Silas Gilman is believed to be one of Southport Island’s first Boston Post Cane Recipients, as the tradition was started in 1909. Silas was originally from Solon, Maine. He moved to Southport and married Salome Harley in 18l6. They built a house in Newagen (the later Dick and Louise Dill residence), and raised five children - Laura, Newbert, Bessie Anne, Almyra, and Robert.

Silas worked hard, getting up before dawn and working until late in the evening. He and Salome lived in a one-room cabin until they build their farmhouse. He cleared acres of land and planted huge gardens, cut his own firewood, and worked on the town roads with his horse. He also carried the mail between Newagen and West Southport. 

 

The Gilman’s lost two children, Newbert died from complications of the measles when he was 24 and Robert fell on the ice, struck his head, and died as a result - leaving behind a wife and two young sons. Silas suffered a stroke in his late 60’s and his working days were over. He and Salome stayed in the farm house for a few years, and eventually built a small home next to daughter Laura and her family. 

 

Silas held the cane for many years until he passed away at the age of 84. He was the father of 1972 cane recipient, Laura Snowman and Grandfather to Mildred Snowman Barter who received Boothbay Harbor’s Boston Post Cane in 1995.