Stories in Stones: Stories from Oneida County, NY Cemeteries

      Thomas W. Seward was born Oct 11, 1813 in Utica. He was educated in Utica Schools. He graduated from Hamilton College in 1833. He was one of the charter members of Hamilton's Sigma Phi Fraternity. After graduating law but gave it up.      In 1832, Thomas W. Seward started working at Farmer's and Mechanic's Bank in Detroit, Mich. He returned to Utica in 1837 because the bank failed. In 1839, Mr. Seward accepted a position as a cashier at Madison County Bank in Cazenovia. He stayed there several years before returning to Utica where he started a bookstore with Lansing Thurber. Mr. Thurber later withdrew from the partnership.     From around 1872 or 1873 to his death, Thomas W. Seward was Treasurer for the State Hospital for the Insane. A few years later he decided to devote himself entirely to the office so he gave up his store.     On July 14, 1840 Thomas W. Seward married Sarah Williams. They had four children. ...

      Walter J. Helfert was born in Utica on March 1, 1875 to Philip and Theresa Helfert.      According to his obituary Walter J. Helfert was one of the country's greatest bicycle racers. The first race he entered was July 4, 1893 which went by the old Utica Opera House on Lafayette Street to Yorkville and back. He won by three minutes. He won more contests at Utica Park; Ilion; Oneonta; and he captured the three-mile state title at Cohoes. When he earned the three-mile state title, he took all the skin of his back when he slid under a plank to avoid a pile up.      In 1894, Walter J. Helfert became a professional and joined the Spalding team. He competed with them all over the nation and Canada.     After retiring from racing, Walter J. Helfert operated an auto supply store on Elizabeth St. He also promoted amateur boxing in Utica. He was secretary of the NYS Fireman's Benevolent Assoc.     Walte...