Found him on the 1880 Germantown, Columbia, New York census (dist 11 img 14) age 24, laborer.
Silas Best passed away Monday, June 4th, at 12.30 noon after a brief illness, at his home here, at the age of sixty-seven years.
He was well known and respected by a large circle of friends and relatives. He was a good and kind neighbor, and was always willing to help in time of need. His jolly disposition gained him the esteem and friendship of this vicinity and his loss will be particularly felt in this neighborhood.
He was a member of Rock City Grange and members of the order were in attendance at his bedside with willing hands to help him.
A widow, three daughters and five grandsons survive him. To them we extend our sympathy for their bereavement. Funeral were held Thursday. Interment in the family plot at Germantown. - The Rhinebeck Gazette June 9, 1923