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.

9/24/03 The obituary of John F. Collins was contributed by co-coordinator Lisa Slaski.

From the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, Vol. LII, 1921, page 127:

Necrology, 1920:

John F. Collins, Deputy County Clerk of Montgomery County, N.Y., was born in Fonda, N.Y., July 9, 1865. He was the only child of Michael and Catherine Collins of Fonda. He died at his residence in Fonda, February 12, 1920.

He received his early education in the village school and when quite young secured a clerkship in the County Clerk's office. Later he entered a law office in Amsterdam, N.Y., and after four years passed the examination and was admitted to the State Bar.

For over thirty years he had been Deputy County Clerk of Montgomery County, retained in office by succeeding County Clerks of different parties, because of his eminent fitness and great usefulness in the public's interests. His duties gave him familiarity with the County's oldest records, which he was compelled to study; and subsequently he gained furhter knowledge of these matters by reading local, state and national history. He thus became a great reader and an ardent student of his county's history, particularly of that portion of it located in the Mohawk Valley; and probably was at the time of his death possessed of more historical knowledge relating to the affairs of his County, its principal men and affairs which have affected its history, than any other individual. His memory of the historical traditions and facts which he had imbibed, and his pleasure in relating such memories to others, were both equally and charmingly characteristic of him.

He gathered what is perhaps one of the broadest, best and most valuable libraries and collection of letters, signatures, prints and documents, bearing upon Tryon County and Montgomery County history, which has ever existed in private hands in New York State.

He was a member of the Tryon County Society of Bibliophiles, the Montgomery County Historical Society and the Montgomery County Bar Association.

He married Manilla B. Wilson of Amsterdam, N.Y., who alone survives him.

Mr. Collins was a Corresponding Member of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, to which he was appointed December 20, 1917.

8/18/03 The obituary of Charlotte Mae (Hurdic) Schultz was contributed by Steven Knight.

Obituary printed in the "Leader-Herald" of Gloversville, NY. Charlotte is my first cousin once removed.

Steve Knight

Charlotte Mae (Hurdic) Schultz

August 9, 2003

Charlotte Mae (Hurdic) Schultz, age 63, of Fort Plain, NY. passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2003. She passed away at home following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born October 26, 1939 in Mohawk the daughter of Viola (Hurdic) DeMay and the late Theron Hurdic.

Charlotte was a graduate of Mohawk School in 1957.

She married Joseph Allen Schultz on April 29, 1961 in Hagerstown, Maryland.

She is survived by her loving husband Joseph of Fort Plain; son Joseph Jr. and wife Carol of Fort Plain; daughter, Michelle of Starkville; one granddaughter and two step-granddaughters; sister, Barbara and husband Jennings Lesher of Phillipburg, MO; uncle Leon Nabinger of Starkville; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She belonged to a Christian Fellowship.

In keeping with her wishes, her remains will be cremated under the direction of the Ottman Funeral Home of Cherry Valley.

The burial was held at the convenience of the family.

8/18/03 The obituary of Jesse J. Nabinger was contributed by Steven Knight.

Obituary printed in the "Leader-Herald" of Gloversville, NY. Jesse is my first cousin twice removed.

Steve Knight

Jesse J. Nabinger

Jesse J. Nabinger, age 18, of E. Main St., Fonda, NY, died Thursday, July 31, 2003 at Wintergreen Park, Canajoharie, NY; a victim of an apparent accidental drowning in the Canajoharie Gorge.

He was born August 3, 1984 in Gloversville, NY; the son of James SR. and Sandra Gay Nabinger. He lived in Gloversville as a child and was later educated in Lampasas, Texas and at the Marine Military Academy in Hadegan, TX. He has resided in Fonda the past year and was employed at Truckstops of America in Fultonville and by Lexington Center.

He is survived by his mother, Sandra Hackbirth of Lampasas, TX; father, James Nabinger Sr. of Ephratah, NY; brother James Jr. of Fonda, NY sisters, Tammy Vogle of Gloversville, NY, Michelle Hallett of Kempner, TX and Melissa Hoff of Lampasas, TX; brothers Danny Smith Jr. of Kennedy, TX and Aaron Smith of Anchorage, AK; maternal grandmother, Norma Raymond Jones of Gloversville, NY; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and cousins.

Jesse was predeceased by his grandparents, Herbert Gay, Chester Jones and Henry Nabinger.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home Inc., 51 Fremont St., Gloversville, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday with the Rev. Winston Hallett officiating. Interment will take place 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Kempner Cemetery, Kempner, TX.

The obituary of Daniel Williams and additional information were contributed by Dan Rathbun.

Daniel WILLIAMS (1782 CT - 22 DEC 1842 IL)

[published in JAN 1843 - unknown newspaper or periodical cut out & pasted into the Williams family Bible, now in possession (2003) of Richard Williams BURKE of St. Louis, Mo.]

