The achievements of the living must not be forgotten, nor must the memories of those who have passed away be allowed to perish. It is the imperative duty of the historian to chronicle the public and private efforts to advance the great interests of society. Their deeds are to be recorded for the benefit of those who follow them, -- they, in fact, form part of the history of their communities, and their successful lives add to the glory of the county.

The Editor would be unjust to himself and the county whose history he has compiled, if he did not acknowledge, with feelings of profound gratitude, the cordial aid extended to him and his undertaking by the respective Avriters and by the people of Westchester County. They have given him the fullest encouragement throughout, and have helped him materially in elaborating and perfecting the work. Important and valuable assistance and information have been received from the following persons, to whom also particular recognition is due : -- James Wood; Franklin Crouch, Rev. David Cole, D.D., Rev. John A. Todd, Thomas C. Cornell, Joseph Barrett, Frederick Whittaker and Josiah S. Mitchell.

The scope and method of this history of Westchester County, is best understood by the table of contents, and the names of the Avriters annexed. It is sufficient to demonstrate the broad taste and judiciousness of selection on the part of the Editor. Without their indispensable aid and invaluable stores of material on the history of this interesting county, which they have been diligently collecting for years past, it would have been impossible to present this history in the satisfactory shape it now assumes.