Elias McMellen facts for kids

Captain Elias McMellen (born November 16, 1839 – died March 2, 1916) was a very important person. He was a skilled bridge builder. He also served as a Captain in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Elias McMellen married Annie E. Wenditz on September 21, 1865. They had five children: Ella, Sara, Joseph, Walter, and James. Their family home was in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Captain McMellen's War Service

Elias McMellen joined the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started as a private soldier. Later, he became a first lieutenant. He then rose to the rank of Captain.

Captain McMellen was part of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was even the captain of the "Color Company." This company was responsible for carrying the regiment's flag. He took part in the very last charge by the Army of the Potomac. This happened on the day General Robert E. Lee surrendered.

Building Famous Bridges

When he was just 20 years old, Elias McMellen built his first bridge. It was over Chickies Creek near Snavely's Mill. This was just the start of his amazing career.

He became famous for building many covered bridges in Pennsylvania. He built all sorts of bridges, including iron, wood, and stone ones. Many of these bridges are still standing today. His reputation as a bridge builder was one of the best in eastern Pennsylvania.

Elias McMellen passed away on March 2, 1916. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

McMellen's Bridges

Here are some of the famous covered bridges Elias McMellen built:

• Bucher's Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1881
• Forry's Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1869
• Kauffman's Distillery Covered Bridge, built in 1874
• Keller's Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1891
• Landis Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1873
• Lime Valley Covered Bridge, built in 1871
• Miller's Farm Covered Bridge, built in 1871
  • Willow Hill Covered Bridge, a reconstruction of the above bridge
• Pine Grove Covered Bridge, built in 1884
• Pinetown Bushong's Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1867
• Red Run Covered Bridge, built in 1866
• Risser's Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1872
• Pool Forge Covered Bridge, built in 1859