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.

From Betsy Voorhees.

The Evening Telegram, Jan. 13, l999 (Herkimer, NY newspaper)

Reba Mae Vedder

HERKIMER - Reba Mae Vedder, 87, of l04 N. Washington Street, formerly of Main Street, East Herkimer, died Monday, January 11, 1999, in Folts Home.

She was born March 28, 1911, in Herkimer, the daughter of the late George Ernest and Bertha Ella Vedder. A lifelong Herkimer resident, she was a graduate of Herkimer High School and went on to graduate from Oneonta and Morrisville Normal School. For a short period of time she was a member of the First Baptist Church, Herkimer.

Reba leaves no living relatives.

She was preceded in death by three brother, Raymond, who was killed in action in World War II, Donald and DeWitt Vedder.

Friends may call in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer, Friday afternoon from 2-4 p.m.

Funeral service will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home, with the Rev. Jeremy Spencer, pastor of First Baptist Church, Herkimer, officiating. Miss Vedder will be placed in the Fenner Funeral Home private receiving vault to await burial in West St. Johnsville Cemetery later this spring.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, Herkimer, or the Folts Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

From Laura Perkins.

Utica Morning Herald & Daily Gazette, dated Tuesday, April 20, 1865

Obituary Notice:

Sergeant Ira M. AVERY, 97th Regiment NY Vol. He enlisted the first year of the war, served his time faithfully and before coming home re-enlisted, January 3, 1864; was taken prisoner at the Weldon Railroad, August 17th, was in prison 30 days, got away and was carried to Annapolis, Md. He remained there doing what he could for his fellow soldiers, for four months, acting as ward master, when he was returned to his regiment. He was in the act of rallying his men in the battle near Hatcher's Run, April lst, when he received the fatal shot. His lieutenant, in writing to his wife, says of him: "He was a true and noble soldier, none more prompt and energetic than he, but he is gone to his reward, and another hearth is desolate. We mourn not as those who have no hope". He was a resident of Salisbury, Herkimer County, was 24 years of age, and leaves a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. Funeral services at the Baptist Church, at Little Falls, Sunday, April 23rd.

From Jo Dee Frasco
Davis, Davitt, Dawley, Shepardson, Sherman, Sheridan, Sherris, Shipman, Shields, Shimmel, and Shipley obits from the Herkimer County newspaper, Evening Telegram.

OBITUARY
9-7-1906
Friday

Mrs. Eliza E. Shepardson
At the Old Ladies' Home at 5 o'clock Thursday morning, occurred the death of Mrs. Eliza E. Shepardson, one of the inmates. Deceased was in her 87th year and death was due to the infirmities of old age. Mrs. Shepardson was a daughter of John A. and Sarah Laughlin Ford and was born in Bainbridge, Chenango County. Many years of her life were spent in that section ---unreadable---S. S. Shepardson at---unreadable---county. After living some---unreadable---City, Pa., they came to ---unreadable--her husband died. ---unreadable---. She was----of a gentle and ---disposition which made her greatly liked by the other inmates and by all who knew her and her sunny cheerful dispostion will be greatly missed from the Home. Funeral services will be held from the Home at 7 o'clock tomorrow evening, Rev. Thomas Beesom, rector of Grace Church, officiating. Mrs. Easton, her niece, with Undertaker Laird will take the remains to North East, Pa., where they will be given interment beside the other members of the family in accordance with their wishes.

Little Falls, March 20--Horace Horace Shepardson
1916

Horace Shepardson died at the city hospital this morning, following an operation for the removal of a tumor from the base of the brain. The deceased was 37 years old the 21st day of February. He was employed as a foreman in the spinning department of the Phoenix Underware Company's plant. He was a young man of excellent character. On March 1, 1904, Mr. Shepardson was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Finnegan. He is survived by his wife, two brothers, William Shepardson, superintendent of the Phoenix plant, and Albert; and by three sisters, Mrs. Archie Rickard of this city, Matthew Brott of Hartford Conn., and Mrs. Christopher Dise of this city.

Owen Sheridan
1906

Little Falls, May 16,--Owen Sheridan aged 66 years, a well known and respected resident of this city, died at his home in East Mill Street early this morning from a complication of diseases. He is survived by one brother Charles, and one sister, Mrs. Thomas Reynolds, both of this city. The funeral will be held from St. Mary's church Friday morning at the usual hour.

