History of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, 1887



James Elder Biography


Colonel James G. Elder (deceased) was born in Bridgeport, Franklin Co., Penn., February 22, 1822. He was brought up on a farm and received only an ordinary common-school education.

Early in life he learned the trade of whip-maker, and conducted that business in St. Thomas, this county, for many years, then, in company with Col. Dunlop Dixon (Sixth Pennsylvania Reserves), embarked in mercantile business in the same village, which they carried on for a period of years.

As soon as the Rebellion broke out, Mr. Elder, with the military company of which he was captain, offered his services for three months, and was captain of Company B, Second Pennsylvania Regiment. At the expiration of the three months he re-enlisted as colonel of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was wounded in the ship at the battle of Fredericksburg, in the spring of 1862, and was present during the burning of the town that year by the rebels.

Col. Elder served the people of Franklin County one term as treasurer, after the expiration of which he became a partner in the Franklin County Bank, with which he was connected several years. He then occupied himself attending to a farm, just outside the borough limits, which he managed until his death, which occurred October 16, 1882.

February 17, 1845, Col. Elder was married to Mary E., daughter of James and Catherine Brindle, and born in Erie County, Penn., February 4, 1827. To this union nine children have been born, of whom six -four sons and two daughters-are living. Col. Elder was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an influential and highly esteemed citizen. In politics he was a Republican. His widow is a resident of Chambersburg.


Source: Biographical Annals of Franklin County, Pennsylvania : containing genealogical records of representative families, including many of the early settlers, and biographical sketches of prominent citizens; Chicago. Genealogical Pub. Co. 1905. Notes: Prepared in part by George O. Seilhamer.















Elder Genealogy Resources



Elder Ancestry Resources