Stories in Stones: Stories from Oneida County, NY Cemeteries

       Charles Leaf Dobson was born April 23, 1823 in Pickering, England to William N. and Margaret Dobson. The family came to the US and settled in Westmoreland in 1828. They moved to Utica in 1840. When Charles L. Dobson was 19 he entered the fruit and candy business. In 1852, he entered the grocery business which he sold in 1862 to his brother.     In 1850, Charles L. Dobson opened a dancing academy in Oneida Square called Dobson's Hall. Before Dobson's Hall opened he gave lessons in different locations around Utica including Washington and Apollo Halls. He retired in 1890. At the time he was the leading dance teacher in Central NY.     Charles L. Dobson invested in real estate. He owned the whole point south of Oneida Square, from Oneida Hall on Oneida Street through to Genesee Street. He also owned the stores on Columbia Street from the corner of Seneca Street to Ryan's Bakery.     Charles L. Dobson was married twice:...

       Ezra Smith Barnum was born June 21, 1792, in Danbury, CT. Moved to Utica in 1809 with his brother-in-law whom he was indentured as an apprentice in the shoemaking, tanning, and currier business. He stayed with him until his apprenticeship expired in 1812.     In 1812, Ezra S. Barnum moved to Buffalo where he worked in the leather business. When the War of 1812 started, he volunteered and was at the first taking of Fort Erie. He took ill and returned to Utica. While in Utica, the British burned Buffalo so he did not go back. He became partners with his brother-in-law in the manufacture and sale of boots and shoes.     On May 5, 1815, Ezra S. Barnum married Mary Ostrom. They had ten children.     In 1832, Ezra S. Barnum turned to farming. Later entered in the grocery and confectionery business on the corner of Genesee and Catherine. In 1849, Mr. Barnum visited Europe for the first time for health and business purposes and while ther...