Silas Wright Cohen died at 6 p. m. yesterday,
February 14, at his home in Sprakers. Mr.
Cohen waa a native of Sprakers. The
date of his birth was January 23, 1848,
and hence be was 69 years of age.
His parents were Henry Cohen and
Hannah Rothschild, natives of Germany,
who many years ago located at
Sprakers. where they reared a large
family. Of natural mercantile tendency,
a,store was established which
has grown to be one of the largest
country stores in the state and of late
years has been conducted by S. W.
Cohen & Bro. (Oscar), and is familiarly
known in this section as the store
that sells "everything and anything."
• Silas Cohen was an enthusiastic Republican
and became very prominent
and influential in the politics of this
county. In the days of the leadership
of the late Jacob Snell. of Fonda, long
chairman of the Republican county
committee, with whom he stood very
close, he shared in the division of patronage
that fell to this county. For
many years~Mr. Cohen was a power in
the politics of the town of Root and
for a number of terms was Root's
representative in the board of supervisors.
. Later he received the appointment
of superintendent of section No. 3 of
the Erie canal. In the days of the old
county convention Mr. Cohen was a
familiar figure, and. while the representative
from his town was small,
yet he was a factor many times if not
always considered. He was sagacious
and wise to which he applied an acquaintance
that was wide, giving him
a deserved place in the deliberations
and counsel of his party.
About six months ago his health began
to fail and although medical aid
has been sought in many quarters, his
decline was gradual until the end,
which came as the result of a growth
In the stomach.
The personal side of Mr. Cohen's
life was pleasant and made him enjoyable
to chat or visit with. His
disposition was sunny. his greeting
cordial and his discussions of public
affairs timely and interesting. He was
delightful in his home and from all
phases of life in which he was a
participant he will be missed, and
long remembered. He was a member
of Hamilton lodge, No. 79, F. and A.
M.. of Canajoharie. Mr. Cohen is survived by his widow,
formerly Miss Louise Lewi, of Albany;
two sons, Henry L, of Schenectady,
and Theodore L, of Sprakers; three
'brothers, Oscar S„ of Sprakers. and
Edward F. and Ellsworth, both of
Schenectady; two slaters, Mrs. Henry
Hellbronner and Mrs. Joseph S. Myers,
both of Schenectady.
Mr. Cohen was a member of Temple
Beth Emeth in Albany, and the funeral
will be held there, probably Sunday,
with burial in Albany. The Rev.
Dr. S. Goldenson will officiate.