The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1912-05-16
ITO the victors belong the spoils.'
Military.

IL tAC wv OClOll6 luc SpOlIS.
Military.
General Silsby enlisted at fifteen
years of age as a private in the 74th
Illinois infantry, April 5, 1862. Serv-
ing III his first enlistment, he re-en-
listed in the 132nd Illinois. Having
taken sick, and having been reduced
thereby in flesh until he weighed but
80 pounds, he was mustered out at
Chicago, December 8, 1864, for ply
steal disability.
Shortly after homesteading in Davi-
O county, he was elected captain of
old Co. IT. of the South Dakota
state guards at Mitchell. He used to
hoe onions during the day and then
walk. to town AT night to drill his
troops. Governor Mcllette appointed
him inspector-general for the state. In
this capacity his work was so satis-
facory that Governor Sheldon later on
appointed him adjutant general.
Politics.
All the state republican convention
held at Madison, in 1892, Harry l..
Bras, of Mitchell, was q candidate
against CortcZ Salmon, of Parker, for
state superintendent. He bought out
General Silaby as q candidate for tenn
porary chairman of the convention.
After a lot of dickering, during which
General Silsby's name was Withdrawn
from the fight for nearly an hour, he
was put back into the race, but was
defeated by % votes by our present
United States senator, Robert j.. Gam
Bile. Later on the general YVES made
permanent chairman of tie conven-
rulings during that stormy session,
he was elected to the republican ma
tional convention as the first prcsi-
dental e~lector-at-large from South
DISTINGUISHING his ballot for Ben
Harrison for president.
In 1902 General S"aby wnis elected
mayor of Mitchell; and during his two
administrations the city showed a
splendid growth; the large, granite
city hall was built without issuing
bonds, and many other substantial
improvements We're made. He was our
states national bank examiner from
1898. for ten consecutive years.
Personal.
The general owns in the city of
Mitchell one of the most magnificent
homes in the stste; also another large
modern dwelling, the, large store build
ing occupied by w. III. Fritz on Main
street and a large interest in the Nit
chell Cattle company which owns s
sections of land in northern Hyde
county, heavily stocked. At presen. he
is secretary of the Mitchell Elks' club
with a membership of 500, secretary
of the Mitchell Commercial club; a
member of the G. A. r. and the Ma
sons, and an active member of the
Congregational church.
One month and three days before
his &wenty-first birthday, he was unit
ed jim marriage to Miss Emily Der
went of Rockford, Ill.-today II
Of Mitchell's happy and energetic club
women and leaGcrs. blessed by q host
of true friends, and active and enthu-
for the city's general welfare.
Two girls came into thci- home. One
of them is today Mrs. Maude Silsby-
Nichols, of Faith, and the other, Mrs.
Fl. ,E. Hitchcock, wife of Senator
Hitchcock, Of Dawson county.
The Silsbys enjoy =. pleasant home
life; and although the general IS very
busy. and increasing years are begin
ming to show their furrowed grooves.
he is still the favorite orator for Dec
grafton day, for Old Settlers picnics,
and at tate camp-tlres. Splendid Cit
izcn!