Bio: M. C. Elstner, Caddo Parish La
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville,  1890

Submitted by: Suzanne Shoemaker
sueshoe@hotmail.com



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M. C. Elstner, United States district attorney and one of the most
efficient government officials, is one of the most popular men within the
limits of Caddo Parish, for he is recognized as a man of worth and
substantial, progressive spirit.  It can, with truth, be said that no more
capable man for the filling of his present position could be found, and he
has displayed far more than an average degree of ability and sagacity.  He
was born in Grant County, Ky., November 14, 1851, and is a son of W. H. and
Anna S. (Carter) Elstner, who were born, reared and married in that State,
and came to Louisiana in 1859, locating in Caddo Parish.  After a residence
of a few years here they removed to Arkansas, but became dissatisfied with
their location at the end of about two years and, in 1863, returned to
Louisiana.  Upon the opening of the Rebellion he joined one of the first
Arkansas regiments (the Third), and was with Ben McCullough and McIntosh
when they were killed at the battle of Elk Horn, which was a fight between
Sigel and Van Dorn; he held the rank of major and quartermaster.  At the
close of the war he opened a mercantile establishment in Shreveport, La.,
which he conducted until his death, which occurred in 1877.  His widow
survives him, having borne five children, three now living:  M. C., Joseph
C. and Mrs. H. C. Rogers.  The subject of this biography has spent the most
of his life in the town of Shreveport, but received his collegiate
education in Lexington, Ky., and in 1872 was graduated from the law
department of the same institution.  He was first admitted to practice
before the Supreme Court of Kentucky, and that year was admitted to the
same in Shreveport, La., and in 1874 entered upon his practice.  During the
administration of President Arthur he filled the position of United States
Attorney, and in July, 1889, was appointed to the same office, and his
duties have been performed in a manner highly flattering to himself ever
since.  He is an able lawyer, a convincing and eloquent speaker, and the
reputation he has gained has been acquired largely through his own
individual efforts and at the expense of diligent study and practical
experience.  He was married in 1873 to miss Julia Smoker, a native of
Louisiana, and they are now the parents of four children:  Marcia, Anna,
Elvina and William H.  Mr. Elstner is a Mason, a Red Man and Elk, and has
the honor of being great representative of Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas in
the Red Men's order, and is ruler in the society of Elks.  The excellent
manner in which he has discharged his official duties is too well known to
need any additional words of compliment, suffice it to say that he has the
confidence and esteem of all who know him, for his prominent
characteristics are unquestioned integrity, singular fairness and
liberality, a mind just and liberal, and of generous heart and character.