Historical Research

Family Histories

• The McOmber Family of Orleans County
  This compiled family history documents the immediate family of Otis McOmber (1835-1928), the life of his father Van Rensselaer McOmber (1807-1864), the lineage of his mother, the deaths of his brothers Lorenzo and Charles during the Rebellion, and his own service with Company B of the 76th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

Orleans County Histories

• Old-Time Orleans
  Weekly column written for the Orleans Hub relating to Orleans County history.
   
• Overlooked Orleans
  Weekly column written for The Batavia Daily News relating to Orleans County history.
   
• A Touch of Texas - Orleans County Brothers Advance Veterinary Medicine - 2014
  Piece written for The Cobblestone Museum as part of a weekly article about county physicians and pharmacists. Discusses the biographical history of Dr. Robert Newman Flowers and his brothers, Drs. Alsop Edward, Godolphin Richard, and Royal George Flowers, all veterinarians in Texas.
   
• Albion Physician Carries Out Last Execution in Madison County - 2014
  Piece written for The Cobblestone Museum as part of a weekly article about county physician and pharmacists. Discusses the biographical history of Dr. Stephen M. Potter.
   
• Civil War General and Surgeon Rests in Albion - 2014
  Piece written for The Cobblestone Museum as part of a weekly article about county physicians and pharmacists. Discusses the biographical history of Dr. Joseph Lee Bullock Brown.
   
• Distinguished Knowlesville Physician Saves Life of Future New York State Attorney General - 2014
  Piece written for The Cobblestone Museum as part of a weekly article about county physician and pharmacists. Discusses the biographical history of Dr. Hartwell Carver Tompkins and his service as regimental surgeon with the 61st New York Infantry and 4th New York Heavy Artillery. Dr. Tompkins saved the lives of Col. Francis C. Barlow (later Attorney General of NYS) and Lieut. Col. Nelson A. Miles (the man who captured Chief Joseph and Geronimo).
   
• Father of Five-Star General a Patient of Albion Dentist - 2014
  Piece written for The Cobblestone Museum as part of a weekly article about county physicians and pharmacists. Discusses the biographical history of Dr. Enos L. Cushing.
   
• Gaines Physician Captures Surgical Instruments at the Battle of Charlestown - 2014
  Piece written for The Cobblestone Museum as part of a weekly article about county physicians and pharmacists. Discusses the biographical history of Dr. David Wellington Onderdonk.
   
• Medina Doctor Shared Knowledge with Students in Southern California - 2014
  Piece written for The Cobblestone Museum as part of a weekly article about county physicians and pharmacists. Discusses the biographical history of Dr. George Jesse Lund.
   
• Nose Mask Reflects Early Efforts to Prevent Injury - 2014
  Piece written for The Cobblestone Museum as part of a weekly article about county physicians and pharmacists. Discusses the history of the "batwing" style nose guard used by football players at the end of the 19th century. Artifact on display at the museum.
   
• Oldest American Revolution Veteran Rests in Clarendon - 2014
  Piece written for Independence Day, discussing the biographical history of Lemuel Cook of Clarendon, NY and oldest surviving American Revolution veteran.
   
• Prominent Holley Native Runs Lucrative Practice in Brooklyn - 2014
  Piece written for The Cobblestone Museum as part of a weekly article about county physicians and pharmacists. Discusses the biographical history of Dr. Henry Dwight Bliss.
   
• Respected Medina Physician Instructs Medical Students at University of Southern California - 2014
  Piece written for The Cobblestone Museum as part of a weekly article about county physicians and pharmacists. Discusses the biographical history of Dr. George Jesse Lund.
   
• Small Lyndonville Building Served as Doctor's Office - 2014
  Piece written for The Cobblestone Museum as part of a weekly article about county physicians and pharmacists. Discusses the history of Dr. John D. Warren's office in Lyndonville, later used by Dr. Charles E. Fairman.

Other Works - Contributor

• Gunnison's Octagonal House - Grand Rapids Historical Commission
  This piece includes a digital drawing extracted from a piece I compiled on cobblestone masonry in Orleans County.

• Ricci-Canham, H., & Canham, A. (2012). Legendary locals of Orleans county. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing.
   
• Ricci-Canham, H., & Townsend, A. A. (2006). Images of America: Carlton and Point Breeze. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing.