Elias was born in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, PA. He was the oldest child of Harry Albert and Katie Fietta (Gottschall) Heiser. Elias’ middle name is his maternal grandfather’s first name (Absalom Gottschall). On July 27, 1911, he married Jennie Gift in the District Attorney's office at the Reading courthouse. The wedding announcement is noted in the Reading Eagle. Elias was a florist at this time.
Elias and Jennie had 10 children. Their first son, Harry E, died of spinal meningitis shortly before his first birthday. They resided mostly in the Reading area. The 1920 Census shows them living at 630 North 8th Street. In 1930, they resided at 544 Poplar Lane, just around the corner from their previous residence. The 1940 Census shows them living in Bethel with children Raymond, Hilda, June, Jack, and Frances. The 1942 Reading City Directory lists their address as 552 Fern Ave. in Reading, a row home built in the 1840s. In August 1937, the Heiser Family got together at Mineral Spring Park.
In addition to being a florist, Elias also was employed as a hostler (caretaker of horses) at a livery stable (1910 Census), a truck driver for Keystone Transfer Company (WWI Draft Registration and 1920 Census), foreman at a gas station (1930 Census), and laborer for farm and cement work (1940 Census). In the 9/30/1990 Lifestyle Section of the Reading Eagle, an article entitled Layers out of the Dead included a large photo, circa 1920s, of horses outside the stables of Francis F Seidel, Inc. Elias is the one second from the right.
Elias died of a coronary occlusion (heart attack) and is buried with his wife at Forest Hills Memorial Park (Block E near circle) in Reiffton, PA. Several children and their spouses are buried nearby.