|
HON. SILAS L. BRYAN. In the list of the honored dead of Illinois, those who, having fought life's battles and won its victories, now repose in the silent cities where sleep many of the earth's noblest and best, in such a list the name of Judge Bryan should be given promiinent mention. In every department of life, social, business, political or religious, he occupied a conspicuous position and rendered valiant services, and it is but natural that his memory is dear to the hearts of his fellow-citizens. Not only in Salem, where for many years he made his home and in whose quiet cemetery his remains now lie, but throughout this section of the state he was known and honored, and it is appropriate, therefore, that some mention be made of him in this volume. A Virginian by birth and parentage, Judge Bryan was born in Culpeper County, November 4, 1822, and is a son of John and Nancy (Lillard) Bryan, also natives of the Old Dominion. Orphaned when quite young, he was early obliged to earn his own livelihood. He came west in his boyhood, and for some time thereafter was employed on a farm during the summer seasons and attended school in the winter. For a time he was a student in Columbia Academy in Missouri. Upon coming to Marion County, he settled at Walnut Hill, where he both attended and taught school. In 1845 he entered McKendree College, of Lebanon, ILL., graduating from that institution in 1849. After completing his literary studies, our subject commenced the study of law, and in 1851 was admitted to the Bar at Mt. Vernon, this state. Opening an oflice at Salem, he began the practice of his profession, in which he soon acquired more than local fame. In the councils of the Democratic party he acquired considerable influence, and was frequently elected upon that ticket to positions of honor and usefulness. In 1852 he was chosen State Senator and served for two terms in that capacity, rendering efficient service in behalf of his constituents. He filled the position of County Superintendent of Schools, and also served as a member of the Constitutional Convention. Elected Judge of the Circuit Court of the Second Judicial District, he was re-elected to that office, serving for twelve years, and was the only Judge in this part of,the state who held his oflice during the Civil War. In his religious belief the Judge was identified with the Baptist Church, in which he served as Deacon, and was also prominent in the Sunday school work. In educational matters he was also greatly interested, and was a popular and frequent lecturer upon themes pertaining to temperance and political reforms, as well as other subjects of importance. He was Trustee of Shurtleff and McKendree Colleges, and from the latter received the degree of A. B. For a time he was in partnership with Judge Schaeffer, and later followed his profession in connection with J. B. Kagy, while at the time of his death, on the 30th of March, 1880, he was in partnership with C. E. Jennings and J. E. Bryan. He accumulated a valuable property, which included a fine farm comprising nearly five hundred acres one mile from Salem. He also owned a residence of eleven rooms, built of brick, and containing all the modern improvements. In his deer park were twenty-one head of deer, and he also owned other valuable stock. The marriage of Judge Bryan to Miss Mariah E. Jennings was solemnized November 4, 1852. For further information in regard to the parents of Mrs. Bryan, Charles W. and Mariah W. (Davidson) Jennings, the reader is referred to the biographical sketch of C. E. Jennings presented upon another page. Mrs. Bryan was born May 24, 1834, upon the old Jennings homestead near Walnut Hill, and was educated in the schools of that city and Salem. In the latter place she attended the school taught by the gentleman whom she after ward married. She is a faithful member of the Baptist Cliurcli, and has always been prominent in Sunday-school work. The union of Judge and Mrs. Bryan resulted in the birth of nine children, five of whom now survive. Frances first married Alfred Millson, and became the mother of three children, Laura B., Frank M. and William B.; she is now the wife of James Baird, and lives in Salem. William J. married Miss Mary E. Baird, and they have three children, Ruth B., William J., Jr., and Grace D. Charles W., a resident of Omaha, Neb., married Bessie Brokaw, and they have one child, Silas M. Nannie L. is Private Secretary to her brother William J. The youngest member of the family is Mary E., who is at home.
Four children are deceased: This sketch would be incomplete were no mention made of Hon. William J. Bryan. He was educated at Jacksonville, ILL., and is a graduate of a law school in Chicago, after which he engaged in practice at Jacksonville for some years, removing thence to Nebraska. He soon became prominent among Ihe attorneys of Lincoln, and is at present serving the people of his district in Congress, where he is known as the ''Cicero of the House." His first term was so satisfactory that the people of the first district of Nebraska reelected him to Congress, and he is now serving his second term. Congressman Bryan made his first great speech in the last session of Congress, when he charmed the boisterous house into the tribute of silent attention for hours, a tribute rarely paid to a new and young member, and which gave him a national reputation. He says of himself: "I was taught at an early age to speak pieces, with my mother for a teacher. I committed my lessons to memory and recited them, both questions and answers. After entering public schools at ten years of age, I began to take part in contests of debating clubs. As a member of a mock senate before I was fifteen, I appeared upon the roll as Senator Bayard, of Delaware." While at college in Jacksonville, Mr. Bryan won the first prize in the junior oratorical contest, and the second place in the inter-collegiate contest of 1880 at Galesburg. His first political speech was in the campaign of 1880, when he was twenty, and his first political debate was three years later in Nebraska. When he was about twelve years old, his father was a candidate for Congress, and he then conceived the idea of entering public life, after which lie confidently expected to go to Congress some day, but did not anticipate making the campaign so soon. The chance came unexpectedly to himself soon after going to Nebraska, and success was at once assured. From the Lincoln (Neb.) Herald, we take the following in reference to Congressman Bryan's speech: "Long before the opening hour the benches were filled and the halls, corridors and staircases were thronged with anxious people seeking admission. Shortly before eight o'clock Bryan appeared on the floor accompanied by his little daughter. His presence was greeted with tremendous cheers from the galleries and plaudits from the floor. His speech is the talk of the town, the subject of comment and conversation at every gathering. At its conclusion the vast concourse of people in the galleries and on the floor united in three stentorian cheers for the speaker, which resounded through every corridor in the great marble building." One of Mr. Bryan's finest efforts is a speech delivered in the House of Representatives Saturday, January 13, 1894, on the tariff. (See Congressional Record of that day.)
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" BRYAN, Silas Lillard, legislator and jurist, born in Culpepper County, Va., Nov. 4, 1822; was left an orphan at an early age, and came west in 1840, living for a time with a brother near Troy, Mo. The following year he came to Marion County, Ill., where he attended school and worked on a farm; in 1845 entered McKendree College, graduating in 1849, and two years later was admitted to the bar, supporting himself meanwhile by teaching. He settled at Salem, Ill., and, in 1852, was elected as a Democrat to the State Senate, in which body he served for eight years, being re-elected in 1856. In 1861 he was elected to the bench of the Second Judicial Circuit, and again chosen in 1867, his second term expiring in 1873. While serving as a Judge, he was also elected a Delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1869-70. He was an unsuccessful cancidate for Congress on the Greeley ticket in 1872. Died at Salem, March 30, 1880.
Illinois Historical |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer