Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-24
SiIas Leland

Silas Leland, born in DiXfield, Me, in
1888. died in Skowhegan during Tuesday
night after an illness covering period
of several weeks. Some time ago his
condition assumed such serious aspects
that it seemed impossible that he could
recover and for several days prior to
the end his death was expected. Mr.
Leland was a gentleman in every sense
Of the word and one Of the old-school
type which is rarely seen in New Eng
land communities today. His home on
Madison avenue. where he had lived for
81 years, is of the Colonial type, and
his surroundings were Of exactly the
kind that a gentleman of his culture
would delight in. His parents were Ira
and Hannah Leland and he was one OF
seven sons. There was also one sister
who died at an early age and there is
now but one surviving brother. Sails
bury Leland aged So, and an invalid,
whose home is in North Jay.
In his early manhood Mr.. Leland went
to Ohio where he was located for some
wears and was also in Massachusetts
for a time When back in Maine from
Ohio he CHANGED to journey through
| this section Of the state and with his
~
of one Jacob Farwell. The town of
skowhegan greatly pleased him and he
decided then and there to locate here.
He secured a position with the late TIL
son Dinsmore, insurance broker, and
ever after made Skowhegan his home.
In succeeding years he became engaged
| in various industries. For time ne
was associated with the late Martin
nf
and in the dry-goods business. After
ward he and Ezra Staples conducted
iewelry establishment in what is now
the Daniel Lewis block on Madison av-
enue. Still later he and a Mr.. Noyes
were proprietors of the Leland Tannery
| at the Great Eddy. the building having
| long since been burned. After selling
| out this well-known industry Mr.. Lee
! land became a member OF the Leland
! Betting Co., a concern doing business
in Boston, and although Skowhegan
continued to be his home. he and his
| family passed several winters In that
| city For a long period of years Mr.
! Leland has been retired with the eX-
| ception of managing his property ahalrs
in this village.
| The deceased was married in 1861 10
| Miss Clara Pearson, the daughter OF
/ one of Old Bloomfield's most prominent
families, her home having been in the
| present Anderson homestead. Hhe
| couple after their marriage were nrst
! located at Hotel Brewster and were Nv
| ing at that old-time hosiery when II
was burned many years ago. Mrs. Lee
land survives her husband. as does their
only daughter, Miss Annie Leland.
lady who has been most devoted to her
narents during their advancing years.
Mr., Leland was one of the earnest
members of the Masonic fraternity in
Skowhegan and was a lifelong Repub-
lican. In early years he attained con-
siderable prominence in his party by
having represented his district in the
State Legislature.
The funeral ceremonies are to be held
from the family residence on Friday
afternoon at o'clock.
Prof. Herbert C. Libby of Colby Col
lege will preach Sunday morning ana
probably in the evening at the Bethany
BAPTIST church owing to the absence OF
Rev George Merriam.
The marriage intentions Of Alfred
Rance Of Skowhegan, son OF Charles
Rance of Waterville, and Mrs. Iva
Farris Andrews, formerly Of Albion,
have been fled at the. office OF the
town clerk.
The Ladies Social Circle of the Cen
tenary NJ. E. church is to serve BAN
ouet at the church vestry Friday eve
ming in honor of the official board of
the church and the workers who are
to participate in the house to house
canvas Sunday.
A thief is supposed to have entered