From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)

Elliston was born a slave in Anderson County about 1846. He remained a slave into adulthood; President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Late in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom.

Elliston therefore made his way to Camp Nelson to enlist, and on September 17, 1864 was enrolled as a private in Company I of the 12th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery Regiment. The 12th Artillery saw no reported action, mainly serving on garrison duty at various locations throughout Kentucky until it was discharged April 24, 1866.

Daniel returned to Anderson County after the war and was married there on May 6, 1867 to Miss Mary Kelly. Daniel can be found on the 1870 Federal Census of Anderson County as a 21-year old Mulatto man.