By: Mark Holtsberry
Silas Frederick Harper was born September 28, 1869 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. The son of John, born August 1818 in Belmont County, Ohio and Catherine(Priest) Harper born 1834 in Ohio. They were married in 1864. This was John’s second wife. John’s first wife, Sinia (Wells) Harper passed away June 14, 1861.
Five children were born in this union. In 1870, the family was living in Jackson, Franklin County, Ohio, with John working as a farmer. By 1880, the Harper family had moved to Washington, Union County, Ohio. John was still engaged in farming. Silas was in school at the age of ten.
Records for 1890 were unavailable, but no more children were born with John and Catherine. Silas had quit school by the time he was in the eighth grade. But Silas was twenty one (and guessing) working on the farm.
As war with Spain became more ever more increasing, Silas enlisted in Company L. 31st United States Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered into service August 6, 1898. He was stationed at Post Matti, Philippine Islands military and naval forces base, serving until June 18, 1901, where he was mustered out of service.
Returning home to Paulding, Ohio, as the family had moved to Paulding in 1900. Silas met a gal named Nettie Chaney, on July 25, 1901, they married in Paulding. She was the daughter of Samuel and Mary E. Chaney, from Paulding.
Samuel was a Civil War Veteran. He served with Company c. 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On April 27, 1905, a son Gerald Rhupert Harper was born in Paulding. A daughter Elsie, was born September 13, 1907 in Paulding. Elsie passed away, May 23, 1909 and was buried in Cooper Haines Cemetery.
By 1910, the Harper family was living in Pittsford, Hillsdale County, Michigan. Silas was working as a farm laborer. A daughter, Marie H. Harper was born April 27, 1910. A son Ray was born, March 15, 1912 Nettie passed away September 8, 1912. Ray passed away September 14, 1912. He had been coughing and his little heart stopped. He was buried in Cooper Haines Cemetery, along with his mother, Nettie.
In 1920, Silas and his son, Gerald, moved to a town called Washington, in Lucas County, Ohio. Silas worked in an automobile factory, Gerald was in school. By 1930, Silas and Gerald, were living in Pittsford, Hillsdale County, Michigan. Silas was unemployed and Gerald now twenty four, was working as a laborer at various odd jobs.
On September 19, 1930, Silas passed away in Pittsford, Michigan. Silas Frederick Harper was buried in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne, Ohio. Lot 172, Block 3, Grave 7.
Not sure why he was not buried with his wife and children.
…Until Next Time!
