The life and legacy of Col. Eliakim Sherrill, a Civil War soldier and Geneva native, will take center stage during a free public program in Pultneyville on September 3.
Hosted by the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society (W-PHS), the event will begin at 7 p.m. at Gates Hall, 4107 Lake Road. Civil War historian and collector David Malgee will present “Too Brave a Man to Live: The Life and Death of Col. Eliakim Sherrill.”
Sherrill was a farmer, tanner, U.S. Congressman, and New York State Senator who joined the Union Army during the Civil War. He led the 126th New York Infantry and briefly commanded a brigade at Gettysburg — where he was mortally wounded during Pickett’s Charge on July 4, 1863.
Despite his decorated background, Sherrill’s story is largely unknown outside the region. Malgee, a Williamson native and respected Civil War authority, hopes to change that. His presentation will explore Sherrill’s personal, political, and military life — including how he overcame injuries and controversy to lead troops into one of the most pivotal battles of the war.
The program will also feature personal items from Malgee’s private collection, including Sherrill’s uniform, saddle blanket, and other artifacts from the Gettysburg Campaign.
W-PHS is a volunteer-run nonprofit committed to preserving and sharing local history through educational programming. While the event is free and open to the public, donations are welcome to support future programs.
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