On September 15, 1862, Silas mustered in as a Private in Company A, 2nd Regiment, Vermont Volunteers. During the battle of St. Marye's Heights on May 3, 1863, Silas was hit twice by rifle fire. The second shot hit him in the side of his face and exited behind his ear. Initially left for dead on the battlefield, Silas was later transferred to the military hospital in Brattleboro, Vermont. In May, 1864, after he was considered to have recovered, Silas was transferred to Veterans Reserve Corps as an office orderly for Colonel William Austine. He mustered out Jully 1, 1865.

Silas returned to Brattleboro after the war, and married Lydia Simmonds on March 20, 1866. They had one daughter.

Silas worked as a mechanic and foreman at the Estey organ company for many years. He later became the liquor agent in Brattleboro.

The wound received during the war continued to affect Silas' health. He spent some time at a New York hospital in 1899, but he was unable to recover fully. Effects of the wound were considered the cause of his death.

"He was a good soldier, a faithful and efficient employee, and a respected citizen and neighbor, and hin his home life kind and affectionate." (Vermont Phœnix, May 9, 1902.)

On September 15, 1862, Silas mustered in as a Private in Company A, 2nd Regiment, Vermont Volunteers. During the battle of St. Marye's Heights on May 3, 1863, Silas was hit twice by rifle fire. The second shot hit him in the side of his face and exited behind his ear. Initially left for dead on the battlefield, Silas was later transferred to the military hospital in Brattleboro, Vermont. In May, 1864, after he was considered to have recovered, Silas was transferred to Veterans Reserve Corps as an office orderly for Colonel William Austine. He mustered out Jully 1, 1865.

Silas returned to Brattleboro after the war, and married Lydia Simmonds on March 20, 1866. They had one daughter.

Silas worked as a mechanic and foreman at the Estey organ company for many years. He later became the liquor agent in Brattleboro.

The wound received during the war continued to affect Silas' health. He spent some time at a New York hospital in 1899, but he was unable to recover fully. Effects of the wound were considered the cause of his death.

"He was a good soldier, a faithful and efficient employee, and a respected citizen and neighbor, and hin his home life kind and affectionate." (Vermont Phœnix, May 9, 1902.)