Originally Posted By: Magesteff

I've tried to revive one Elder four times and see his "spirit" come back but then he vanishes and the skeleton is still there.

Presumably that Elder died of old age. His lifespan isn't extended by the revive power so he promptly dies again. If you've had a villager die of sickness or starvation, though, he would be restored in full.
_________________________
To err is human; to arr is pirate.