Charles E. Silsbee
Jan. 4, 1877-July 5, 1939
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, July 6, 1939, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library
CHARLES SILSBEE, PROMINENT NILES RESIDENT, IS DEAD
Heart Attack Proves Fatal; Services Saturday in Presbyterian Church
Charles E. Silsbee, 62, whose activities in Niles the past 45 years identified him prominently in Sales, church and banking circles died at 1:30 o'clock this morning of a heart attack in his home, 516 Oak street.
His death, shocking to associates and a wide circle of acquaintances gained through personal and business contacts, came after a day of work Wednesday for the Niles Depositors' corporation, of which he was president.
It followed by only two days the Silsbees return from New York, where they attended the World's fair.
Had Been Ill 3 Years
Despite the suddenness of the fatal attack, Mr. Silsbee had been in ill health three years. But it was only in the last year, after more than two score years as an energetic figure in and out of Niles, that he began to ease up in his work.
He retired as liquidator for the corporation May 21, 1938, when H.R. Botkin received appointment from the state banking department.
Mr. Silsbee, however, retained presidency of the corporation, which took over for liquidation of the assets of the old State Bank of Niles. He had served continuously since April 11, 1934, when the corporation received its charter.
After a brief rest in 1939, Mr. Silsbee went back to his desk in the State Bank of Niles. He left it the last time Wednesday afternoon, only a few hours before his death.
Lived in Niles 45 Years
Mr. Silsbee became widely known first as a traveling representative of the American Hat corporation. He was on the road for the company many years, and retired 10 years ago.
Throughout his residence in Niles, he was prominent as a member and supporter of the First Presbyterian church, and served as trustee from 1924 to 1934.
Mr. Silsbee was 17 years old when he came to Niles from Eaton Rapids. He was born in Albion, Jan. 4, 1877, son of the Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Silsbee.
Survivors are Mrs. Silsbee, the former Lenore Dean, and a brother, Perce, who is in California.
The body will lie in state in the church from 1:30 to 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon, when the Rev. Guy Simon will conduct the service. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, July 8, 1939, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Niles News in Brief: SERVE AS PALLBEARERS
Thomas Cain, Philip Hadsell, Edwin Donahue, Charles White, J.C. Morden and Joseph Troost served as pallbearers this afternoon for the services of Charles E. Silsbee. Rites were conducted in the Presbyterian church with the Rev. Guy W. Simon officiating. Burial was in Silverbrook cemetery.