Entered service for 1 year of service at age 19 as a substitute for draftee William B. Hoag of Bertrand, Michigan. Took the muster oath on March 30, 1865, and reached the regiment at Alexandria, Virgina, on May 21, 1865. He was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas, on August 13, 1865.The following is a narrative submitted by his Great Grandson, Lawrence E Jones Elon enlisted in Racine, Wisconsin on March 31, 1863. (Company: E, 19th Wisconsin Infantry) Went to Madison, Wisconsin to guard 1500 Confedederate soldiers. When prisoners were sent to Chicago, Elon was sent east to Washington, Baltimore and Fortress Monroe. Sent to Norfolk, Virginia where he was on provost guard duty. His only pitched battle was near Suffolk, Virginia, when Longstreet tried to move north. Sent to Newman, North Carolina. Here, he became ill due to the water, and was discharged. Came to Niles, Michigan to recuperate. While here, he took the place of a Niles man who was being drafted, and re-enlisted. Company H 15th Michigan Infantry) Sent to Grand Rapids MI. From there, sent [back!] to Newman, North Carolina. Was there when Lee surrendered. Went to Washington, DC, and was part of the huge celebration. From there, sent to Louisville Kentucky, then to little Rock Arkansas. Was discharged six weeks later.
In later years, Elon was active in the area of veteran's rights. He demonstrated in Washington for the payment of Civil War pensions. He was born 28-Apr-1845 in Racine, Wisconsin, and died 18-Jan-1924 in Niles, Michigan.