Stories in Stones: Stories from Oneida County, NY Cemeteries

      Thomas Franklin McKeough was born May 17, 1860 to Patrick and Bridget in Utica. In 1881, graduated from Assumption Academy. He later attended a private technical school to be an engineer.      Thomas McKeough started working with Russell Wheeler, Son and Co. as a mechanical engineer. He later worked at Kernan Furnace Co for six years. Mr. McKeough left Utica and entered the plumbing and heating business in Syracuse, N.Y. In 1891, returned to Utica and became Chief Engineer for Utica Gas and Electric Co. In 1904 became general manager of the Utica Steam Engine and Boiler works. He was elected Secretary in 1906 and later became its president (was until his death).      One of Thomas F. McKeough's achievements was the electrifying of the power of Trenton Falls.       Thomas F. McKeough helped in organizing the Mohawk Valley Woolen Co. and was Secretary and Treasurer until it went out of business. He was also President o...

       Arwed Retter was born July 6 (8?), 1847 in Stuttgart, Wurttenberg Germany. At age 15 moved to London. He moved to America at the age of 17. He settled for a short time in New York City.       Arwed Retter graduated from the Dental College of the University of Pennsylvania. He moved to Utica in 1878. He opened a practice there. His specialties were bridge work and dental surgery. He had patients from all over the state and many other states.      On Dec 8, 1881 Arwed Retter married Hattie J. Hollingworth. They had two daughters.      Arwed Retter was a member of the following: Utica Dental Society (was President at the time of his death); Fifth District Dental Society; and New York State Dental Society.      Arwed Retter passed away on Feb 25, 1918 and is buried in Plot 52 Lot 3795 of Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica.     

       Milton H. Merwin was born June 16, 1832 in Leydon, Lewis County NY to Mr. and Mrs. Alanson Merwin. Attended Cazenovia Seminary and Hamilton College (graduated in 1852).      Milton H. Merwin studied law in Watertown in the office of Joseph Mullin, Admitted to practice law in 1853. He became Mr. Mullin's partner. He was partner until 1857. 1860-1863 Mr. Merwin served as as Surrogate of Jefferson County. 1867-68 was member of the Constitutional Convention.      In 1874, Milton H. Merwin was elected to the New York State Supreme Court. He had been serving out the term of Charles H. Doolittle. He served on it in different capacities until 1902.      Milton H. Merwin married Helen Knapp in November of 1858. They had five children.      Milton H. Merwin was a member of the following: Central NY Alumni of Hamilton College and Oneida County Bar Association. He served as President of both.      ...

      Charles Judson Hill was born Feb 13, 1830 in Burford, Brant, Canada West. 1854-1859 studied medicine in Utica with Dr. William H. Watson. At the same time he took courses at the Homeopathic Medical College of Philadelphia, from where he graduated in 1859. He then entered in a partnership with Dr. Watson which lasted until the fall of 1862 where he joined the Union Army.      Dr. C. Judson Hill was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the 91st NY Reg with whom he served about three years. Among the other positions that he hold during the war include: Surgeon for the 15th Maine; Surgeon in charge of the US Hospital at Pensacola, FL; Post Surgeon at Fort Barrancas FL; and Surgeon in charge of Barracks Hospital at Baton Rouge, LA. Because of poor health Dr. Hill was force to resign and return home in the winter of 1864-65. He soon received a Commission as Captain of NYS Volunteers. He regained his health and returned to practice again.      ...

       Howard V. Littell was born Jan 10, 1883 to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Littell in Sanford, NY. He graduated from Oneonta High School. He earned his Bachelor of Philosophy Degree from Wesleyan University.      1902-1906 Howard V. Littell was principal of Otego NY High School; and 1902-1912 principal of Mohawk NY High School. In 1912, became Superintendent of Schools in Saranac Lake, NY.      In 1917, Howard V. Littell served with the YMCA in France for a year during World War One. Arter his year in France he returned to as Superintendent in Saranac Lake.      Early in Mr. Littell's career in Saranac Lake he started domestic science courses for the young women and also an open air school for Tuberculous children.      1936, Howard V. Littell helped found the Saranac Lake Study and Craft Guild. It was organized for Occupational Therapeutic work among patients in the sanatoriums in the area.      Ho...

       Henry Joseph Holbrook was born Feb 18, 1833 in Dalton, Mass. When young moved to Utica and was educated in the public schools. There he was engaged in the mercantile business. Later was a clerk in a general store in Buffalo. After Buffalo he moved to Wisconsin where he managed a general supply store. Later lived in Chicago and New York City. In New York City he worked in the dry goods trade.       In 1871, Henry J. Holbrook moved back to Utica. In 1872, he formed a partnership with George W. Ludlow and purchased the establishment of Case and Everts Shoe Manufactures. When Ludlow withdrew form the partnership, Mr. Holbrook continued the business with Lewis H. Lawrence as a special partner. The firm was called the H.J. Holbrook and Co. Mr. Holbrook retired in 1894.      On October 3, 1860 Henry J. Holbrook married Marietta Norton. They had two children.      Henry J. Holbrook was a member of the following: Fort S...