Elkanah Shell

Elkanah "Cain" Shell (March 1835 - November 23, 1911) served as a private in Company H, 13th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry.



Personal life
Elkanah Shell was born in March 1835 in Carter County, Tennessee. He married Hannah Thompson (1833-1922) with whom he had at least nine children.

Civil War service
Shell enlisted as a private in Company H on September 24, 1863 in Carter County for a period of three years and mustered in October 28, 1863 at Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.

He is described as 26 years old, 6' 3" tall, dark complexion, blue eyes, dark hair, and by occupation a farmer.

Shell is listed as present for duty throughout his term of service.

Shell mustered out with the regiment on September 5, 1865 at Knoxville. He had last been paid to June 3, 1864, owed $26.36 to the government for clothing, had been paid a $25 bounty, and was owed a bounty of $75.

Post-war life
He applied for an invalid's pension on March 2, 1883.

Shell died November 23, 1911 in Carter County and is buried at Shell Smallings Field Cemetery in Watauga, Tennessee. His wife applied for a widow's pension on December 13, 1911.