OBITUARY
THOMAS SHERIDAN
1916
Middleville, December
(I was not able to read this obit ...the ink is blotchy and dark)

Was a Veteran of Two Wars
1910

Little Falls, June 16,--To be a veteran of two wars, one of the country of his birth, the other of the country of his adoption, is a distinction accorded to but few men. That was the record of Andrew Sherman, a fine old citizen who died at his home corner Monroe and Lewis Streets, some time during last night, so quietly as not to attract attention. Mr. Sherman was born in England in 1831, and fought under that country's flag in the Crimean war and for the Union in the Civil War. He drew a British pension of 17 cents per day. He is survived by his widow and one son, Charles who is a street car conductor in Utica. The funeral has not been arranged.

HIRAM SHERMAN
11-12-1905

Hiram Sherman died at his home in West Schuyler Saturday. He had been ill for the past two years, following an operation. For a week he had been confined to his bed. He was born in Whitesboro 72 years ago. For 65 years he had lived in West Schuyler. He is survived by a wife and one child.

Death of Mrs. Cornelius B. Sherman
1-20-1916

At 1:20 this afternoon an aged and estimable resident of Herkimer, Mrs. Cornelius B. Sherman, entered the last sleep at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Flora Harter, 230 Bellinger Avenue. The venerable lady had for several weeks been ill with a complication under which she slowly succumbed. She was born in Salisbury 81 years ago and had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Two daughters survive, Mrs. Harter already mentioned and Mrs. Cora Beach of Lebanon, N. Y., and one son, Melville Swift of Wrightsville, Iowa. Three sisters are Mrs. Sara Martindale of East Herkimer, Mrs. Malinda Baird of Chicago, and Mrs. Valance Lathrop of Hartwick.

OBITUARY
Friday 1911?
Elvin Sherman

Ilion, March 3,--At an Albany hospital Thursday night occurred the death of Elvin Sherman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Irving Sherman of this village, aged about 24 years. Mr. Sherman had been employed as fireman of the New York Central and Saturday developed typhoid pneumonia, which caused his death. Beside the parents a brother and three sisters survive. The remains will be brought to Ilion.

MRS. ELVIN SHERMAN
1907
Ilion, March 23,--Mrs. Elvin Sherman died Thursday evening at her home in North Fourth Avenue, apoplexy being the cause of death. The deceased was born in Fort Plain, February 10, 1861, and at an early age came to this village with her parents and had resided here ever since, May 10th, 1881, she married Elvin H. Sherman. During her many years residence in this village she had been a member of the Baptist Church and its various societies, and was always a great worker for the church cause, in which she will be sadly missed. At the time of her death she was the teacher of a large class of young ladies in the Baptist Sunday School. In her younger days she was a member of the George Scriber class in the above Sunday School, the members of which for many years have made it custom, wherever they might be located to meet each other in the village and hold their annual picnic and outing in which Mrs. Sherman took an active part. The class has been organized thirty years and this is the first death. She was a highly respected neighbor and much attached to her family and friends. Deceased is survived by her husband, and four children, three sons, Cole H., Albert E., Charles W., and one daughter Sarah Elizabeth, all of whom live at home, also her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilten Steel; one sister, Mrs. Harey ? Fay of Second Street, and one brother Claude Steele of Grove Street. The funeral will be held from the late----unreadable----.

Mrs. Sylvia Sherman
1916

Ilion, Jan. 22--At the home of her son, Elvin H. Sherman, in this village, occurred the death of Mrs. Sylvia Sherman last evening following a prolonged illness. She was born in Amboy, Oswego County, 78 years ago, but for the past thirty years she had made her home here with her son. She is survived by two sons, the one above mentioned and Irving, also of this village, ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. The funeral has not yet been arranged.

Frank Sherman
1901/7?

Little Falls, May 16?--Frank Sherman aged 58 years, died at the City Hospital about 6 o'clock last night of paralysis, with which he was stricken May 5th at his home in Currytown, Montgomery County. Deceased formerly resided in Newport. He is survived by his widow and two daughters of this city, Misses Effa M. and Grace E. Sherman. The funeral will be held from the home of Mrs. W. B. Houghton in Monroe Street tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock and the remains will be taken to Newport for interment.

Irving Sherman
1916

Ilion, Sept. 6,-- Irving Sherman of Mohawk died at the hospital this evening. For many years and until recently he was a resident of this village, and was engaged in the trucking business. He is survived by his wife, one son, Henry of Utica, and two daughters, Mary of Edmeston and Mrs. Hugh Fagan of Los Angeles, Cal., one sister and one brother E. H. Sherman of this village.

James M. Sherman
1908?

