Silas Bryan

Silas Lillard Bryan (November 4, 1822 – March 30, 1880) was a judge and member of the Illinois Senate.

Silas L. Bryan
Member of the Illinois Senate
In office 1852–1860
Personal details
Born	(1822-11-04)November 4, 1822 Culpeper County, Virginia
Died	March 30, 1880(1880-03-30) (aged 57)
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Mariah Elizabeth Jennings
Children	9, including William and Charles
Residence(s)	Salem, Illinois
Profession	Politician

Born in Culpeper, Virginia, Silas Lillard Bryan, of Scots-Irish and English descent,^[1] was an avid Jacksonian Democrat and supporter of states' rights.^[2] Silas won election to the Illinois State Senate in 1852 on a platform on preventing the immigration of Free Negroes into Illinois.^[3] He won again in 1856 but was defeated for re-election in 1860 and in 1878.^[4] During the American Civil War, he was a Copperhead Democrat.

He did win election as a state circuit judge for the 2nd Judicial Circuit, and moved to a 520-acre (210.4 ha) farm north of Salem in 1866,^[5] living in a ten-room house that was the envy of Marion County.^[6] He retained his position on the bench through 1873.^[7][8]

Bryan and his wife, Mariah Elizabeth (née Jennings), were the parents of nine children, including William Jennings Bryan and Charles W. Bryan. Also, Ruth Bryan Owen was a granddaughter.^[9]