"In Galesburg, Knox county, Ill. on the 22d ult., of inflamation of the lungs, Mr. DANIEL WILLIAMS, in the 60th year of his age. *handwritten "1842"*

Mr. Williams was born in Connecticut, and came with his father, deacon Asahel Williams, to Exeter, Otsego county, N.Y., who is supposed still to reside there at the advanced age of nearly 90 years. Mr. Williams married Miss Martha Morse, of Burlington, Otsego county, N. York, and soon after removed to the town of Russia, Herkimer county, then a new country, where he continued to reside until he came to Illinois in the summer of 1839. Mr. Williams was distinguished for sound judgment and independence of mind. By his enterprise, industry, and frugal habits, he arose to comparative wealth; and his upright and moral deportment secured for him general respect and confidence.

Though not until recently a professor of religion, he always maintained a high regard for religious institutions, took a lively interest in sustaining a preached gospel in his town, and made his home the home of ministers and religious people. The influence of his early education was shown, not only in these respects, but also in the fact that he was often the subject of religious impressions. But it was not till the year 1840 in a revival in Galesburg, that he truly embraced the Saviour as he thought, and came out on the side of the Lord. He soon after united with the visible church, erected the family alter, and walked in the ordinances of the Lord. For the last year his firm health and vigorous constitution had been somewhat impaired by an aflection of the lungs. He attended very assiduously upon his daughter, Mrs. Gale, during her illness, and for the last two nights she was with us he took no rest. Mrs. Gale died about six o'clock on Sabbath evening, Dec. 11th. After her death he returned with Mrs. Williams to his home under deep affliction. During the night he was seized with a chill, which was soon followed by signs of delirium. His disease proved to be an inflammation of the lungs, which no remedies could remove. He was apprehensive from the commencement, that it would be his last sickness, and he made arrangement of his worldly affairs accordingly.-- His mind was composed in view of death; and as the world receded, and his eyes rested more steadfastly upon the realities of the future, the manifestations of his faith and hope were more interesting. The glories of the Saviour, and the spiritual interests of others, occupied both his lucid and wandering moments during the last hours of his life.

For the righteous who thus die in hope, we need not mourn; but the loss of surviving friends is a demand upon our sympathy and prayers. In this case especially will this demand, in behalf of the aged and infirm widow and a little grand-daughter, who remain to occupy that house alone, after two such bereavements, not fail to be appreciated by their numerous christian friends.-- [Communicated.]

--------------------------------------------------------------------

[* Notes by Dan Rathbun, transcriber, June 2003 ]

* the abbrev. "ult." for ultimo [from Latin - ultimus "last"] ultimo defined as: "in the month preceding the current one" (Webster's Dictionary)

* the "little grand-daughter" refers to Martha Williams COON, dau of Dr. David COON Jr (b 1802 died 29 JAN 1834 Russia NY) & Esther (WILLIAMS) COON-GALE (d 11 DEC 1842 Galesburg, IL). Martha was born at Russia, Herkimer Co., NY circa 1832; living in 1880 census at Chicago, Cook Co., IL [Film T9-199, pg 281B] Martha Williams COON married 13 JUN 1857 at Galesburg, IL to Thomas Scott PHILLIPS, b Phillipsburg, Orange Co., NY on 14 SEP 1823; and he died at Chicago, IL on 21 APR 1886. He was son of William & Sarah (EVERTSON) PHILLIPS. Martha & Thomas had 2 daus in their home in 1880 census, viz: Harriet G., b IL 1862/63; Bertha, b IL 1870/71.

* Daniel WILLIAMS, of whom is the subject of the above obituary, is found in the US Federal Census at Russia, Herkimer Co., NY for the years, 1810, 1820, 1830. He removed to Galesburg, Knox Co., IL in 1839 and found in the US Federal census there for the year 1840. His widowed daughter Esther and her daughter Martha Williams COON went with him & his wife Martha (MORSE) to Galesburg. Esther married there (2nd) to Rev. George Washington GALE (as his 2nd wife) 14 SEP 1840. George & Esther had 1 son, Henry Williams GALE, b 1841 d 1842.

* Daniel WILLIAMS Family Group

Daniel, b. __ ___ 1782 in/near Lebanon, New London Co., CT son of Asahel WILLIAMS & Esther DEWEY. Married __ ___ 180_, Burlington, Otsego Co., NY, to Martha MORSE, b. __ ___ 1785, Preston, New London Co., CT, dau of ? STEPHEN MORSE &____. Daniel & Martha WILLIAMS removed to Russia, Herkimer Co., NY and had:

i. Esther WILLIAMS, b. Russia, NY, 8 DEC 1809; m(1): David COON Jr, M.D. m(2) Rev. George W. GALE

ii. Sherman WILLIAMS, b. Russia, NY, 15 APR 1811; d. Lincoln, Dallas Co., IA, 6 JUN 1885; bur Galesburg, IL; m. North Stonington, New London Co., CT, 18 OCT 1831, to Sarah Manwaring BRADLEY (6 MAY 1807-12 MAR 1888)

iii. Ann WILLIAMS, b. & d. Russia, NY (aged 18 months)

iv. Mary Ann WILLIAMS, b. Russia, NY, __ JUN 1818; died at Russia, NY, __ JUN 1832

1842 DEC 22 - Daniel WILLIAMS died at Galesburg, Knox Co., IL
1849 MAR 1 - Martha (MORSE) WILLIAMS died at Galesburg, IL

Donated by one of our best contributors over the past 6 1/2 years, Stanley A. Shaut!

