What more can we say about this section? Obituaries not only name relatives and relationships, but often tell vivid stories of people's lives. Please send in your collected Herkimer or Montgomery Counties related obits. Put "OBIT" in the subject heading of your email and name the source of the obit if known. The obits do not have to be long but can be short notices.

December 2, 1998  from Jo Dee Frasco
Davis obits from Herkimer County newspapers.

AGED WOMAN SUICIDES
Drowns herself in the Erie Canal at Mohawk
10/15/1910?

Miss Anna M. Davis, Inmate of the Old Ladies' Home- throws herself into water from foot of New York Street-left note in her room telling where she would be found.

The village of Mohawk was shocked by a suicide early this forenoon as a note left by the victim of a temporarily deranged mind showed that she had contemplated the rash act.

The suicide is Miss Anna M. Davis, an inmate of the Old Ladies' Home situated in East Main Street, Mohawk and nearly opposite New York Street, from the foot of which street the woman cast herself into the waters of the Erie Canal. People residing at the foot of the street saw a crutch leaning against a post but thought nothing of it, as inmates of the Home are accustomed to walk down to this place. When the crutch was again noticed later it occasioned alarm and at 8:45 o'clock, A. Gunther, residing on the street, went to investigate. He enlisted the assistance of his grandson, Fred Lopman and Albert Dennison and they searched along the canal, finding the body which proved to that of Miss Davis, floating upon the waters of the canal near the bridge below. Mr. Gunther with a boat secured the body while Drs. Brooks and J. W. Jennings were summoned, but the woman had been dead some little time and Coroner Kay was summoned designating Undertaker E. J. Joslin to take charge of the remains. Mrs. Western at the Home related that the dead woman a few days previous had told her she had started to commit suicide but had changed her mind. Miss Davis' room was found to be in order, whicle scribbled on a half sheet of newspaper were the words, "I am in the canal." Ordinarily one of the most cheerful of the inmates, Miss Davis for about four weeks back has been very melancholy and despondent. Miss Davis was 67 years of age in March last. When 65 years of age, she became an inmate of the Home having previously boarded at the Home for three years, coming to the Home from Little Falls, where she had been a dressmaker. Much interest was taken in the woman by Mrs. Hardin of Little Falls, widow of the late Judge Hardin, and when Mrs. Hardin furnished a room at the Home it was with the understanding that it should be assigned to Miss Davis, should she be an inmate. Miss Davis some years ago sustained an injury to her right knee from which she had never recovered being compelled to walk with a crutch and cane.

DEATH OF B. H. DAVIS
Well known citizen passed away this morning after lingering illness- had been engaged in business here for many years. 10/15/1907

Bradford H. Davis, one of Herkimer's well-known and respected citizens and business men died at his home, 221 South Main Street, at 9:30 a.m. today at the age of 50 years. Mr. Davis had been ill from a complication of diseases covering a period of several years, but he had been able to give attention to his business up to about the first of July last, since which time he had been confined to his home. The immediate cause of death was heart trouble. Mr. Davis was born in Clinton, Oneida County, June 15, 1857, and removed from that place to Herkimer with his parents in 1866. He was engaged in the confectioner and news business with his father from 1869 until 1885, when Mr. Daivs senior, retired, and the business had since been conducted by the son. Mr. Davis was a quiet, reserved, unassuming gentleman, and had many friends who will learn of his death with sincere regret. He is survived by his widow and one son, William Harold Davis, and by his father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram R. Davis. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. John D. Moore.

