Ellis Mystery

 

Begin reading with the main page or click any topic to read about that specific research.

 

Research

Mystery

Spelling of Ellis

 

Bible Records

  Record

  Analysis

  Next Steps

Thomas M. Elless Biography

  Biography

  Analysis

Roger’s Children

  Questions

  Census Data

  James

  John

  Nancy Ann

  David

  William

  Mary Elizabeth

  Martha Jane

  Rebecca

  Wesley W.

  Susannah H.

Ellis in Kentucky

  Kentucky 1800

  Kentucky, Shelby County

    Overview

    Chart of Families

    Marriages

    Next Steps

  Kentucky, Franklin County

Ellis in Southeastern Indiana

Ellis in Pennsylvania

Ellis in Virginia

Ellis in VA/PA

Ellis in Massachusetts

DNA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of Roger Ellis

Who were Roger Ellis’ Parents and where did they come from?

 

is relatively straight-forward to trace my Ellis ancestry to a man named Roger Ellis.  From there, however, the ancestral road becomes much more difficult to follow. This page examines what is known about Roger Ellis and key Ellis families in America at the time.

 

Roger “Toddy” Ellis was born in Pennsylvania in 1782.  The first record found that can be confirmed to be our Roger Ellis was in 1804, when he married Susannah Lewis in Shelby County, KY.  Prior to that a tax record shows a Roger Ellis living in Franklin County, KY in 1801.  Given the proximity of Franklin County to Shelby County and the fact that the name Roger was not common in the Ellis family, it is likely  that Roger Ellis of Franklin County, KY is the same man who lived in Shelby County, KY. However, it remains possible that these were two different men.

 

Once Roger is married, enough records exist to trace him and Susannah as they  moved to Ripley County, IN and lived out their lives.  The 1850 Census, which was the first to name all family members living in a household, is essential in tying Roger to our family.

 

The Census form from Ripley Co. Indiana shows a 67 year old Roger “Elless” who was born in Pennsylvania. with a 65 year old Susan (his wife) from Virginia, a 32 year old Rebecca, a 25 year old Susan (his daughters) and a 45 year old Jeremiah.  Roger’s property was valued at $2000.  Just prior to Roger’s family in the census record is a 47 year old David “Elless” (b Ky) and his family.  It is from David that our family descends.  From this and other census and property records, most of Roger’s  immediate descendants can be identified.

Spelling of Ellis

Does Spelling Matter?

 

In many old records spelling is meaningless.  Often individuals didn’t even know how to spell their own name so those who recorded information in the census, wills, marriages, and other records did their best to write a name based on experience and how the name sounded.

 

The same seems to be true for the Ellis family with a major caveat. The family Bible said it was owned by David Alles and the other names recorded are Elless.  Also, it seems that although the Ellis spelling is used, this family used the Elless or Elles spelling except that our branch in Kansas used the Ellis spelling.  So, when searching records with Elles and Elless get a little extra attention.  It seems there were many spellings of Ellis or similar names and over time many of them moved toward the Ellis spelling. Some of the spellings:

        Ellis, Elless, Elliss, Elles,  Elice, Ellys, Elias, Eilis, Eiliss, Elic, Elis, Eliason

        Alles, Alless, Alice, Ayles, Allis, Allys, Alic

        Ellifs (This is really a misunderstanding of the handwritten Elliss)

Bible Records

Description of “Ellis” Family Bible Records

Source: Ellis Cousins Newsletter, Fall 1991

Names mentioned: Allis, Elless, Ellis

Note: Unclear if the “Ellis” references are from the Bible or are added by the author.

 

 

Analysis

The Bible of David “Allis” Ellis or Elless is interesting and seems to be the earliest source for Roger. Shown above is a snippet of the Ellis Cousins Newsletter from Fall 1991 (copy obtained from the Dallas Public Library), which contains information about Roger Ellis.  The information includes our family line and at the time of the newsletter was in the possession of a direct descendant of Roger’s oldest son James.  The name of the owner of the Bible was David Allis and was purchased in Georgetown.  Unfortunately, the Bible does not indicate the state where the purchase was made.  There are three probable choices:  Georgetown, Kentucky, which was only two counties away to the East of Shelby County, Kentucky; the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C.,; or Georgetown, Pennsylvania of which there are three with one in each of Beaver County, Lancaster County, and Luzerne County.  Of note, is that in 1873 there was a Roger Ellis that owned land in Carbondale Twp, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. At that time, there was also a Samuel Ellis living adjacent to Roger.  Our Roger was not born at this time, but since the name Roger Ellis isn’t common, it is reasonable to investigate any Roger Ellis found as a possible relative.