Little Falls, May 20,-- James M. Sherman died at his home on Albany Street this morning of heart disease, aged 73 years. Besides his widow he is survived by one son, Adelbert Sherman of this city; two daughters, Mrs. Merrit Sanders of Fort Plain and Mrs. Theodore Marke of this city; also one sister, Mary Miller of Washington Mills and one brother, George Sherman of East Florence, N. Y. The funeral will be held from his home at 2 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Humphrey officiating, and interment will be made in the soldiers' plot in Fairview cemetery.

Thomas Sherman (real name Thomas German)
He Was A Resident of Gravesville
1917

On September 23, the body of an unknown and aged man was found in a small building in the rear of North Genesee Street, Utica. There was nothing on the remains by which the man could be identified. At the direction of the Oneida County coroner a photograph of the dead man was taken and Miss Agnes Sherman of Yorkvilled identified the dead man as her father, Thomas Sherman, a resident of Gravesville, Herkimer County. His correct name was Thomas German but he made his home with a family by the name of Sherman of a long time and assumed their name. He was born in Remsen, March 22, 1848, and lived in that village, a number of years, later moving to Gravesville. He was a blacksmith by trade and also for some years past had had charge of the M. & M. station at Gravesville. He was twice married, his last wife being a captain of the Salvation Army, and she died about five years ago. The remains were placed in the Utica Cemetery following the taking of the photograph, but now that they have been identified, they will be removed to Gravesville for final interment.

OBITUARY
12-8-13
Isaac Sherris

Word was received here early this morning that Isaac Sherris, a prominent young business man of this village had passed away at a hospital in Rochester, N. Y., where he had been for the past month for treatment. Several years ago deceased was struck by a train at Olean, N. Y., and never recovered from the injuries sustained at that time, though he suffered several operations with the hope of regaining his health. His condition had been especially bad for the past two years. Some five or six years ago, Mr. Sherris came to this village and established the Syndicate Clothing Company and aside from being one of the members of the firm, he was a manager, and gave his entire time to the business as far as the condition of his health would permit. He was a young man of upright business character and an advocate of the square deal in all matters, and made many friends in and outside of his business ----his residence here. He was born in Olean, N. Y., 31 years ago. He leaves surviving him, the widow, formerly Miss Levy of Rochester, N. Y., and a five year old son, Sidney, also three brothers, Myer of this village, Louis of Chicago and Nathan of Jacksonville, Fla., and two sisters, Mrs. Anna Seigle and Miss Esther Sherris, both of Buffalo, N. Y. The funeral was held at 2:30 this afternoon from the home of the father-in-law, A. Levy of 363 An---, Rochester.

Grandma Shibley died at the home of her son William last week, Tuesday, aged 77 years. She leaves to mourn her loss four sons, William of this place, Alfred of Salisbury Center, George of Fall Hill, Ealon of the Paper Mill, and one daughter, Mrs. Will Decker of North Fairfield. Interment was made in the cemetery near the Paper Mill, by the side of her husband, who died not quite a year ago. The family has the sympathy of their neighbors and friends. Mon. 1-16-1905

OBITUARY
1905

Miss Celestia Shipman
Little Falls, Oct. 21.--Miss Celestia Shipman, aged 64 years, died yesterday at the home of her sister, Mrs. John Hayes, of paralysis. Besides the sister mentioned one brother, Warren Shipman, survives. The funeral will be held at 2:30 tomorrow, Rev. Mr. Cutler officiating.

Amsterdam Woman Burned to Death
Mrs. Rachel Shields, aged 81, who resided at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles H. Knapp in Charles Street, Amsterdam, was burned to death early Tuesday morning. Mrs. Knapp was awakened by the smell of smoke and on going to her mothers room saw a blaze in progress on the carpet near the aged lady's bed. Mrs. Shields was standing near a window and was requested by the daughter to come out. As Mrs. Shields attempted to do so her night robe caught fire. Mrs. Knapp and her son tried to carry Mrs. Shields to the front door first wrapping some bed quilts about her. The aged woman collapsed, however, and fell to the floor and the fire drove the rescuers away. Mrs. Knapp was in hysterics when the firemen arrived, being conscious of the fact that her mother was being burned to death. The firemen extinguished the blaze about the body with some chemicals but the woman was already dead. Deceased was 81 years of age-----obituary cut off.

Mrs. Willard E. Shimmel
8-13-1913
The community in which she resided near Jordanville will long mourn the loss of one of its most highly respected residents in the death of Nannie C. Shoemaker, wife of Willard E. Shimmel, which occurred July 18 after an extended illness. The deceased was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Shoemaker and was born in August of 1872, on the homestead of Shoemaker Hill, which has been in the family for over a century and was 41 years, 11 months and 16 days of age. The funeral took place on July 21st. January 20th, 1892 she was united in marriage to her husband, who survives as also do her parents and a son, Roscoe W., and a daughter, Lora A. To all of these the sympathy of the entire community goes out in their bereavement. The deceased was a capable business woman, evidence in her drawing the plans and superintending the building of her home in which she took great pleasure, also in her membership on the Jordanville Library Association. She attended the Ilion schools and began teaching at the age of 16 years. Her home life was ideal and she was a woman of high Christian charcter, exemplifying her religion in her daily life and was affliated with the Methodist Church at Jordanville.

