Thank you for you query. I found a marriage for James Elam and Elizabeth Casper , 4 Nov 1854 (Bond Date), Rowan County. Elizabeth is the daughter of Peter Casper and Nancy Cauble.
1870 census: Elizabeth 37, Benjamin 12, Chalmers 9, Nancy L. 1, Thomas 15. (1870 Mortality scheduele: Elam, Thomas 15, died Dec. 1879 works on farm. Killed by falling tree.)
1880 census: Elom, Bettie 41, Calmers 14, Nancy 11. Benjamin is not listed.

Marriages: Benjamin Elam 20 /Isalona Augusta Banket 16 19 Dec 1877.
Chalmers M. Elam22 /Martha E. Miller 22, 22 March 22, 1883.

I found Benjamin and family buried at Union Lutheran Church.

I am sure you have this info, but I like to start at the beginning. I will be in the library later this week and will check out the two names. Thank you for letting me know about the change of name. It was news to me.

Pat Beck