Eligius Helfer was born in 1838 in Baden-Baden, Germany and died in the Soldier's Home in Dayton, Ohio on 30 April 1824. He is buried at the Lawnview Cemetery in Rockledge, just outside of Philadelphia, Pa. He married Catherine Schmidt at Saint Peter's RC Church on 24 April 1865. There were 8 children from his marriage. Eligius first enlisted in Philadelphia in a 3 month unit, Company "C", 21st Pa. Vol. Inf. From 24 April 1861 to 24 July 1861 at which time the unit was disbanded. He then enlisted in Company "K", 74th Pa. Vol. Inf. on 27 August 1861 as a private and was promoted to Corporal on 1 July 1862. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on 9 July 1863 following the regiment’s actions at Gettysburg. In 1864, he was treated for typhoid fever. He was discharged at Grafton, West Virginia on 17 October 1864. In 1896, he was admitted to the National Soldiers Home in Hampton Roads, Va. The soldiers were removed from this home for a period of time during WW1 and at this time (1918), he was move to the soldier's home in Dayton Ohio where he died in 1924.

Here is a copy of the Declaration for Invalid Pension filed on Eligius’ behalf by the National Soldiers Home, in addition to the Doctor’s statement on Eligius’ condition.

Doctor’s Report on Eligius