Writers among us; This is the fourth in a series about local authors.

A little research project turned into a two-volume history, By Aimee Henkel Ogdensburg — High school science teacher Andrew Bickerton is a curious man. When he bought his home on Saw Mill Brook, he wondered why it was called “Saw Mill” and not, say, Heater’s Brook. The Saw Mill feeds off Heater’s Pond after all. So, he decided to do a little research, just to see what he could turn up. It didn’t take too long for him to learn that his house was built on the foundation of an old saw mill — but more than that, he began learning all sorts of interesting things about Ogdensburg, which he eventually turned into a two-volume book: “Some History and Headlines of the Upper Walkill Valley.” “I had always wanted to write a book, and I’m a history buff, so it just seemed natural to put all the information together for people.” Labor of curiosity “It took me about three years of research,” said Bickerton, “and I uncovered so much it ended up being 800 pages of really interesting material, including information about the mines in the area and the first families to live here.” Bickerton found the wealth of information he turned up irresistible, calling it “really fascinating.” He also includes a lot of unknown facts about the founding families, especially the Ogdens, the founding family of Ogdensburg. He says the Ogden family bought their plantation, named Sparta, in 1765. The senior Ogden had represented New Jersey in the Continental Congress, but was not in favor of irritating King George over the Stamp Act. He dropped out of politics until the Revolutionary War, when his sons joined the Continental Army. Eventually, the Ogdens claimed Heater’s Pond in 1778. Bickteron says he didn’t set out to write a book when he began researching his property, it just all came together. He self-published his book and sells it primarily by word of mouth, and through historical societies. He has also done book signings at Annie’s Bookstop in Wantage, where a number of local historians also sell their books.