County Handbook of 1917
ELMSWELL
So called on account of an ancient well or spring, surrounded by elm trees, which, centuries since, supplied the villages with water. It is one of the highest spots in the North West Division of Suffolk, is in the hundred of Blackbourn, and very pleasantly stiuated on the main line to Ipswich, from which it is distant 18 miles, 6 miles from Stowmarket, and 8½ miles from Bury St. Edmunds. It is a very rising village, having an agricultural implement manufactory, also a cricket bat factory, and the St. Edmundsbury Bacon Factory, Ltd. Population in 1911, 853.
| Leatherdale, J C | JP, Chairman of PCC, Overseer |
| Collen, D W | Clerk of PCC, Churchwarden, Postmaster, EADT agent,Sec. of Oddfellows Friendly Soc. and Bowling Green |
| Durrant, R | Overseer |
| Godbold, G | Overseer |
| Harrison, M | Churchwarden, Overseer |
| Kinsey, H C | Collector of taxes |
| Ainley, Miss | Headmistress, Church School |
| Brand, E Miss | Asst. mistress, Church School |
| Wilson, J F.R.H. | Headmaster, Council School |
| Durrant, Miss | Infants’ mistress, Council School |
| Hassell, J | Registrar of Births and Deaths |
| George, J R Rev B.A. | Rector |
| Everett, Mx | Carrier to Bury (Wed & Sat) |
| Flowers, H | Stationmaster (GER) |
| Hanson, H | Bacon Factory Manager |
| Collen, Miss | Sec. Lawn Tennis Club |