Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1202:
ELKIN, CHARLES N. - During the strenuous days of the early sixties of the country learned to depend up on the stalwart country boys whose muscles had been trained in the open air and to whom love of the Union was taught from earliest childhood. One of the men who belonged to this class of brave defenders of the flag when it was in danger, is Charles N. Elkin, of Springfield. He was born on a farm eight miles north of Springfield, April 12, 1846, being a son of Garret and Martha Elkin, natives of Zanesville, O., and Frankfort, Ky. The parents came to Illinois at an early day, locating on the farm where their son was later born.
Until he was six or seven years old Mr. Elkin lived on the farm, then the family moved to Decatur. Still later removal was made to Jeffersonville and finally Springfield. The lad attended school in this city until 1860, and was only sixteen years old when he enlisted in May, 1864, in Company K. One hundred and Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He re-enlisted in Company K One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer infantry, which was mustered into service for one year, and mustered out January 22, 1866, receiving final discharge at Springfield February 4. Mr. Elkin served bravely until the close of the war, and at this time, his services being dispensed with, returned to Springfield. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which during the many years which have followed has afforded him a comfortable living. His work has been characterized all through with the honest quality which is representative of the man.
On May 16, 1867, Mr. Elkin married Maria Regan of Springfield, where her death later occurred. Mr. Elkin married (second) Mary Ellen Welch, also of Springfield. No Issue. Mr. Elkin is a consistent member of the G. A. R. and greatly enjoys reunion with his old comrades. In politics he is a Republican. While yet a mere boy he took upon himself the duties of a soldier and his record shows that he never failed to discharge them faithfully and bravely. Many of those who fought by his side have joined the Army of the Eternal, but he has lived to wage battle after battle against physical disabilities incurred during his youth because of the terrible exposure and exacting demands made upon his immature body, cheerfully offered up for his country's defense..