Stories in Stones: Stories from Oneida County, NY Cemeteries

      Thomas W. Seward was born Oct 11, 1813 in Utica. He was educated in Utica Schools. He graduated from Hamilton College in 1833. He was one of the charter members of Hamilton's Sigma Phi Fraternity. After graduating law but gave it up.      In 1832, Thomas W. Seward started working at Farmer's and Mechanic's Bank in Detroit, Mich. He returned to Utica in 1837 because the bank failed. In 1839, Mr. Seward accepted a position as a cashier at Madison County Bank in Cazenovia. He stayed there several years before returning to Utica where he started a bookstore with Lansing Thurber. Mr. Thurber later withdrew from the partnership.     From around 1872 or 1873 to his death, Thomas W. Seward was Treasurer for the State Hospital for the Insane. A few years later he decided to devote himself entirely to the office so he gave up his store.     On July 14, 1840 Thomas W. Seward married Sarah Williams. They had four children. ...

      Walter J. Helfert was born in Utica on March 1, 1875 to Philip and Theresa Helfert.      According to his obituary Walter J. Helfert was one of the country's greatest bicycle racers. The first race he entered was July 4, 1893 which went by the old Utica Opera House on Lafayette Street to Yorkville and back. He won by three minutes. He won more contests at Utica Park; Ilion; Oneonta; and he captured the three-mile state title at Cohoes. When he earned the three-mile state title, he took all the skin of his back when he slid under a plank to avoid a pile up.      In 1894, Walter J. Helfert became a professional and joined the Spalding team. He competed with them all over the nation and Canada.     After retiring from racing, Walter J. Helfert operated an auto supply store on Elizabeth St. He also promoted amateur boxing in Utica. He was secretary of the NYS Fireman's Benevolent Assoc.     Walte...

       James F. Mann was born May 24, 1837 in Utica to Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Mann. He was educated in Utica schools; Dr. Brown's School on Owasco Lake; and at the Lewiston Seminary in East Hampton Mass. He studied two years at Yale before coming back to Utica in account of his father's health.     James F. Mann read law with Edmonds, Miller and Mann. He was admitted to the bar in 1860 but he only practiced for a brief time.      In 1861, James F. Mann married Emma Oberteuffer, They had five children.     James F. Mann formed the Wood and Mann Steam Engine Co. with Enos D. Wood. Their product was sold all over the US; South America; and Europe. Employed about 400 people at the plant on Lafayette and Rome Streets. In 1876, they discontinued the business.      After discontinuing the Steam Engine business, James F. Mann went back to practice law with Senator A.T. Goodwin. A year later he became a me...

       Charles Clark Kingsley was born to Thomas L. and Julia Buel Lathrop Kingsley on Feb 11, 1830 in Utica. He graduated from Hamilton College with a AB in 1853 and a AM in 1855. He was a member of thee Sigma Phi Society.     After college Charles C. Kingsley entered his father's clothing business the firm was named T.L. Kingsley and Son. The business was conducted for over 50 years. Charles C. Kingsley retied about 1902.     Charles C. Kingsley was Secretary of the Hamilton College Board of Trustees from 1880-1887; was the senior member at the time of his death. He was trustee of the 1st Presbyterian Church; Old Ladies Home; and Utica Female Seminary (was one of the charter member's). He founded the Utica Mechanic's Association.    Charles C. Kingsley and his wife had seven children. He passed away on Apr 11, 1912 and is buried in Plot 21 Lot 199 of Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica, NY.    

      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...