Mrs. Mary F. Shipley
1906
Mohawk, March 31--At the home of her daughter, Mrs. Seward Burroughs in this village Friday morning, occurred the death of Mrs. Mary Frances Shipley. Deceased was born in Columbus, Ohio, about 62 years ago and her girlhood was passed in that place. She moved to Syracuse when a girl and lived in that city for a number of years. About thirty years ago she moved to Utica and resided there for five years. She then returned to Syracuse and remained there until 1901, when she came to Mohawk, where she had since resided with her daughter. She was a lady of estimable character and was greatly beloved by her many friends. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Seward Burroughs, and by three grandchildren, Irene, Wesley and Ralph Burroughs, all of this place. The deceased was a member of the M. E. Church, and her funeral was held from the edifice at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

OBITUARY
Thurs. 3-29-1906

Mrs. Mary Frances Shipley
At 3 o'clock this morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Seward Burrows in Mohawk, occurred the death of Mrs. Mary Frances Shipley, a highly esteemed resident. Death was due to a complication of diseases and she had been ill for a long time. Mrs. Shipley was born in Columbus, Ohio, sixty-two years ago. The greater part of her life was spent in Utica and Syracuse, she coming to Mohawk about five years ago, where she has made many friends who will regret her demise. There survives only the daughter with whom she resided. The funeral will be held at 3 o'clock Saturday from the Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. M. E. Genter officiating. Burial will be made in the Mohawk Cemetery.

Obits

9-19-1905

The funeral of Morris Davis, whose death occurred Saturday in Sonyea Hospital, was held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, from the home of William Link of Palmer Street. Mr. Davis's death was the result of appendicitis. He leaves two daughters and two brothers, Charles and Jay, of this village. Rev. F. B. Severance will officiate at the funeral.

ESTEEMED RESIDENT PASSES
Death of Julia B. Davis After A Protracted Period of Ill Health. 12-23-1919

One of Mohawk's most estimable residents entered upon the sleep which knows no awakening at 7:30 this morning in the passing of Mrs. Julia Bargena (?) Davis, which occurred at her home in Columbia street. Death resulted from heart trouble, she having been confined to her bed for three weeks and suffered ill health for a period of two years. Mrs. Davis was a native of the town of German Flatts, born at Fort Herkimer, November 15th, 1839, and was in the 81st year of her age. She was the daughter of the late John A. and Phoebe Everson Steele and came to Mohawk with her parents when 12 years of age, and had since been a resident of this village. Her husband was the late Edwin Davis to whom she was united in marriage September 1st, 1856, and he passed away in 1875. Deceased was a woman of high Christian character, exemplifying her religion in her daily life by neighborly acts and kindly deeds which endeared her to all enjoying the pleasure of her acquaintance. She was beloved by the young people, and by all her passing will be universally regretted. She was a devoted mother, and when her health permitted, an active member of the Reformed Church. There survives a daughter, Miss Grace, who resides at home, and a brother, Charles C. Steele of Mohawk. The funeral will be held Friday at 2:30 from the late home. Rev. A. B. Boynton, pastor of the Reformed Church, will officiate burial in the Mohawk Cemetery.

OBITUARY
Friday 1907

Miss Kate Davis

Ilion, May 24--Miss Kate Davis, who was found unconscious at her home Monday afternoon, died at 10 a.m. Thursday. Miss Davis is believed to have suffered a paralytic stroke on Thursday night of last week, which was the last time she was seen about her home. Monday at the solicitation of friends Chief Stitt entered her home and found her on the floor unconscious. From the first her life was despaired of but some encouragement was given and Wednesday night she regained consciousness long enough to speak of the time that her illness had overtaken her. Deceased was born in Ireland in 1838 and came to this country a number of years ago, coming to this village to reside and during her residence here has won the friendship and respect of all with whom she came in contact. She was a most ardent and faithful member of Ave Maria Church, and one who only on account of illness alone could be kept from attending the church services. The funeral will be held from Ave Maria Church Monday morning at 10 o'clock. Her only relatives are one nephew, Michael McLoughlin of this village, and two nieces, Mary McLoughlin of this village and one in Utica.

