In 1723 a number of Palatine families were allowed to take up lands in the Mohawk Valley of New York. Those settling in the bounds of the present county of Herkimer were known as the Burnetsfield Patentees, after the name of the grant made by New York Governor William Burnet, and are the subject of this formidable work. This book deals with the families established in the area before the Revolution, and detailed genealogies are given for almost 100 of them.

Central New York's historic Mohawk River cuts a path across Herkimer County. This east-west waterway brought streams of people into the Mohawk Valley, people of rich diverse cultures and strengths. Over the years, canals, railways, and roadways encouraged further migration, transforming the valley into a vibrant and inviting place to live. Herkimer County: Valley Towns brings back the Main Streets of home-Herkimer, Little Falls, Dolgeville, Mohawk, Ilion, and Frankfort. It shows how folks made a living, learned life's lessons, and spent their leisure. From a stroll along the towpath to a trip in a trolley, the book is a glimpse into the world of earlier generations. Out of those generations have come people of note, from Palatine Gen. Nicholas Herkimer to Mohawk's own Gregory Jarvis of Challenger fame.