Death of a Worthy Citizen 1912

Dolgeville, Feb. 24--George F. Davis died at his home here yesterday afternoon at about 3 o'clock. Mr. Davis had been in ill health for several years but had been critically ill for only a few days, his death being due to pneumonia. He was born in Manheim 51 years ago and was the son of Jacob Davis. He lived in Manheim until about 19 or 10? years ago, managing his extensive farm property until ill health forced his retirement. At that time he moved to this village, taking up his residence on South Main Street. Mr. Davis was a member of Dolgeville Lodge, No. 796, F. & A. M., of Oriental Chapter No. 305, R. A. M., of this village; of Little Falls Commandery, R. T., No. 26, of Little Falls; and of Zira temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Utica. He was a man of sterling character and fine manhood. He is survived by his widow, who was Miss Frances Smith; by one son, Ray and by one brother, William, of the town of Manheim. Funeral services will be held from the house at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, Little Falls Commandery being in charge. Rev. R. G. Jones of this village will preach the sermon.

HOWARD BEECHER DAVIS DEAD
4/29/1912

Mohawk--loses a resident highly esteemed in the death of Howard Beecher Davis, which occurred last evening at 6:30 at his home in the Steele flats in Otsego Street. Death was caused by paralysis. Nearly a year ago the deceased sustained a slight stroke from which he recovered. April 10th he was again stricken and gradually failed until the end. The deceased was 48 years of age March 9th last, and was a native of the state of Maine, having been born in Winn, that state, son of the late Samuel and Arvilla Hall Davis. His early life was spent in Maine, some time in Florida and on the Pacific coast. About ten years ago he took up his residence in Mohawk and his second wife was Jennie Morts, married in 1903, after coming to this village. For the past six years he had been in the employ of the Remington Arms Company, of Ilion and held at the time of his death the position of foreman of the carpenter department. He was a valued employee and a man esteemed and held in highest regard by all who knew him. He was a member of Mohawk Lodge No. 586, I. O. O. F., and of Elizabeth Rebekah Lodge No. 287, of Mohawk. There survive his widow, a son and a daughter by his former wife, Howard V. Davis, of Mohawk; Mrs. John Guy, Moncton, N.B.; and the following brothers and sisters, Mrs. Charles Fizherbert, Mrs. Larkin Grady, Mrs. Guy Travis, Harry and James Davis, Mattwannkeog, Maine; Frank Davis, Ellenville, N. Y. The funeral will be held Thursday at 2 o'clock, from the late home and will be in charge of the Odd Fellows Fraternity. Burial will be made in the Mohawk Cemetery.

DEATH OF HIRAM R. DAVIS
Mon. 10/05/1914

Highly Respected and Longtime Resident and Former Business Man Entered Rest Saturday Night

After a long period of ill health, Hiram R. Davis departed this life late Saturday night at his home in South Main Street. There is little doubt that his end was hastened by the demise of his beloved wife, which occurred a week ago Sunday, and from whom he was thus but briefly separated on earth. Mr. Davis was numbered among the longest residents of Herkimer and enjoyed a regard inspired by his uprightness and many sterling qualities as man and citizen.

Deceased was a native of Waterville, where he was born May 16th, 1830, being the son of the late Jacob and Hannah Davis. He became a resident of this village at the age of six years and has here passed all of his subsequent life. Upon engaging in business he took up the manufacture and sale of home-made candies, carrying this occupation on successfully until obliged by failing health to retire, which he did a couple of years ago. Exemplary and devoted in his home life, Mr. Davis also proved his intrest in public welfare and was a champion of whatever he believed would make for the progress of his community and of the people generally.

Mr. Davis was twice married, his first wife, Miss Elizabeth Kelly, passing away in 1860. He was married in ____ to Mary E. Stoddard, whose demise is above noted. There survives one daughter of the first marriage, Mrs. John D. Moore, and three grandsons, namely J. Harold Davis and Ralph D. Moore of this village, and Dr. Floyd H. Moore of Hinckley. The funeral will take place Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the late residence. Mr. Davis was a customary attendant of the Methodist Church when able to be about, and its pastor, Rev. George L. Powell, will officiate. Interment will be made in the family burial plot in Oak Hill Cemetery. Mr. Davis was the surviving brother of twins whose resemblance to one another was a cause of frequent attention because of its exceptional closeness. The other brother passed onto the hereafter last Christmas eve.

