A silversmith, watchmaker and jeweler, Elisha Hirst came from Virginia with his parents, Jonathan and Charlotte Hurst (sic) and arrived in Richmond, Wayne County in the mid 1850s. Although Jonathan was also a silversmith, he apparently did not actively practice his trade in Richmond although he may have been associated with his son's jewelry business. Upon arriving in Richmond, Elisha Hirst formed a partnership with William Stephens, a watchmaker, the firm being known as Hirst & Co. Born circa 1827, Elisha Hirst remained in business in Richmond until at least 1881.