The Detroit times., 1908-02-10

for years OF Gen. u. S. Grant, and
had accompanied him in many battle
and hazardous venture.
For years Mai. Elderkin has been
picturesque character in Detroit. He
ventures as soldier In three wars
and many campaigns.
Born Dec. 16, 1920 I'm Salmon River,
n. Y, he left home as a boy of IA
and worked for time on the Erie
canal, then the great artery of travel
to the west. After five years OF adven-
ture, he enlisted In the Fourth infan-
try and was sent to New Orleans and
then to Fort Gibson, in. the midst of
the Cherokee and Greek nations.
In 1841 his regiment was ordered to
Florida, where there was a war on
with the Seminoles, the most bloody
and savage OF the many Indian wars.
Through two years the soldiers OF the
Fourth fought amid the swamps and
dense forests OF the Everglades
against their brave and cunning foes,
suffering from constant danger OF
bites by poisonous snakes and insects
and from the deadly fevers OF that
region. Assisting in capturing a band
OF the Indians and carrying dispatches
won honorable mention for the lad
from New York.
Wounded at Matamoras-
Early in 1916. the Fourth was part
OF the army under Gen. Taylor, which
encamped opposite Matamoras, where
the Mexican general, Santa Ana, was
encamped. Elderkin was chosen to
carry the colors In the first invasion
OF Mexican soil, and at the battle
which followed he was wounded. but
only slightly. The battles OF Palo Alto,
Resaca de la Palma and Monterey fol-
lowed, and then portion of the army
was sent to Vera Cruz, which was be-
sieged by Gen. Scott.
Capt. u. S. Grant was quartermaster
of the Fourth, and Elderkin, who had
become drum-major, but always took
part in the fighting, was thrown much
with him. After the fall OF Vera Cruz,
the army fought It's way through to
the City OF Mexico, which was cap
tured Sept: IA, 1S47. For gallantry at
the storming of the castle of Chapul-
tepec, Mai Elderkin was given a rec
ord OF merit by President Polk.
During the storming OF the suburbs
I'm gold by rich Mexican, but refused
the money, which was later taken by
another soldier. A number OF Mexi-
can brigands had enlisted with the
Americans. and these sacked the Mex
lean mint, only one American joining
In the spoils.
Fought With Grant.
Capt. Grant, with 80 men. captured
the fort protecting the capitals water
works, and held II until achievements
came, Elderkin being one of the small
band. The same captain. later to be
the president OF the United States,
then led his men in the fighting along
the house tops and through gardens.
After the war, portion OF the
Fourth was sent to Detroit, stopping
at the barracks located where Ar
better hall now stands. Here Mai.
Elderkin met Mary Bessinger. whom
he married.
With his wife, he' accompanied Gen.
Grant across the Isthmus OF Panama
to California, where he remained a
number OF years. going into business
there after his 10 years Of soldering
had ended in 1854. He was strolling
musician for a time, and In various
kinds OF business. and came TO Detroit
in 1857, joining the Light Guard.
The Light 6uard became Co. A of
the First Michigan when the war
broke out. Maj. Elderkin went at the
head OF the regimental band and was
in a number OF battles In the earlier
years of the war. Returning to De-