Background
Cottrell, Elias was born on January 31, 1853 in near Holly Springs, Mississippi, United States. Son of Daniel and Ann (Mull) Cottrell.
Cottrell, Elias was born on January 31, 1853 in near Holly Springs, Mississippi, United States. Son of Daniel and Ann (Mull) Cottrell.
Educated by father; taught in public schools. Theological course, Walden University, Nashville, Tennessee, 1878-1879. (Doctor of Divinity, Rust University, 1895).
Ordained deacon, 1877, elder, 1878. Member General Conference, 1882-1894. Elected bishop, 1894.
Book agent, 1882-1886.
Educational commissioner, 1890-1894. Fraternal messenger, General Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, Omaha, 1892.
Trustee, general manager and treasurer, Mississippi Industrial College, Holly Springs, Mississippi.
Member General Conference, 1882-1894.
Married Catherine Davis, January 1, 1880.