Silas D. Chrisman 1816-1897

CHRISMAN, ARCHISON, GALY, OWENS, NELSON

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 3/27/2024 at 15:24:34

The Wapello Republic, Wapello, Iowa
Thursday, March 11, 1897
Page 5

Silas D. Chrisman of Wapello township died March 4, 1897. He was one of the few remaining pioneers who came to Louisa county in 1836. He was a native of Madison county, N. Y., born October 28, 1816. His parents were natives of the same state and of German parentage. The grandfather of Mr. Chrisman settled where New York City now stands before the Revolutionary war. He was a farmer by occupation as was his father. He remained in his native state until the summer of 1836, when he came to Burlington, Iowa and in the fall of the same year he came to Louisa county.

When he came to this state all the territory embraced in this county belonged to and in possession of the Indians and was known as "Keokuk's reserve." The government purchased this reserve in September, 1836. In 1838 Mr. Chrisman received the contract from the government to carry the mail from Burlington to Davenport. Mr. Chrisman was married in 1851 to Matilda Archison, who died in 1852. He was again married in 1854 to Eliza Galy. She died in 1863. Four children were born to this union, only one of whom is living, Letta, wife of Edward Owens. He was married to Miss Lucy Nelson in 1868, who died in 1875. One child was born to them: Silas, who is yet living.

Mr. Chrisman was a conscientious earnest Christian, a member of the Christian church. A man of most strict integrity and uncompromising Christian principles. Mr. Chrisman is gone, but he has left behind him a character which is eminently worthy of emulation.