BURNS PROVE FATAL
1906

Miss Mary Davis of Ilion Succumbs to Injuries.

Illion, April 4--Miss Mary Davis, who was so terribly burned at her home in Clark Street Monday night, died at 12:50 Tuesday afternoon at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Wing, where she was taken at the time of the fire. It is learned that the accident occurred as she was preparing to retire for the night. Miss Davis was evidently seated in a chair in her room and in some manner the lamp, which was standing on a table nearby, exploded or was knocked off on the floor and the flames set fire to her clothing. A friend occupying the same house noticed smoke coming from beneath the door. An effort was made to enter the room, but the door was locked, and it was necessary to break it open. Miss Davis was found sitting in the chair her clothing a mass of flames. She was carried to the street by Mr. Wing, and with the aid of others he succeeded in extinguishing the flames, but not until her entire body had been burned. She was carried into the apartments on the first floor, and Drs. A. C. Douglass, Hunter, and Diss were summoned. All three physicians responded and worked over her for several hours. She remained unconscious until noon, when she passed away. One sister Miss Kate Davis of West Clark Street survives.

OBITUARY
9-28-1914

Mary E. Stoddard Davis
A worthy woman was lost to the village when death claimed Mary E. Stoddard, wife of Hiram R. Davis of South Main Street yesterday morning at eight o'clock after a few hours' illness. Mrs. Davis was taken with an attack of acute indigestion Saturday evening and gradually grew worse until the end came. Deceased was a life long resident of the village, having been born here 68 years ago, and was the daughter of the late Ayers and Sophronia Stoddard and was well known and highly regarded by those of her acquaintance. She was a devoted member of the First Methodist Church of this village, and took an active part in church work. There survive the husband and three sisters, Mrs. Joseph Martin of Gloversville, N. Y., Mrs. Charles H. Putnam of German Flatts and Mrs. Kinnie Devendorf of this village and four brothers, D. W. Stoddard of Harrisburg, Pa; E. M. Stoddard of Mohawk, and Willard A. and Crawford Ayers Stoddard of this village. The funeral will be held Wednesday at 2 o'clock from the late home and will be private. The Rev. George L. Powell will officiate and interment will be made in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Peter Davis
1907
Little Falls. Oct. 28--Mrs. Peter Davis died at her home on East Monroe Street this morning aged about 80 years. She leaves two children, R. L. Davis and Mrs. H. F. Baum of this city, and two sisters, one of whom is Mrs. E. S. Middlebrook of Herkimer.

LITTLE FALLS WOMAN BURNED TO DEATH.
1913

Match Ignited Shelf paper and Spread to Clothing of Mrs. Thomas Davis Last Evening--Groceryman Extinguished Flames But Injuries Proved Fatal Today.

Little Falls, March 4--Mrs. Thomas Davis of Loomis Street was lighting a lamp last evening when the match ignited paper on a shelf near her and the fire communicated to her clothing. She rushed to the door where Morris Lynch, passing in a grocery rig, rushed to her aid and put out the blaze with a horse blanket. Nearly all the clothing was burned from her when he arrived, however, and the burns were so serious that she succumbed to them at 1:15 this afternoon. Mrs. Davis was born in England but had lived in this city for the past forty years and was highly esteemed. Besides her bereaved husband she is survived by four sons and two daughters. They are John and Martin Davis, Mrs. Holmes and Miss Rose Davis all of this city, Will Davis, Thomas Davis, Jr. who is now in France, and Mrs. Miles, Dayton, Ohio.

OBITUARY
1908?
Mrs. Honor Davitt

Little Falls, Aug. 21--Mrs. Honor Davitt, who resided with her daughter, Mrs. Fred Paul at 11 King Street, died yesterday, aged 73 years. Besides the daughter mentioned she is survived by two other daughters, Mrs. E. Casler and Mrs. B. Dunlavey, both of this city. The funeral will be held from St. Mary's Church at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning and the remains taken to Albany for interment.

OBITUARY
1911
Mrs. Clifford Dawley

Ilion, June 14--At her home at 4 Charles Street yesterday afternoon occurred the death of Estella C., wife of Clifford Dawley, after a prolonged illness. She was born in Ilion 37 years ago and has always resided here. She was a daughter of the late Henry Van Gumster of East Clark Street. She is survived by her husband, three daughters, one son, her mother, Mrs. Henry Van Gumster, and three sisters, Katherine and Grace Van Gumster, trained nurses, who have been caring for her, and Mrs. Harry Weiderman, all of this village. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. S. J. Greenfield officiating.

Lots more obits on the Obits Bulletin Board Part 5.

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