G. W Silliman was the son of a lawyer (Willys Silliman) praticing at Zanesville, and a nephew of Lewis Cass.He pursued his academical studies at Ohio University, and afterward at the military academy at West Point. Having read law with his father in Zanesville, he was admitted, and soon thereafter came to Coshocton (about 1830). He was sent as bearer of dispatches to C. P. Van Ness, minister from the United States to Spain. He returned to Coshocton in 1833; was soon elected prosecuting attorney, and by reelection continued in the office for ten years. In 1843, he went on a voyage to Europe for his health, but was not greatly benefited, and on his return voyage grew rapidly worse, and died at sea. His remains were brought to New York, and interred in Greenwood Cemetery.
In 1834, he married Miss Ann Johnson, who survived him many years, dying in 1864. There was one child, Willys Cass Silliman, who survived the father only about two years. Mr. Silliman's reputation is that of genial, scholarly gentleman.
 

Source:  Historical Collections of Coshocton County Ohio 1764-1876
Author: William E Hunt, pub. 1876