The history of the counties of Dutchess and Putnam cannot be studied too often; for it is of the greatest interest, and the record revealed is a proud one. Few counties in New York State were as closely identified with those crucial events connected with the formative period of the Republic as the county of Dutchess as originally constituted. The preparation of genealogies and biographies was, for the most part, in the hands of our subscribers, and it is confidently believed that this department of the work will be considered of great value. Oxford Publishing Company. Poughkeepsie, N. Y December, 1912.