Stories in Stones: Stories from Oneida County, NY Cemeteries

      George W. Westcott was born Apr 3, 1813 in Eaton, Madison County, New York. At 17 years of age he was apprenticed to a hatter in Morrisville. In 1835, came to Utica, where entered onto the same business.     George W. Westcott traveled over the United States and Canada purchasing furs. He was connected with John Jacob Astor. Soon after establishing himself at 48? or 45 Genesee St. he entered onto partnership with Charles Symonds and later with Ira A. Button. In 1854, E.A. Hammond and W.S. Wightman were admitted. The firm was called George Westcott and Co. When Mr. Wightman passed away, it was changed to Westcott and Hammond which lasted seven years. A few years later he admitted D.W. Northrup. After Northrup withdrew from the partnership, George W. Westcott took his two sons Fred and W.B. as partners and the business once again became known as George Westcott and Co.     George W. Westcott married Amy Benedice. She passed away in 1...

      Alexander Seward was born on Nov 28, 1816 to Mr. and Mrs. Asahel Seward (who published Utica' first newspaper). He attended Utica Academy; Utica High School; and Cazenovia Seminary. He graduated from Hamilton College and Union College (1836).     Alexander Seward studied law with Joshua A. Spencer and Mann and Edmonds. in 1840, started practicing law. At the same time he was appointed examiner in chancery.     In 1843, Alexander Seward became editor and proprietor of the Daily Gazette. He was the head of the newspaper for nine years. He organized the first Association for the telegraphic interchange of news (which the press associations of today grew from).     In 1850, Alexander Seward took charge of the State Register at Albany and edited it for more than a year.      In 1853, Alexander Seward was united in marriage to Caroline Kirkland who died in 1864. They had one son. In 1866, he married Ann...

      William Ross Lee was born Mar 20 (21?), 1875 to Louis and Mary Ross Lee in Utica. When he was five they family moved to Gouverneur, NY. He graduated from Hamilton College in 1900. He was salutatorian of his class. After graduating Mr. Lee taught oratory and English at Hamilton. Then taught Public Speaking and Debate at Cornell University. While teaching at Cornell he took a three year course at Cornell Law School.     After passing the Bar, William R. Lee returned to Utica. He served a clerkship in the office of August Merrill. At night he worked as a reporter for the Press newspaper.     On Nov 18, 1908 William Ross Lee married Mary Pringle.     William Ross Lee served as Assistant Corporation Counsel two times during two different mayors (Wheeler and Baker). He served also as Sheriff's Attorney. From 1911-1917 William R. Lee was 1st Assistant to DA Bradley Fuller. He succeeded Mr. Fuller as DA. He served from 1917-...

      Egbert Bagg Sr. was born Feb 20, 1820 in Utica to Mr. and Mrs. Moses Bagg. He graduated from Hobart College in 1841. He studied law in Utica and was admitted to the bar in 1844.     Egbert Bagg Sr. took a two-year trip to various places including going up the Nile and many locations in Europe.     When Egbert Bagg Sr. returned, he learned the business of machinist at New York Mills. In 1847, he started in the business of manufacturing machinery. The firm name was Bagg and Roberts. After the business ended, he turned to engineering and worked on the enlargement of the Erie Canal. Mr. Bagg was city surveyor from 1853-1854.      In 1849, Egbert Bagg Sr. married Cornelia Hunt (the sister of US Supreme Court Justice Ward Hunt). They had one son Egbert Jr.     From 1848-1849 Egbert Bagg Sr. was Treasurer of the Fireman's Benevolent Association. He was also an honorary member of the Utica Citizen's Corps.     In 1853, ...