Silas Betton
# Silas Betton

Silas Betton (August 26, 1768 – January 22, 1822) was an American lawyer, sheriff and politician from the U.S. state of New Hampshire. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, the New Hampshire Senate and the New Hampshire House of Representatives during the late 1700s and early 1800s.

## Early life

Betton was born in Londonderry in the Province of New Hampshire, the son of James and Elizabeth (Dickey) Betton. He studied under a private tutor, and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1787. He studied law, was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law in Salem, New Hampshire in 1790.

## Political career

He was a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 1797–1799 and a member of the New Hampshire Senate from 1801–1803. Elected as a Federalist candidate to the Eighth and Ninth Congresses, he served as a United States Representative for New Hampshire from March 4, 1803 to March 3, 1807. After leaving Congress, he resumed the practice of law. He served again as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1810 and 1811.

When Josiah Butler left the office of sheriff of Rockingham County, Betton became high sheriff, serving from 1813–1818.

## Death

Betton died in Salem, New Hampshire in 1822 and was interred at the Old Parish Cemetery in Salem.

## Personal life

He married Mary Thornton Betton, the daughter of Matthew Thornton, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. They had seven children: Caroline Betton, George O. Betton, Harriet Betton, Mary J. Betton, Wealthy J. Betton, Thornton Betton and Charles Cotesworth Betton.

