Thomas Elder (January 30, 1767 – April 29, 1853[2]) was a Pennsylvania lawyer and Harrisburg businessman.
In Paxtang, Pennsylvania, he became known as the "Fighting Pastor" for organizing an anti-Indian militia, known as the Paxton Boys.
He was educated at the Academy of Philadelphia, and admitted to the Dauphin County bar in 1791.
He volunteered to help suppress the Whiskey Rebellion but declined commissions until afterwards, when he was made lieutenant colonel.
[6] William Henry Harrison's "log cabin campaign" was a suggestion of Elder.