Some of his military history was recorded in the Ketcheson Family Book. The remaining is from Libraries Canada Archives.

Elijah followed in the foot steps of his older brothers (Benjamin and Thomas) and father (William) in that he chose a life in the military.

At 16 he along with his brothers headed to Kingston to join the military once they heard the Americans were attacking their country. During his first six months of duty he served as a private and a sergeant. His first Militia Commission is dated in York, October 1815. His last as Lieutenant Colonel commanding 2nd Battalion of Hastings Militia dated in Montreal September 21, 1848.

Elijah was on duty during most of the trouble in 1837 and 1838. He fulfilled his duty until superseded by Act of Parliament.

Elijah was appointed to the Commission of The Peace and was the oldest Justice of the Peace in Hastings County for several years. He lived to a rightful age of 95.