Genealogy Data Page 343 (Notes Pages)

Note: Robert Elder (3), son of Robert (2), and father of Robert Y. Elder, was born in 1809, and made his home at Eldersridge, in Young township, becoming the largest land owner in that section of the county, where he had 500 acres, as well as a farm of 100 acres in Armstrong county. Mr. Elder made extensive improvements on his lands and built a fine brick dwelling house on the homestead farm at Eldersridge, continuing to engage in farming and stock raising there until his death, in 1890, in his eighty-first year. He was buried in Eldersridge or Ridgeview cemetery. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in his political views was a Whig and later a Republican. A very successful man in a business way, he never sought public honors, or position, but was domestic in his tastes and greatly devoted to his home and family. Mr. Elder married Nancy W. Douglas, daughter of John Douglas, and she died on the farm in 1896, at the age of eight-one years, and was buried beside her husband. They had children as follows: Maria J., who married Thomas Elder and resides in Indiana; John Douglas, who was second lieutenant of Company D., 62nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Malvern Hill, while in command of his company, July 2, 1862; Robert Y.; Cordelia, widow of Dr. Robert Barr; Julia, who died young; Lydia A., who married C.C. Collins; Josephine, who is deceased; Agnes V., who resides in Kansas with her sister; and Lizzie E., who married Harry S. Durrett, M.D., and resides in Kansas.

Indiana Democrat, Indiana, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1890

Robert Elder died at his home in Elder's Ridge on March 26th, aged eighty-one years. He was the last but one of the fifty original members of the first Presbyterian Church of which the late Dr. Donaldson served as a member of the Building Committee for each of the three structures that have been erected in that place. On March 20th he had been married fifty-five years. Mre. Elder survives him, although in feeble health. He leaves, also, a large family, all members of anc active workers in the Presbyterian Church.

Indianna Messenger, Indianna, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1890

ELDER - March 26, 1890, at Elder's Ridge, PA., Mr. Robert Elder, in the 81st year of his age.

Mr. Elder was born december 23, 1809, on the same farm on which he lived and died, and for a number of years has been the oldest resident survivor bearing the family name from which Elders Ridge took his name. In his daily walk and conversation he was recognized as one of the leading men of the place. By nature he was of a quiet and retiring disposition, and yet withal a man of singularly widespread influence.

In church matters Mr. Elder took a most active part. He was the last but one of the fifty original members of the first Presbyterian church of which the late Dr. Donaldson was pastor for over fifty years. He served as a member of the Building Committee for each of the three structures that have been erected in that place. His liberality in these matters was worthy of example. Besides his most generous subscriptions toward defraying the expenses incurred by the erection of the present structure, he donated the ground upon which the church was built. Till the time of his confinement, some three months ago,, he was a most regular attendant upon Sabbath School and church service.

In the community Mr. Elder was universally respected. Liberal with his means in his advocacy toward allthose things tending to the advancement of the community welfare, he was recognized as a hearty supporter of the Academy, school, and whatever concerned the public good. He studied the things that made for peace, often laying aside personal feelings to promote neighborly harmony. During his life he amassed a considerable fortune, due, perhaps, to his principles of strict honesty and common sense economy. He made few promises, but always kept them to the letter. He was bound to the youth of the community by ties of the strongest attachment. One of his chief characteristics being manifested in his appreciation of their pleasures and interest in their welfare.

In his family Mr. Elder was a most helpful husband and considerate parent. On March 20 he had been married fifty-five years. Mrs. elder yet survives him. although in feeble health. He leaves, also, a large family, all members of and active workers in the Presbyterian church.

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1860
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1870
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1880
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

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Douglas, Nancy W (b. ABT 1815, d. 13 OCT 1896)

Note: Indiana Democrat, Indiana, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1896

Mrs. Nancy W. Elder died Tuesday, October 13, 1896, at the Elder home on Eldersridge in the 82d year of her age. Mrs. Elder was born in Indiana and lived here until she was eight years old, when her father, Mr John Douglas, moved to the southern part of the county. At the age of 19 she married Mr. Robert Elder, of Eldersridge, and went with him to that place and identified herself with all the interests of the home, church and community. Six years ago the husband, the last of his family, was called to his reward leaving the mother and Mrs. Maria Elder at the old homestead. The son, Mr. R. Y. Elder, moved to the old home to lessen the care and brighten the lives of the mother and sister, and it was with these two children she died. Mrs. Dr. Durrett, Mrs. C. E. Barr and Miss Agnes Elder, of this place, are also children who will mourn the loss of a mother peculiarly loving, tender and considerate of their every interest. Funeral at the Ridge tomorrow, when she will be laid near the Presbyterian church in which she has worshipped all these many years.

