The Way It Was according the Founding Pioneers tells how four courageous and visionary men settled a wilderness empire about the size of the states of Connecticut and Rhode Islandcombined in Upstate New York. Their amazing exploits put them in the vanguard of what the world began to recognize as a new breed of man. Oliver Phelps dealt personally with the Seneca Indians who not many years before fiercely fought for their lands. His partner, Nathaniel Gorham, sent his son to pursue his father’s investment while Nathaniel concentrated on giving the nation the document that has guaranteed the freedom of every American down to the present.

The next major landlord of Western New York was Robert Morris, renowned as the Financier of the American Revolution, signer of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Morris sent his son, Thomas, to deal with the Seneca. Robert Morris’ international reach brought to the Genesee Country one of the most flamboyant and daring individuals ever to tread these parts. He was Col. Charles Williamson who first visited America as Scottish captain bent on fighting the rebels and returned as the representative of a London combine of investors. Williamson became the nation’s first “Hot House” developer.

Author Don Kneeland assumes the persona of prominent pioneers to bring alive the history of Upstate New York.