Elisha Dyer graduated from Brown University at a young age and began his career in his father's mercantile business. He transitioned into public service, holding positions such as Adjutant General of Rhode Island and serving on the Providence School Committee. Dyer later became Governor of Rhode Island, demonstrating his leadership capabilities. Additionally, he served in the military during the Civil War, showcasing his commitment to public duty.

Elisha Dyer's political identity is marked by an ideologically agile approach, shifting affiliations from the Temperance Party to the Whig Party and finally to the Republican Party. His public service roles reveal a focus on local governance, particularly through his work on the Providence School Committee and as Governor of Rhode Island. Dyer's military service during the Civil War adds an unexpected dimension to his profile, suggesting a commitment to both regional and national issues. His personal life, deeply intertwined with political lineage, hints at a strategic intertwining of family influence and public duty.