Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1895-03-06
DEATH OF S. r SLEEPER.
He Expires Suddenly at Biloxi, Miss.
Sunday Afternoon.

Sunday Afternoon.
Monday morning our citizens were
greatly startled to learn of the death of
Silas r. Sleeper, a telegram, dated at
Mobile, Ala, the night previous, being
received by relatives from Mrs. Sleeper
bearing the sad intelligence. 1t was at
Biloxi, Miss. Sunday afternoon, that the
end came. Upon returning from drive
with his wife and gentleman friend,
Mr.. Sleeper complained of one of his
choking spells, to which he had been
subject before leaving here, coming
on, and few minutes thereafter he
breathed his last. A physician who
was summoned gave the cause of death
as heart complications. Mrs. Sleeper
started for home with the remains at
10 O. clock the same evening, and yes
terday afternoon arrived here on the
$40 Chicago train Funeral services
will be held Thursday at 2 P. NJ. at the
family home on Clyman street, under
Masonic auspices.
On February 19 Mr. and Mrs. Sleeper
left here to pass the balance of the win
ter in the South, change of climate
being deemed advisa BILE for the benefit
of Mr.. Sleeper's health. He was trou-
bled with spasmodic choking spells,
which it was hoped might be over
come with proper attention. They first
went to New Orleans, and had been at
Biloxi about a week. The patient VAS
feeling quite we'll and in cheerful
spirits just before the final summons
came
Mr.. Sleeper was born in Manchester,
n. II. and was in his SD wear. He
came west in the '60's and engaged in
railroading, being one ofthe first engi-
neers on the Chicago, Milwaukee &
ST. Paul system through this section,
making Watertown his headquarters.
Subsequently be returned to his native
place, where he was married to his first
wife, but about 1878 be again settled in
this city and engaged in the grain bust
ness quite extensively with his brother,
the late Jonas H. Sleeper, they running
an elevator at the st. Paul depot for sew
eral years. After the latter's death Silas
conducted the business alone for
while, but some three years ago dis
posed of it to William Buchheit. In
the fall of '92 be organized the Water
town Stone company, being at the head
of this concern when be died.
OF sociable, generous and agreeable
disposition, Mr.. Sleeper was rich in bis
friendships and possessed innumerable
acquaintances, not only in this city, but
throughout the state, by whom he will
be sadly missed. He was one of Wa
tertown's most prominent residents,
always being identified with a proper
spirit of progressiveness and enterprise
that augured well for the city's best
interests. Mr.. Sleeper was high in
Masonic cirles, having the thirty-sec-
ond degree orders and being an officer
of Olvet commandery. No. Is, Knights
Templar, of this city
Mr.. Sleeper was twice married, his
second wife-formerly Mrs @. T. Tay-
lor-an only daughter, Miss Lydia, and
two step-sons, John NJ. Taylor and
VIM. Taylor, surviving. The aged
mother, two brothers and two sisters
reside in the East. In their sore be-
reavement, the members of the family
and other relatives have the tender
sympathy of all. Mr.. Sleeper's first
wife died November 9, 1884, and their
young son Freddie followed her to the
grave few days later