While spending so much time recently paddling on the Nine-Mile Swamp - I wondered about the infamous Loomis Gang that once thrived and hid their stolen horses and other loot in the vicinity.
The writing style of this book lacks fluidity, but using excerpts from newspaper articles, and facts gathered from countless interviews, the author portrays a lifestyle reminiscent of the "wild wild west", which included relentless stealing, arson, gunfights, even murder. They gained international fame during the 1800's.
The gang terrorized central NY for 100 years, protected by corrupt attorneys, judges and law officers whom they bribed. Frustrated victims even organized a vigilante posse to lynch the leaders of the clan at one point.
An amazing glimpse into an era I wouldn't have wanted to experience first hand!