Neversink Town Historian Roger Edwards has been hard at work over the past six months with regional historical collaboration, genealogical assistance and extensive research, according to his midyear report delivered to the Town of Neversink Town Board Wednesday night.

In what he described to Town Supervisor Chris Mathews and the town board as a year-and-a-half “labor of love,” Edwards recently completed his examination of numerous historical accounts of the Graham Massacre that took place at Chestnut Woods during the Revolutionary War.

“My goal was to find out what really happened on that fateful day at the Chestnut Woods so long ago,” Edwards said.

The extensive undertaking required consultation of at least 17 volumes of reference materials, as well as ancient letters and online sources. He described the process as both educational and humbling as he worked to reconcile differing historical narratives that spanned generations.

Noting that copies of the completed report were provided to members of the town board, Edwards said he hoped the research would spark discussion and inspire residents to further explore local history.

“I hope that this will inspire people to do their own research into the truth of events that happen daily in their lives,” Edwards said.

He reminded the board and the public that the 250th anniversary of the Graham Massacre will take place on Sept. 5, 2028. Edwards added that the event is part of the town’s historical heritage and that the community will have the opportunity to determine how that milestone is commemorated.

“This event belongs to the historical heritage of the Town of Neversink,” Edwards said. “It is ours to celebrate as we would like it to be celebrated.”

In the Massacre report, Edwards wrote, “The story of the Graham Massacre is the story of all of us who live in these beautiful hills. That day, September 5, 1778, heroes marched up that trail through the woods to Chestnut Creek not in search of fame, but instead to follow the orders of their commanding officer, as so many have had to do to protect our freedom since that autumn day.”

Outside of his Chestnut Woods research, Edwards reported assisting more than 30 families seeking information about ancestors who once resided within the Town of Neversink. Among the surnames he researched were Hinckley, Loeffel, TerBush, Reynolds, Rampe, Everett, Edwards, Green, Cross, Richie, Barber, Murphy, Hardenburgh, Broadhead, Mead, Cantine, Corgil, Hornbeck, Decker, Furman, Booth, Everitt, Dudley, Gilbert and Caldwell, among others.

Edwards also met with several individuals who shared their family and local history, including Leslie Loeffel, Ken and Judy Green, and Robert Finch. Additionally, he created a new file dedicated to local musicians, orchestras and bands as part of his ongoing efforts to preserve community history.

He also conducted research into cemetery deeds at the Sullivan County Government Center and examined early deeds filed between 1789 and 1850 for John Hall and Phoebe Hall Drake on Mutton Hill. Edwards further researched Palatine German histories and reviewed correspondence involving General George Washington and Gov. George Clinton.

Regionally, Edwards worked with Town of Wawarsing Town Clerk Jackie Collier regarding information tied to the Rondout Reservoir removals. He also researched family information concerning the removal of graves from the Ashokan Reservoir in coordination with Richard Heppener, the Town of Woodstock historian. Edwards additionally noted that he has shared the story of the Grahamsville “Gorilla” as part of his local historical work.

“I have been very busy over the past six months,” Edwards said. “I enjoy the research I do, and I’m very honored to be the Town Historian.”

Mathews praised Edwards for his dedication and enthusiasm, describing the Graham Massacre report as “amazing” and encouraging the public to review it once it is posted online.

Former Parks and Recreation Director Cher Woehl asked whether the report would be published on the town’s website. After receiving Edwards’ permission, Town Clerk Staci Conjura confirmed it would be posted, adding that a minor pagination issue would be corrected before upload.

Neversink starts a new chapter

To open the meeting, Supervisor Chris Mathews formally welcomed Marta Brzostowska as the Town of Neversink’s new bookkeeper.

Responding to Deputy Supervisor and Councilperson Ric Coombe Jr., Brzostowska said her first few days in the role had been “so far, so good.”

Coombe then made a motion to appoint Brzostowska as the municipality’s provisional Budget Accounting Coordinator, effective Feb. 2, 2026. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Scott Grey and passed unanimously.

Mathews thanked Brzostowska in advance for her service, noting that he was looking forward to working with her. She responded that she was happy to be working with the town.

The supervisor also took time to acknowledge outgoing Bookkeeper Patricia Gold, who will be phasing out of her position “very shortly.”

“It was great working with her as well,” Mathews said. “I just want to make sure that she gets the acknowledgement from us.”

Coombe noted his ongoing appreciation for former Bookkeeper Teri Lockhart for her continued assistance during the transition.

Coombe encouraged Brzostowska to reach out to the board if needed, assuring her that members are willing to help and want her to be successful in the role. Brzostowska thanked him for the support.