William Elkins, father of Elijah Elkins, was over 50 years old when he joined his brother, Richard, in Logan West Virginia. He brought with him several children. Most were minors. Whether or not Elijah, his oldest, came with him or his father-in-law, Richard Elkins, is not known. Either scenario is possible.

Elijah probably married Martha, his cousin, shortly after 1820. His first purchase of land was in 1829. 100 acres on Pond Fork in Logan, WV. He was a farmer. Most people think as a farmer as a person that just grows crops, like corn. However, a “farmer” did more than farm the land. He also had animals to attend to. Many farmers grew corn, to feed to their pigs and other livestock. The animals and their products brought in the real profit for many farmers.

As time went on, Elijah, was able to purchase more land. In 1855, two more plots. The first 190 acres on Mud River, and 81 acres on Sand Lick Branch in Boone WV.

By 1860, Elijah and Martha’s children were on their own. Going to the post office in Ballardsville was like a mini family reunion. Many of their relatives had moved to Boone County and shared the same post office.

Then came the dreadful Civil War. Two sons, Nathaniel and Martin, fighting for the 7th WV Calvary, died within 2 days of each other. The family would never be the same.

Elijah and Martha were never shown in another Federal Census. Both likely died before 1870.

Elijah and Martha Elkins Elkins had 8 known children. Judging from the 1840 census, I am missing a child. Based on the 1850 census, they are:

• Elizabeth (abt. 1823-?)
• Andrew (1824 – abt. 1880)
• Nathaniel (1827-1862), died in the Civil War.
Union soldier
• Martin (1828-1862), died in the Civil War.
Union soldier
• William (1830-1880)
• Nancy (1832-1892)
• Zilpha (1834-aft. 1900)
• Patterson (1836- aft. 1860)