Revolution Comes to the Valley

This chapter is about Schoharie County’s role in the Revolutionary War. It tells of local loyalties, local companies, and local food resources.

Many of the Palatines, upon the outbreak of the war, decided to stay loyal to the crown, citing oaths of loyalty. Many also believed that the strength of the English, and her allies, rendered the revolution “foolish”. These people stated their loyalty to the crown was life-long and was never to be forfeited. Many of these people moved, some to Canada, but a few stayed here until they were compelled to leave.

A few people who did move to Canada returned to kill and fight with former neighbors, and to pillage familiar land. Those who returned to kill and plunder were called Tomahawks, while those who did not were called Mohawks. The book stresses, however, that we cannot condemn those who stand up for a cause.

On January 24^th, 1775, a secret meeting was held in Albany. This meeting included two delegates from Schoharie County, one of them being Adam Vroman. The “Committee of Correspondence”, by which they were called, resolved that they would “adopt & endeavor to carry into execution whatever measures may be recommended by the Continental Congress, ... opposing the Execution of the several arbitrary and oppressive acts of the British Parliament...”

This same committee, later that year ordered donations of wheat, corn, and other supplies to Boston.

In association with this committee, the “Committee of Protection” and the “Committee of Safety” were formed. On this committee six people from Schoharie County were appointed. These committees relay that, on October 20, 1775, three military companies were formed in Schoharie County. The first was formed at Schoharie, the second at Vromansland, and the third at and near Middleburgh. In 1777, another company was formed in Cobleskill.

In 1777, Colonel Adam Crysler, of a local militia, and “Captain McDonald”, commanded a force that skirmished against a Tory-Indian force in Schoharie. The following encounter resulted in the death of one man, David Witt.

In October of 1780, under Joseph Brant and John Johnson, a large group of Tories and Indians attacked and burned the orchards, farms, barns, houses, and anything in their path. They’re main reason for this was to destroy the Continental Army’s food supply. They destroyed over 300 buildings, and a countless amount of hay and grain. Following the invasion, Indians and Tories killed the Merckleys in Seward and burned their buildings.

On July 10, 1781 another invasion of over 500 Indians and Tories came to this valley. They killed and pillaged. The next morning, Willet of Oriskany, set out with a much smaller number of men. Ingeniously trapping the Tories and Indians, Willet attacked. After two hours of fighting, the enemy fled. In the end Willet had lost five men, while the opposing force had lost over sixty.

It’s amazing that where we are right now is where others fought and died. Where we are now was a vital part of the Revolution. Where we are now is where history was made.