GenGateway

First, a connected history of the events of general importance or interest which have occurred in the territory now comprising the county of Oswego, or in which residents of that county have been actors, from the advent of Champlain in 1615 down to the second year of the second century of American Independence.

Second, special and statistical matter relating to the county at large, and intended chiefly for reference.

Third, histories of the city of Oswego and of each town in the county, including notices of early settlers, and sketches of churches, lodges, and other local organizations.

ourth, biographical sketches and personal records.

The general history is intended to follow strictly the chronological order from 1615 to 1877, confining itself to the territory of the present county and the acts of its residents, referring to outside matters only so far as may be necessary to show the connection of events, telling the story not only of battles and sieges, in which this county has been extremely prolific, but of pioneer streattruggles and modern development, and not disdaining the use of anecdote and reminiscence to give vivacity to the picture. The other portions of the work must necessarily be arranged according to the subjects of which they .

That portion of the general history pertaining to the period previous to the beginning of settlement was derived entirely from books; the later portion is partly from books, but largely from personal recollections, contemporary records, newspaper articles, etc. All these sources have also been utilized in compiling the special sketches and town histories.