In the census, Sylvester identifies himself as a carpenter but he tries his hand at everything including farm labourer, wheelwright, cheesemaker, electric railway conductor, and poultry enthusiast.  He is best known as a photographer.  He notes in his diary when he learns photography, buys equipment and, takes photographs in his community.  For more about him see Martyn G. Pullen’s book, Life in the Country, and the S. S. Main Photographic Collection in the Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph.