Captain Elias McMellen (b. 1839-11-16 - d. 2 March 1916, was a bridge-maker and Captain in the Union Army. McMellen's wife’s name was Annie E. Wenditz (November 13, 1841 – April 1, 1899). They were married on 21 Sep 1865 and had the following children: Ella, Sara (also known as Sadie), Joseph, Walter and James. Their home for many years was located at 28 East Vine Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; he provided a home for his mother next-door.