite their initial defeats by the French and the Adirondacks, they rallied with Dutch support and eventually reclaimed power. Their engagements with the French exemplified both their valor and the complexities of colonial rivalries, culminating in fluctuating alliances and treaties that shaped their future interactions.
William H. Seward, born on May 16, 1801, in New York, was a prominent lawyer, politician, and Secretary of State. He graduated from Union College in 1820 and quickly gained recognition for his political acumen, serving in the New York State Senate and as Governor. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1849, he became a key figure in the Republican Party and was a strong supporter of abolitionism. As Secretary of State under Lincoln, he negotiated significant treaties, including the purchase of Alaska. He survived an assassination attempt in 1865 and died in 1872.
A. P. Fonda was born on March 30, 1878, in Leavenworth, Kansas. A dedicated citizen, he excelled as a farmer and lawyer, focusing on land and real estate following his admission to the bar in 1903. Fonda was actively involved during World War I, capturing a German spy and leading a successful Liberty loan drive. He served as food commissioner for Jackson County, where he advocated for the public against exploitation. Married in 1910, he is committed to community welfare, youth development, and his faith.
Solon O. Thachek, born on August 31, 1830, in New York, was a prominent lawyer and judge in Kansas, recognized for his efforts in fostering relations with South America. After graduating from Union College and Albany Law School, he moved to Lawrence in 1858, co-owning the local newspaper. Active in state politics, he served in the Wyandotte constitutional convention, as a judge, and held various positions in the State Senate. His notable international mission involved a journey to South America advocating for reciprocity, culminating in influential reports to Congress. He died in 1895 while serving as president of the State Historical Society.
Joseph P. Rector, born in Schenectady County, New York, in 1844, has achieved remarkable success in Harney County, transitioning from humble beginnings to becoming a leading stockman. Arriving in the region with no resources, Rector’s industriousness led him to acquire a thousand-acre ranch known as the Crow Camp, famous for its rich soil and abundant water. His ranching enterprise, characterized by cattle and horse raising, has flourished due to his exceptional management. Respected by his peers, Rector remains unmarried, choosing a solitary life dedicated to his work.
Lucius Cozzens Rice, born on June 30, 1867, in Riceville, New York, became a prominent businessman and Idaho’s state treasurer. He prepared for college at Clinton Seminary and attended Union College, where he excelled in leadership. After moving to Idaho in 1891, he established a successful general merchandise store in St. Anthony. Rice was instrumental in founding the First Bank of Fremont County and the Snake River Valley Telephone Company. Elected state treasurer in 1898, he was noted for his prudent management of public funds and was deeply involved in Democratic politics.
Andrey Abraham Potter, born in Vilna, Russia, in 1882, emigrated to the U.S. at fifteen and pursued a distinguished career in engineering education. After completing his degree at MIT, he gained experience with General Electric before joining Kansas State Agricultural College. As dean of the engineering division, he authored numerous articles and bulletins on engineering topics, reflecting his expertise and commitment to the field. Married to Eva Burtner, they have two children. Potter’s contributions have greatly advanced engineering knowledge and education.
Thomas Winston Burnham, born January 22, 1844, in Cleveland, was a prominent manufacturer and banker. He received his education from Cleveland public schools and Union University, earning an A.B. degree. Burnham married Mary Kate Coll on October 6, 1869, and had two daughters. He held leadership positions as president of The Star Elevator Co., The Kilby Mfg. Co., and served as a director at several financial institutions. A member of various clubs, he enjoyed golfing and motoring in his leisure time.
Dr. Edward Bell Payne, born on October 9, 1866, in Miami County, Kansas, has made significant contributions to medicine and his community. A graduate of the University Medical College of Kansas City and Bellevue Hospital, he began his practice in Galena before moving to Fort Scott in 1905. He held various leadership roles in medical societies and community services, promoting education and charity. Married to Rose Luckey, they have one daughter, Mary Esther. Dr. Payne remains dedicated to his profession and religious duties, balancing his medical career with farming.
Melvin Daniel Kilmer, born on July 29, 1858, in New York State, was the son of Augustus and Vianna Barner Kilmer. He received his education at Eastmans Business College and married Mary T. Hoag in 1886. Kilmer served as president and manager of The Kilmer Spring Support Co., which produced wire-forming machines and bale ties. He was also involved with M. D. Kilmer Co. and A. H. Kilmer & Son. A Mason, he held memberships in various Masonic organizations.
Arthur Silas Wright, born on March 7, 1858, in Decatur, N.Y., was an influential educator. He earned his A.B. from Union College in 1882 and advanced degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and the University of Leipzig. Married to Julia B. Barbyte in 1890, he served as junior professor and later full professor of modern languages at Union College and Case School of Applied Science. He was actively involved in professional associations and made significant contributions as an editor of various scholarly works.
Arthur Baldwin Williams, Jr. was born on April 11, 1874, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He graduated from Yale University in 1898 and earned his law degree from Cleveland Law School in 1912. Williams worked as a secretary for the Y.M.C.A. and later held positions with The Cleveland Humane Society and Western Reserve University. Admitted to the Ohio bar in 1912, he became involved in various charitable and professional organizations. Williams enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping.
Arthur Bishop Shepherd was born on November 29, 1871, in Troy, New York. He pursued his education at St. Paul School, Columbian University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In September 1900, he married Gertrude Robins and had three children. Shepherd worked as a designing engineer at General Electric for fourteen years, later managing their Cleveland office. He held various managerial positions across several companies and served as a director for the Toledo-Chicago Interurban Railroad Company. He was also active in the Electric League and the Theta Phi Fraternity.
Abram A. Post, born July 26, 1876, is the owner of a historic 500-acre farm in Seneca, New York, which has been in his family since 1809. Educated in Geneva, Penn Yan, and the New York Military Academy, he worked for General Electric before spending five years in Cuba. Returning to the homestead, he embraced scientific farming, focusing on fruit cultivation. He married Margaret Barnes in 1904 and has three children. Active in his community, he is affiliated with the Masons, the Republican Party, and the Episcopal Church.
Edward Graham Hayes, born July 12, 1862, attended Canandaigua Academy, the Pennsylvania Military Academy, and Union College, graduating in 1886. After several years in the cattle business in Colorado and time spent abroad, he married Elizabeth McGill in 1900 and returned to Canandaigua in 1903. Hayes later became involved in banking, rising to president of the McKechnie Bank by 1909. He engaged in local politics as an independent Republican and contributed to various civic organizations, including a decade as police commissioner. He had two children, George and Elizabeth.
Edward Wemple, born on October 23, 1843, in Fultonville, New York, is a prominent political figure known for his democratic principles and service as state comptroller. Hailing from a lineage that championed liberty and education, he initially pursued law but shifted to manage his father’s foundry business. Wemple’s political career began in local offices, rising to the state legislature and then to Congress, where he supported veteran rights and canal maintenance. Elected comptroller in 1887, he is recognized for his integrity, executive ability, and popularity in public service.
Samuel M. Van Santvoord, born on October 2, 1819, in Schenectady, emerged from humble beginnings to become a renowned merchant in Albany over twenty-seven years. Orphaned at five, he supported his widowed mother and began his career as a clerk in a local dry goods store. After gaining experience in New York City, he returned to Albany, significantly contributing to the prosperity of W. M. Whitney’s firm. A dedicated businessman and community figure, he retired in 1889, leaving a legacy of honor and friendship.