UTICA SATURDAY GLOBE 22 Jan 1910

DIED THE SAME DAY

Winslow and Edward Shaut, Father and Son, and Former Utica Residents.

The deaths of Winslow Shaut and Edward Shaut, father and son and former residents of Utica, which occurred Saturday, form an unusual coincidence. The father died at the age of 80 at the Soldiers' Home at Bath and the son at Sonyea, Livingston County, at the age of 42. Both were well known in this section of the Mohawk Valley.

Winslow Shaut was born in the Town of Danube, Herkimer County, and there nearly half his life was spent. In 1864 he enlisted and served until the close of the war, when he sold his farm in Danube and removed to Steuben County. In 1890 he came to Utica and opened a grocery store on South Street, conducting this business until very recently, when he entered the home at Bath. During a portion of his time here the son, Edward, lived with him and was employed on the railroad. The father is survived by four sons, William and Barney Shaut, of Little Falls; Sherwin (Sherman) of Albany, and Charles M. of Mohawk.

Tuesday the funeral of father and son was held in this city, Rev. George C. Baner, Pastor of the Universalist Church, conducting the services. The remains were placed in the receiving vault in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Spotted by the site coordinator. George A. May was proprietor of the village of Herkimer's grandest hotel. From "Boonville Herald and Adirondack Tourist," August 7, 1919.

DIED
May - At Herkimer, August 4, 1919, George A. May, formerly of Boonville, in the 79th year of his age.

George A. May Dies at Herkimer
For Many Years a Resident of Boonville - Interment Here Thursday

The news of the death of George A. May of Herkimer, for some years proprietor of the Hulbert House in Boonville, came to our people Tuesday and was received with deepest regret.

Mr. May had been in poor health for many months and his death was not entirely unexpected. He was greatly respected and held in high esteem by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. For many years he was the proprietor of the Palmer House at Herkimer and few men were better known to the traveling public and more high esteemed than he.

George A. May was born in Schuyler Lake, Otsego County, February 12, 1841. When he was yet a child his parents removed to Mohawk, Herkimer County, where he was reared and attended school. Later he attended Fairfield Seminary, from which he graduated in 1860. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B of the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment, New York State Volunteer Infantry, and went out with it as second lieutenant. He served in the army of the Potomac for about a year, taking part in all the battles of his regiment during that time. He was discharged for disability. After recovering his health he engaged in the hotel business which has been his occupation through life. In 1864 he became proprietor of the Jackman House at Watertown, and conducted it successfully for two years. Then he went to Carthage, where he conducted the Hatch House for a year. In 1868 he came to Boonville, where he followed Richard Hubert, as proprietor of the Hubert House. At that time and for many years thereafter Boonville was the gateway to the Adirondack for all travelers entering on the west, and the Hubert House was very popular as a place of resort. Mr. May remained in charge of the Hubert House for 16 years and during that time he and his house became favorably known to tourists and travelers generally. In 1885 he went to the Thousand Islands and for two seasons was manager of the hotel at Thousand Island Park. Then he went to Rome, where for five years he was proprietor of Stanwix Hall.

The Palmer House at Herkimer was built by C.W. Palmer and opened April 6, 1891. It had several managers in a short time, and in January, 1892, Mr. May became proprietor. The hotel under his management not only became successful, but enjoyed far more than a local reputation. The building was a new one, designed by Architect Symonds of Utica, and was finely furnished. Mr. May, however, gave it the reputation of setting the best table of any village hotel in the state. It was a favorite with commercial men, who always tried to so arrange their trips that they would spend Sunday in Central New York, and then they would make for Herkimer and put up at the Palmer House. His long experience in Boonville put him in position to supply his tables with game and fish in season, and the house entertained many parties from Utica who wished to have a good time. It was clean, quiet and attractive, and one would travel very far and not find a more genuine cordial welcome or as good a table as at the Palmer House. In May, 1904, after having been in the hotel business nearly half a century and 40 years as proprietor, Mr. May retired and has since lived a quiet life at the Van Kirk Apartment House in Herkimer. He had a very pleasant camp at Cold Springs, Fourth Lake, Fulton Chain, where he spent his summers, while in the winter he returned to Herkimer. He sold this camp in 1914. No man in his day was more widely known to or more popular with the traveling public than George May. He was genial but not effusive, and he preferred to have his hotel speak for him rather than his own tongue. It was genius as a hotel man, and no Parisian could be more thoughtful to apprehend the wishes of his guests and supply them promptly. He was very attentive to the comforts of all, and they took delight in recommending his hotel to others.

