George Sylvester 1867-1953

SYLVESTER, MCKIBBEN, GREIG, ELIJAH

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 1/16/2017 at 10:10:42

27 August 1973 - The Clarence Sun

When a tree that was once a familiar landmark is cut down it leaves a gap that is hard to fill. So it is in the passage of one that has been a substantial citizen of Clarence for many years. Such is the case in the passing of George Sylvester.

The son of the late P. B. and Catharine McKibben Sylvester, he was born at Milledgeville, Illinois, on March 25, 1867. In the spring of 1868 he came with his parents to the Sylvester farm in Dayton Township 3 1/2 miles northwest of Clarence. Here he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the local schools.

On October 28, 1903, he was united in marriage with Margaret Greig, who survives. They set up a home on the Sylvester farm where they farmed for about 30 years until they retired to Clarence 20 years ago. Thus for 86 years Mr. Sylvester has been a most respected resident of this community. His integrity was of the highest. Always just and honorable in his dealings, he had a calm, orderly mind that carefully weighed the issues presented to him. Hence he was an excellent source of counsel and advice. His business affairs were always well handled. Though handicapped somewhat by deafness, he took an interest in current affairs, and had a jovial word often with his friends. Few, not knowing his age, would have guessed him as old as he was, for he had been in cheerful, active spirits until the last weekend when he suffered a severe stomach hemmorage early Monday morning, August 17, 1953, from which he did not rally, but passed out of this life in the early hours of August 19th after having attained the age of 86 years, 4 months and 24 days.

He leaves his companion of 50 years of congenial wedded life; one brother, Ralph, of Greene, Iowa; one sister, Emilo Elijah, of Loveland, Colorado, and several nieces and nephews.

A faithful attendant and officer of the Clarence Presbyterian Church during its existence, he transferred his interest to The Methodist Church, from which services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 1953, conducted by Rev. Arthur D. Holtry. The music was furnished by Mrs. John Paul and Mrs. A. D. Holtry accompanied by Mrs. Robert Joslin at the organ. In charge of the floral pieces were Mrs. Gordon Smith and Mrs. Lester Kelly. Pallbearers were Melvin Thumma, Arthur Domer, Fred Bachman, Robert Kelly, Melvin Klein and Harry Dorcas.

Interment was made in the Clarence Cemetery.

Relatives and friends from out of town attending the services were: Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Sylvester of Greene, Iowa, Harold Elijah of North Bend, Neb., Mr. and Mrs. William Grace of Bennett, Mrs. Anna Grace of Dixon, Mrs. Jeannette Frye and Mrs. John Carlin of Davenport, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Hoyman, Miss Isabel Hoyman, Mrs. William Krouse all of Cedar Rapids, Mrs. Alberta Read and Julie of Minneapolis, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. William Bennett of Lisbon and Mr. and Mrs. Williard Hinicks.