Elder Interview-Dewey Silas Jr.
Name/Title
Elder Interview-Dewey Silas Jr.Entry/Object ID
A.2008.001.381Tags
Needs Accession Sheet, Needs Location, Needs PhotoDescription
Silas, Dewey Roger Jr. aka Father Dewey Silas Born 09/09/1937 Parents: Dewey and Gertrude (Jordan) Silas He only knew his grandmother on his father side was Gurnee, she was married to a Johnson. She used to live on Chicago Corner and Fish Creek. His parents spoke the Oneida language. His dad finished grade school. His mother graduated from Carlisle. His dad worked as a Lumber Jack up north. Then in 1945, he went to work at Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee until he retired. He does not know too much about his mother’s side of the family. His mother worked as a house cleaner until the Kids were old enough to take care of themselves. Then she got a job as a Nanny for a Doctors family. When they moved to Milwaukee, they lived on the North side for 5 years. Then they moved on the South side. There were a lot of Oneidas living in Milwaukee. When he started going to school he went to 8th street School. Then he went to View Street School. Then he went to Boys Tech High School all in Milwaukee. They went to the Oneida Methodist Church. When they moved to Milwaukee thy went to First United Methodist Church. His mother used to make doughnuts for Hoyoning on New Years Day in Milwaukee. His mother used some home remedy if someone got sick. In 1954, he joined the Army. He got discharge in 1957. Then he came back to Milwaukee and got job at a Paper Company. Later on, he goes a job an Amoco Metal as Machinist for 40 years. He got married twice his first wife was a non-Indian woman they has 2 children. They got a divorce after 10 years. After 15 years, he got married to Marlene Schuler. He started to study to become a deacon. That allows him to bury and baptize people. He could not marry people because he had to be a Priest. Therefore, he went to Priest School in Minnesota for 21/2 years. They do not ‘have any children. His advice to the youth is to stay in school, get a good education, and do not forget to go to church.Recording Type
Audio/VisualCollection
Elder InterviewsCataloged By
Gerzetich, Courtney (Cottrell)Category
Digital Media, Military