Parsons, Col. William and Shiach, W. S. "An Illustrated History of Umatilla County and of Morrow County." Spokane, WA: W. H. Lever, 1902. p. 493. SYLVESTER B. ELDER was born in Hancock county, Ohio, July 28, 1847. His parents were John and Jane ( Sparr) Elder. For forty-one years he continued in his native state working at the carpenter trade and farming. He received a good common school education during his early boyhood. He was not yet seventeen years old when he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-third Ohio, on May 2, 1864. His officers were General Grant, Colonel Enos, Captain Steely, First Lieutenant Myers. For one so young as he it seems remarkable the class of service that he was detailed to perform, scouting, and it bespeaks a wonderful talent and nerve for him that he could successfully carry through such arduous duties. He was in a hot action between Richmond and Petersburg, and skirmishes so frequently that he cannot enumerate them all. Necessarily the career of scout is one of almost constant contact with the enemy and young Elder was among the best. No trip too hard and no point of danger where he would not volunteer to perform the needed service. To such men there is a great deal of credit due. It is a mark of real bravery for men to stand together in the time of battle, but for one to stand alone, as one in scouting is frequently called upon to do, is indicative of courage and nerve, and is an undertaking that few are prepared to do successfully. After the duties of the war were performed he turned again to his native place and in a short time married Rebecca Freed, daughter of John and Leah (Dubbs) Freed. Their wedding occurred on March 9, 1867. Twenty-one years after this he remained in Ohio, and in the year 1887 he turned to the west and among the many attractive places selected Umatilla county. He has had no cause to regret since first settling within its precincts that he did so. He found government land on Despain gulch, eighteen miles northwest from Pendleton. Here he located and is still living on the same land. The holdings of himself and sons are about one thousand acres. These broad acres under his skillful manipulation yield many thousands of bushels of wheat annually. In connection with wheat raising he handles a fine herd of short-horn stock, having some first-class registered bulls from which he is grading up another herd. Mr. Elder is a man that takes an active interest in local politics and much interest in school matters. He has a large family growing up around him. His children are: E. Orville. Willard L., Elva E., Nellie B., Ned Allen, Cleo. E., Ralph Clinton and Edna E.; two are dead, Clarence and Winnie Pearl. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in December 2010 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.