Individual Details
Elmer (Francis E.) STEVENS
(Abt Dec 1875 - 6 Jul 1899)
Through the confusion of Rachael Smith leaving Eliakum and marrying Henry Jr., the life of Elmer is tentative. This writer believes that Elmer is the son of Rachael Smith and Henry Stevens, Jr. and is the Francis E. Stevens listed in the Henry/Rachael household in the 1880 Census.
From the NARA Files E888Y, Page 153, Volume 193: In December 1896, Elmer enlisted at Ft. Niobrara, Nebraska [Note: Near Valentine, Cherry County, Nebraska] and entered Co G, 12th Regiment Infantry. He was a corporal of Captain Charles W. Abbot, Jr.'s, Company G of the 12th Regiment of Infantry, born in Marathon in the State of Wisconsin. Age at enlistment 21 years. 5 feet 6 1/2 inches high, fair complexion, blue eyes, light hair, and by occupation a farmer. He was enlisted by Lt. Taylor at Ft. Niobrara, Nebraska on the 28th day of December 1896 to serve for three years. He died of Enetesip fever. The remarks were: Honest and faithful." Appointed Corporal, July 3, 1899.
Elmer is buried at Section Es Site 656 in the San Francisco National Cemetery.
In the 18 August 1898 Valentine Democrat newspaper he is referenced as Elmer Dillon in 12th Infantry and in battles around Santiago was on furlough and home visiting parents.
Events
| Birth | Abt Dec 1875 | Marathon County, Wisconsin |  | ||
| Death | 6 Jul 1899 | Manilla, Phillipines | |||
| Burial | Jul 1899 | San Francisco National Cemetery | |
Families
| Father | Eliakim (Eliakum) STEVENS (1827 - 1902) |
| Mother | Rachael (Rachel) Emily SMITH (1837 - 1925) |
| Sibling | Florence E. STEVENS (1854 - 1860) |
| Sibling | Abbe E. STEVENS (1856 - 1925) |
| Sibling | Mary Elizabeth STEVENS (1858 - 1920) |
| Sibling | Charles E. STEVENS (1861 - ) |
| Sibling | Ida STEVENS (1862 - 1940) |
| Sibling | Walter E. STEVENS (1863 - 1886) |
| Sibling | John G. STEVENS (1864 - ) |
| Sibling | Clara STEVENS (1865 - 1904) |
| Sibling | Anna Mae STEVENS (1868 - 1950) |
| Sibling | Alice M. STEVENS (1869 - ) |
| Sibling | Henry Eliakum STEVENS (1871 - 1948) |
| Sibling | Julia Annette STEVENS (1872 - 1959) |
| Sibling | Kate (Katie/Catie) Laid STEVENS (1873 - 1924) |
Notes
Birth
Most references on Elmer's birth date are based on the 1880 census. This has brought confusion as to his father's name since both his father and his step-father carry the same surname. It is very clear in the military records that in 1896 he was 21 making his birth year 1875. It would make sense that when his mother left Eliakim, his father, that as the baby, she would take him with her.