Ada Silliman 1892-1960

Born in 1892 in Brooklyn, New York, Gertrude Ada Herring and her family relocated to Sayville, New York, when she was young. Ada attended Sayville’s public schools and went on to graduate from Sayville High School in 1908.

After finishing high school, Ada pursued higher education and obtained her degree from Wellesley College in 1913. She started her career as a teacher of history and mathematics at Delaware Academy in upstate New York, where she met her future husband, Dr. Grover Silliman.

Ada’s commitment to education extended beyond her teaching career. She served as a member and president of the Sayville Board of Education for over two decades. Additionally, she was a trustee at Sayville’s public library, a past president of the State School Boards Association, the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion, and a member of the Long Island Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Ada was an active member of the Girl Scouts of America and lived a life of total dedication to her family and community. In 1916, she married Dr. Grover Silliman, and they had three children together. Ada Silliman was undoubtedly one of Sayville’s finest citizens.

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