Nathaniel Silsbee (January 14, 1773 – July 14, 1850) was a ship master, merchant and American politician from Salem, Massachusetts.

Through his brother Zachariah, he was uncle to Caroline Silsbee, who married fellow Salem merchant Dudley Leavitt Pickman.

Silsbee continued commanding Derby vessels and had many interesting adventures and exploits with privateers, French Consuls, and such.

Nathaniel continued owning vessels in partnerships until the 1840s, but he actively retired from shipping when he commenced his political career.

He was elected to the United States Senate in 1826 to fill the vacancy in the term ending March 3, 1829, caused by the resignation of James Lloyd.

He was interred at The Burying Point, the second oldest cemetery in the U.S.[13] The Nathaniel Silsbee House is a historic building in Salem, maintained by the Knights of Columbus.