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1860
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1870
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1880
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

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Elder, Martha J (b. ABT 1830, d. ?)

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

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Elder, John Douglas Lieutenant (b. ABT 1838, d. 2 JUL 1862)

Note: Name: John D Elder ,
Enlistment Date: 24 July 1861
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Union
State Served: Pennsylvania
Unit Numbers: 2326 2326
Service Record: Enlisted as a Sergeant 1st Class on 24 July 1861
Enlisted in Company D, 62nd Infantry Regiment Pennsylvania on 24 July 1861.
Promoted to Full Lieutenant 2nd Class on 07 February 1862
Killed Company D, 62nd Infantry Regiment Pennsylvania on 01 July 1862 in Malvern Hill, VA

Battle at Malvern Hill, on 1 and 2 July 1862.
Other Name: Poindexter’s Farm
Estimated Casualties: 8,500 total

In the last of the Seven Days' Battles, the Union position on Malvern Hill proved to be impregnable even as received multiple assaults by the Confederate forces upon it over the course of next two days.

At Malvern hill, Company D, 62nd Infantry Regiment Pennsylvania was led by Capt. James C. Hull in the absence of all its field officers, and after the campaign it remained at Harrison's landing until Aug. 14, when it moved with Porter's corps to Fredericksburg and the Rappahannock Porter's corps was in reserve at the second Bull Run battle, and soon after the 62nd returned to its old camp at Minor's hill, sadly reduced in numbers by its long campaign.

The division returned at night to its camp near Gaines' Mill, M'Dowell's Corps having been prevented from joining the Army of the Potomac by the demonstrations of the enemy in the Shenandoah Valley. The regiment was engaged in picket duty and in constructing bridges across the Chickahominy and roads leading thereto, until the 26th of June, when the enemy, advancing by Mechanicsville, encountered the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps at Beaver Dam Creek. The Second Brigade was ordered to move hastily to its support. A severe battle ensued, in which the Reserves stubbornly contested the ground, and successfully held it. The Sixty-second arrived upon the field in the evening and for an hour was under fire, but not actively engaged. Withdrawing his troops on the following morning, Porter retired to Gaines' Mill, where, upon an elevation, east and south of the mill, he disposed his forces and awaited the advance of the enemy. Morrell's Division held the extreme left of the line, its left resting on the slope extending to the low grounds skirting the Chickahominy, Griffin's Brigade forming the right of the division, and connecting with the left of Sykes. Division. Upon the opening of the battle on the Union left by the advance of Longstreet's Corps, the Sixty-second, with the Ninth Massachusetts, was ordered forward in the face of a terrific fire of infantry, and, charging across a ravine in front, gained the woods upon the opposite side, driving back the enemy, and inflicting fearful slaughter. In this charge, and before reaching the woods, the gallant Colonel Black, while advancing with his men, was stricken down and instantly killed. Without heeding the loss of their leader, the men pressed forward under command of Lieutenant Colonel Sweitzer, until they had driven the rebels back, and attained a position considerably in advance of the main line of battle. This being discovered by the enemy, heat once launched his forces upon their flank, and by a grievous enfilading fire forced them to withdraw. Re-forming in the open field on the right of the woods, the men were scarcely in position, the battle still raging furiously, when General Seymour rode up to Lieutenant Colonel Sweitzer and hurriedly inquired if the regiment had ammunition. He was informed that it had been heavily engaged during the entire afternoon, and that the ammunition was completely exhausted. He at once directed the cartridge boxes to be filled, and ordered Lieutenant Colonel Sweitzer to proceed with the regiment to the extreme left of the line, to check the fiery onset of the enemy in that direction. Marching at double quick over swampy ground, towards the Chickahominy, to the point indicated, the regiment with ranks sadly thinned was formed, and boldly charged up the hill, and into the wood, receiving, as it entered it, a heavy volley of musketry. The fire was at once returned, and the battle, which was now raging along the entire line, became more furious than at any previous stage of the fight. Soon the line upon the right gave way, overborne by vastly superior numbers, and the enemy charging upon a battery on the flank of the regiment, forced it to retire, and with the entire Union line was carried back towards the river. In this last struggle, Lieutenant Colonel Sweitzer, who was determined to contest the ground to the last, was captured, and sent to Richmond where he was incarcerated in Libby Prison. The army now fell back, fighting its way towards the James, the Sixty second arriving at Malvern Hill on the night of the 30th of June. In the fierce battle of the following day, the regiment, without field officers, was led by Captain James C. Hull of company A, and early in the engagement was sent to the support of Battery D, of the Fifth United States Artillery. This battery became a special target for the rebel guns massed in its front, and when they failed to silence it, his infantry charged upon it with determined bravery, but were signally repulsed. In this fiery ordeal the regiment suffered severely. Lieutenant John D. Elder was among the killed. In the confusion incident to charging and counter-charging, the color-bearer, Sergeant Smith, was cut off with others from the regiment, and was near being captured; but with remarkable presence of mind, he secreted the flag upon his person and hid himself in a stable near by. Favored by the charge of a Union Brigade, he made his escape and brought off the flag in safety. For his gallantry on this occasion, he was commissioned a lieutenant.