In politics, Mr. May was Republican, and while living at Boonville he was sought for to take the nomination for sheriff of the county. But he had no taste for office holding. Hotel keeping was his forte and he made a good reputation of which he was justly proud. He was a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Veteran Association and while living at Rome he became a member of Skilling Post, G.A.R. He attended the Episcopal church.

Mr. May is survived by his widow, Harriet E. May; two children, Miss Elizabeth May of Herkimer and Mrs. Stoddard M. Evans of Rome, and two grandsons, Stoddard M. Stevens, jr., of New York and George May Stevens, who is at present serving as ensign on the U.S.S. destroyer Maddox. [Note: surnames of Evans and Stevens are as written; one is correct but we don't know which.]

The funeral will be held from the May apartments in the Van Kirk at 10 a.m. Thursday. Rev. William C. Prout, rector of Christ church, officiating. The remains will be brought to Boonville for interment Thursday at 2:30 p.m.

Spotted by the site coordinator. From "Boonville Herald and Adirondack Tourist," April 17, 1919.

Mrs. Stuart W. Nelson
Beloved Resident of Old Forge Passes On, Being Confined to Her Bed For Past Four Years.

Sadie Harvey Nelson, wife of Dr. Stuart Nelson, died early last Wednesday morning after an extended illness.

Mrs. Nelson was born in Lowville, the daughter of Joseph and Ellen Harvey, one of the first families to locate in Old Forge. She was educated in and graduated from St. Peter's Academy, Rome, and most of her life had been lived in Old Forge. Four years ago Mrs. Nelson was taken with a serious illness and except for a few months she had been in bed most of the time. She bore her illness with sweet patience and was always cheerful and filled with courage. She never complained and always looked ahead to the time she would be well again.

Mrs. Nelson was a member of St. Bartholomew's church and possessed estimable qualities that won her scores of friends. She was bright and delightful in manner and her winning personality made her attractive and pleasant to those she met.

There is genuine sorrow among friends and fellow townspeople and her case has been a particularly sad one.

Mrs. Nelson is survived by her husband; one son, Austin; her mother, Mrs. Ellen Harvey, and three sisters, the Misses Emma B., Gertrude F., and Anna E. Harvey, all of Syracuse.

The funeral was held Saturday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Bartholomew's church at Old Forge, Rev. Father Fitzgerald officiating. The funeral was largely attended by sorrowing friends and neighbors and as a token of their many floral tributes surrounded the remains. Interment was made in Boonville.

Contributed by an anonymous donor, Ethel B. Klock's obituary is of local interest to Frankfort researchers.

Ethel B. Klock
(April 13, 1908-November 9, 1999)

Oneida Daily Dispatch
Thursday, Nov. 11, 1999

Ethel B. Klock

Ethel B. Klock, 91, formerly of Canastota, died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1999 at the Mohawk Vally Nursing Home, Ilion.

She was born April 13, 1908 in Frankfort, the daughter of Burt and Mary GRIMM BRIDENBECKER and received her education at Frankfort Schools and the Utica School of Commerce. She married Gordon H. Klock in 1942 in Canada. Mr. Klock died in 1988. Ethel and Gordon operated the Klock Motel at Sylvan Beach. She was of the Protestant faith. Surviving are one sister, Dorothy Klock of Frankfort and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Mae W. Nabinger's obituary was graciously contributed by her grandson, Steven Knight.

Obituary of Amanda (Mae) Nabinger.

Herkimer Evening Telegram - 7 May 1952

Mrs. Mae Nabinger, 81, Dies at Daughter's Home

Mohawk - Mrs. Mae W. Nabinger, 81, died Saturday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Arthur Root, 11 Fulmer St.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 PM tomorrow from the Fenner Funeral Home, Herkimer, with the Rev Fred G. Cotnam, Herkimer Methodist minister officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer.

Mrs. Nabinger was born Aug. 11, 1870, in Indian Castle, a daughter of Jesse and Emily Finehout Warner. Her marriage to Henry Nabinger took place Feb. 28, 1888 in Little Falls. He died in January of 1951. They moved to Herkimer in 1891. Mrs. Nabinger had been living in Mohawk for the last two years. She was a member of the Herkimer Methodist Church and of its women's organizations.

