Jenison, Silas Hemenway, 1791-1849

Silas Hemenway Jenison was born May 17, 1791 in Shoreham, Vermont, the only son of Levi and Ruth Jenison. He was largely self-educated; Levi Jenison died in 1792, and as he grew older Silas was responsible for the support of his family. In his youth and throughout his adulthood, Jenison was known for his skill in mathematics and surveying, and later for his political and administrative acumen.

Jenison's career in public service began in 1826, when he was elected to the General Assembly as Shoreham's representative. He served until 1831. Jenison was Assistant Judge of Addison County from 1829 to 1835, Probate Judge from 1841 to 1847, and a member of the Council of Safety from 1832 to 1834.

Silas Jenison is best known for his service as the state's first Vermont-born governor. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1835, but, because the electorate and the Legislature failed to elect a governor by a majority, Jenison served as acting governor and was elected in 1836. He served as Governor until 1841, when he declined to run again. During his administration the first session of the state senate was held (1836) and the famous Papineau rebellion occurred in Canada (1837). In response to the rebellion Jenison issued a proclamation warning Vermonters, many of whom were sympathetic to the rebels' cause, to heed the neutrality laws. Three years later the voters of the state returned him to office by a 10,798 majority.

Jenison also served as president of the Addison County Agricultural Society, agent for the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and was both an agent for the trustee of Norwich University. Silas Jenison died in Shoreham on September 30, 1849, after a long illness.