Obituary for Frederick S. Silsdorf
(Patriot, 2/22/1908) WAR VETERAN DIES; Frederick Silsdorf, a well known resident of Kutztown and veteran of the Civil War, who witnessed the surrender of General Robert Lee died at his home on Walnut St. of a complication of disease at 4:50 o’clock on Saturday morning, aged 80 years, two months and 24 days. He had been ailing one year but was bedfast only one week. He was born in Mecklenberg, Germany, and came to this country in 1857. He was a stone mason by trade. Deceased was a private in the Civil War and fought under Major John Muhlenberg, formerly of Reading, of the third Regiment, Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. He figured in many important engagements and served a year and nine months in active service. For 10 years he was a janitor at St. John’s Lutheran and Reformed Church, nine years ago he retired. He leaves a widow , Mary nee Snyder, aged 87 years; a son Aaron; a step-son, Charles H. Glasser of Kutztown; a daughter, wife of Wilson Yearling, and 11 grandchildren. The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at his late home. The Rev. E. H. Leinbach officiated. Interment in the Hope cemetery. Undertaker D. W. Sheradin had charge.>>