"Mortimer G. Merritt, a resident of Rome for forty-six years, well known landscape architect, who had many times visited Cooperstown, died Thursday of last week in his home at No. 1305 North Madison street, Rome. He had undergone an operation May 3d and later developed pneumonia. Born in Springfield, Mass., son of Samuel Fowler and Many Ann Landon Merritt, he attended Springfield schools. Since 1913 he had been engaged in landscape architecture and the gardens of many residents of this locality are the result of his work. He did landscaping work on the estate of Owen D. Young in Van Hornesville and the campus of St. Lawrence University, Canton. He had had many landscape articles published and wrote a book, 'Practical Lawn Care,' that is widely used. Mr. Merritt possessed for many years, one of the best gardening libraries in Central New York. He also was known for his interest in astronomy and was a registered astronomer. Early in his life, he and his brother, Henry, manufactured dies and machinery, later producing typewriters. He became president of the American Bedstead, Whitesboro, Mass., and held that position till 1893. From 1893 until 1913 he was superintendent and vice-president of the former Rome Metalli Bedstead. A member of the First Baptist church, he was the instructor of a class of sixty men in the Sunday school. He was an active Democrat, Mason, a member of Hathaway Lodge, F. & A. M., a past commander of Knights Templar, a member of the Zayara Shrine and the Consistory of Syracuse. Twice married, his first wife was Cora H. Brigham, who died February 17, 1917. He married Lillian Olive Helmer, July 20, 1921, in Emporium, Pa. He is survived by his wife and a son, Ralph, both living in Rome. The funeral was conducted at 2:30 p. m. Sunday in his home and the body taken to Troy. Rome Knights Templar conducted ritualistic services Friday evening at the home." [The Otsego Farmer & Republican (Cooperstown, NY), Fri., May 30, 1941, Page Eight]