SILAS H. JENISON was born in Shoreham, Vermont-the first Vermont-born governor of the state. Largely self-educated, he learned surveying, a profession that he pursued along with his political career. He represented Shoreham in the Vermont legislature from 1826 to 1831 and was an Addison County Court judge and a member of the Executive Council from 1829 to 1835. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1835 and was named Acting Governor the same year when the people failed to elect a governor. He was elected governor for the next five years but declined renomination by the Whig party in 1841. After leaving office, Jenison became a Judge of Probate, remaining in the position until 1847. He was also a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1843. He died and was buried in his home town.