She leaves three sons; William J. of this village; Jacob, Sidney, and David, Fort Plain; five daughters; Mrs. Grover Harter, E. Herkimer; Mrs. Ernest Taylor, Pawtucket, R.I.; Mrs. John Wellington and Mrs. John Knight, Herkimer; and Mrs. Root; several grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Note: (Amanda) Mae Warner was my grandmother.Although her given name was Amanda she always was known as Mae. Her father's namewas actually William Jesse Warner and her mother was Emily Jane Fineout. Also, her husband, Henry, died3 January 1950, not 1951 as the obit states. The Finehout family descends from Cornelis Aertse Finehout who was born at Fort Orange (Albany, NY) about 1640. It appears, at this time, that all the Finehout/ Fineout families in the Hudson and Mohawkvalleys may be descended from Cornelis Finehout and Neeltje VanWagenen. An interesting note is that, in general, the Finehout families east of Herkimer County have retained the letter "H" in their surname while the Fineout families west of Montgomery Co.seem to have droppedit.

Steven Knight
Herkimer, NY

Joanby L. Nabinger's obituary was graciously contributed by Steven Knight.

The Evening Telegram, Nov. 10, 2001 (Herkimer, Herkimer Co., NY)

Joanby L. Nabinger
Was co-owner J&J Enterprises antiques

MOHAWK -- Joanby L. Nabinger, 66, a longtime resident of State Route 168, Mohawk, passed away at home Thursday, Nov. 8, 2001, with her loving family by her side.

Joanby was born June 9, 1935, in Ilion, daughter of Owen G. and Rosamond (Shafer) McKillop. She first attended Ilion schools and was later a graduate of Owen D. Young High School in Van Hornesville. On Aug. 5, 1953, Joanby was united in marriage to James M. "Jim" Nabinger Sr. at the Little Falls Methodist Church, a special and devoted union of almost 46 years until Mr. Nabinger's passing on June 23, 1999. A dedicated homemaker, Joanby's life revolved around her beloved family. She co-owned J&J Enterprises (antiques) with her husband, Jim, on Creek Road in Mohawk. Joanby loved the antique business, refinishing furniture and working and traveling around with Jim. Joanby and Jim were members of the Paines Hollow United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Vicki and Robert Miller of Mohawk and Kathie and David Marmet of Mohawk; four sons and daughters-in-law, Timothy and Kathy Nabinger of Florida, Thomas Nabinger of Herkimer, John and Nancy Nabinger of Herkimer and James Nabinger Jr., of Mohawk and his fiancZe Missie Winfield; her cherished grandchildren, Billy and Jamie Thorn, Samantha Miller, Matthew and John Marmet, Andrew, Owen, Jonathon and Krisanne Nabinger; five great-grandchildren, Jacob and Julianna Thorn, Blake, James Jr. and Hunter Thorn; two brothers, Owen D. McKillop of Colorado and Chad S. McKillop of California; two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Eleanor and John Yesford of Florida and Grace Sherwood of Little Falls; also several nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend Joanby's graveside funeral service on Monday, Nov. 12, commencing at 1 p.m. at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer, with Pastor Jack Cogar officiating.

There are no calling hours.

Joanby's family would like to thank the staff of Herkimer County Hospice for the care and compassion shown to her during her illness.

Memorial contributions in Joanby's name may be considered to the Paines Hollow United Methodist Church or the American Lung Association. Donation envelopes will be available at the graveside cemetery service.

All arrangements have been entrusted to the Graves-Applegate-Day Funeral Home, 48 E. Main St., Mohawk.

Note: Joanby's husband is my cousin. His father, John Nabinger, was my uncle.

Steven Knight
Herkimer

This grouping of 6 obituaries plus a wrongful death lawsuit article from the Fort Plain Standard were contributed by Rosemary Nadal. "These obits are of people who are not related to me, I just wanted to share them in hoping they can help some one out there, who may be searching for them."

Fort Plain Standard
Thursday, January 13, 1927
Obituary

Mary M. Campbell

Mary M. Campbell died at her home in the town of Canajoharie on Sunday morning, at the age of 75 years. She was a daughter of Henry J. and Elizabeth A. Sammons Robinson and was born at Buel. One brother, Samuel N. Robinson of Oneonta, and one sister, Ada Robinson, survive, besides several nieces and nephews.

Fort Plain Standard
Thursday, January 13, 1927
Obituary

John S. Gallt

John S. Gallt of Cherry Valley died Jan. 2, aged 80 years. John S. Gallt was born in Cherry Valley on May 14, 1846, the son of John Gallt and Eunice Shaw, and his ancestors date back to the time of the Revolution and the Cherry Valley Massacre.

Nearly all of his life was spent in Cherry Valley and nearby vicinity. At the early age of 17 he volunteered his service to the cause of the Civil war. He was in the 76th volunteer, Company B, 44th regiment. During the battle of Vicksburg he was wounded in the right arm.

The bearers were service men of the World war: Capt. A. B. Cox, Dr. E. B. Leneker, Myron Walton, Jacob Angle, Vivian Eggleston, David Boscoe.

Notable among the mourners was Charles Lewis Sr., a fellow comrade of the Civil war, who despite his 82 years was able to take part in the services.

