Stories in Stones: Stories from Oneida County, NY Cemeteries

       James Rockwell Sheffield was born Aug 13, 1864 in Dubuque, Iowa to Frederick W.H. and Sarah Kellogg Sheffield. They later moved to Utica, NY. He attended Utica Free Academy and Williston Seminary. In 1867, he graduated from Yale. James R. Sheffield attended Harvard Law School for a year before continuing his studies in Washington D.C. while serving as Iowa Senator William B. Allison's private secretary.       In 1893, James R. Sheffield was admitted to the Bar. He practiced law in New York City. Also in 1893, he was elected to the New York State Assembly. He served one term. From 1895-1898 he was a member of the NYC Board of Fire Commissioners (was President 1897-1898).       Theodore Roosevelt twice offered James R. Sheffield appointments to the federal bench but he declined.       In 1924, thanks to the efforts of Charles Evens Hughes, President Calvin Coolidge appointed James R. Sheffield as Ambass...

      William Burdick Taylor was born in Manchester on Feb 27, 1824. Moved to Utica when young. After completing his education at Utica Free Academy, he became his brother Lorenzo (who was city surveyor) assistant. In 1851 William became city surveyor and served until 1852.     William B. Taylor was appointed leveler on the Erie Canal and was soon promoted to second assistant engineer on the canals. In 1854, he was appointed resident engineer/ His division extended from Canajoharie to the Oneida Lake Canal. He served until 1855 but was reappointed in 1859 and served until the summer of 1861. That summer William B. Taylor was appointed engineer of the eastern division extending from the Oneida Lake Canal to Albany. Also in 1861, he was elected state engineer and surveyor which he served until 1863 (and was reelected in 1872).     Willam B. Taylor returned to Utica in 1874 where he engaged in the real estate business with his brother. In 1878, was chosen...