Stories in Stones: Stories from Oneida County, NY Cemeteries

      (Note: Info came from hard to read obituary)        Andrew McMillan was born Dec 11, 1820 in Augusta, Oneida County, New York. He was educated at local schools including Augusta Academy. In 1840, he began teaching at a district school for the salary of $13 a month and board. Five years later it had increased to $22.     At age 23 Andrew McMillan became superintendent of the Augusta schools, he hold that position for six years when it was abolished. He hold positions in Clinton and Oriskany Falls. He was then appointed Principal of the Advanced School in Utica in 1856. In 1867, he was made superintendent of the public schools. At the time he retired 25 years later he had charge of 15 (18?) Schools 130? Teachers and 6,000 or 8,000 students.     Andrew McMillan married Sallie Searls Baylies. They had five children.     In 1873, Andrew McMillan was elected President of the NY State Teacher's Associati...

      Isaac Maynard was born June 10, 1815 in Rushton, Somersetshire, England. He came to Utica in 1836. The following year he and his brother in-law John Thorn formed a soap and candle business on Water Street. It operated for almost 40 years. Over time they added wool pulling; dealing in wool and tanning sheep skins. In 1861, they went into business with former Utican James S. Kirk at Chicago. The firm was called J.S. Kirk and Co. Mr. Thorn and Mr. Maynard stayed with the company until 1880.     In 1861, The Black River and Utica Railroad was organized. Isaac Maynard was named Treasurer. He was also director of the Utica, Clinton, and Binghamton Railroad (he later became President).     Isaac Maynard was an officer of the following organization/businesses: Utica City National Bank; Utica Waterworks; Utica Steam Woolen Mills; and the Globe Woolen Mills. He was a member of the Utica Mechanic's Association.     In 1846 Isaa...

       Francis G. Wood was born in Utica on March 8, 1837 to George and Clara M. Gregory Wood. He was educated at Turner's School. He was a member of the first class to graduate from Utica Free Academy.     In 1858, he graduated from Princeton College. Mr. Wood attended Columbia Law School. In 1860, he was admitted to Practice and became managing clerk in the office of Roscoe Conkling and Montgomery H. Throop.     In 1861, Francis G. Wood was made secretary to Admiral Mervine who was in command of the Gulf Blockade Squadron. The following autumn the Admiral was recalled and Mr. Wood came back to Utica and formed a law practice with Thomas R. Walker.      In 1864, Francis G. Wood along with E.A. Wood organized the Utica Steam Gauge Co. They had a plant on Lafayette Street.     In 1892, along with Robert S. Williams and others he formed the American District Telegraph Co. Its purpose was to supply messeng...

      J. Emery Eaton was born in West Winfield, NY on April 14, 1845 to James and Julia. He graduated from West Winfield Academy. He entered Whitestown Seminary where he stayed for several years.     After school J. Emery Eaton started working with his father in the match business in West Winfield. They later established a plant in Utica. In 1881, the business was sold to the Diamond Match Company. When the Diamond Match Company opened a plant in Frankfort, NY, J. Emery Eaton was made the superintendent and also a director of the company.     J. Emery Eaton was also connected with other enterprises. He was a director of American Straw Board Company of Chicago (he was instrumental in its formation). He was President of the Syracuse Stoveworks. He was also a director of the United Glass Company.     J. Emery Eaton was one of the incorporators of the following enterprises: The District Telegraph Company of Minneapolis; the Ut...

      Robert Gage was born May 6, 1841 in Coleraine, County Derry, Ireland. His father died when Robert was 11. Having friends in the United States his mother decided to move the family there. They sailed from Glasgow and landed in Boston five weeks later. They went from there to Schenectady where they remained through the winter. They moved to Kingston, Canada the following spring.     When the family reached Kingston, Robert Gage was apprenticed to a watchmaker. He stayed there for three years. Indoor work did not agree with him. His health was not good so his doctors suggested he find some outdoor employment. He decided to get onto his father's trade as a carpenter. Robert Gage was a successful carpenter for 15 years. He studied the theory and practice of architecture. He had charge of repairing the old and planning and constructing the new buildings of the Royal Military College at Kingston. He also designed many business edifices and private dwell...

       Anson Delano Webster was born July 29, 1842 in Keeney, NY. He was educated in common schools and Cazenovia Seminary.     Anson D. Webster left Cazenovia Seminary in 1861 to enlist in the Union Army. He served as a private in Company I of the 61st NY, from Oct 8, 1861 to to Nov 14, 1862; also in Company L, 9th NY Heavy Artillery, from Dec 28, 1863 to 1865. He was at the siege of Yorktown; battles of Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, and Malvern Hill (where he got wounded). In his time with the 9th NY Heavy Artilley Anson D. Webster was in the Wilderness campaign, front of Petersburg, in the battle of Cedar Creek, and was at Lee's surrender.     On November 12, 1863 before joining Company L, 9th New York Heavy Artillery, Anson D. Webster married Emilie Elizabeth Woodruff. Sadly she passed away on October 18th 1867. On August 6th 1868, he married Lucia Amanda Porter. He had three children, two died in infancy and his daughter Emily Ja...

       Milton E. Robinson was born in Holland Patent, NY on Aug 29, 1861.      After attending school he entered the law office of Risley, Quinn, and Perry in Utica. After being admitted to the bar he became a member of the firm of Risley, Robinson, and Love. Mr. Robinson stayed with them until opening his own practice in 1896. In 1904, he admitted Richard R. Martin and E. Willard Jones as partners in the law office.     Milton E. Robinson had a genius for mechanics which rendered him almost invincible in the presentation of a case. He successfully carried many cases to the US Supreme Court. Mr. Robinson was most successful in obtaining patents.     Milton E. Robinson married Siebella Clark with whom he had three children.     Milton E. Robinson was a member of the Utica Chamber of Commerce and the Oneida County Bar Association. He was director of the Savage Arms Company and a member of the Board of Director...