Gallup Trails - Silas

Back in the late 1700’s, 4 brothers and a cousin moved from Stonington, New London Co., CT to Albany Co., NY and helped establish the towns of Knox and Berne, NY.  Silas Gallup and his wife Sarah Gallup – and yes they were second cousins. My great great great grandfather was named for this Silas Gallup who made the move from Connecticut to New York…and he made his own move from New York to Nebraska arriving by train with his four youngest children on Thanksgiving in 1887.

Silas Gallup was the second born son of Ebenezer Gallup and Susan Harden.  He was born on 2 Aug 1831 in Middleburgh, Schoharie Co., NY and died on 13 Sept 1897 in Oakland, Burt Co., NE.  As a young 28 year old farmer and schoolteacher, Silas married his 15 year old student, Phebe Ann Montanye on 12 Feb 1859 in Duanesburg, NY.  As the story goes, it was a custom to ring the school bell to announce the marriage – since no one paid attention; they kept their marriage a secret until the end of the school term.  Phebe was the daughter of Abram Montanye and Hannah Conover and was born on 12 Jan 1844 – ironically 168 years ago today in Glen, Montgomery Co., NY and she died on 21 Jun 1927 in Oakland, Burt Co., NE.  The big question is what prompted Silas and Phebe to move from New York to Nebraska? 

Silas never enjoyed good health in New York and was told by his brother that there was a more healthful climate in Nebraska.  I would also guess that their economic circumstances prompted them to make the move and make a new start.  Silas and Phebe’s youngest 4 children (Elizabeth b. 1877, Irena b. 1881, Alice b. 1883 and Hugh b. 1886) came with their parents to Nebraska.  Later they were joined by their children Albert and Susan who were both teachers, and Everette Henry who was a farmer.  Their oldest daughter, Edith Phoebe Gallup, refused to make the move as she was fearful of the Indians and instead stayed behind and worked as a teacher.  Later she married Orlando Gage and had children of her own…one of whom was my great grandfather, Ora Silas Gage.

I am not sure who arrived in Nebraska first – Silas or his older brother, James.  However, they both lived and died in Burt Co., NE.  Their father had made and sold Gallup Salve.  Both sons knew how to make the salve and made extra money making and selling the salve.  The recipe, as far as I know, has been lost…but I can remember my grandmother telling me that she remember the salve being used in the family when she was a girl.  I’m not sure that Silas every enjoyed good health even after his move.  He died in 1897 of cancer.   He is buried in the Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, Burt Co., NE and is buried next to his wife and son, Everette.  So…in 5 generations – my Gallup family moved from Connecticut to New York to Nebraska and eventually to Idaho.