Stories in Stones: Stories from Oneida County, NY Cemeteries

     Elizabeth Luce was born in 1871 in New Hartford, NY to Lynott Bloodgood and Anna Root. In 1897, she married Henry Winters Luce (who was born in 1868). Mr. Luce was a Presbyterian Missionary, who helped to institute the cooperative system among protestant groups who founded educational institutions in China.     After their marriage they went to North China.  During that time the area was in a state of revolt against intruders from the Occident, missionaries were even killed. During the Boxer Uprising the Luces fled from Shantung to Korea in the nick of time because a few hours later American Residents were slaughtered.      The Luces braved the hardships of the time and stayed on to help establish schools and colleges that later became valuable ties between China and the West. Henry W. became Vice-President of Cheeloo University at Tsinan.     During their time in China Elizabeth helped in organizing medical and ...

      Wesley W. Burrows was born in 1829 in Egypt (near Oriskany), NY. He graduated from Rome Academy. In 1849, he went west to prospect for gold.     Around 1853 Mr. Burrows went to Memphis, Tennessee. While there he was employed as a boss carpenter on of the largest slave farms in the south. He oversaw about 50 slaves. He gained a reputation as a kind and able overseer.     When Wesley Burrows returned to Utica he went to work for the NY Central Railroad as a fireman. He soon became an engineer and ran an engine on the NY Central until 1876. He also drove for the Illinois Central and in 1876 became an engineer for the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad. He worked there until he retired in 1895.     Wesley Burrows married Anna Filkins. They had three children.            Wesley W. Burrows passed away on Feb 10, 1917. He is buried in Plot 35 Lot 2673 of Forest Hill Cemetery in Uti...

       Dr. George Seymour was born in DeRuyter, NY on Oct 5th, 1839 to David Tompkins and Hanna Dodge Seymour. He spent his early boyhood in West Winfield, NY before moving to Pulaski, NY.     While continuing his studies George Seymour taught school. He studied medicine under Dr. F.S. Law of Pulaski. He went to Ohio and studied and taught school for a year. He graduated from the Medical College of the City of New York.     During the Civil War Dr. Seymour served as Assistant Surgeon with the Army of the Potomac. After the war he had a practice in Pulaski until 1877 when he moved to Utica where he became a very successful General Practitioner.       In 1881, Dr. Seymour was sent as a delegate to the State Medical Society (became a permanent member in 1884). He served as President of the Oneida County Medical Society. He also was one of the incorporators of the Utica Medical Library Association.    ...

      Van Rensselaer Weaver was born Jan 21, 1854 in Deerfield, NY to George F. Weaver. He was educated in Deerfield School and the Advanced School in Utica.     For five successive years starting in 1880 Van Rensselaer Weaver served as Town of Deerfield Supervisor. He was held it again in 1892 and 1893. He was later elected to a term of three years as Sheriff of Oneida County. Mr. Weaver also served as a member of the Oneida County Building Commission. During his time the new courthouse was constructed. He served on several important committees. In 1908, he was appointed United States Marshall for the Southern District of New York.     Van Rensselear Weaver married Laura A. Owens. They had four sons.     He passed away on Oct 5, 1911 and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica.        

     Dr. William LeGrange Ralph was born June 19, 1851 in Holland Patent, NY to George and Mary C. Ralph. When he was 12 his family moved to Utica. He was educated in Utica Schools and Whitestown Seminary. William L. Ralph graduated from Columbia College where he studied medicine. He started his own practice. Because of heart trouble he to abandon active work. He began to study heart disorders.     After retiring from his practice Dr. Ralph turned to his attention to the field of Ornithology. He studied the birds around Oneida County. He located several rare species. Dr. Ralph made trips to the Montezuma Marshes, Florida, and the Adirondacks to study birds.     In 1901, Dr. William L. Ralph was elected to the American Ornithologists Union. He helped Maj. Bendire with writing "Life Histories of North American Birds". Maj. Bendire mentioned Dr. Ralph's name more than anyone else. When Maj. Bendire passed away Dr. Ralph took up his work.  ...

       George Ralph was born in Schenectady, NY on Nov 11, 1826 to George and Harriet Cooper Ralph. The family moved to Utica in 1839. In early manhood he moved to Binghamton, NY. In 1850, George Ralph became a member of Bovier, Briggs and Co of Elmira, NY.      In 1869, George Ralph moved back to Utica at the solicitation of his father. He erected the Columbia Street Brewery. It later was consolidated with the Oneida Brewery, which was owned by Stephen Thorn and Francis Midlam. The firm became known as Ralph, Midlam and Co. It was succeeded by George Ralph Jr. and Co. In 1886, it was incorporated as the Oneida Brewing Company,     George Ralph married Mary Catherine Wells. They had three sons: William L, George Frederick, and Henry Judson.     George Ralph was a member of the Utica Club; Utica Lodge F. and A.M. (which was he was a master of it 1869-1870); Charter Member of the Yahnundahus Lodge, A. and A.B; and was H...

      John Batchelor was born on November 22, 1841 to Daniel. He was educated in Utica Public Schools. As a young man he was employed in the office of the Utica Morning Herald. While working there he learned the typesetter trade. He stayed with the Herald until he left to be a typesetter for the Utica Evening Telegram where he stayed for two years.     John Batchelor left the printing trade to enter the family business (Batchelor Brothers) a well known seed store which also sold commercial fertilizers and farm and garden supplies on Liberty Street. He bought out the interests of his father and uncle to become the sole owner. In 1886, John Batchelor sold the business.        After selling the seed business John Batchelor worked at the Post Office. He rose to the position of Chief of the Distributing Department.     For about six years John Batchelor was a member of the Neptune Fire Co. No 5.     Joh...