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Sacrifice and Helmer's Heroic Run

"In memory of the three scouts killed on the estate of Percefer Carr by Brandts Indians September 1778" This is the nugget of a very famous story of Revolutionary War exploits described by Walter Edmonds in his classic book, DRUMS ALONG THE MOHAWK..one describing a man whose name was Adam Helmer and his famous 30-mile run from the Carr farm to Fort Herkimer to warn residents along his route and the fort of imminent attack by Indians and Tories. Adam Helmer was a leader of a group of nine patriot military scouts including himself. They had been scouting all over Unadilla River and Butternut Valley area from Old Unadilla to Oneida. They were surprised by Brant's Indians at a spring on Carr's farm. Three of the scouts were killed and later their bodies buried where they were found. This marker is placed on that site. Five of the scouts were never seen again and Adam Helmer escaped to make his famous run. His effort is reported to have saved many lives.

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