Fort Plain Standard
Thursday, January 13, 1927
Obituary

Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis died Thursday at the home of his son, Floyd Lewis, near Sharon Hill, aged 82 years, 11 months and 20 days. He is survived by four sons and two daughters, Floyd Lewis of Sharon, Howard of Schenectady, Charles of Canajoharie, Kellar of Nelliston, Mrs. Charles Coons of Schenectady and Mrs. Charles Smith of Newville.

Fort Plain Standard
Thursday, January 13, 1927
Obituary

Jacob C. Nellis

Jacob C. Nellis died Tuesday morning at his home in this village, aged 95 years. He was Fort Plain's oldest resident. He lived with his daughter, Mrs. Frank Lipe, on Spring Street. Mrs. Lipe cared for her aged father about midnight. When she went to his room in the morning she found that he had passed away during the night. Mr. Nellis' death was due to old age and he had been in failing health for several months, and about a week ago, weakness and illness compelled him to take to his bed.

About three years ago, Mr. Nellis' daughter, Mrs. Frank Lipe of Schenectady, came to Fort Plain to care for him. She has given him the most tender care and made his last years as comfortable and happy as possible.

Jacob C. Nellis was born in the town of St. Johnsville in 1831. He was the son of Col. Jeremiah Nellis and Margaret Fox. The Nellis family members were among the earliest pioneer settlers on the north side of the Mohawk river. In this section, locating here about 1723. Mr. Nellis later removed to Canastota and about 60 years ago came to Fort Plain locating at the eastern end of the village on what had been known as the Verplanck farm. An island in the river connected with the farm and first known as Verplanck's island and later as Nellis island, was at one time a favorite place for firemen's picnics, outings, baseball games, etc. The farmhouse on the place is one of the oldest in this section.

Mr. Nellis conducted a dairy farm and ran a milk route for many years. In 1906, he removed to the brick Lipe home at the foot of Sand hill, where he lived a year, and in 1907, he bought his late home on Spring street. Mr. Nellis was a lifelong Republican in politics and filled the office of overseer of the poor at one time. He was a genial gentleman who was well liked by a wide-circle of friends who regret his death.

Mr. Nellis was twice married. His first wife was Harriet Chawgo and his second Jemima Van Patten Alsdorf. He leaves the following children by his first wife: Mrs. Frank Lipe of Schenectady, Mrs. William Flannery of Rutherford, N.J., Walter Nellis and Jeremiah Nellis of Schenectady; and by his second marriage, one daughter, Mrs. Emma Moyer of Brooksville, Fla. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held Saturday at 2p.m. from the home, the Rev. Dr. Henry B. Taylor, pastor of the Universalist church, officiating. The remains will be placed in the Catharine Nellis Memorial vault until spring, when interment will be made in the Fort Plain cemetery.

Fort Plain Standard
Thursday 13, 1927
Obituary

Clarence H. Smith

Clarence H. Smith, 52, died at the home of his father on Cross street, St. Johnsville, Friday evening, after an illness of several months, death being due to tuberculosis. Mr. Smith was born on Feb. 2, 1874, in St. Johnsville. He resided there the greater part of his life. A few years ago he moved to New York city. Thence he went to Albany, where he served under Florence E.S. Knapp, secretary of state, for a short time. While in this position Mr. Smith was taken ill and removed to the Swart Hill sanatorium.

Mr. Smith is survived by an aged father, Delos Smith, and only sister, Elba Smith, both of St. Johnsville.

The funeral was held on Sunday.

Fort Plain Standard
Thursday, January 13, 1927
Obituary

Charles H. Waters, Sr.

Charles H. Waters Sr., aged 56, died Sunday at his home on Division street after an illness of two years of Bright's disease. He was born at Sherburne, son of Charles H. and Mary Lyons Waters, and had been a resident of Fort Plain many years, being employed for a long time in the Hix Furniture Works and in the Bailey Mills and for about two years before his final illness was connected with the store of Cromydas & Co. Mr. Waters is survived by his wife, two sons, Charles H. 3d, of Canajoharie, and Sanford O. of Fort Plain, two grandchildren, Elaine Waters of Canajoharie and Jane Catherine Willis of Fort Plain. He was a brother of the late Theodore Waters of this village.

A prayer service was held at the home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock and the funeral at Holy Cross Church at 2:30, the Rev. Harold H. R. Thompson officiating. Interment will be made in the Fort Plain cemetery in the spring.

Friends of Mrs. Waters express the deepest sympathy with her in her double affliction, as she lost her husband and a daughter within a week.

Fort Plain Standard
Thursday, January 13, 1927.
FORT PLAIN WOMAN WINS.

Mrs. Jennie Lathers Gets $18,148 From State for Husbands Death.

A three-year fight between a Fort Plain woman, the state court of claims and the state of New York has been won by the woman. In a unanimous decision of the appellate division of the Supreme court, third department.

