The Loomis Gang

As we get older, the past seems to become so important to us.  On a recent visit to my parent's home in West Virginia, I had the opportunity to talk to my cousin who has been working on the geneology of our family.  He told me that my father's maternal ancestors hailed from Holland.  My father's paternal ancestors can't be traced back much further than my great-grandfather.  On my mother's side, everyone was Irish!

On the wall in my bedroom hangs a Marriage License for Louis Loomis and Carrie Mumpton.  This beautiful piece of art was given to me from my grandmother-in-law soon after my husband and I married.  Louis and Carrie were her parents.  I always wondered if the surname Loomis was any relation to those famous horse theives who ruled Central New York in the early 1800s.  Gram never said.  If the subject came up, she would tactfully change gears to talk about something that happened at church or in the neighborhood.  Several years ago, when Gram went into a nursing home, I found a letter and application to the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Gram could trace her family back to Joseph Loomis of Hartford, CT.  When I found that letter, I quickly searched the internet for information on the CNY Loomis Gang.  My quick search told me that Gram was indeed a relative of the renown clan.

At the Canastota Public Library, we are pleased to present a talk on the Wednesday, October 21 at 7pm, the library will hold a special presentation on "The Loomis Gang." Learn about this notorius family of outlaws and horse thieves that operated in Central New York from local descendent, Robert Loomis. This event will be held on the second floor of the library.  I'm planning to be there to learn more about my husband's ancestors.  I hope that you will be able to attend as well.