Silas Harlan
American settler / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Silas Harlan (March 17, 1753 – August 19, 1782) was one of the early settlers of Kentucky, having arrived with James Harrod in 1774 to found Harrodstown – the oldest permanent white settlement in the territory (now Harrodsburg).[1][2] Silas spent the majority of the American Revolution on the frontier fighting against Native Americans, however, near the end of his life, he served under George Rogers Clark through the Illinois Campaigns of 1779 and died at the Battle of Blue Licks on August 19, 1782, fighting a mixed band of Native and British troops.
Silas Harlan | |
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Born | March 17 1753 Harlan's Run, Virginia, Great Britain |
Died | August 19, 1782(1782-08-19) (aged 29) now Kentucky, United States |
Buried | |
Allegiance | United States |
Years of service | 1779-1782 |
Battles/wars |
Following his death, Silas' fiancée, Sarah Caldwell, married his brother James and was the grandmother of U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan.[2][3]
Harlan County, Kentucky is named in honor of Silas Harlan.[4]