to this village in 1883, graduating from the high school in 1889 as salutatorian of her class. Following this she graduated from the Winona Normal School in 1891 and taught at Farmington, Minnesota in the public schools one year. The next two years Miss Electa attended the New England Conservatory of Music and studied Music and Art. She accepted a position of preceptors and teacher of music at the Mayville, N.D. school which position she was forced to give up on account of ill health at the end of two years. Since that time she has resided in Plainview, the past two or three years assisting her brothers in the Plainview Bank.
The remains were taken to Woodland for interment beside her father and mother where the glory of the rising sun, which she so much admired, shall each morning cast a halo of golden rays on the last resting place of the beautiful girl in Woodland's quiet sloping hillside (NOTE: The story was told that when E. L. Sylvester was called to Chicago to identify her body, her features were so mangled by the stampede she was caught up in that only a ring on her finger identified her.) [HOWDER NOTE: a website at http://eastlandmemorial.org/iroquois.shtml lists the victims of the fire and states that Electa Sylvester was visiting Mrs. Andrew Irle of 1240 Lawrence Avenue, and that her body was identified by a name on a handkerchief. Mrs. Andrew Irle was the wife of Andrew Irle, assistant superintendent of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, and her body was identified by her name on her wedding ring. Perhaps this is how the "ring" story came about?]
A Memorial Organ
May of our citizens know that for several months Miss Electa Sylvester was ambitious to secure a splendid organ for the Methodist Church. She had corresponded with several music houses concerning the matter and was endeavoring to find a way to raise about $250 for that purpose.
In his address Sunday afternoon, Rev. King spoke of the self-sacrifice of Miss Electa in singing and playing at our funerals, entertainments and in the churches without regard to denominations; he therefore suggested that this community could do nothing more fitting than to procure a memorial organ, thus carrying our her wishes.
Several citizens have taken up the matter and are meeting with a very generous response.
It is especially desired that what is given shall be a free will offering to Miss Electa's memory, not as a denominational matter nor in the interest of a particular church.
"Blessed is he who follows generous impulses."
January 3, 1904- Sunday- The funeral of Electa Sylvester was at 2 o'clock PM. The pall bearers were T. A. Askew, Wm. Weikel, A. Koenig, J. H. Eggers, Miller Bolton and myself. -Dickman Diary.
January 8, 1904- Resolution of Respect from Plainview Traveler's Club
We wish to thank the friends who so kindly assisted us in our bereavement.
Mrs. W. P. Dyer, E. L. and G. F. Sylvester and families.
Electa Sylvester obituary article.
February 5, 1904- Old Settlers meet February 3. G. F. Sylvester, President.
February 12, 1904- The Travelers Club will meet next Monday evening February 15 with Mrs. G. F. Sylvester.
March 10, 1904 Thursday- We had a Pit Party (NOTE: Pit is a card game.) tonight at our house. Those present C. D. Burchard and wife, Shumway and wife, G. F. Sylvester and wife, T. A. Askew and wife, Miller Bolton and wife, Gardner Colby, Abe Marshall's, J. Thompson's, M. J. Manchester's, and J. H. Egger's. -Dickman Diary.
March 11, 1904- Village Spring Election- E. L. Sylvester 245 votes for treasurer.
The Priscillas will meet with Mrs. G. F. Sylvester next Wednesday afternoon. They will give a picnic supper to their husbands and sweethearts.
March 18, 1904- At the Republican primaries Saturday evening the following delegates were elected to the county convention... G. F. Sylvester. The roads were so poor however, that the delegates were unable to drive to Wabasha on Tuesday.
March 25, 1904- E. L. Sylvester, who was confined to his home several days last week, was able to be out and at his post in the bank for the first time Monday.
The dedication services of the Electa Sylvester Memorial Organ will be held in

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