Ervin, Silas B. 1822 – 1911

ERVIN, SMALLEY, MARSH

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 8/6/2023 at 12:21:15

Source: Decorah Republican May 11, 1911 P2 C3

OBITUARY
After an illness of several years, due to the infirmities of old age, and a confinement to his home for several months, Silas B. Ervin died early Saturday morning last, May 6th, 1911 in his ninetieth year.

Mr. Ervin was a native of Broome county, N. Y., born on March 2, 1822, at Lyle. At the age of fourteen he came west with his parents and for about ten years the family home was in Michigan. Here, on August 31, 1846, he was married to Hannah Smalley. They moved soon after to Wisconsin, making their home at various places until the early fifties when they came to Burr Oak, where Mr. Ervin had acquired a farm. After a residence of two or three years they moved to Decorah, where the family home has since remained. Of seven children born to them, Frank Ervin of Reno, Nev., and Mrs. Charles S. Marsh (Jessie) of this city are the only survivors. Those who have passed away are Violette, Silas, William, Elmer and a baby that died in infancy. Mrs. Ervin died a number of years ago.
In all probability few citizens of Decorah enjoyed a wider acquaintance than Mr. Ervin. While not rated as a finished musician he possessed an ability as an organizer and leader that enabled him to gather together men who played under the name of Ervin’s orchestra and produced results that made his name a household word through a large section of northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. He excelled as a producer of dance music and as prompter and there are hosts of people who will recall with smiles of pleasant recollection the good times they have had in which Mr. Ervin and his music were the mainspring.
He was a man of jovial disposition, one who was ever ready for a joke and a hearty laugh and he was popular alike with young and old.
The funeral was held at the house Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, the Masons taking charge and interment was made in Phelps cemetery.

Phelps Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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