Elmer Sherwood

Elmer W. Sherwood was an influential figure in Indiana, known for his contributions as both a politician and a writer. Born in 1896 in Linton, Indiana, he pursued an education in English at Indiana University before enlisting in the military during World War I. Serving in the 150th Field Artillery Regiment, Sherwood documented his experiences in a diary that would later be published as 'Rainbow Hoosier' in 1922. This work provided a unique perspective on the war, capturing the sentiments of a soldier from Indiana and contributing to the literary landscape of wartime narratives. After returning from the war, Sherwood completed his degree and entered politics, becoming a member of the Indiana House of Representatives while still a student. His career included roles as an English teacher and clerk of Greene County, Indiana. In the late 1930s, he took on the role of editor for the 'National Legionnaire,' the magazine of the American Legion, further solidifying his connection to veterans and their stories. Sherwood's literary and political endeavors reflect a commitment to public service and the representation of the American experience during a tumultuous period in history, making him a notable figure in both realms.