ELWELL-Elija - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Elija Elwell, farmer and stock raiser, Snoddy's Mills, is a son of John and Ann (Daneene) Elwell, mentioned in connection with Amariah Elwell, of Mill Creek township. He was born January 18, 1818, in Union County, Indiana, and when twelve years old came with his parents to Fountain county. He aided largely in the clearing of his father's farm. He cut the first tree cut on the place for a house spot, while his brother Amariah piled the brush. He lived at home till thirty years old, working out part of the time. He was probably cleared as much as 100 acres of land. He was married April 16, 1848, to Sarah Patton, daughter of Thomas and Nancy Patton. She was born in Ohio in 1817, and came with her parents to Fountain County about 1824. After marriage they lived in what is now called Mill Creek township, then four years in Wabash township. In 1852 Mr. Elwell settled his present farm of 260 acres, and in 1853 built a frame house. He has since raised the house one story. He has raised a great deal of stock, and has been a successful farmer. He owns 500 acres of land, stocked with about eighty-six head of cattle, sixty-five hogs, and twenty-one horses. He always keeps much stock. When starting in life for himself his father offered him $100, but he declined taking it, as he said to his father, "You may need it." In politics Mr. Elwell used to be a democrat, but since republicanism took it rise he has been found true to his principles. They have had three children: James, David, and Margaret (deceased).