At 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, author Daniel Bullen will be at the United Methodist Church in South Otselic to discuss Shays' Rebellion and the process of writing his book. (Submitted photo)

SOUTH OTSELIC – The Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association’s 2026 Reading Series is currently underway.

Titled, From Turtle Island to Independence Hall: America’s Fight for “Liberty and Justice for All,” this year’s titles focus on the early history of the United States.

One book, “Daniel Shays's Honorable Rebellion,” by Daniel Bullen will be the focus of discussion this week as the author himself comes to discuss his take on this historic event and the ties to our local community.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, Daniel Bullen will be at the United Methodist Church in South Otselic to discuss Shays' Rebellion and the process of writing his book.

Historically, Shays' Rebellion refers to an uprising of poor farmers and Revolutionary War veterans that took place in Massachusetts in 1787.

“Dan takes something that was looked at as a violent rebellion in a negative light and presents a different view,” said reading series organizer Michael Foor-Pessin. “They were fed up with the wealthy class closing their farms. It was a peaceful rebellion and Shays was its reluctant leader.”

Shays' Rebellion is an important part of United States history, because it shed light on the fact that the Articles of Confederation were not sufficient to govern the country.

Foor-Pessin explained that Shays' Rebellion highlighted the need for a more comprehensive document which led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

The rebellion was called a treasonous act by a violent mob.

“That’s not what happened,” Foor-Pessin said. “The people who died were shot upon by the Massachusetts Militia. It’s taken this long for history to come to terms with what was really going on.”

While Shays' Rebellion took place in western Massachusetts, there are many ties to our local community. Foor-Pessin explained that while teaching at Morrisville College, his student Tessi Ulrich researched local patriots after coming across a gravesite for Thomas Brooks in Plymouth. Brooks openly admitted and justified his involvement in Shays' Rebellion, unlike many others who downplayed or hid their involvement.

“The Chenango County connection gives this a richer context,” Foor-Pessin said. “The old-timers in our community were independent. They wanted to be left alone. They were skeptical of our government.”

Another participant in Shays' Rebellion was Nathaniel Austin from Sherburne. Austin was arrested for his involvement in the rebellion and sentenced to be hanged. According to local history, his wife went to the prison to visit him the night before his execution and gave her husband her hooded cloak. Austin signaled the guard as if he were her and was allowed to exit. Hours later, Mrs. Austin signaled the guard and made her presence known and the jailer, having no authority to detain her, had to let her go as well. Austin is buried in Chenango Forks.

Even Daniel Shays himself has ties to New York state. The leader of the rebellion is buried in Livingston, New York.

Even though Shays' Rebellion occurred over 200 years ago, Foor-Pessin said there are a lot of similarities to today. “Look at the Tea Party to the No Kings movement. The pendulum swings both ways. People are fed up with what’s going on and they vote for change.”

Daniel Bullen’s presentation will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday. He will be available to sign books following his presentation, but books will not be sold at the event. Foor-Pessin encourages those who want a signed book to purchase a copy in advance.