Nettie B. Wolf and William Hills Sylvester
WILLIAM HILLS SYLVESTER, son of PHIANIA HILLS and JOHN SUTHERLAND SYLVESTER, was born in 1842 in Wisconsin, and died May 10, 1906 in Montezuma, Parke, Indiana.8852 He is buried in Oakland Cemetery, Montezuma, Parke, Indiana.456
He married NETTIE B. WOLF on June 8, 1897 in Indiana.5369 She was born March 1, 1878 in Parke County, Indiana,4931 and died March 16, 1945 in Clinton, Vermillion, Indiana.4931 She is buried in Oakland Cemetery, Montezuma, Parke, Indiana.4931
Children of NETTIE B. WOLF and WILLIAM HILLS SYLVESTER:
- WILLIAM HILLS SYLVESTER, b. November 18, 1902, Montezuma, Parke, Indiana;4931 d. June 3, 1950, Montezuma, Parke, Indiana;4931 bur. Oakland Cemetery, Montezuma, Parke, Indiana.4931
Work History
William H. Sylvester
Obituaries
Elwood Daily Record, May 11, 19068852
TRAGEDY AT MONTEZUMA
Bank President W. H. Sylvester Slain by Insane Brother
Montezuma, Ind., May 11.—W. H. Sylvester, president of the First National bank of Montezuma, and one of the well-known business men of Parke county, was shot and almost instantly killed yesterday afternoon in his own home by an insane brother.
There had been differences between W. H. and Stephen Sylvester for some time because of money matters. Stephen Sylvester was of unsound mind because of a fall severy years ago, in which he received injuries which affected his brain. Yesterday Stephen went to the home of W. H. Sylvester and demanded the $1,000 at issue between them, and there were angry words, followed by blows. Mrs. Sylvester, wife of the murdered man, attempted to part the combatants, and on failing she called in a neighbor named Pitman. After the men were separated Stephen was advised to leave the house, and he agreed to do so if Mr. Pitman would release him. Pitman stepped back and instantly Stephen drew a revolver and fired point blank, the bullet striking his brother in the stomach and causing almost immediate death.
After shooting his brother, Stephen Sylvester rushed out of the house and down the street to his own home, citizens armed with revolvers pursuing him. Reaching his home, he immediately retreated to a shed in the rear, which he had evidently built for some such emergency, for it is covered with iron and is constructed of lumber eight inches thick. He stationed himself inside, armed with a shotgun and several revolvers, and with a liberal supply of ammunition, determined to sell his life dearly. The sheriff organized a posse looking to his capture. After having declared that he would never be taken alive, Sylvester came meekly out of his stronghold when the sheriff approached, and agreed to surrender if given protection. He was taken to Rockville for safe keeping.
Both the Sylvesters were men of mature years, and Stephen is unmarried. W. H. Sylvester leaves a widow and one child. Both men were well-to-do financially.
Indianapolis News, May 11, 19068853
VICTIM OF INSANE BROTHER LEFT AN ESTATE OF $50,000
W. H. Sylvester Engaged in Mercantile Business and Retired to Become President of Bank
[Special to The Indianapolis News.]
MONTEZUMA, Ind., May 11.— William H. Sylvester, president of the First National Bank of this place, who was shot and instantly killed by his insane brother, Stephen Sylvester, at his home yesterday, was one of the prominent men of the county. Prior to being elected president of the bank when it was organized, two years ago, he was in the dry goods business in this place. He retired from active mercantile life a short time before the bank was organized, on account of ill health.
He was married four years ago to Miss Nettie Wolf, of this place, his bride being at that time twenty years old and he sixty. This was his second marriage. He was divorced from his first wife many years ago. Two years ago a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester. Mr. Sylvester was a large property owner, and he leaves an estate valued at $50,000. The arrangements for the funeral have not been made.
There was some talk among the stockholders of the bank to-day of making J. E. Johnson president of the bank.
Rendered Insane by Spinal Injury.
Stephen Sylvester, the insane brother of the murdered man, was many years ago employed as a painter by the C., H. & D. Railway Company, when the road was being constructed through this place. While working on a bridge he fell and injured his spine. From that time he has been mentally deranged, and in the last few years has become worse. He never married, and he lived alone, doing his own cooking and washing. He always kept himself locked in his little cabin. He was surrounded with shotguns and revolvers, and was always fearful of an attack. His greatest fear was an attack from the devil, and he frequently pumped his cistern dry to empty it of the devils that were supposed to be hidden there. He was a man of fair means, and had properties in Indianapolis and Montezuma. It is said he always carried several thousand dollars in a belt around his waist.
Stephen is nearly sixty years old. When taken to jail a large revolver and a knife were found in his clothing. During the civil war he served as a Union soldier. After Stephen's quiet surrender to Sheriff Carter he said that his brother refused to loan him $50, and this led to the shooting. However, his talk was not rational, as he spoke of communicating with the angels, and that he had been persecuted by devils.
Census Records
| Date | Location | Enumerated Names |
|---|---|---|
| August 22, 18504817 | Sylvester, Green, Wisconsin | |
| June 1, 18607145 | Athens, Fayette, Kentucky | |
| June 25, 18808850 | Montezuma, Parke, Indiana |
|
| June 6, 19007564 | Reserve, Parke, Indiana |
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