My Genealogy Hound

SYLVESTER ELDER is a son of Joseph Elder, a native of Kentucky, who, when a youth came to Perry County, where he married Mary Miller, and lived upon a farm until his death, which occurred in April, 1868. He reared a family of nine children, the mother of whom is yet living, in her sixty-sixth year. Sylvester was reared at home and received only a limited education. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in Company K, Eighty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry for three years, or during the war. He took part in the battles of Chickamauga, Franklin and Jonesboro, and was with Sherman on his “March to the Sea.” He remained in the field until hostilities ceased, receiving his discharge June 13, 1865. April 30, 1867, he wedded Sarah J. Jarboe, and rented a farm for one year. In the spring of 1868 he bought a farm, where he remained about six years. He then removed to the farm where he has since resided. He has added to his first purchase until he now owns 820 acres. Both Mr. Elder and his wife were reared in the Catholic faith. They have a family of seven children, Mary M., Alta A., Emma, James A., Elizabeth, Susan L. and Joseph S.