Peter Percival Elder was born in New Portland, Maine, in 1823. He relocated to Kansas in 1857 to support the Free-State cause, where he established a notable political career. Elder served as clerk of the territorial house of representatives and later as a state senator, culminating in his appointment as Lieutenant Governor of Kansas in 1870. His leadership extended to the Kansas House of Representatives, where he was elected Speaker twice. Beyond politics, Elder held significant roles in business, including serving as president of a railroad company and the First National Bank of Ottawa, and he founded the Ottawa Times newspaper in 1896.

Peter Percival Elder's political career reveals a uniquely localized approach, deeply intertwined with regional economic interests. His business ventures, particularly in railroads and banking, suggest an ideological flexibility that prioritizes infrastructure and financial stability. Elder's rhetorical style likely emphasizes community-focused solutions, blending traditional Republican values with pragmatic regional concerns. His long-standing commitment to Kansas politics, coupled with his editorial role, indicates a strategic use of media to shape public discourse.