Elijah Linsley Brookins was born in Caroga Lake, New York on January 8, 1836. He came to Caledonia with has parents when he was about a year old. He enlisted to serve in the Civil War on July 17, 1861, and was assigned to Company G, [13th Regiment], P.R.V.C., serving until the close of the war, and participated in many battles; was wounded in the right arm by a ball, and was honorably discharged June 28, 1865. His regiment was known as the old “Bucktails” regiment, which took part in nearly every battle fought by the Army of the Potomac, from Drainesville to the surrender of Lee at Appomattox Courthouse. He returned to his home in November 1868, and married Miss Harriet, a daughter of S. R. and Phoebe (Pearsall) Gardner. She died, June 6 1875, leaving three children Alice E., Martha J., and Harriet E. On February 13, 1899, he purchased the homestead in Spring Run consisting of 122 ½ acres located on the Dodge Road from the heirs of his parents. Charles died in 1908, and is buried at the Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Currently a resident of Burke, Virginia - I'm originally from the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have been a student of the Pennsylvania Reserves since 1997 and thoroughly enjoy telling their story. By trade I'm a former IT Professional but presently working as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service.
