"Indiana was
still a territory covered all over with virgin forests when PURDUE
SYLVESTER left Wilmington, Delaware, to
seek a new home in the wilderness. Following the usual route,
across the mountains and down the Ohio river, he eventually
landed in Clark County, which at that time presented few
attractions for the agriculturist. He entered a large tract
of land in Jeffersonville township on what subsequently
became known as the Hamburg Pike, and here he went through
all the rugged experiences incident to pioneer life in that
early day.
"He married RACHEL
SCOTT, whose parents moved in among the
first settlers, and owned land on the Middle Road in Utica
Township. EMERY SYLVESTER,
a child by this union, was born on the paternal farm, about
four miles north of Jeffersonville, January 11, 1816, which
was the year of the state's admission into the Union.
"He worked on
the farm as he grew up but had poor opportunities for
education, as schools at that time were few and far between.
However, he learned all about farming, as it was carried on
in those days, acquired industrious habits, and came to know
the value of work as an element of success in life. He
remained with his parents until the eighteenth year of his
age when in language of the country, he 'struck out for
himself.'
"Going up to
Jeffersonville he learned the plasterer's trade and followed
it for a livelihood for a few years, after which he returned
to the farm and continued in agricultural pursuits during the
rest of his life. Though he never sought office, his neighbours insisted on electing him a Justice of the Peace and
he discharged his official duties so well that he was kept in
the same position for twenty years. He was a good citizen who
led a quiet, unobtrusive life, paid his debts and enjoyed
general esteem in the community where he resided. He died
March 3, 1885, without an enemy in the world, and with a
consciousness in his last hours that he had done his duty in
all the relations of life.
"In 1839, when
twenty-three years old, Mr. Sylvester married CAROLINE
McCLINTOCK (McCLINTICK) daughter of
John McCLINTICK and Mary PROVINE, member of one of the old,
esteemed pioneer families of the county. Her grandfather, JOHN
McCLINTOCK, came from Ireland, when twelve years of
age accompanied by two brothers, one of whom, named SAMUEL
McCLINTICK, settled near the Charlestown Pike, north
of Jeffersonville.
Six children were
born of this union: Mary, Charlotte,
Caroline, Emery, John and Commodore C.
The last named died in childhood, and both of the other sons
passed away in their twentieth years. The three daughters own
the home place, consisting of two hundred and fifteen acres
of land and have made their residence there since the death
of their mother.
Emery
Sylvester's 03/06/1885 National
Democrat obituary:
"This
morning [03/06/1885],
Squire Emory Sylvester, of Cementville, died after a long
illness of softening of the brain, aged sixty-nine years.
He was born in this county near Cementville and always
resided there. He owned the farm upon which the works of
the Ohio Valley Cement Company were located.
"He leaves
a wife and three daughters and was a brother of William
Sylvester, Mrs. Richard Shadham and Mrs. Zach. McClory.
The time of the funeral will be announced tomorrow."
Caroline
McClintick Sylvester's 03/09/1889 Evening
News obituary:
"After a
lingering illness with a complication of diseases, Mrs.
Caroline, widow of the late Emery Sylvester, died
yesterday [03/08/1889]
at 8:30 p.m. at her home near Cementville, aged
seventy-two.
"The
deceased was a native of this county and was well known
to its citizens as a woman of sterline qualities. She was
the sister of Mrs. Samantha Eagen, mother of E. C. Eagen.
She leaves three daughters who are at home. The funeral
takes place tomorrow at 2:30 p.m., from the late home,
the interment to be at the family burying ground."
If
you are related to this family you will find the site of
McClintick/Sylvester Cemetery-Indiana
an absolute goldmine!
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