Mrs. Jennie Lathers of Fort Plain, as administrator of the estate of her husband, Clarence S. Lathers, who was killed on the Middleburg-Schoharie highway on Oct. 12, 1923, sued the state for criminal negligence, claiming $25,000 damages. Lathers was driving his automobile from Middleburg to his home in Fort Plain during the late evening of Oct.12, 1923. At Schaeffers Rocks, just outside of the village of Schoharie, at a sharp turn, the Lathers car left the highway and plunged some 20 or 30 feet to the rocks below. Lathers was killed and his car wrecked.

Mrs. Lathers, in her complaint, alleged that the state was negligent in that it did not provide the proper safeguards at this dangerous point. The case was brought before the Court of Claims and after a long trial a decision was rendered granting Mrs. Lathers claim and interest, the whole amounting to $18,148.90. The state appealed because it contended the award was excessive but the appellate court has just decided that the judgment was reasonable. In a memorandum the court shows that the proper safeguards were missing or had grown obsolete.

A collection of Elwood Family obituaries was kindly contributed by Julie Litts Robst!

The two Pierce family obits below were graciously contributed by Julie Litts Robst.

Lydia Luther Pierce

NEWSPAPER OBITUARY
Herkimer Courier December 6, 1904

Millers Mills - Miss Lydia Luther Pierce died at the home of her neice, Mrs. Alonzo Shaul, Petrie's Corners November 28, 1904, age 94 years, 4 months, 10 days. Buried Wednesday in Methodist Hill Cemetery. She was the last of nine children of Dean and Elizabeth Pierce. Her father was at Sackett's Harbor during the War of 1812. Her grandfather was a Revolutionary War soldier, descendant of one of three brothers who came from England. On her mother's side, she was a descendant of Martin Luther.

Ezra Milo "Milo" Pierce

NEWSPAPER OBITUARY
September 20, 1952 Herkimer Evening Star

Milo Pierce, 80, Dies, Resident of Mohawk

MOHAWK - Milo Pierce, 80, a resident of Mohawk for the past ten years, died yesterday at his home, 17-A W. Main St. Born in Michigan on December 23, 1871, a son of James and Elizabeth Skinner Pierce, he was employed at the Derby Sportswear Company, in Herkimer before retiring some time ago. In addition to his wife, the former Arabelle Heath, he leaves a daughter, Mrs. Ruth Lyon, Dolgeville; a son, Gordon of Middletown, Pennsylvania; a brother, Orlando of Canajoharie. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday from the Graves Funeral Home, with the Rev. Russell Rauscher of Ilion officiating and burial in Columbia Center Cemetery.

The three Quinn family obits below were graciously contributed by Julie Litts Robst.

Margaret Blanche McIntosh Quinn

NEWSPAPER OBITUARY
Monday August 9, 1920 Little Falls Evening Times

Was A Native Of Scotland -

Mrs. Margaret Quinn died at midnight last night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Del Rose, at 11 1/2 Loomis Street. She had been ill for the past week, following a stroke of paralysis. Mrs. Quinn's maiden name was Margaret McIntosh. She was born in Iverness, Scotland, February 1, 1843. When 12 years of age she came to this country, the family settling in Canada. She was married to Harry Quinn, who died three years ago. Much of her life was spent near Richfield Springs, from which section she came to this city 20 years ago. Mrs. Quinn was a kind wife and a devoted mother, who was held in high esteem by her many friends for her splendid attributes of character. Surviving are one son, Henry, of this city; three daughters, Mrs. Frank Gyer and Mrs. William Hollow of Jordanville, and Mrs. Del Rose of this city; two brothers, John McIntosh of Manitoba and Duncan of Prescott; and two sisters, Mrs. Kate Watts of Toronto and Mrs. George Hammond, likewise of that city. Twenty-seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren also survive. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow from the Rose home on Loomis Street, Rev. H. C. Cooper officiating. The remains will be taken to Richfield Springs for burial.

Margaret Blanche Quinn House

NEWSPAPER OBITUARY
December 21,1950 Evening Telegram Herkimer, New York

Mrs. Margaret House Dies At Home In Mohawk -

MOHAWK - Mrs. Margaret House, 76, widow of William House, Columbia St., died yesterday in her home after a short illness. She was born December 6, 1874, in Richfield Springs, a daughter of Henry and Margaret McIntosh Quinn. Her marriage to Mr. House took place in Little Falls on January 2, 1892. Mr. House died in 1933. She was a member of the Richfield Presbyterian Church. Mrs. House leaves three daughters, Mrs. Wesley Cristman and Mrs. Kenneth Barringer, this village, and Mrs. Ernest Eggliston, Richfield Springs; three sons, Charles, Richfield Springs; Edward, Utica; and Franklin, Ilion; one brother, Henry Quinn, Laurens, New York; one sister, Mrs. Miranda Rose, this village; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday from the McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs, with the Rev. Frederick Fraser, officiating. Burial will be in Jordanville in the spring.

Duncan Gollan Quinn

NEWSPAPER OBITUARY
July 8, 1909 Richfield Springs Mercury

Duncan Quinn, aged 31 years, died at the home of his sister in Little Falls, Tuesday. His funeral will be held from Brockway's Undertaking rooms at 2:30 this afternoon.

