In 1873, the family moved to Wellsville, Ohio, where the father opened a tin plate factory, and Elkin worked there in his early teens.

Governor Pennypacker was nominated by his party to run in the special election to replace the vacancy, but he declined.

The Secretary of the Commonwealth, Frank Reeder, and Elkin were forced to resign by Governor Hastings over an "indemnification" bill.

[5] In 1899, when Quay was tainted with scandal and the state legislature refused to seat him, Elkin was his main defender in the General Assembly, and advised Governor Stone to proceed with the appointment.

In 1908, William Randolph Hearst published letters sent to various Pennsylvania officials by John Dustin Archbold, then vice-president of Standard Oil, suggesting judicial appointments.