Pioneer History of Orleans County, New York

Arad Thomas

Feb 2025 · Pioneers of Orleans County, NY Book 1 · FOLK STUDIO 451

About this ebook

Follow the journeys of pioneer families as they leave the relative comfort of New England, joined by immigrants from diverse backgrounds, to carve out a new life in the untamed wilderness of Western New York.

Spanning the years 1790 to 1824, this era unfolds in the wake of the Revolutionary War, through the trials of the War of 1812, and touches upon stories that echo even into the Great Rebellion. Their courage and determination shaped a rugged frontier into thriving communities, laying the foundation for generations to come.

Marvel at their fortitude as they fight bears, withstand debilitating sickness, and struggle to survive starvation during the “year without a summer.”

Explore the founding of villages, the formation of towns, and the personal tales of the early settlers richly detailed in their own words, all meticulously detailed in this significant historical work by Arad Thomas (1871).

This annotated version includes updated language for modern readers, a comprehensive glossary, and an extended name and subject index.

About the author

Arad Thomas was an esteemed 19th-century historian and legal professional, best known for his work Pioneer History of Orleans County, New York, first published in 1871. His meticulously researched account preserves the stories and struggles of the early settlers in Western New York, offering firsthand accounts, anecdotes, and historical insights into the pioneers' way of life. Through his writing, Thomas sought to document the character, customs, and spirit of the people who shaped the region, ensuring their legacy would endure for future generations.