The sitter was the second son of Isaac Elton, Sheriff of Bristol in 1765 and 1770, and his wife Sarah Peach. Edward Elton of Winford Manor in Somerset married Frances, daughter and co-heiress of James Marwood of Widworthy, Devon. The Eltons were one large family long established in Bristol who were prominent in commercial life and local affairs, many of whom served as Mayors of Bristol, and like the present sitter, High Sheriffs of Somerset.