Matthias, Fannie 1858-1925

MATTHIAS, TROUT, HERTZ, HITE

Posted By: Jo (email)
Date: 5/16/2007 at 23:23:53

SUDDEN DEATH OF MRS. W. J. MATTHIAS SHOCKS ENTIRE COMMUNITY
The people of Maquoketa and community received another shock last Saturday afternoon when word came from the W. J. Matthias home on South Second street that Mrs. Matthias had passed away, the cause of her death being heart failure.
Mrs. Matthias had been subject to heart trouble for several days and had not been enjoying good health for a few weeks and with her husband was intending to leave for chicago on Saturday afternoon to consult a specialist regarding her affliction. About noon her son, Donald, called at the home and left his mother preparing for the trip. Shortly after one o'clock her husband went home to make preparations to leave and found the lifeless body of his wife on the floor of the bathroom, the family physician stating that death had probably been instantaneous due to cardiac insufficiency.
In the passing of Mrs. Matthias, another home has lost a devoted wife and mother; the city has been called upon to give up an ideal citizen and noble woman, and the community is made poorer in the losing of a lady of refinement, of beautiful charachter and exceptional attainment. To be a home-loving wife and mother was one of the ideals to which Mrs. Matthias aspired and how wonderfully she succeeded in reaching that goal; her devotion to her home circle and loved ones radiated the true meaning of wifehood and motherhood. Never undmindful of friends; ever ready with a helping hand to neighbors; valued and honored by her church and social co-workers, Mrs. J. W. Matthias won the admiration of all and wonderful memories will always cluster around her beautiful life.
Mrs. Fannie Trout-Matthias was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, April 6, 1858, and was graduated from our high schools with the class of 1887, after which she attended Oberlin college and later the New England Conservatory of Music. After completing her studies in music she taught stringed instruments in Chicago and was one of that city's most competent lady instructors.
She was an honored member of the Outlook Club and Maple Leaf Chapter of O.E.S., of this city, in which circles she will be greatly missed.
In 1893 she was united in marriage to William J. Matthias and to this uniojn four children were born and who now with the bereaved husband mourn the loss of a devoted mother. The children are Mrs. Eleanor Hertz of Paris, Ill.; Mrs. Dorothea Hite of Chicago; Donald of this city and Miss Miriam who is now attending college in Chicago. Besides these she leaves three brothers, George Trout of Florida, Charles Trout of New York and Bert Trout of this city.
The funeral services were held this Tuesday forenoon from the late home at 10:30 o'clock, Rev. A.W. Sinden, pastor of the Congregational church, of which Mrs. Matthias was a faithful member, officiating. Interment was made in Mt. Hope cemetery.
DEATH DATE: July 1925
SOURCE: Private collection of newspaper clippings