Caledonia

MAY, Elisha

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 262

Elisha MAY, of St. Johnsbury [Caledonia County, Vermont], was born 12 
December 1842 in Concord [Essex County, Vermont], son of Preston and Sophia 
Stevens (GROUT) MAY. Educated in the common schools and at St. Johnsbury 
Academy. After his preliminary studies he read law with Jonathan ROSS, Esq., 
at St. Johnsbury, and was admitted to the bar at the December term in 
Caledonia County in 1867; the following year served as assistant clerk in the 
House of Representatives under John H. FLAGG. At one time a partner of Henry 
E. BELDEN, Esq., Mr. MAY is now associated with Hon. Henry C. BATES.

Formerly a member of the Republican party, he withdrew his allegiance in 
1884, being a pronounced proponent of the doctrines of the protectionists, 
and is now a strong CLEVELAND Democrat of the independent type, who believes 
in principle rather than party. During the war he made an attempt to enlist 
in the Seventeenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers, but was rejected. A second 
effort was more successful, and he was enrolled in the Twenty-sixth Regiment 
New York Cavalry under Col. Ferris JACOBS. He received a commission from 
Governor FENTON as first lieutenant and regimental commissary, but was not 
present at any battle of the war.

Mr. MAY has taken the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter, and temple of Free 
Masonry; is a member of Chamberlain Post No. 1, Grand Army of the Republic. 
A modest and unassuming man, notwithstanding his liberal and advanced view of 
present public affairs; has never sought political promotion; was Democratic 
candidate for auditor of accounts 1890, 1892; member of Democratic state 
committee for Caledonia County; appointed bank examiner in Vermont by 
President CLEVELAND in 1893; is director of state prison and house of 
correction. On 12 December 1872 Mr. [Elisha] MAY married Miss Eunice A. S., 
daughter of Sumner W. and Rosette (EASTMAN) ARNOLD; three children have been 
the issue: Florence Joanna, Eunice Rosette, and Beatrice Sophia.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly