Final installment of our three-part series highlighting a conversation with Willam L. Kidder, author of Defending Fort Stanwix: A Story of the New York Frontier in the American Revolution.
Author William L. Kidder
This is the third and final part of our three-part series talking with Willam L. Kidder, author of Defending Fort Stanwix: A Story of the New York Frontier in the American Revolution. William L. Kidder earned his BA and MA at Allegheny College, served four years in the US Navy, and taught history for forty years including more than three decades at the Hun School of Princeton. He has been a volunteer historian, interpreter, and draft horse teamster at the Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell, New Jersey for over 35 years. He is also very active with several other local historic sites and historical societies and is the author of Crossroads of the Revolution: Trenton, 1774-1783, Ten Crucial Days, Revolutionary Princeton, The Revolutionary World of a Free Black Man: Jacob Francis, 1754-1836, and Belgian Draft Horse Chester: A Story of Friendship.
Why is the story of Fort Stanwix relevant today?
At least party because our country is so divided, and we mustdeal with developments that greatly affect our lives, but we cannot control them by ourselves. It is important to look at the stories of other people who have gone through difficulties they could not control and perhaps get some ideas for things we can do to minimize our problems. It is also important to keep reminding ourselves we are not the first people to encounter such problems. It should also help us understand that it is important to know and value those who are trying to help us and not forget their efforts after a problem has been overcome.
What was the most interesting thing you learned in the course of research?
Since I set out to research and develop an understanding of just what my ancestor Peter Scriber experienced in the Revolution, being able to look at things from the perspective of a participant was very interesting. It was also very interesting to learn more about the Oneida nation and the experiences of its people, both good and bad. Also, while I knew that the Revolution was really a civil war it was deeply interesting to learn more about how it played out in one specific location. This helped me develop a deeper understanding of the Revolution in general.
As someone who has enjoyed your book, I am thrilled that your research into your ancestor’s role at Fort Stanwix led to so many more stories being told and that all of us get a chance to learn these stories.
What is your hope for those reading Defending of Fort Stanwix?
First, that they will enjoy the story and become curious to know more about this event and also other events that took place during all the years of the Revolution in the Mohawk Valley.
I also hope readers will come to a better understanding of how the Continental Army developed over the course of the war and just what it was like to serve in it. Too many people tend to look at the army as though it was as fully developed and professional as our army today. To understand virtually any battle in the war it must be examined in light of the developmental situation of the army at that time. As mentioned above, I really hope readers will see history as a human story and not just a collection of “facts” that can be put together to argue about the importance of someone or an event.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your book that centers on this piece of history in the Mohawk Valley and this region’s place in our national story.
Many thanks to Larry for taking the time to share his passion for history. The first installment can be read here and the second in the series can be read here. Obtain a copy of Defending Fort Stanwix: A Story of the New York Frontier in the American Revolution available at Cornell University Press.
MVT Updates
Mohawk Valley Featured Weekend Events: April 25-27April 25, 2025 - 8:05 am- Closure of Arkell Hall Foundation Adult HomeApril 24, 2025 - 5:52 pm
Defending Fort Stanwix details what colonial and military life looked like at Fort Stanwix through the eyes of those that lived in and around the “fort that never surrendered” and how it played a pivotal role during the American Revolution.
“Defending Fort Stanwix relates the stories of local men and women, both white and Indigenous, who helped with the fort’s defense before, during, and after the siege and showcases an exciting, overlooked story of bravery and cooperation on New York’s frontier during the American Revolution.” (Cornell University Press)
