Eli was born 1857 to James and Millie Shaw. When he joined the US Military he was sent to the Dakota Territory and served in Troop C 7th Calvary, Custers' Command. After his service he was a blacksmith among other positions. He was the husband of Lurany (Thomas) Shaw and had the following children: Imer May, James Allen, John Wesley, Millie Ida, Clide and Claud. His wife Lurany is buried in Cass Co. Texas.