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1860
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

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Elder, Robert Y (b. 6 APR 1840, d. 8 JUL 1914)

Note: Retired citizen of Saltsburg, and director of the First National Bank of that borough, is a native of Indiana County, Pa., born at Eldersridge, in Young Township, April 6, 1840, son of Robert and Nancy W. (Douglas) Elder.

Robert Y. Elder was educated in the public schools of Young township and Eldersridge Academy, under Dr. Alexander Donaldson, and worked at home on the farm with his parents until May, 1864, when he enlisted in Company C, 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Capt. John C. Horrell and Colonel Young. He served in that company for a period of ten months, being mustered out of the service at Arlington Heights. Returning home, he continued on the homestead and followed farming until 1868, when he embarked in the mercantile business at Eldersridge, being thus engaged for a period of ten years, at the end of which time he again took up farming. Mr. Elder continued to carry on general farming and stock raising on a tract of 300 acres, on which he made numerous improvements, but in 1903 sold the land for coal mining purposes to the Pittsburg Gas Coal Company and moved to Saltsburg, settling at what is known as Saltsburg Extension, where he now makes his home. After coming to Saltsburg, he became engaged in the manufacturing business, but for a short time was at Mine Lamotte, Mo, where he was manager of a department store for over a year. He then returned to Saltsburg. Mr. Elder is a member of the board of directors of the First national Bank of that place. He has been prominent in Grand Army circles, having been at one time commander of Saltsburg Post, No. 36, of which he is now adjutant. He is a past master of Saltsburg Lodge, No. 431, F. & M. A stanch Republican in politics, he has served as school director, and at this time is a member of the board of trustees of the Eldersridge Academy. Formerly he was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Eldersridge, where he served as elder and was active in the Sunday school, acting as assistant superintendent and later as superintendent. Since coming to Saltsburg he has been an elder in the church of that denomination here.
On April 29, 1869, Mr. Elder was united in marriage with Mary E. Spalding, a native of Indiana county, daughter of George and Sarah (Paul) Spalding. Mrs. Elder was well educated, attending public school in Westmoreland county, and later Leechburg Academy, Eldersridge Academy and Blairsville Seminary. She taught public school five years in Westmoreland and Indiana counties. Mr. and Mrs. Elder have had five children: Maude Wallace, Robert Roy, George Paul, Alice Mary and Helen Douglas.
Maude Wallace Elder was born at Eldersridge, and received exceptional educational advantages, attending the public schools of Young township, the State normal school in Indiana, Pa., and the University of Chicago. She taught in Eldersridge Academy, then spent three years teaching in Porto Rico, and for the last six years has been a teacher of languages in Franklin College, at New Athens, Ohio.

Indiana Messenger, Indiana, Pennsylvania, July 15, 1903

The Old Academy is Doomed

Famous Eldersridge Institution Passes Into Hands of Company Which Will Dismantle It.

The old academy at Eldersridge is doomed. It must make way for modern industrial improvements and the hills once adorned by the ancient school's classic outlines will be the site for noisy, smoldering coke ovens. This was decided last week when Attorney Robert Elder at Pittsburg finally transferred the building and site the the Pittsburg Gas Coal company.

The boyood memories of many of the successful business and professional men in Western Pennsylvania cluster around the academy. It is one of the landmarks of the county, and its passing will cause much sadness among the old graduates.

The Elders have been the leading people on "The Ridge," named after them, for 117 years - the leaders in the church, in society and in politics. The family came from County Tyrone, Ireland, to the region of Harrisburg about 1775. It is said that the Elders were acquaintances of the Mellons in Ireland. When Thomas Mellon crossed the mountains in his Conestoga wagon he visited Eldersridge with a view to buying a farm near the Elders, but afterward invested at Turtle Creek.

