Collin Caulkry is the man believed to have written The Nickerbocker's Tale.
Biography
He was said to be a madman. His daughter had vanished without a trace near his home, and this inspired him to write the story. However, shortly after, he was found dead by his wife.
He went missing not long before the unfinished book was published, which is believed to be the reason the book was left unfinished.