Hi,

Yes, you did interpret correctly the U. S. Army info about peder elefson. He was discharged in 1894 in Butte, MT.

I think this might be the same person.

1935 & 1940 Great Falls, Cascade, Montana
Pete Elefson, b. Norway, 83, boarder, single, alien, call inspector railroad company, education-4 yrs high school

Peter Elefson
Died: 4 April 1947, Cascade Co., MT
Source: Montana Death Index 1868-2011

Pete Ellefson
Born: 1857
Died: 1947
Buried: Highland Cemetery, Great Falls, Cascade, MT
Source: www.findagrave.com which include a pic of his tombstone

There is a volunteer who will look up obituaries in the Great Falls Tribune. You'll find his/her contact info at www.gengathering.com. You must create a user ID and password to enter this web site, however, access to the volunteer contact info is free.

If that doesn't work out, you can contact the Great Falls Genealogy Society and request a copy. Successful Searching!