History at the Old Stone Fort - Bolo and Tim Murphy Note

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 12/19/25 | 12/19/25

Bolo

Filipino ambushes and surprise night attacks using this curved weapon were greatly feared by American troops. In addition to its use in combat, the bolo served as a practical tool, similar to a machete, and was widely used throughout the jungles of the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei for clearing vegetation. Lieutenant Louis J. Van Schaick, originally from Cobleskill, nearly had his hand severed by a bolo strike. These items were sent to us by the Old Stone Fort’s Clay Edmunds.

Timothy Murphy Promissory Note

This promissory note from February 11, 1817, bears Timothy Murphy’s initials (he could not read or write) as well as the calculation of the $2.50 interest on the loan. Murphy is most famously known for receiving credit for killing British General Simon Fraser during the 1777 Saratoga Campaign. Murphy also helped defend the Middle Fort during the 1780 Johnson Raid.