Joseph graduated from West Point Academy as a Lieutenant, supposedlyth e same year as Gen US Grant. His appointment to the academy wasreceiv ed as the result of efforts of Bishop Charles Petit McIlvaine,former C haplain and instructor of the Academy in 1816, a close familyfriend an d most likely a relative.
Journal of the executive proceedings of the Senate of the UnitedStates o f America, 1845-1848 THURSDAY, December 18, 1845
Resolved, That the Senate advise and consent to the appointment of thes aid persons agreeably to their nominations, respectively.
Brevet second lieutenants attached to the Dragoon Arm.
Cadet Joseph McElvain, of Indiana.
War Department, August 7, 1846.
PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS IN THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES
First Regiment of Dragoons.
Brevet Second Lieutenant Joseph McElvain to be second lieutenant, June3 0, 1846, vice Love, promoted.
McElvain, Joseph: Second lieutenant Army ... 144
It was claimed that he held a temporary commission as Colonel ofVolunt eers in the First Mexican War when he was killed.
The Ohio newspaper carried the story of his death:
"The following letter brings the sad news of one of the bravest andmos t esteemed young men in the Dragoon service. His brother detailsthe m elancholy tidings to his numerous kinsmen here in appropriateand touch ing language. Young McElvain was destined to a highersphere in the Ar my and the honors of his country had he survived.The father of
these brave young men was killed in the Black Hawk war while pressingf orward in the thickest of the fight. Their memories should becherishe d by every good and patriotic citizen, for the advancement oftheir bel oved country. Lieutenant McElvain was one of the mostactive officers l ast February in the two battles under General Priceat and near Taos, a nd for his valor and good conduct received thecommendation of his gene ral and those of his comrades who survived.He was close by the lamente d Captain Burgwin in the bloody attack onthe church in Taos when the C aptain received his death wound.previous to entering the town of Taos, w here the bloody conflictoccurred Lieutenant McElvain was ordered to dr ive the enemy from theheights which overlook the place and guarded the r oad. In a lettersoon after, written by himself to his Uncle, Col. Joh n McElvain ofthis city, he speaks of that part of the expedition. Fol lowingLieutenant McElvain's letter was this one from his brother:
Santa Fe, July 22, 1847.
Dear Brother: I have but a few moments to write and what I dowri te will be sad news to you and all of our relatives. BrotherJoseph di ed on the 10th of July last of a wound received in the leftarm while i n pursuit of Navajo Indians. The Indians had come to aSpanish town wh ere he was stationed and stole their stock, women andchildren and the S paniards came for help. Joseph, with the 35thDragoons immediately sta rted in pursuit of them. He had followedthem for several miles when h e had occasion to dismount for a momentor so, when his gun went off an d shot his arm off near the shoulder.He was brought back to Albuquerq ue, but the weather being so hot, itwas too late by the time he got ba ck, for the doctor to do anythingfor him. He was wounded on the 4th an d died on the 10th. I was notwith him, having been ordered to Bent's F ort with 14 men and did notget back until the 10th. I have talked wit h several officers thatwent to see him. They say he was reconciled to h is fate."
