The History of Battery H First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery in the War to Preserve the Union 1861-1865

by Earl Fenner

ELMER L. CORTHELL.

Capt. Elmer L. Corthell enlisted as private in Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, June 6, 1861. He was promoted to corporal soon after the first battle of Bull Run, and was transferred to Battery F, of the same regiment, Oct. 31, 1861, and appointed sergeant the same date. He was promoted to second lieutenant Oct. 11, 1862, and assigned to Battery H; first lieutenant Nov. 6, 1863, and transferred to Battery G. He having established an excellent military reputation by long service in the field, was promoted to captain of Battery D, Oct. 21, 1864, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Captain Buckley. He was mustered out of service July 17, 1865. After the war he engaged in the business of civil engineering, and located at Chicago, Ill.

Capt. Elmer L. Corthell.