His father died at sea while serving in the American Revolution, and Elliot's mother moved the family to New Salem, where he received his early education.

He served in the army during the Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania and the Northwest Indian War, then returned to Vermont to study law and begin practice as an attorney.

After leaving Congress, Elliot edited newspapers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Worcester, Massachusetts, then returned to Vermont to resume practicing law.

[1] His father died at sea of smallpox after enlisting to serve during the American Revolution, and his mother moved the family to New Salem, where she worked as a seamstress to support them.

[1] He moved to Guilford, Vermont in 1790, where he clerked in a store and the circle of friends he developed included Royall Tyler.

[1] He attained the rank of sergeant, and took part in the response to the Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania and the Northwest Indian War in Ohio.

[1] In 1798, Elliot published a volume of essays and poems which included details of the observations he made during his military service.

[8] By 1812 he was residing and practicing law in Putney, and during the War of 1812 he was commissioned as a captain of Artillery to raise troops in Vermont for the United States Army.