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Military Service: Army

War(s) Served:  Civil War

SILAS GARBER, the fourth governor of Nebraska, was born in Logan County, Ohio, on September 21, 1833. His education was attained in the public schools of his native state. In 1850 he moved to Clayton County, Iowa, where he worked as a farmer. During the Civil War he served as a private in the 3^rd Missouri Regiment, and later was promoted to the rank of captain of Company D, 27^th Iowa Infantry. After his military service he moved to California. However, four years later he relocated to Webster County, Nebraska. Garber first entered politics as the Webster County probate judge, a position he was elected to in 1871. He also was elected to the Nebraska House of Representatives in 1872, and was the registrar of the U.S. land office at Lincoln in 1873. Garber next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in November 1874. He was reelected to a second term in 1876. During his tenure, immigration incentives were promoted; a new state constitution was sanctioned; and agricultural developments were endorsed. After completing his term, Garber left office on January 9, 1879, and retired from public service. Governor Silas Garber passed away on January 12, 1905, and was buried in the Red Cloud Cemetery in Red Cloud, Nebraska.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

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