Elwell - Sylvester - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893) p 687

Sylvester H. ELWELL, Auditor of Fountain County. Connected with the history of the elections of this county no name was more prominent or bore with it so much distinction as that of Elwell during the last election, for having been born in the county, he is well known and the people have had every opportunity to judge of his character and qualifications, and naught has ever been said derogatory to his good name. He was born in Mill Creek Township, 15 miles SE of Covington, Oct 12, 1849 a son of Amariah and Caroline SIMS (sic - SINES) Elwell, the former of whomw as born in Miami County, Indiana and the latter in Ohio. They were united in marriage in 1845 in Fountain County, to which section the father came with his parents, John and Anna Elwell in 1831. They entered the land on which Amariah Elwell is now residing and where Sylvester H. Elwell was born. The latter was reared ont he farm on which he was born and his youth and early manhood were devoted to tilling the soil under the experienced and able direction of his father. He conducted this farm in a very successful manner from the time of his marriage at age 19, until 1883. At this time he took up his residence on his own farm near the town of Yeddo, where he continued to reside until he was elected to the office of County Recorder on the Republican ticket in 1886, succeeding William LAMB who was the first Auditor of the county, and had held the position for many years. He received a majority of one hundred and 8 votes. In 1890, he had a majority of 17 votes over ex-county Treasurer MILES after a very active and hotly contested campaign. In 1880 he was elected Trustee of the township and held other minor offices to the satisfaction of those concerned. He has been active in the political affairs of his section and is Chariman of the County Central Committee. On various occasions he has been a delegate to State and Congressional conventions, and in various other ways has been the recipient of considerable favor from his party. As a public official, Mr. Elwell is well and justly noted for his sterling honesty and superior capability and the function sof his present office he certainly fills to perfection. In every detail is manifested the most perfect arrangemetn, showing the working of an intelligent and well directed mind. He is uniformly courteous to all with whom he comes in contact and in the discharge of his duties is efficient, punctual and industrious. On the 3rd of January, 1869, he was united in marriage with MIss Martha WALTON, of MIll Creek Township. Her birth in Parke County, this stae on the 22nd of May, 1857 (sic - 1851?). To their union the following children have been given: Elmer Grant, who is his father's able assistant; Mary, Ada and Pearl. Mr. Elwell is a member of that honorable organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has attained to the Encampment and he is also a member of the Grand Lodge, having passed all the cahirs of the order. Personally, and in every private relation and duty of life, Mr. Elwell has endeavored to do his duty. Liberal, general and high minded, he is an ideal public servant, and in the everyday affairs of life is true to his convinctions, and has the moral courage to express his views when occasion so demands. He is true to his family, his friends and his country, and is in every respect a model American citizen -- typed by kbz

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Source: HW Beckwith History of Fountain Co IN P 409