 

We do not know how David Allis, owner of the  Bible was related to Roger Ellis.  The Bible lists the birthdate for a David Elless that was two years prior to Roger’s birthdate.  He would have been 17 in 1797 and it is possible that the Bible belonged to him.  It is also possible that the Bible belonged to Roger’s father or uncle.

 

If we analyze the birth records in the Bible, we find that it is not possible for all of the people listed to be siblings as Jeremiah and John are born a month apart.  Furthermore, the last birth listed is James whose birth date matches that of James’ son.  It is, however, likely that at least the earliest listed births were of siblings.  It is also likely that the Jeremiah that is listed is the same as the one that was living with Roger in 1850; however, the census does not provide a relationship between the two men. Therefore, this Bible gives us clues and a set of names to research, but no specific answers.

 

Names listed in Bible:  The following is an analysis of the names in the Bible and possible matches to these people.

 

Note: The 1999 article says that all the names are listed as Elles, Elless, or Ellefs (which is really a way of writing Elless); however, each name is not reflected uniquely in the 1991 article.  (Oh, what I would do for a picture of the Bible pages)

 

Richard 1779:

  • Richard Ellis – Scott Co, KY where the Bible was purchased . . . was there in 1800, but not in future census records

 

  Richard Ellis  – Shelby Co, KY

  • 1810 Richard Ellis Shelby Co, KY of the correct age range
  • 1820 Richard Ellis Shelby Co, KY of the correct age range
  • It is very possible that this is the same Richard as was in Scott Co, KY in 1800

 

   Richard Ellis  – Switzerland/Jefferson Co, IN

  • 1830: There is a Richard Ellis in Switzerland Co, Indiana; however, this Richard is far too young to be Richard 1779.  It is perhaps his son because there is a woman in the household the correct age to be Richard 1779’s wife.  The woman is 50-59 and the next oldest male (assume Richard) is 20-29. So, perhaps Richard 1779 died and for whatever reason his wife moved the family to Switzerland Co.  There are two other children in the household.  Also, it appears that there may be a mark for a man 70-80 years, but that wasn’t transcribed and it is unclear if it is an actual mark, from the reverse side, or a stray mark.
  • 1840: There is a Richard Ellis in Madison, Jefferson Co, Indiana.  This might be the same family having a male 30-39, a woman 60-69, and a younger male.  However, now there is a male 60-69.  So, is it Richard 1779?  Is it a different family?
  • See Richard 179x for more analysis of the younger Richard.

 

      Richard Ellis of Casey County, KY

  • He arrived that area by 1800.
  • Some researchers think he marries a woman named Elizabeth Jones in Harrison County (Next to Scott  County where the Bible was possibly purchased).
  • DNA matches with someone who claims him as an ancestor and another Ellis from Casey County
  • At least one record lists his name as Elless.
  • It says birth 1770, but I think that is an estimate as I found no proof.  Still, it says he was a pioneer and came to Casey/Lincoln County at age 17.  If it was our Richard, age 17 would be the year after he married in Harrison County, which seems to make sense.  He married and moves out on his own. If he was really born in 1770, age 17 would be 1787 and that would mean that he moved to the area, then went back to Harrison County and married, and then returned to Casey//Lincoln County.  That is also feasible.

 

David 1780:

  • If this is the David that owned the Bible and given the Bible ended up in the hands of Roger’s offspring, it would seem reasonable that David died without any children or that they were young when he died and he gave his Bible to Roger.  It also seems most likely that David was a brother to Roger.  It would also imply that David died prior to Roger’s son James’ departure to Minnesota since the Bible ended up in the hands of James’ descendants.
  • If he is the David that owned the Bible, he died sometime after Nov 27 1797.
  • In 1810, there is a David Ellis in Bourbon County, KY.  There is a male in the household the right age for David; however, this family has slaves and none of the other possible matches have slaves.  This one appears to continue to live in Bourbon County in 1820.
  • In 1820, there is a David Ellis in Shelby County, KY.  There is a male of the correct age range to have been born in 1780.  Additionally, there is a female 26-44 and a female 16-25.  It would seem that one of these women is likely not a direct member of his family.  Perhaps she is a sister-in-law, sister, or someone else. There are two children – a male and a female under age 10.  These could be children of this David.
  • In 1830, there is a David Ellis in Shelby County, KY that may match the family from 1820, but there is enough change in the family that it is hard to draw a strong conclusion.
  • In 1840, there is no David Ellis in Shelby County, KY.  There are two in Dearborn, IN, but both are too young to be this David.

