Stories in Stones: Stories from Oneida County, NY Cemeteries

       Henry H. Cooper was born Apr 5, 1840. During his youth the family lived in different places including Quebec Canada, Oswego, NY; and Kingsville, Can. As a young man Henry H. Cooper moved to Detroit, Michigan. He got work at C.A. Yates clothing store. He moved to Utica where Yates had a store where he worked as a salesman. He later worked for Lewis and Swarthout, and H.J. Wood.       In 1871, Henry H. Cooper organized the store of Cooper, Chamberlain, and Horn which later became Cooper and Chamberlain. He also established the house of H.H. Cooper and Co. (which was incorporated in 1912).      Henry H. Cooper was a member of the following: Faxton Lodge, No 697 F. & A.M.; Fort Schuyler Club; Adirondack League Club; Utica Chamber of Commerce; and Commercial Travelers Mutual Accident Association of America. He was a trustee of the Savings Bank of Utica and Director of Oneida National Bank.      Henry H. Cooper m...

       James B. Paddon was born March 13, 1886 in New York City to Mr. and Mrs. William Paddon. Came to Utica in 1843? was educated in William Osborn's School and the Advanced School.      For a few months James B. Paddon was a clerk in the store of Cooley and Clark. He then did carpenter work for some time. In 1859, Mr. Paddon became a recording clerk in the County Clerk's office. Two years later he was appointed deputy clerk. He hold the office for 12 years. In 1873, James B. Paddon was elected County Clerk. During his term the office moved to a new building. After his term was up he was reappointed as deputy clerk. He served until 1880 when he retired. After he retired Mr. Paddon went onto both the real estate and coal businesses.      During the Civil War James B. Paddon served on committees to get the seventh ward to raise its quota of volunteers to avoid the draft. He was one of the organizers of Friendship Hook, Ladder, and Bucket...

       Blandina Dudley Miller was born May 1, 1843 in Utica to Rutger Bleecker and Mary Seymour Miller (sister to NY Gov and Presidential Candidate Horatio Seymour and Julia who married political boss Roscoe Conkling). In 1845, the family moved to Alder Creek, NY. She was educated by private tutors and attended Turner's French School in Utica; and Moravian Seminary in Bethlehem, PA. The family returned to Utica in about 1861.      Blandina Dudley Miller was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. She taught Sunday School. She was a member of the sewing society and choir.    According to her obituary  Blandina Dudley Miller wrote more on historical subjects than any other woman in this section of the state. She wrote a book "A Sketch of Old Utica". She also wrote on nature and birds.      She was also a member of the following: Oneida Historical Society (now the Oneida County History Center); Oneida Chapter, Daughters of the Am...

       Frederick Manwell Calder was born to John and Margaret Huton Calder on March 20, 1861 in New York Mills, NY. He graduated from Whitestown Seminary in 1878. In 1882, Frederick M. Calder graduated from Hamilton College.      Frederick M. Calder studied law with Justice P.C.J De Angelis and the law firm of Miller and Fincke. He was admitted to the bar in 1884. For three years he was the managing clerk for the firm before opening his own practice.      Frederick M. Calder married Elizabeth Holbrook. They had a son.       In 1896, Frederick M. Calder was elected Surrogate of Oneida County. He served until 1906. In 1891-92 was the Chairman of the Oneida County Republican Committee. He later served as Corporation Counsel of Utica.       Frederick M. Calder started to serve on the NY State Supreme Court on Jan 1, 1921 but sadly passed away a few days later on the 17th of Jan.     ...

       Warren C. Rowley was born Sept 28, 1841 to Warren and Harriet Curry Rowley in Trenton, NY. He attended Fairfield Seminary. He hoped to enter Hamilton College but his father died and he took over the his general store.      Warren C. Rowley came to Utica in 1866. He took a job with his brother and uncle at their wholesale and retail stationary store, Curry, Rowley and Co. It changed names a few times when partners retired and were added. It finally became W.C. Rowley and Son. It was discontinued in 1915. Warren C. Rowley moved to NYC in 1919.      Warren C. Rowley was a member of number of organizations including: Utica Mendelssohn Choir; Enharmonic Musical Society; Masonic organizations; Oneida Historical Society (now the Oneida County History Center) he served as its treasurer for 12 years; Honorary member of the Herkimer County Historical Society; Mohawk Valley Historical Society; Fort Schuyler Club; and Oneida Chapter of the So...

       Henry A. Steber was born in Utica on Aug 15, 1862. He graduated from Utica Free Academy. During his free time as a toolmaker in the Illion NY Armory, he studied dentistry. Henry A. Steber graduated from the Baltimore College of Dentistry. He opened an office in his home in Columbia St. in Utica.      Henry A. Steber was elected to the New York State Assembly. He advocated for factory inspections. He was President of the Utica Trades Assembly.      Henry A. Steber married Caroline C. Piper on Dec 31, 1890 or 1899.      Henry A. Steber passed away on Apr 27, 1915. He is buried in Plot 53 Lot 4099 of Forest Hill Cemetery.