DIED THIS AFTERNOON Edward G. Davis Passes Away After Weeks of Suffering

End Came at 1:30 o'clock--was assistant cashier of the Herkimer National Bank-- one of Herkimer's best known citizens--submitted to an operation on September 30 but did not obtain relief--trustee of First M. E. Church and prominent in masonic circles, having served two years as Master of Herkimer Lodge, F. & A. M.

11/24/1905

Edward G. Davis, assistant cashier of the Herkimer National Bank, died at 1:30 this afternoon at his home in North Washington Street. In the death of Mr. Davis Herkimer loses one of its best known and most highly respected citizens. Mr. Davis had been ill since September 30th, when he was operated upon by Dr. W. E. Ford at St. Luke's Hospital, Utica, for the removal of a cancerous growth. The operation did not afford the relief hoped for by his family and friends. He was a patient sufferer to the end and his death will long be mourned.

Mr. Davis was born at Paines Hollow, this county, 38 years ago. He attended the Ilion schools for several years. After leaving school he was for a time employed in the Remington Typewriter works at Ilion. On November 17, 1890, he came to Herkimer and accepted a clerkship in the Herkimer National Bank. He was a man of sterling integrity and soon gained the confidence of the bank officials, with the result that his promotion was rapid. His first promotion was to the position of bookkeeper and then he was made teller. On July 6, 1903, he was appointed to the responsible position of assistant cashier, a position which he held at the time of death.

About seventeen years ago Mr. Davis married Miss Lillian Vrooman of Paines Hollow, a niece of Col. John W. Vrooman of this village. During their residence here Mr. and Mrs. Davis have always lived in North Washington street, and their married life has been of the happiest imaginable. Mr. Davis was a member of the First M. E. church of this village and also one of its trustees. He was a sincere christian and always took a deep interest in church matters.

He was prominent in local Masonic circles. He had been for many years a member of Herkimer Lodge, No 423, F. & A. M., and during 1901 and 1902 was master of the lodge. He was also a member of Iroquois Chapter, No. 236, R. A. M., of Ilion. He was also a director of the Herkimer Building and Loan Association.

It can truly be said that his death leaves a void which will long remain unfilled. And although for some time it has been known that there was but little hope of his recovery, his death is none the less a shock to his many friends. He was brought home from the hospital October 21st, and although there have been days when he seemed a little better, his condition had not been very encouraging since that time.

Besides his widow Mr. Davis is survived by one daughter, Miss Grace, his father A. B. Davis of Ilion and two sisters, Mrs. L. H. Hollister of Ilion, and Mrs. Frank P. Myers of this village. In their bereavement the members of the family have the sincere sympathy of the community. Announcement of the funeral will be made tomorrow.

November 28, 1998  from Jo Dee Frasco
a large group of obits from Herkimer County newspapers.

Elba Mather (3/12/1906)
Paper Unknown

Last Friday night at his home in Schuyler occurred the death of Elba Mather. He had been in poor health for the past two years. Death resulted from a general breaking down of the system. Mr. Mather was born in the house in which he died, June 21, 1829. He was a farmer by occupation. His wife died some years ago. He attended the Methodist church, was very well known and was universally esteemed. He was an industrious man and enjoyed a large acquaintance. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Charles Uebler of Schuyler, and two sons, Charles Mather of Newport and Frank Mather of West Frankfort .

Mrs. John Mather (7/12/06)

At 11 o'clock last night at her home in East Herkimer, occurred the death of Minnie, wife of John Mather, aged 33 years. Consumption with which the deceased had been sick for some time was the cause of death. The deceased was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. She was a member of the L. O. T. H. and of the First M. E. Church of this village. Besides her husband she is survived by two children, Margaret, aged 8 years, and Frederick D., aged 4 years. She is also survived by one brother, Albert Peeler of Little Falls, and two sisters, Mrs. William McLain of Little Falls, and Mrs. William Nettleton of Providence, R. I. The funeral will be held Saturday at the home. Rev. S. D. Robinson officiating and burial will be made in Oak Hill Cemetery. The L. O. T. M. will have charge of the service.