 

Roger 1782:

Roger’s family will be discussed in a separate section.

 

Ann 179x:

  • There is a will for John A. Ellis in Ripley Co, IN 1856.  He mentions his daughter Ann Hatfield.  He also mentions Sarah M. Mascoe, Richard B. Mascoe,  Samuel Masco, Roger Ellis (executor), and Rebecca Ellis(witness)
  • There is an Ann Ellis that married Peter Masco in 1810 in Boone Co, KY, which is on the KY border not far from Ripley County. This marriage date could work if she was born 1795 or earlier.
  • Researchers claim Ann and Peter were the parents of John Ellis Mascoe, which makes sense that he might be named after Ann’s father.
  • In 1850, John Mascoe and John A. Ellis are living in Trimble Co, KY on the northern KY border.  The three oldest kids living with John Mascoe are Richard, Samuel, and Sarah.  However, there are other children.  Perhaps John Ellis was not aware of the other children or for some reason selected only the oldest.  It also means that John was listing great grandchildren in his will.  This was possible as the 1850 census indicates he was born about 1770. So at 80, he could have great grandchildren.
  • Peter Masco is listed in 1812 in Franklin Co, Indiana (nearby). He is also listed in War of 1812 records and subsequently given 160 acres of land.
  • The name Peter Mascoe shows up in relationship to Arkansas land office and in 1875 in Minnesota.  If this is the same man and he is still living, then Ann and him would have divorced if she was a Hatfield at the time of the writing of her father’s will.
  • John Ellis Mascoe was born about 1812, perhaps their only child.
  • The 1850 census also states that John Ellis was born in Pennsylvania, making him a likely candidate for Roger’s brother.
  • John A. Ellis was listed in Trimble Co, KY in 1840 with the spelling Elles.  It lists him, his wife, a 20-29 male and a 30-39 female.  Perhaps the female is his daughter Ann, although she should be over 40 at the time.
  • A good question is, “Why is his will in Ripley, IN when it appears he lived for a long time in Trimble, KY?”
  • In 1860, there is an Ann and John Hatfield of Illinois.  This Ann was born 1796 in KY.  It is possible that John is the same John Hatfield mentioned under Jeremiah.  The birth years aren’t the same, but are relatively close. However, if this is the correct birth year, she married at age 14. There is also an Ann Hatfield in Laurel County, KY who does not appear to have a spouse.  That Ann was born in 1790.

 

Richard 179x:

  • One Richard that might fit this Richard was in the poor house in the 1850, 1860, and 1870 census due to the fact that he was blind. It is especially interesting since David had a son that was blind.  However, the cause of blindness could be for different reasons.
  • 1850 lists him as born 1790 KY
  • 1860 lists him as born 1795 KY
  • 1870 lists him as born 1795 VA
  • There is a Richard Ellis in the  1830 census for Switzerland County with a male 20-29 and a woman 50-59.  This could be the same man although it would appear the record is for a younger man.  The wrong column could have been checked.  There is also a James with the same column checked and it might be James Miller Ellis.  Also, it appears that there may be a mark for a man 70-80 years, but that wasn’t transcribed and it is unclear if it is an actual mark, from the reverse side, or a stray mark.
  • 1840: There is a Richard Ellis in Madison, Jefferson Co, Indiana.  This might be the same family having a male 30-39, a woman 60-69, and a younger male.  However, now there is a male 60-69.    Is it a different family? Or was the father temporarily missing in the 1830 census?

