He enlisted in the army and served during the War of 1812 , but saw no combat .
Elam was born in Nottoway County , Virginia on January 30 , 1796 , the son of Essex Elam and Lavinia Crowder .
Elam enlisted in the army and served during the War of 1812 , but saw no combat .
Elam was born in Nottoway County , Virginia on January 30 , 1796 , the son of Essex Elam and Lavinia Crowder .