The History Sutton, NH by Augusta H. Worthen. pages 798-799. Transcribe by Don Davis 8/1/00

Robert Lane ELA was the oldest son of George W. and Adelaide Lane Ela, and was born at Concord April 17, 1838. When he was five years old his mother died, and he in consequence spent, in part, his childhood with his grandfather, Dr. Robert lane, in Sutton, and a portion of the time lived with his father in Concord. He was educated at New London, Pembroke and Meriden academies. On Completing his studies at these schools he was employed on his father's extensive farm in Allenstown, and subsequently engaged in the manufacture of shoes in Stoneham, Mass., in which he continued till 1861. At the breaking out of the war he returned to Concord, and recruited a company for the Sixth H. H. Regiment. He was commissioned captain, and was mustered into service Nov. 30, 1861, and served till he was mustered out with his regiment July 17, 1865. In the second battle of Bull Run he was severely wounded in the right arm, and was sent home, where he remained a few months. Partially recovering the use of his arm, he rejoined his regiment, and returning to Kentucky, was stationed at Frankfort, Captain Ela acted as provost-marshal. On the reorganization of the army under General Grant he went with his regiment to Virginia, and participated in the Wilderness battles of May 5 and 6; the battles of Spotsylvania, May 12 and 18, North Anna River, May 29; of Cold Harbor, June 3 and 4; then moving across the James river to the front of Petersburg, and engaging in the battles of June 17 and 18, and being under fire every day till the explosion of the mine on July 30. Captain Ela was in command of the regiment at this time, and the Sixth N.H. being one of those selected to charge the enemy after the blowing up of the mine, he led it into the crater, and in the fight which followed was wounded by the explosion of a spherical case shot in front of him. both legs were partially paralyzed, causing injuries from which he has never fully recovered . He was afterwards detailed for duty as acting adjutant quartermaster at Concord. He returned to his regiment and was promoted to the rank of major before the close of the war. He was popular with the men under his command, begin thoughtful for their comfort and watchful for their interests. As an officer he was prompt and faithful in the discharge of duty, and performed well his part in the war for the Union. After his return from the army he studied medicine and surgery with Dr. Crosby of Concord and at Dartmouth Medical School, and at Bellevue hospital, New York, taking degrees from both schools. He removed to California some fifteen years ago.

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