Served in the Union Army. Co A 2nd Ky Calvary Union

John Martin Elkins, 22 years old, joined the 2nd Ky. cavalry at Camp Joe Holt, in southern Indiana. He saw action in numerous battles and was wounded at Chickamauga on 20 Sept, 1863. His health deteriorated, particularly his eye sight, causing him severe headaches. He attributed part of the eye problem to the smoke and dust of combat. He returned home in 1865 not the same man.