Elvira Cole Cobleigh was born in Stark, New Hampshire as one of eleven siblings. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College, and married N. F. Cobleigh. Together, they traveled to Walla Walla, where he became the reverend for the First Congregational Church of Walla Walla, and later superintendent of other churches in the area. Elvira opened a private school sponsored by Whitman College, but then became the matron of Women’s Hall at Whitman College. When her husband died in 1887, Elvira filled his vacancies in church leadership. In 1888, she became the second woman minister in the United States. She organized churches in Waiilatpu, Whitman Station, Eureka Junction, and Pettyjohn near Prescott. Elvira taught Bible classes for many years at Whitman College, and maintained her position as matron of Women’s Hall. She retired from all duties at 72, and died July 21, 1920 at the age of 97.