Person Record

Metadata

Name

Jenison, Silas H.

Date Born

05/17/1791

Birthplace

Shoreham, Vermont

Deceased

09/30/1849

Place of Death

Shoreham, Vermont

Father

Jenison, Levi

Mother

Jenison, Ruth Hemenway

Spouse

Jenison, Marilla Hanks Bush

Children

Jenison, Lurana
Jenison, Levi
Jension, Ruth
Jenison, Sara Cary
Jenison, Laura Louisa

Occupation

Farmer
Surveyor
Governor
Politician

Notes

The first Vermont born governor of the state. Jenison's father moved from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts to Vermont in 1790 and died about one year later. Described as a "practical farmer," Silas was active in public affairs throughout his life. He served as Shoreham town constable 1813-1815; state representative 1826-1830; assistant judge of county court 1829-1835; a Shoreham selectman 1827-1835; delegate to the state constitutional convention 1829-1834; Lieutenant Governor 1834, 1835; Governor 1836-1840; and Judge of Probate from 1841 - 1847. During his second term as Lieutenant Governor no governor was elected by the popular vote or the legislature so he served as acting governor until the next election.