Landmarks of Oswego County, New York

Syracuse, NY: D.Mason & Company, 1895 Hard cover, 8vo, in three quarter calf over maroon pebbled cloth, (rebacked), First Edition, pp xi + 843 + 348. Ex-library with painted numbers to spine, pencilled to ffep. All edges gilt. Condition: Very Good. Exterior edge wear and scuffs to corners. However, professional restoration has made this item very sound, and tight, with strong hinges and joints. Endpapers replaced. Title page is tape reinforced at fore-edge. Fore-edge of first two pages worn with very small closed tears. Original spine laid in. Mild toning. A few occasional spots of soiling or foxing but generally very clean and bright. Gilt a bit shelf worn at bottom edge but remaining bright.** Editor JOHN C. CHURCHILL ( 1821-1905) was a New York lawyer and served in a number of civic capacities, including Supervisor of Oswego County. While serving as a Republican representative in the United States Congress, he introduced the bill which was enacted and signed into law by Pres. Ulysses S. Grant, known as the Enforcement Act of 1871. This ensured civil rights to former slaves: the law " prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, or previous condition of servitude," and was intended to protect African Americans from the violence seen all too often during the period of Reconstruction following the Civil War. (Biographical Dict. U.S. Congress) Churchill was, finally, appointed Justice to the New York Supreme Court, serving from 1881-1891.**This volume, then, was published after his retirement from the Court. Part I. consists of a historical compilation, tracing the development of the present county's first one hundred years. As stated in the Preface, it details " the entire social, civil, religious, educational and industrial development of the first century of Oswego County" (iii). Detailed are the earliest explorations and administration of the area under the French and English, the story of the Iroquois Confederacy, Champlain, the Jesuits, the Du Puys Expedition et al. There are historical sketches of individual townships, sketches of prominent members of the legal and medical professions. Part II. contains a number of biographical sketches of prominent individuals and families, and index. There are included a number of historical maps and engravings. OCLC 2743459. A scarce item in this condition. Heavy item, may require extra postage if sent abroad. . First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good.