Silva, James S., 1832-1918

Member of the Chatham Artillery (Savannah, Ga.), a militia unit.

From the description of James S. Silva card, ca. 1881. (The South Carolina Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 37521891

James S. Silva (November 25, 1832-September 1, 1918) was born in St. Marys, Georgia, the son of Sylvester Silva (a native of one of the Azores Islands) and Elizabeth Hannay Silva (a native of St. Marys, Georgia). James was only 9 years old when his father passed away in 1842. He moved to Savannah in 1849 when he was 17. James Silva served during the Civil War and was a prominent member of the Chatham Artillery. He was also a member of the Confederate Veterans Association, of which he served as treasurer. In addition he belonged to the Masons-Solomon's Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah. James Silva owned and operated a crockery and glassware business in Savannah. The last location of the business was on the corner of State and Barnard Street. James Silva married Margaret Susan Askew and had two sons; Frank L. Silva and William Silva, and one daughter Mary Silva Teasdale. Frank Silva (April 15, 1870-November 16, 1955) was reared in Savannah, but moved to New York as a young man. Around 1925 he returned to Savannah and opened a book shop (Silva's Book Shop) located at 115 Whitaker Street. He was active in the Savannah Rifle Association (in which he served two terms as president) and the Francis S. Bartow Camp No. 93, Sons of Confederate Veterans. In 1897 he married Grace Maitland Gillins. They had one son, James Edward and two grandchildren, James Jr. and Grace (Mrs. Robert Cabaniss).

From the description of James S. Silva family papers, 1888-1953. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 38477779