Born in Lyme, Connecticut,[1] Sheldon joined the Continental Army at the outbreak of hostilities, and served under the command of General George Washington, who requested that Congress commission Sheldon to raise a cavalry regiment.
The 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, which he commanded, came to be known as "Sheldon's Horse",[2] and "served with distinction throughout the Revolutionary War".
[3] Shortly after the end of the war, he moved to Franklin County, Vermont, where he had a grant of land.
[4] He died in Saint Albans, Franklin County, Vermont, and was buried next to his wife, Sarah Bellows.
[3] Elisha Sheldon was an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Connecticut.