Born in Pennsylvania, Elder enlisted in the US Army in 1853, and was assigned to Battery C, 2nd US Artillery. During his five-year enlistment, he worked his way up through the ranks from Private to First Sergeant. His enlistment ended in 1858, and he did not re-enlist. He remained with the army after the war, and was promoted to major in the 2nd U.S. Artillery, June 30, 1882. He died April 6, 1885.