Elsie H. Barber Ashman's obituary was graciously contributed by her great-granddaughter Marie Weaver.

Oct 27, 1939

Mrs. Elsie Ashman, Local Resident 37 Years, Dead
Native of Utica Had Been in WRC Hospital at Oxford for year;
Formerly of Prospect St.

Mrs. Elsie H. Ashman, 54 wife of Charles C. Ashman, a resident of Herkimer for 37 years died yesterday at the W.R.C. hospital in Oxford, NY after an illness of four years due to arthritis and complication of diseases. She was born in Utica Jan. 19, 1885 daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John T. Barber. Mrs. Ashman lived in Herkimer from the time she was 16 years of age until about a year ago when she was taken to the hospital. Her home while in Herkimer was on Prospect St. She was married Oct. 15,1910 to Charles C. Ashman of Herkimer, who survives with one son Kenneth Winston Ashman of Johnson City, two brothers William Barber of Providence R.I. and Walter Barber of Richfield Springs also one sister Mrs. Julia Coffin of Sodus.

The funeral will be held Monday at 2.00 p.m. from the Taylor Funeral Home Prospect St. with burial in Oak Hill cemetery. Rev F.S. Shaw Freedom Methodist pastor of Sodus, will officiate. Friends may call at the Taylor home Sunday afternoon and evening.

A collection of Gyer/Guyer Family obituaries was kindly contributed by Julie Litts Robst!

Colonel Frank West and Ida Remington Squire's obituary notices spotted by Assistant County Coordinator Lisa Slaski!

From: "Proceedings of the New York State Historical Association, the Twenty-Third Annual Meeting" Vol XXI, published by the New York State Historical Association, 1923.

Colonel Frank West, a veteran of many military engagements in various parts of this and other countries, was found dead in bed at his home in Mohawk, N.Y., on the morning of August 26, 1923. His death was very unexpected as he had been in his usual good health and had been on the streets the day before.

He was born at Mohawk, September 26, 1850, the son of Harley and Mary Ann West. After receiving a common school education he went to work at the age of fifteen, in the office of the Mohawk Republican, a weekly newspaper. This was later purchased by Eliphlet Remington and removed to Ilion, and Mr. West continued to work on it until 1868. In that year he was appointed to West Point Military Academy and graduated in June, 1872. During his military career of forty-six years, his leaves of absence were few, and while the life was one of adventure and interest, there was but little of a domestic character to it. He went where duty called and was practically without a home.

The services rendered by Colonel West are matters of Government record. He took a prominent part in a number of expeditions against the Indians in the western part of this country, he served during the Spanish-American War in Cuba, and he was stationed in the Philippines at two different times. He received medals for his services both in Cuba and the Philippines. On September 26, 1914, he was made Colonel, U.S.A., and reitred under the operation of law having attained the age limit. From that time until his death, he made his home in Mohawk, his birthplace.

In 1890 he married Miss Rebecca Kenyon who died in 1912. He later married Mrs. Fanny Elwood who survives him. He leaves one son, Arthur, who served as a Lieutenant in the World War, also a brother and a sister.

He was a valued member of the Society of Santiago de Cuba, Order of Indian Wars, Sons of the American Revolution, National Historical Society, and National Geographic Society. In 1918 he was appointed a member of the General Herkimer Home Commission and had served most acceptably. After his death, the commissioners passed a resolution of which the following is a part: -

"Colonel Frank West has been since the organization of the Commission, its foremost member. He has given largely of his time and means in valuable service to the Herkimer Homestead. He was highly respected and esteemed by all, and his loss will be deeply felt, not only by his associates on the Board, but by the entire community. He died like the true soldier he was, in the service of his country."

From: "Proceedings of the New York State Historical Association, the Twenty-Second Annual Meeting" Vol XX, published by the New York State Historical Association, 1922.

Ida Remington Squire died on February 28, 1921. Mrs. Squire was a daughter of Philo and Caroline Remington. She was born November 20, 1842, in the old Remington house in Ilion. On December 23, 1868, she was married to Watson Carvosso Squire. Her husband was manager of the Remington Arms Company from 1866 to 1879, when they moved to Seattle. He was governor of Washington Territory 1884-1887, and afterwards United States senator from Washington for two terms. The last years of her life she lived in Ilion in the mansion built by her father on Armory Hill, in which she died and from which she was borne to her grave in Armory Hill Cemetery. Her husband, two daughters, and two sons, survive her.

She was one of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of 1812; a member of the Women's Foreign Home Missionary Societies af the Methodist Church and the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Her beneficent activities wer not confined to the societies and church in which she held membership. It was in keeping with the practice of a lifetime that she was preparing to attend a social gathering to aid the fatherless children of France when she received the paralytic stroke from which she died.

Lots more obits on the Obits Bulletin Board Part 8.

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