Source: Pennsylvania, A History, George P. Donehoo, (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1926), p. 37
Surnames: Silliman, Kellar
Among the most prominent citizens of Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, was James K. Silliman, local financier, whose death there on June 26, 1914, in the prime of life, in his forty-sixth year, was very deeply mourned by the community. Mr. Silliman was a son of Edward S. and Sarah (Kellar) Silliman of Mahanoy City, where the elder Mr. Silliman was for many years president of the First National Bank.
James K. Silliman was born in Mahanoy City, March 29, 1869, and with the exception of a short residence in Reading, spent his entire life in his native city. His education was received in the local public schools. After leaving school, he entered the employ of the First National Bank as a clerk, and after holding this position for nine years, was promoted to the position of paying teller in the year 1896. He served in this capacity until August 1, 1903, when, on account of impaired eyesight, he resigned. Mr. Silliman was director in the First National Bank and a stockholder in the Mahanoy City Water Company. He was a member of Faith Episcopal Church. The year before his death, Mr. Silliman had built one of the finest residences in Mahanoy City. The "Mahanoy City Record", expressing the sentiment of his fellow-citizens, paid him this editorial tribute in its columns:
"Jim" Silliman had many genuine friends in this city....Though death has claimed his mortality, there will ever remain an influence, a power, an inspiration, a cherishing, a high memorial regard, emanating from the years of his life spent in this community where he was born, where he spent the days of his boyhood, where he arose to young manhood, became bank clerk, banker, and finally successful in the great world of finance.
And while many have high regard for him on account of his successes, there are others who respected, who admired him for the gentlemanly mien and poise which always characterized the man. Having risen to certain prominence in this world through ancestry and through his own personal effort, James K. Silliman's head never became turned, he never soared so high that he couldn't hear the heart throbs of his less fortunate brother as the latter made his way over the sands of earth's pilgrimage. He was a magnanimous man. He enjoyed life in fullest measure because he was such a giant of manhood.
Mahanoy City has cause for deep regret in the passing of such a towering citizen. Ill can the community lay to sleep in the sepulchre a man who was so vitally affiliated with the best interests of this city.
Mr. Silliman died at his home on June 26, 1914. He is survived by his wife and three children: Florence, Edward and Kathryn."
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