Sylvanus, known as "S. L.", was an educator. In 1897, when the cornerstone of the public school in Converse, Indiana was laid, he was the principal of the school. After his first wife Minnie died in childbirth, he married her older sister Cora. S.L. and Cora moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota sometime between 1900-1905.

Ken Heeter sent me a photocopy of a newspaper clipping from the Minneapolis Monitor of March 2, 1912, which has a photograph of S. L. Heeter, and the text "The Association of Commerce, representing the citizens of St. Paul, in cooperation with the principals and teachers of the public schools of that city, last night tendered a reception in the state house to S. L. Heeter, superintendent of the St. Paul city schools for the last six years, who leaves soon to become superintendent of the public schools of Pittsburg. The reception was attended by more than 2,000 persons, including 100 teachers and principals from Minneapolis.
Mr. Heeter was presented with a gold watch by the students of his Bible class, Dayton Avenue Presbyterian church, and with a fob and chain by the principals of the St. Paul schools. In accepting the gifts, Mr. Heeter spoke briefly and expressed regret at leaving St. Paul. Publicity is a matter of large importance in school work, he said, "I don't believe that educators should seek notoriety, but they certainly should get and hold public attention."
The guests were received by Battery A, first field artillery, Minnesota National Guard."