Death of Mrs. Bridget C. Mathews (1/14/14)?

The many friends of Mrs. Bridget Carney Mathews will learn with exceeding regret of her death, which occurred Saturday midnight in Faxton hospital after an illness of short duration. Deceased was a woman who was highly esteemed by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance, and was born in Brookfield, N. Y., the daughter of the late Francis and Honora Loftis Carney, and her early girlhood was spent in Waterville, N.Y. Fourteen years ago she was united in marriage to George Mathews in this village, who preceded her in death some two years ago, dying at the late home on South Bellinger Street where the widow resided until her recent illness compelled her to be removed to the hospital in Utica. There survive a little daughter, Kathryn, and four sisters, Mrs. James Conway of New York; Mrs. Robert Latticore of Newark, N. J.; Mrs. Albert E. Truax and Miss Nona Carney of New York. Deceased was for many years a faithful member of St. Francis de Sales Church, from which the funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 8:30 after which the remains will be taken to Waterville for interment.

A DEMOCRAT OF THE OLD SCHOOL

Death of Chauncey Mathews at His Home in Cedarville--Had Served As Supervisor Of His Town And Was One of The Leaders of His Party in Herkimer County For Many Years

(1910) Cedarville, Sept. 9.--Chauncey Mathews, one of the best known men of the town of Litchfield, died at his home here yesterday afternoon at the age of 74 years. He sustained a stroke of paralysis some time ago and had been confined to his bed for several weeks. He will be greatly missed in the community, where he exerted so much good influence during his long life. He was born in this town and was a farmer by occupation. He was noted for his benevolence and charity and all who knew him honored and respected him. He was a Democrat and took a deep interest in political affairs. He had represented the town of Litchfield in the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Matthews was a bachelor and he was tenderly cared for during his illness by a cousin, Miss Lucy Baldwin of Amsterdam. He was a member of the Universalist Church of this place where the funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon. A brother, Woodman Matthews of the state of Washington survives.

George Matthews (1/22/1912)

George Matthews, a well known resident of this village, passed away at his home on South Bellinger Street Saturday night, after an illness of a week's duration. He was born about 48 years ago in Boonville and came to Herkimer to reside in 1902. For several years he was employed by the Horrocks Desk Company, holding the position of assistant superintendent in one of the finishing rooms at the plant. He was a consistent and devoted member of St. Francis de Sales Church and Knights of Columbus and was highly regarded by his neighbors and acquaintances who will extend deep sympathy to his bereaved relatives. In 1899 he was united in marriage to Miss Bea Carney, then of Waterville, who is surviving, besides a daughter, Kathryn. Other surviving relatives are his mother, Mrs. Mary Matthews of 132 Rutger Street, Utica, four sisters, Mrs. Frank Toole, also of Utica, Mrs. A. Vadiness and Mrs. John Williams of North Adams, Mass., Miss Regina Matthews of Brockton, Mass., and three brothers, Charles of Putney, Vt., Clarence and Arthur Matthews of Utica. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 8:30 o'clock from the house and 9 o'clock from St. Francis de Sales Church, and the remains will be taken to Waterville for interment.

OBITUARY
George Matthews (9/28/1915)

George Matthews died at the Emergency hospital last evening about eight o'clock. Deceased suffered an attack of appendicitis and last Friday night submitted to an operation, but his condition was critical from the first, and little hope was entertained for his recovery. He has no known relatives, and was about 65 years of age. Undertaker Campbell took the remains to the County Home this morning, where they were interred in the burial plot at that institution.

Lovable Character Dead (3/25/11)

Herkimer lost one of its lovable characters in the death which occurred at 5:30 o'clock this morning of Phoebe E. Tiff, wife of Joseph S. Matthews, at the family residence, 228 Church Street. Deceased had been in ill health for several years, but death came suddenly, resulting from cerebral hemorrhage, with which she was stricken yesterday and remaining unconscious until the end. Mrs. Matthews was a native of Clayton, born June 19, 1848, being the daughter of Jonathan Tiff and Phoebe Williams. Thirty years ago January 1st last, she married Mr. Matthews at Sandy Creek, Oswego County, where she still remains a member of the Baptist church. All their life since that time has been spent in Herkimer. She was a home-loving woman and endeared herself to all so fortunate as to enjoy her acquaintance and her demise will be sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends who will extend sympathy to the husband and son, Ralph J., who survive, as does a brother, F. D. Tiff of Sandy Creek. The funeral will be held Monday at 2 p.m. from the late home and will be private. Burial will be made in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Stephen Mathews (1907)

Ilion, Oct. 30--Stephan Mathews, a well known and respected citizen of the town of Litchfield, this county, died at his home yesterday after an illness of several months. Deceased was born in England 75 years ago and when a young man came to this country, locating in the town in which he died. He was married in 1855 and his wife survives him. Deceased is the last of the Mathews family at Crane's Corners, who were among its earliest settlers and was a man universally respected. He was well read, a good conversationalist, and a man of the strictest integrity and principle. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at Cedar Lake.

Thomas Matthews (1905)?

Frankfort, April 8--At the home of his son, James Matthews, near Crane's Corners at an early hour yesterday morning occurred the death of Thomas Matthews. The deceased was born in England 86 years ago, but came to this country when a young man, and had lived for many years in the town of Litchfield. He was a prosperous and respected farmer. For the past year he had been in failing health and during that time he had resided with his son. He leaves his wife and one son, James. The funeral will be held from his home Monday at 11 a.m. and from the church at Jerusalem Hill at 12 o'clock. Interment will be made in the Jerusalem Hill Cemetery.

HAY PRESSER'S TRAGIC DEATH

Sad Fatality at Bridgewater-- Sixteen Year Old Carl Matteson Fatally Injured When Door on Hay Press Burst Open--Was Struck Terrific Blow in Face and Died Three Hours Later--Was Fine Young Man (1914)

Bridgewater, May 29--Carl D. Matteson, 16 years old, met a tragic death Wednesday when he was struck in the face by the door of a hay press, which burst open prematurely. The young man was struck with terrific force in the face and sustained injuries that caused his death three hours later. The accident occurred while the young man, in company with several other men, were bailing hay at the farm of George Hall, young Matteson's job being to wire and weigh the bales after they were pressed. The young man had been working with the hay pressers for a year and was employed by Frank Southworth. The crew of men performing the work were Peter Vedder, foreman; Charles and Reuben Tooley, Anson Sherman, Edward Wing and Leo Matteson, brother of the victim of the accident. The men had been at work about an hour yesterday morning when the door that lifts up to allow the bale of hay down, burst open with terrific force, striking the young man in the face. His companions knew at once that the force of the blow would result fatally, but the boy lived until afternoon. A doctor was summoned and reached the place a few minutes after the accident, but saw at once that no help could be given toward saving the young man's life. The tragic death of a bright young man of excellent habits cast a gloom over this community. A sad feature of the fatality was that the boy's mother was in Herkimer, where she had been for eight weeks caring for her husband's sister, Mrs. W. Gilbert, who has been dangerously ill. Word was sent at once to Herkimer and at noon Mrs. Matteson and her daughter, Miss Hazel Irene, reached home. Carl and another brother Earl, had been keeping house during their mother's absence and the meeting of mother and son was very pathetic. The father, Charles Matteson, died three years ago and since that time the boys had been working hard to assist their mother in supporting the family. Besides the mother and sister and brother mentioned, there are surviving two sisters, Mary Aletta Matteson of Woodstock and Dorothy, who lived at home. The grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Matteson also survive. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at the Universalist Church at 10 o'clock, Rev. E. C. Wiley officiating.

