U.S. Congressman. Moving to Indiana, in 1811, with his father, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1836 and commenced to practice law in Princeton, Indiana. He was circuit judge for the fourth circuit of Indiana, (1835-45). In 1847, he was elected as a Whig to the Thirtieth Congress, serving until 1849. An unsuccessful candidate for reelection, he resumed the practice of law and was a farmer until his death at age 61.

OBITUARY - The Princeton Clarion, Saturday, March 14, 1863:
"Died -- On Saturday, Feb. 28th, 1863, Hon. Elisha Embree. He was born in Lincoln County, Ky., Sept. 28th, 1801. When eleven years of age his father removed to Indiana. They arrived the night of the battle of Tippecanoe, one year after, his father died, leaving a wife and six children. He, with the others, were thrown upon their own exertions. He labored during the summer and attended school during the winter. He began the practice of law in 1825. March 15th, 1827, he married to Miss Elenor Robb. In 1833 he was elected to the Indiana Legislature, which he served two years. In 1835 he was elected Judicial Judge of the first Judicial District, which position he filled ten years. In 1837 he made a profession of religion, and, with his now bereaved wife, joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1847 he was elected to a seat in Congress; which he filled two years. In youth he gave evidence of an indomitable energy, which was a prominant (sic) feature in his character all his life. He sustained an official relation to the church to his death. That of steward for a number of years. He was a Trustee of the Church. And Superintendant (sic) of the Methodist Sabbath School when he died. He loved the 'House of the Lord' and was a faithful attendant upon all the means of grace. He was a good man, true to his country, the church and his God. His end peaceful."