Joseph Silver
New Ipswich Historical Society
Joseph Silver and family in front of Clark Hotel
1909 - Death of Joseph Silver
Joseph Silver, a former resident of this town, who died at St. George, Azore Islands, Sept. 20, aged 73, was born in the town where he died. The full report of his death was only received the past week by his son, Joseph Silver, Jr.
Deceased came to America in 1855 and settled at Rockport, Mass., following the whaling and fishing business for 18 years. He came to this town about 1868 and, with a relative, bought the Richard Wheeler farm, near A. F. Wright's. He remained in town one or two years and then went to Rockport for five years. Afterwards he re- turned to this town and located on the Burton farm for 18 months, Next he moved to the Balcom house. His first business venture was the establishment of a fish market; later he opened a store in the Thayer block, and conducted a good business, His last store was opened In Clark's hotel block, where he continued business until
1892. Mr. Silver was twice married-first In 1881, to Miss Mary Ann Ennos of Rockport, Mass. She went to St. George with him in 1892, where be again opened store, which he conducted until about one year ago. Mrs. Silver died in 1900. His second marriage was in 1902, to Miss Mary S. Jovd. who survives.
He secured his first financial start in this town, where he was highly respected on account of his genial manner and accommodating disposition. His integrity in business easily won the patronage of the inhabitants. His son and only child, who has owned Clark's hotel for years, has visited him four times, once with his whole family, at St. George.
His funeral took place Sept. 21. The custom of the land only allows the men to follow the remains to the cemetery. Quite a delegation of the rich men assembled at his funeral and a collection of money was taken up for the indigent of the town. Twelve bearers assisted in conducting the remains to the cemetery near the seaside.
Was Joseph related to George Silver who lived on Kangas Road during the 1930s or so? My father Toivo Kangas recalled that, when he was a child, George’s wife Marjorie was at the Silver farm across the road, trying to balance the Silver family checkbook. My father could hear her castigating George loud and long because one cent was unaccounted for in their account. Those were lean times.
George was his son.