Stories in Stones: Stories from Oneida County, NY Cemeteries

      William M. French was born Dec 1, 1829 to Mr. and Mrs. John French in New Hartford, NY. Came to Utica when he was 17 and became a clerk in George Tracy's bookstore. Seven years later went into partnership with Hugh H. Roberts and opened a bookstore at 172 Genesee St. He conducted it for five years. He then sold his part to Mr. Roberts. He retired to New Hartford.     In 1863, William M. French became a clerk in the War Department in Washington D.C. During his time at the War Department, the Confederates beleaguered the city and all the clerks were put under arms. Mr. French was a clerk in the Quartermaster's office under General Montgomery C. Meigs. In 1865, he retired back to New Hartford and became a farmer.     William M. French was treasurer of the Young Men's Association of Utica; was a fireman with Columbian Hose Co. and later Neptune Co No 5; and was Secretary of Oneida County Committee of the Republican Party.   ...

       William R. Holden was born Sept 1, 1828 in England. Came to the United States around 1843 and went into the monumental business in NYC. Moved to Rome, NY in 1858 and engaged in the same business. He later moved to Utica, where he established the granite dealer firm of Ray and Holden which later became Thompson and Holden. In 1872, William R. Holden was elected alderman of the 4th Ward of Utica.     Around 1883, William R. Holden left Utica to represent the Hinsdale Granite Co. of Connecticut. He established a monumental and architectural office in Brooklyn, NY. He conducted it until about 1893.     William R. Holden married Eliza Davis. They had seven sons and one daughter.       William R. Holden was interested in Horticulture. He studied different species of cacti. He wrote much about it.     William R. Holden passed away on Sept 15, 1903. He is buried in Plot 21 Lot 450 of Forest Hill Cem...

     Samuel Winchester Chubbuck was born in Winchester, NH to Samuel and Catharine Lynd Chubbuck on Dec 25, 1799. When he was a young the family moved to Eaton, Madison Co, NY. His father was a blacksmith and operated a hotel. Samuel W. Chubbuck used his father's furnace to fashion many curious specimen of handiwork from his inventive genius. After his education was done Samuel W. Chubbuck entered the jewelry business in Morrisville, NY.      Samuel W. Chubbuck became interested in the investigations being made in the use of electricity. He communicated with Samuel F.B. Morse, who was also working on the idea of an electric recorder to be used to transmit messages. They were later joined by Professor Joseph Henry (who was later the first secretary of the Smithsonian). What resulted was the electric telegraph. Samuel W. Chubbuck's keen inventive faculties readily saw what was needed to perfect the telegraph and fit it for usefulness. He had manufactured...

       Joseph Stuart Lowery was born in Whitestown, NY on December 25, 1841 the youngest of six children of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lowery. He was educated in the Whitestown public schools and Whitestown Seminary. He left the seminary in 1861 to go to work in his brother John's store in Boonville.     Joseph S. Lowery was one of the first men to enlist in the 146th NY. He was mustered into Co D. 146th NY in Rome. He was a Second Sergeant. In the winter of 1862 was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company E. He later was promoted to be captain of Co A. He participated in the following battles: Fredericksburg; Chancellorsville, Gettysburg; the Wilderness; Spotsylvania; Cold Harbor and other engagements. At Spotsylvania he was placed in command of a skirmish line and detailed to ascertain the strength of the enemy's position. For that action he was breveted Major for his "distinguished conduct". He was severely wounded at Cold Harbor. The bullet entered the groin...

       Charles Leaf Dobson was born April 23, 1823 in Pickering, England to William N. and Margaret Dobson. The family came to the US and settled in Westmoreland in 1828. They moved to Utica in 1840. When Charles L. Dobson was 19 he entered the fruit and candy business. In 1852, he entered the grocery business which he sold in 1862 to his brother.     In 1850, Charles L. Dobson opened a dancing academy in Oneida Square called Dobson's Hall. Before Dobson's Hall opened he gave lessons in different locations around Utica including Washington and Apollo Halls. He retired in 1890. At the time he was the leading dance teacher in Central NY.     Charles L. Dobson invested in real estate. He owned the whole point south of Oneida Square, from Oneida Hall on Oneida Street through to Genesee Street. He also owned the stores on Columbia Street from the corner of Seneca Street to Ryan's Bakery.     Charles L. Dobson was married twice:...

       Ezra Smith Barnum was born June 21, 1792, in Danbury, CT. Moved to Utica in 1809 with his brother-in-law whom he was indentured as an apprentice in the shoemaking, tanning, and currier business. He stayed with him until his apprenticeship expired in 1812.     In 1812, Ezra S. Barnum moved to Buffalo where he worked in the leather business. When the War of 1812 started, he volunteered and was at the first taking of Fort Erie. He took ill and returned to Utica. While in Utica, the British burned Buffalo so he did not go back. He became partners with his brother-in-law in the manufacture and sale of boots and shoes.     On May 5, 1815, Ezra S. Barnum married Mary Ostrom. They had ten children.     In 1832, Ezra S. Barnum turned to farming. Later entered in the grocery and confectionery business on the corner of Genesee and Catherine. In 1849, Mr. Barnum visited Europe for the first time for health and business purposes and while ther...

     Amos B. Stafford was born in Syracuse in 1839. When he was young he moved to Utica. He became a bookkeeper for Theodore Butterfield who owned a livery. He later became partners with Theodore's father John on the Overland Mail which was used to carry mail from St. Louis to San Francisco. Mr. Stafford later moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas to became a station agent for it. He was there from 1858-1861 when it ended because of the Civil War.      After the Overland Mail system ended he joined Colonel Leeper in treating with the Native Americans on the plains. He also conducted a livery on Devereux Street in Utica.       Amos B. Stafford married Josephine Chubbuck. He passed away on Sept 28, 1906. He and Josephine are buried in Plot 21A Lot 2471 of Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica.