Necrology
Because Hamilton Remembers
Edmund Machold Davis '52
May. 19, 1929-Dec. 25, 2019
Edmund Machold Davis ’52, a lawyer, corporate investor, and university trustee of Ellisburg and Syracuse, N.Y., was born on May 19, 1929, in Watertown, N.Y. He was a son of the former Doris Machold and Philip Davis, a public utilities employee. Davis prepared for college at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts.
On the Hill, Davis participated in the Biology Club, Camera Club, and Economics Club. A member of Emerson Literary Society, he was a member of the Interfraternity Council, the staff of the Hamiltonian, and Pi Delta Epsilon, the journalism honorary society. He majored in biology and English literature.
Following graduation, Davis entered the University of Virginia Law School but was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953. He was honorably discharged in 1955 after serving in Germany and completed his law studies, earning an LL.B. from Cornell Law School in 1957.
Davis embarked on his legal career and eventually became a partner at the Hiscock, Cowie, Bruce and Mawhinney law firm (now Barclay Damon) in Syracuse, retiring in 1995. He noted in his 40th Hamilton reunion yearbook: “The good education made law school and professional work much easier than it would otherwise have been.”
Having served as treasurer of the Everson Museum in Syracuse, Davis also was a director of Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. and HSBC (formerly Marine Midland), a trustee of Clarkson College, and an advisor to ELS at Hamilton. His long list of community contributions included president of the Syracuse Boys Club, trustee of the Ellisburg Cemetery Association, and a member of the Century Club and the Ellisburg United Methodist Church. In 1950, he became a mason in the Rising Light Lodge in Belleville, N.Y., and in 2003 was recognized for his service by the Boy Scouts of America.
Davis died on Dec. 25, 2019. He was 90. Survivors include his wife, the former Grace Sheldon, whom he had married in the Hamilton College Chapel; three daughters; one son; and four grandchildren.
Note: Memorial biographies published prior to 2004 will not appear on this list.
Necrology Writer and Contact:
Christopher Wilkinson '68
Email: Chris.Wilkinson@mail.wvu.edu
The Joel Bristol Associates
Hamilton has a long-standing history of benefiting from estate and life payment gifts. Thoughtful alumni, parents, and friends who remember Hamilton in their estate plans, including retirement plan beneficiary designations, or complete planned gifts are recognized and honored as Joel Bristol Associates.
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Alumni & Parent Relations
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Jacke Jones
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