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From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, publ. 1901 - page 213-214
WILLIAM ELGAR, a well-to-do and prominent citizen of Platteville, Grant county, and ex-postmaster at that place, is one of the adopted sons of America, for he was born in London, England, in 1829. His parents, William and Ann (HAMBROOK) ELGAR, were natives of Kent, England, and the mother died in 1841, in London. The father, who was a business man in England, came to the United States in 1851, settling in Grant county, Wis., where he followed farming for some time. He died in Platteville in 1875. His children were William; John, a resident of Wisconsin; Viroqua; Stephen, who died in Platteville in 1891; Elizabeth, Mrs. William COWDUROY, who died in the same place in 1879; and Anne, Mrs. KOLB, a resident of Platteville.
The early life of William ELGAR was passed in his native land, and he attended school in London. In 1851 he sailed for the New World, and after a voyage of twelve weeks landed in New York. After spending a short time in Mineral Point, Wis., he came to Grant county, where he has since made his home. For some years he was successfully engaged in mercantile business in Platteville, but on being appointed postmaster, in February, 1886, he disposed of his store. He held the office for four years, discharging its duties in a most creditable and satisfactory manner, and was succeeded by M. P. RINDLAUB. Mr. ELGAR was married in Platteville to Miss Frances KOLB, a native of Chester county, Penn., and to them were born three children, namely: William, now a merchant of Rewey, Wis.; Laura, Mrs. McARTHUR, whose husband is a lumber dealer of Minneapolis, Minn.; and George, who is married and resides in Madison, Wisconsin.
Mr. ELGAR was one of the founders of the Episcopal Church of Platteville, of which he has since been a prominent and influential member, having always taken a very active part in its work. He served as the first treasurer and clerk of the church, and has filled the former office over thirty years. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. A man of strong individually and indubitable probity, one who has attained a due measure of success in life, and whose influence has always been on the side of right and order, this worthy citizen of Platteville assuredly deserves representation in this volume.
This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck