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...

      Robert Middleton was born on May 25, 1825 to Robert and Marjory Burnett in Aberdeen Scotland. In 1839, came to America where they settled in Middle Granville, Washington Co, NY.      In 1849, Robert Middleton married Lucy Cummings. They had four children.     Robert Middleton worked at the Lowell Carpet Co. of Lowell Mass for six years. The next seven years he worked at the Merrimac Woolen Co. as the Assistant Superintendent of the Company's Mills.     On May 10, 1857, Robert Middleton started as agent and Superintendent of the Utica Woolen Mills/ Globe Woolen Mills. On Jan 19, 1882, he succeeded Theodore Faxton as President of the Mills.     During his time the mill established a reputation for its fabrics and goods. At all the national and international industrial expositions where the fabric's were exhibited they were awarded the highest medals for perfection of workmanship and quality of go...

      Arthur S. Copeman was born Aug 15, 1812 to Charles and Maria Dann in England. Married Mary Ann Cattermole in 1833 they had six children. They came to the United States sometime between 1848-1850. They settled in Utica where he became known for his skills in veterinary cases.     About 1864, the family moved to New York City. Arthur S. Copeman started a lucrative veterinary practice there. He was veterinary editor for Wilkes' Spirit of the Times until Jan 1, 1876. His practice was in the stables of the wealthiest gentlemen and was widely known to turfmen throughout the country.         Arthur S. Copeman was the first Treasurer of the Veterinary Medical Association (now the American Veterinary Medical Association). He served it also as its second President from 1864-1865.     Sadly, Arthur S. Copeman took his own life on Oct 31, 1876. It was believed he did it because he was depressed over his wife's and...

      Thomas Ruggles Gold was born to Nov 4, 1764 to Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah Gold in Cornwall, Connecticut. He graduated in 1786 from Yale College. Thomas R. Gold was united in marriage to Sarah Sill on Sept 17, 1787.     Thomas R. Gold and his family moved to Whitesboro, NY in 1792, where he took up the practice of law. When King Louis Phillipe of France was in the United States, Mr. Gold was his legal advisor.     Thomas R. Gold was in the NY State Senate for six years. He served his district in Congress for two terms. He also was US Government agent for the six nations for a number of years.     Thomas R. Gold passed away on Oct 25, 1827 and is buried in Grandview Cemetery in Whitesboro, NY.    

       Arthur J. Armstrong was born Dec 23, 1879 to Milton V. and Christine Lutz Armstong in Utica. He married Lillian Berry on Nov 4, 1908.     Arthur J. Armstong conducted the Hess and Armstrong Cigar Manufacturing Co. for several years. He was court attendant at the County Court House from 1942 to his death. He was a former Second Ward Supervisor.     Arthur J. Armstrong was center fielder for two years on the West End Baseball tame which was seldom beaten. Was on the All-Oneida team which won the Central NY Championship in 1906. He also competed with the following: Lowville Club; Richfield Springs Club; and the Courthouse and Democratic Squads.      Arthur J. Armstrong also played Hockey. He was the goalie and captain on the Usona and Lafayette Seven men hockey teams.     Arthur J. Armstrong passed away on Oct 19, 1957 and is buried in Plot 22A Lot 4227 at Forest Hill Cemetery.    

      George W. Westcott was born Apr 3, 1813 in Eaton, Madison County, New York. At 17 years of age he was apprenticed to a hatter in Morrisville. In 1835, came to Utica, where entered onto the same business.     George W. Westcott traveled over the United States and Canada purchasing furs. He was connected with John Jacob Astor. Soon after establishing himself at 48? or 45 Genesee St. he entered onto partnership with Charles Symonds and later with Ira A. Button. In 1854, E.A. Hammond and W.S. Wightman were admitted. The firm was called George Westcott and Co. When Mr. Wightman passed away, it was changed to Westcott and Hammond which lasted seven years. A few years later he admitted D.W. Northrup. After Northrup withdrew from the partnership, George W. Westcott took his two sons Fred and W.B. as partners and the business once again became known as George Westcott and Co.     George W. Westcott married Amy Benedice. She passed away in 1...