 

James Miller 1798:

  • Married Mary Hill Switzerland Co, IN in 1818. The marriage record has his full name, so we know this is him.
  • There is a James Ellis listed in the 1830 census for Switzerland Co, IN, but the age range is 20-29 and it should be 30-39.  Is it him?
  • There is a James Ellis listed in the 1840 census for York, Switzerland Co, IN, but the age range is 30-39 and it should be 40-49.  Is it him?  It seems likely since he is in the same location in 1850.
  • 1850 Census:  James (52), Mary, Margaret (18), and Jeremiah(14) in York, Switzerland Co, IN.  It lists his birthplace as Ohio. Ohio may make sense based on a family listed below as a possible match for Roger’s family.
  • What happened to this family?  They seem to disappear after 1850 and I can’t find them anywhere. There is a Mary Ellis that married a James Cotton in 1851 and based on census records could be approximately the right age for James’ wife.

 

Elizabeth 1801:

  • There is an Elizabeth Ellis that married John Winters 1822 in Switzerland County.
  • There is an Elizabeth Ellis that married John Ellis 1830 in Switzerland County.
  • There is an Elizabeth Ellis that married Joseph Voyles 1820 in Jefferson County.
  • Family trees show that Stephen Ellis and Rebecca Lewis had a daughter Elizabeth.   Trees show her to be born with a different birthdate in 1800 and being the Elizabeth that married Joseph Voyles.
  • No matches found with any level of confidence.

 

Jeremiah 1804:

  • Jeremiah of this age was living with Roger in 1850.
  • In 1855, a Jeremiah Ellis filed a will in Ripley County.  Names included his wife Lukana/Luhanna/Lewhana, son(s) John R. Ellis and John B. Ellis(Note: on close reading of the will this appears to be the same person as it refers to the same land description), and Alphonso Hatfield.  I believe Alphonso is his wife’s brother.   In 1850, Lukany Hatfield is living with Alphonso Hatfield and John Hatfield, who would be the age to be Lukany and Alphonso’s father or grandfather.
  • Since John A. Ellis’ will is the year after Jeremiah’s, is Jeremiah John’s son and is Jeremiah’s death what brought John to Ripley county?
  • Jeremiah m. Nancy Mattock 1825. Is this the same Jeremiah?

 

Sarah 1807:

  • There is a Sarah Ellis that married Elias Heustis in 1831 in Dearborn County.
  • There is a Sarah Ellis that married Henry Low in 1833 in Dearborn County.
  • No matches found with any level of confidence.

 

John 1804:

  • In 1830, there is a John Eliz in Ripley County, IN age 20-29.  There is also a female of the same age range and a female under age 10.
  • In 1840, there is a John Elles in Ripley County, IN age 20-29.  There is also a female of the same age range and a male under age 10.  I assume this is not John listed in the Bible, but perhaps Roger’s son John.  This John is too old to be Jeremiah’s son.
  • Not sure if any of the following are this John or not.
  • John Ellis married Nancy Dowers 1848 in Ripley, IN.
  • John Ellis married Cynthia Faught 1828 in Ripley, IN.
  • John Ellis married Eliza Skeen in 1843 in Ripley, IN.

 

Nancy 1800:

No matches found with any level of confidence.

 

James 1805:

This appears to be Roger’s son or at least the James that we believe to be Roger’s son.

 

 

 

Next Steps

The Ellis Cousins Newsletter includes a transcript.  Could there be more clues in the Bible?  Perhaps the Bible can be found and scanned.

The spelling of Elless is interesting.  While there was a lot of irregular spelling in the 19th Century, it seems the Tuckahoe group consistently used Ellis, as Roger did in census, land and marriage records, before 1850.   However, the family’s name is recorded in the 1850 census with the spelling of “Elless.” The Minnesota branches of his family (James and Wesley) continued to use the “Elless” spelling and possibly some of the other children .  Perhaps Roger used the “Ellis” spelling while around the Shelby Ellis family, but reverted to “Elless” later in life. Or perhaps, people assumed the “Ellis” spelling because of other families.

 

Thomas Marion Elless

Biography

Excerpt from History of Clay County Iowa From Its Earliest Settlement to 1909

 

Thomas Marion Elless, who has followed agricultural pursuits all his life and is now operating a large farm in Garfield township, is a native of Brown township. Ripley county, Indiana, born March 22, 1837, and a son of James and Matilda (Harns) Elless. natives of Kentucky, who located in Indiana in 1800 when that country was in a primitive condition and inhabited by Indians. ‘When a young man his great-grandfather on the paternal side left Ireland with a companion and succeeded in being secreted in the hold of a ship bound for America. In this manner he made his way to the new world, where he became a soldier in the Revolutionary war. after which he removed to Pennsylvania and thence to Kentucky, becoming a pioneer in both states. He is the founder of the family in this country. His given name is unknown, all family records having been lost.

