DEATH TAKES OLD PIONEER

Otis W. Matthewson of South Second Street Dies Early This Morning

Monday August 24, 1925 page 1

WAS WELL KNOWN

One of the pioneers of this city and the community passed away early this
morning, Otis W. Matthewson of South Second street passing away after an
illness extending over a period of five years, the greater part of which time
he was confined to his bed. The death of Mr. Matthewson will remove from
this community one of its pioneers, as the aged resident made his home in
Dekalb and the surrounding vicinity since 1855. The death of Mr. Matthewson
is a distinct shock to his numerous friends in this city who have been aware of
his illness but did not know that the end was near.

Born in New York

Otis W. Matthewson was born in Smyria, Chenango county, N.Y., in 1837,
coming west when a young man. Soon after his arrival in the western territory
he settled in Dekalb, where he established himself as a painter, at one time
being one of the leading painters in the community and having a reputation
extending in all sections of the surrounding territory.

Mr. Matthewson is survived by his widow and four children, M. G. Matthewson
of Aurora, J. O. Matthewson of this city, Mrs. R. O. Hatkelier of Los Angeles,
and Mrs. C. P. Paynter of Springfield. He also leaves behind a brother and sister
to mourn his death, Albert G. Matthewson of Triumph, Minn., and Mrs. W. L.
Gookins of Los Angeles.

A host of friends will mourn with the family the death of the pioneer resident
who started his residence in this city when it was a mere village with but a few
homes and a store or two.

Funeral services will be held at two o'clock on Wednesday afternoon from the
home on South Second street, interment to be in Fairview cemetery.

Services for O. Matthewson On Wednesday

Tuesday August 25, 1925 page 1

Funeral services for Otis W. Matthewson whose death occurred Monday morning
at his home on South Second street after a lingering illness of nearly five years'
duration will be held tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock from the home on South
Second street. Burial will be in the Fairview cemetery.

The death of Mr. Matthewson removed from this community one of its oldest
pioneers. He became a resident of Dekalb in 1855, and for many years was a
painter in this city and the surrounding community. For the past five years his
health was poor, the greater part of the time of which he was confined to his bed.

Service for Old Pioneer Are Held Today

Wednesday August 26, 1925 page 1

Funeral services for Otis W. Matthewson, one of the pioneer residents of this city
were held at two o'clock this afternoon from the home on South Second street.
burial was in the Fairview cemetery of this city.

The death of Mr. Matthewson on Monday morning brought to a close the life of
one of the pioneer residents of Dekalb. Mr. Matthewson, born in New York,
came to Dekalb in 1855, since which time he made his home here and in the
surrounding community. He leaves to mourn his death his grieved widow and
four children.

Submitted by: Julie Rice, EdJulieR@aol.com