Veteran Iron Man, John A. Silver, Dies
John A. Silver, for many years identified with the Silver Brothers’ Iron works, and a veteran of the iron industry in Utah, died Wednesday night at his home, 38 ½ Fifth East street. Mr. Silver had been in failing health for some time and died of a complication of diseases. He was 60 years of age.
Mr. Silver was born on the Atlantic ocean, Aug. 21, 1855, while his parents were on their way to Utah from London, England. He was the son of William J. Silver, a pioneer ironworker in the west, who survives him. Mr. Silver entered his father’s foundry when a boy, and continued in the industry all his life. He was one of the organizers of the Silver Brothers Iron works, which succeeded the William J. Silver Iron works. His talent as a mechanic made him a valuable member of the concern.
For many years Mr. Silver was more or less prominent in public life, being a member of the Commercial club and other organizations, but for the last few years he has confined himself to his business largely on account of ill health. He was for some time identified with Zion’s Benefit Building society. Mr. Silver and his brother, Hyrum, owned the first automobiles in Utah.
Mr. Silver is survived by his father, William J. Silver; five brothers, Joseph A., Hyrum A., William P., George J. and Frank J., all of Salt Lake; four sisters, Mrs. Alfred Harding of Park City, Mrs. John Sheets, Mrs. Alfred Bullough and Mrs. Laura Backman of Salt Lake. He leaves a large family, of whom, two daughters, Mrs. Quayle Cannon and Mrs. Glenn Brown are married.
[Deseret News, Mar. 23, 1916]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Jan. 2006]
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