James and Robert Elder settled at eldersridge in 1786 and bought a large tract. A son of Robert died on the farm in 1890, aged 81, and his son, Robert Elder VII, father of the Pittsburg attorney, is now in the city closing up his business connected with the disposal of the old farm.

James Elder had four sons, James, David, John and Thomas, all of whom are dead. Prof. Thomas B Elder, for forty years a professor in Eldersridge academy, is the only son of James Elder and he also just sold his farm, where so many of the academy students found their home during their college days.

Indiana Messenger, Indiana, Pennsylvania, July 15, 1914

RECENT DEATHS

Robert Y Elder

Robert Y Elder died suddenly at his home, in Saltsburg, last Wednesday morning. Mr Elder had not been in good health for some time, but his death was quite a shock to his family and friends. He was born and raised at Eldersridge, and was educated in the public schools of Young township and the Eldersridge academy, and was one of Saltsburgs most prominent citizens. In May, 1864m he enlisted in Company C 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Captain John C Horrell and Colonel Young. He served in the company for a period of ten months, being mustered out of service at Arlington Heights. Mr. Elder was prominent in Grand Army circles, having been at one time commander of Saltsburg Post No. 36, and at the time of his death was adjutant. April 29 1869, he was united in marriage to Mary E Spaulding, a native of Indiana county, and a daughter of George and Sarah Spaulding. To them were born these children: Maud Wallace Elder for the last six years a teacher of languages in Franklin College, at New Athens, Ohio; Robert Roy Elder, a successful practicing attorney in Pittsburgh; George Paul Elder, in business in Seattle, Wash.; Alice Mary Elder, general secretary of the Young Women's Christian Association at Hershey, PA., and Helen Douglass Elder, at home. These sisters also survive: Mrs Maria J Elder of Indiana; Mrs. Harry S Durrett and Miss Agnes V., of Kansas. Funeral Services were held Friday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, by Rev. Ryall, of the Presbyterian church, and interment was made in Saltsburg cemetery.

Name: Robert Y Elder ,
Enlistment Date: 31 August 1864
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Union
State Served: Pennsylvania
Unit Numbers: 2032 2032
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 31 August 1864
Enlisted in Company C, 4th Cavalry Regiment Pennsylvania on 31 August 1864.
Discharged Company C, 4th Cavalry Regiment Pennsylvania on 15 May 1865

Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 Record

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1860
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1880
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1900
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

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Elder, Cordelia (b. APR 1842, d. 2 APR 1902)

Note: Indiana Messenger (Indiana, Pennsylvania) 1899 August 16

Mrs. C. E. Barr, widow of the late Dr. Robert Barr, of this place has suffered for many months from a sore on her breast. She only mentioned the fact the her friends a short time ago, and it was deremined that she should go to Pittsburg and have the case examined. She did so last week and the trouble was pronounced cancer. An operation was performed, and it is hoped the disease has been eradicated.

Indiana Messenger (Indiana, Pennsylvania) 1902 April 30

Wills Probated
The will of the late Mrs. Cordelia Barr, of Indiana, was filed this week. She makes the following disposal of her estate: She devises to the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society of the Presbyterian church, $500; to the Board of Home Missions, $300; to the Board of Freedmen, $100; to furnish or endow a bed in the Presbyterian hospital at Allegheny, $100; to Misses Emma and Mamie Barr, each $200; to Mrs. M.E. Barr Empfield, Misses Mary, Cordelia and Lizzie Weir and Agnes C Durrett, each $100; to Maud W Elder, $500; to R.Y. Elder, a third of the homestead for life; the residue is devised in equal shares to Maria J and Agnes V. Elder, Lydia C Collins, Mrs. L. E. Durrett and R.Y. Elder. The latter is appointed executor. The will is dated December 10th, 1900.

Indiana Messenger (Indiana, Pennsylvania) 1902 April 9

Barr – On Wednesday at her home on South Sixth street, Mrs. Cordelia E Barr, aged about 60 years.
Deceased had been ill for many years. She was the widow of the late Dr. Robert Barr, and is survived by the following brothers and sisters: R.Y Elder and Mrs. Elder, Elders’ Ridge; Mrs. L. E. Durrett, Wallace Kansas; Miss Agnes Elder, Kansas; Mrs. L. E. Collins, of Fort Collins, Colorado. Mrs Barr was prominenet in church, missionary and temperance work and was a member of the Presbyterian church. Funeral services were held on Saturday last at one o’clock by Rev. F. S. Crawford.

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1860
Place: Young, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1870
Place: Indiana, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1880
Place: Indiana, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1900
Place: Indiana, Indiana, Pennsylvania