Eli worked as a railway agent at Ramsey, Ind. before going west.

Born in Harrison County, Indiana, near the town of Ramsey. It is believed he went west on a wagon train with his sister and her husband. He met an married a young lady near Wichita, Kansas. They farmed there for several years. They had one child, a girl. Eli sold his farm and moved to Ardmore, Ok, where he opened a restaurant. Shortly there after he passed away. He is buried in Ardmore, OK.