Mrs. Mary Matteson (1917)

Frankfort, June 15.--Friends in this village learn with regret of the death of Mrs. Mary Matteson, which occurred at her home in Ravena, N. Y., after a lingering illness. Deceased was for several years a resident of this village and survived by a daughter, Mrs. Warren Lonis of this village.

OBITUARY (5/6/1915)
Wm. Matteson

Wm. Matteson, a well known and respected resident of Bridgewater, N. Y., died at an early hour this morning, ages about 73 years. He is survived by a wife and one daughter, Mrs. Will Gilbert of North Bellinger Street, this village, also one sister, Mrs. C. A. Snyder of North Prospect Street, Herkimer and a brother, M. J. Matteson of Jamaica, L I. The funeral will be held on Saturday.

OBITUARY (3/25/09)
Oren Asel Mattice

At his home on Warren Road, Mohawk, at 6 o'clock last night, occurred the death of Oren Asel Mattice. Deceased had been ill for over a year and for over six months confined to the house, much of the time to his bed. Death was caused by a complication of diseases and he was a great sufferer, although the end came peacefully as one falling asleep. Mr. Mattice was the son of Asel Mattice and Amanda Slingerland and was born in the northern part of the state August 16th, 1859. He was united in marriage to his wife December 24, 1895, and then came to Mohawk the New Year's day following and have since resided here. A carpenter by trade, he followed his occupation until compelled by ill health to relinquish work, and was held in high esteem by a large circle of friends who will regret his demise. He was a member and earnest worker in Mohawk Lodge, No. 586, I. O. O. F. There survives beside his wife four sisters, Mrs. Allen Cotton of East Springfield, Mrs. Isaac Peet, Mrs. Philo Stone and Mrs. Etta Gillett of Binghamton and two brothers, Ira Mattice, of Mount Vision and Charles Mattice, who resides south of Mohawk. The funeral will be held Sunday at 2 o'clock from the First M. E. church, Rev. M. E. Genter officiating and Mohawk Lodge, I.O O. F., will attend in a body. Burial will be made in Mohawk Cemetery.

Clarence Maxfield, Local Man, 76, Dies (5/5/1967)
Clarence B. Maxfield, 76, of 530 Lake St., a carpenter for Remington Arms for 23 years before retiring in 1955, died yesterday in Herkimer Memorial Hospital. Born Oct. 19, 1890 in Herkimer, a son of Burton and Elva A. Kast Maxfield, he married Dora Homrighaus April 11, 1914. He was a member of the Frankfort I. O. O. F. Lodge and the Urial Masonic Lodge, Forestport.

OBITUARY
Death of Wesley Maxfield (10/30/?)

James Wesley Maxfield, an old and well-known resident of this town, died suddenly at the home of his son, Bert Maxfield who conducts the Charles D. Thomas farm, early this morning, at the age of 68 years. Mr. Maxfield had not been in the best of health for some time past, but he had been able to be around, although in somewhat feeble physical condition. He had resided with his brother, George W. Maxfield, on the old Tower farm east of this village for the past two years, but he had gone to pay a visit to his son, Bert, on the Thomas farm, on Saturday last. Deceased was born in the town of Schuyler and went out to the war of the Rebellion as a member of the 152nd Regiment. Upon his return from the war he took up his residence in this town which place he had made his home ever since. He was a member of Aaron Heimer Post. G. A. R. and also belonged to the Herkimer County Veteran's Association. His nearest surviving relatives are his two sons, Bert and Ernest Maxfield, and two brothers George W. Maxfield and Henry Maxfield, who is resident of Deerfield, Oneida County. Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made.

John H. Maxfield (1918)?

Ilion, Nov. 28--John H. Maxfield died at 6 a.m. Sunday, having been ill but a few hours. the deceased was born in Starkville in 1844, and in 1863 was married to Olive Eckler of Van Hornesville, who survives also two children, Mrs. H. C. Cane of Gloversville and Albert Maxfield of Little Falls.

Lots more obits on the Obits Bulletin Board Part 3.

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