Biographical Sketch of

Calvin McElwain

Transcribed by Robert Schieber

Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, 
Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Pages 719 - 720


Calvin L. McElwain, a large land owner and prosperous farmer of Adams County, Wisconsin, residing on section 8, 
New Chester township, was born in the town of Stamford, Bennington county, Vermont, February 4, 1826, and is a 
son of John and Dolly (Goodrich) McElwain, natives of Massachusetts, the former born in 1788, the latter in 1782.  
The father was colonel of a regiment in the Massachusetts militia, and was a lawyer by profession.  He engaged 
in teaching school for many years and was also interested in the manufacture of cotton cloth, but lost three 
mills at different times.  Fraternally he was an active member of the Masonic order.  He died at the age of 
forty-two, his wife at the age of seventy-two years.  Their children were John, Dolly, Betsy, David, Mary Ann, 
Electa and Calvin L.

Mr. McElwain, whose name introduces this review, was reared and educated in his native state, and at Stamford, 
Vermont, he was married, November 13, 1841, to Miss Betsy Forbush, a daughter of Cheval and Elizabeth Forbush, 
who moved to Elgin, Illinois, in 1849, and three years later came to Adams county, Wisconsin, where they made 
their home for some years, but about a half century ago they went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they spent 
the remainder of their lives.  In the family of Mr. and Mrs. McElwain were several children namely: Imogen; Grace, 
deceased; John; Arabel; Ruel Bruce; and Bertha.  Those living are all residents of Adams County, Wisconsin.

It was in 1857 that Mr. McElwain came to this state and took up his residence on Section 8, New Chester township, 
Adams county, where he now resides.  He first purchased eighty acres of government land, to which he added from 
time to time as his financial resources increased until he had one thousand one hundred and twenty acres, but he 
has since disposed of a portion of his and now has seven hundred and twenty acres are under excellent cultivation 
and well improved with good and substantial buildings.  He is a progressive and energetic farmer, whose success in 
life is due entirely to his own well directed efforts, and his career is such as to commend him to the confidence 
and high regard of all with whom he has came in contact.  In politics he always affiliates with the Republican party, 
and takes an active interest in public affairs.


Transcribed by Robert Schieber






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