Silas Bradley was born in North Haven, CT. At the age of 20, he came to Auburn and established himself as a merchant. He married Jane Loomis of Auburn in 1841. The Bradleys had two children, a son, Henry, born in 1848, and a daughter, Clara born in 1854. Both children predeceased their father.

Silas Bradley was best known as President of the National Bank of Auburn, a position he held from 1877 until his death in 1883. He was a successful businessman and was active in civic affairs. He was a City Alderman in 1852. At the time of his death he was a Trustee of the Auburn Savings Bank, the Orphan Asylum, and the Auburn Water Works. Mr. Bradley was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church. He was ordained an Elder in 1854.

The family home was at 200 Genesee Street. After Mr. Bradley's death, Mrs. Bradley continued to live there until her death in 1890.

Silas Bradley was a member of the Fort Hill Cemetery Board of Trustees from 1855 to 1858.