Something about your post stuck in my mind - after looking back on (my) notes, other forum posts I can't resolve. I can't tell at this point if there is more than one Elijah / Eli BRANDON (probably would be the easiest solution!) I came across an Elijah A./Eli Atcheson BRANDON, s/o George Calviness BRANDSON (1792-1844) and Quintilla "Tillar" HUTCHENS (b. 1801). They relocated to Center Twp, Greene, IN. cir. 1828. Eli was one of their children. He married Alice Jane "Alsey" HUTCHENS (d/o Jesse HUTCHENS & Lydia CLARK/e). Your Eli, b. 13 JAN 1776, Chatham, NC - is also married to Alice Jane HUTCHENS, and to Martha E. CARLTON.
BINGO - first problem! 'My" Eli - (the Eli m. to Alice Jane HUTCHENS) couldn't have been born in 1776 since his father Geo. C. wasn't born until 1792 (Surry/Yadkin Co., VA) I would suggest (totally off the top of my head, at this point) that these are 2 entirely different individuals. Doesn't seem possible that your El married Alice HUTCHENS; I don't know if 'my' Eli was married more than once.
Given the age of your posts, and your communication with others who seem to have made major progress on this line, this may be moot. If you've resolved - pls post to confirm or rebut. THX!! Looking forward to your reply - or one of the other BRANDON researchers!