Jonathan Cilley was born on 14 September 1745 at Hampton Falls, New Hampshire.¹ He was the son of Thomas Cilley and Abagail Knowlton.¹ He married Deborah Dearborn, daughter of Deacon Simon Dearborn and Sarah Marston, at Nottingham, Rockingham, New Hampshire.¹ He married Mary Fellows, daughter of Joseph Fellows and Margaret Webster, on 11 March 1792 at Andover, Merrimack, New Hampshire.^2,1,3 He married May (?).¹ He died on 11 August 1825 at Andover at age 79.² He was buried at Boston Hill Cemetery, Andover, Merrimack, New Hampshire.²
     Jonathan Cilley was also known as Sillea.⁴ Jonathan Cilley was also known as Sillia.¹
     He came from Nottingham to Andover about 1770. He lived, for most of the time, and died on his farm on Boston Hill. For a long time he retained his citizenship in Nottingham. Mr. Cilley was a revolutionary soldier; a private in Stark's Regiment in 1777 and a lieutenant in 1780. He was a cheerful, genial man, made many friends; and was an honest, good citizen and neighbor.³