Rothmer J. Silliman (1842-1896)

SILLIMAN, WISE

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/26/2011 at 16:45:24

From Story County Watchman February 14, 1896

R. J. Silliman Dead.

R. J. Silliman died at his residence in this city at 11:30 last night at the age of 54 years. He was down town last night at about nine o'clock and had arranged to drive to Cambridge this morning to attend to some business matters. He retired as usual last night feeling well and appears to have gradually sank away and an hour somewhat later his wife noticed his state and soon afterwards he dropped off into the future. He was a native of the state of Illinois and moved to this city nearly twenty years ago and engaged in the elevator business which having disposed of he engaged in the banking business being president of the First National Bank of this city at the time of his death. He leaves a wife and sons and daughters to mourn his loss. The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon.

He has held numerous positions of trust and profit in this community as well at trutee of the M. E. church society of this city of which he was one of the most honored and esteemed members. His loss will be felt severely not only by the family but the entire community who sincerely regret the untimely end.

From Story County Watchman February 21, 1896

Last week we noted the sudden death of R. J. Silliman of this city and that the funeral would be held on the Sabbath. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Horswell of the M. E. church assisted by Revs. Fegtly and Bunce. His children were all here as follows: Homer N., of Cedar Falls; Ed. R., of Cambridge; Mrs. Emma Wise, of Cedar Falls; Misses Mahala and Alice and Master Ira at home. The residence was crowded with people who were present to pay their last respects to his memory as a man and citizen, and was followed to the Nevada cemetery by a vast concourse.

From Story County Watchman February 28, 1896

The following resolutions were passed at the last meeting of Central Iowa Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 104, the occasion being the death of R. J. Silliman of this city to whom reference has heretofore been made:
WHEREAS, It has pleased the Great Creator of the Universe to remove from our midst, our brother R. J. Silliman, And
WHEREAS, It is but just that a fitting recognition of his many virtues should be had, Therefore,
Resolved, That while we bow with humble submission to the Most High, we do not the less mourn for the brother who had been taken from us:
Resolved, That in the death of our brother R. J. Silliman, this lodge laments the loss of a brother who was ever ready to profer the hand of aid and the voice of sympathy to the needy and distressed of the Fraternity; an active member of this Lodge, whose endeavors were exerted for its welfare and prosperity, a friend and companion who was death to the Cause; a citizen, whose upward and noble life was a standard of emulation to his fellows:
Resolved, That the heartfelt sympathy of this Lodge, be extended to his family in their affliction:
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Lodge, and a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of our deceased brother, and to each of the newspapers of Nevada, Iowa.

H. M. FUNSON,
CHAS. B. INGRAM,
Committee.