Where a gift gives forever

Wesley and Marion Small shared not only a deep devotion to each other, but an intense commitment to serving and improving the community they loved.

Wesley was a descendent of the area’s first settlers, including a Colonial officer who fought alongside General Nicholas Herkimer at the Battle of Oriskany. He grew up in the newspaper business under the tutelage of his father and, with a degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, became publisher of the Herkimer Evening Telegram in 1922. Under his leadership the paper succeeded not only journalistically, but as an advocate of countless programs for community betterment.

Born in Beverly, Massachusetts, Marion was a graduate of Miss Wheelock School and Wheelock College. She taught at the Buckley School in New York and at the Utica Country Day School. Her involvement in Herkimer County life became every bit as encompassing as her husband’s.

Wesley passed away in 1977 and Marion, in 1989. Their fund, established in 1994 from their estate, is earmarked to benefit programs in Herkimer County. And benefit them it does.

Through 2006, the fund had generated over 200 grants, delivering more than $4 million in support to Herkimer county programs. Through their fund, the Smalls are practicing in perpetuity the community-mindedness they embraced during their lifetimes. They will always be giants in making Herkimer County a better place to live.

See how the Smalls are still making an impact on our community today by clicking here.