Nicholas Herkimer (1728-1777), American revolutionary general, born in a German settlement near Herkimer, New York. After serving in the French and Indian War he was appointed a brigadier general in the New York militia. In August 1777 he led his troops to the relief of Fort Stanwix, which was under attack by British troops commanded by the British officer Barry St. Leger. Herkimer's company was ambushed at Oriskany, New York, and during the ensuing battle, which was one of the bloodiest of the war, Herkimer was mortally wounded. The county and the village of Herkimer, New York, were named in his honor.