1827/28 – April 6, 1885) was a career United States Army artillery officer and a battery commander in the famed U.S.

Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Elder enlisted in the United States Army in June 1853 and was assigned to Battery C, 2nd U.S.

[2] Upon the outbreak of the American Civil War, Elder received a commission as second lieutenant on March 23, 1861, assigned to the 1st U.S.

Detached briefly in February 1864, Elder was cited for gallantry at the Battle of Olustee in Florida, and was awarded the brevet promotion to major.

Returning to the Horse Artillery, he was again cited for actions at Drewry’s Bluff, May 5, 1864, and was brevetted lieutenant colonel.