CONFEDERATE BIOGRAPHY:  J. L. Elder - Dallas County, TX

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Submitted by Mary Love Berryman - marylove@tyler.net
7 June 2002 
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TEXANS WHO WORE THE GRAY by Sid S. Johnson, page 305 

J. L. ELDER.

James L. Elder, son of David and Susana Elder, was born in Macon 
county, N. C.  His father moved to Texas in 1857 and settled near Mt. 
Vernon.  Was left an orphan at 15 years of age.  Soon drifted to the 
frontier.  Opposed seces­sion in 1861, but was a firm advocate of 
states rights. When war was declared, he at once allied himself with 
the cause of Texas.  Left Grayson county and went to Springfield, Mo., 
and on Aug.13, joined Co. E, 3rd Regiment of Texas Cavalry-later Ross' 
Brigade, with whom he served until he received his parole at Canton, 
Miss.  How well he served his country must be judged by his comrades. 
After the sur­render he returned to Texas and on Aug. 16, 1865 married 
Missouri C. Saunders, who died Aug.13, 1905.  Has two daughters living: 
Mrs. J. W. Rotan, of Leonard, Tex., and Mrs. J. D. Harvey, 
152 Birmingham Ave., Dallas, Tex. He has been a member of the Baptist 
church over 50 years. Has always voted the democratic ticket, and 
tells with pride that he was a member of Ross' Brigade, and still 
believes that the lost cause was founded on principles of right and 
justice.  Comrade Elder was always to the front and made a gallant 
soldier and in private life made an excellent citizen. He is a leading 
business man of Dallas, being one of the firm of Whisenant & Elder, 
345 Main street, where he will al­ways be glad to greet any member of 
the lost cause.