 

The grandfather of Thomas M. Elless was a resident of Kentucky and at the time he located it settlers were permitted to select their own tracts of land, mark them out to suit their own convenience and upon returning their field notes to the government authorities they secured the title to the property. This was a very illy devised method, as people made little provision for roads and consequently else thoroughfares were few and narrow and ran in every- direction. Its his family were James, John, William, Wesley, Nancy, Polly, Becka and Susanna. James Elless, the only survivor, removed with his family from Indiana to Winneshiek county, Iowa, in 1853 and two years later went to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he departed this life in his eighty-third year.  His wife passed away in 1865 in her sixty-fourth year, while on a visit to the place where she was married. Her ancestors were of English and Welsh descent, while her husband on the authority of his father was of English, Irish, Welsh and Dutch extraction.

 

The district schools afforded Thomas Marion Elless his education and in his twentieth year he left his father’s farm and started out its the world for himself, spending two years in Kentucky and Indiana. Its 1888 he settled in Garfield township, Clay county., Iowa, the place being then known as Herdland township. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 35, for which he gave eight dollars an acre and with the exception of a little over a year, which gave eight dollars an acre and with the exception of a little over a year, which he spent in the town of Marathon, he has since resided on this fasts where he has been engaged in producing general crops. also giving some attention to live stock. Here he has lived to see his family grow up around him and all comfortably settled in life and. having worked hard throughout his career, always evincing a high degree of industry and enterprise, together with good management and economy,he is now planning to give up active life and retire to the town of ‘Marathon to spend his declining years in retirement.

 

On October 30, 1862, Mr. Elless was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Cole. daughter of Abner and Mahala (Oneal) Cole, natives of Kentucky. who at an early day went to Indiana, where her father passed away in 1884 and her mother seventeen days later.  In her mother’s family were many children, all of whom are now deceased. while the members of her father’s family have also long since entered into rest. To this union have been born: Mahala is the wife of A. E. Wright, and they live in Payette. Idaho. with their children : Emery Leonard, Verne, Glenn and Bessie.  Matilda is the wife of John Fishbaugher, a resident of Fillmore county, Minnesota, and they have four children: George, Franklin, Glenn and Lee, all of whom reside with their parents.  Elzora is the wife of George Delaney and they reside in Garfield township with their two children. Owen and John. Edward married Daisy Murray and resides in this county.  Frances wedded J. R. Cross and they are living in Dewey county, Oklahoma.

 

In politics Mr. Elless is usually its accord with democratic principles and sates for the state and national candidates of the party, but at local elections casts an independent ballot, supporting the men who. in his opinion, are best qualified for the offices they seek.  His own public service has been commendable. fie was for five years a member of the school board and has ever been a stalwart champion of the cause of public education.  For six years he served as justice of the peace and it is to his credit that during his incumbency in that office he never tried a lawsuit.  Not because none were brought before him. but by reason of the fact that he always succeeded in bringing the contesting parties to a mutual agreement. He has been a member of the Baptist church since he was twenty-one years of age and is a zealous and faithful Christian.  His life has ever been upright and honorable and in his record there are many qualities worthy of emulation.  He has now passed the seventy-second milestone on life’s journey and his activity and enterprise in former years well entitle him to rest throughout his remaining days.  He has not only by capable management and unfaltering industry won for himself a handsome competence but through his agricultural interests has promoted the general prosperity of the county.

 

(Text available from archive.org and books.google.com)

 

Analysis

 

History of Clay County, Iowa From Its Earliest Settlement to 1909 by Samuel Gillespie and James E. Steele was published in 1909 and included a biography of Thomas Marion Elless, who was the son of James Lewis Elless and grandson of Roger Ellis.

 

This biography begs more questions than it answers about the history of this family. It is truth intermixed with some inaccuracies? Is the story misleading on purpose because this branch of the family wanted to distance itself from the rest?  Or, is it just ramblings of someone telling a good story?

 

“James, the only survivor” – At the time, he left Ripley, Indiana, his siblings were living.  Also, as the article states, he had passed by the time of the article.  So, why does this indicate that he was the sole survivor? What if the bio was a bit mixed up and instead of James not having any remaining siblings it was Roger or Thomas that had no siblings living at some point? We know Thomas’’s brothers died young although if research is correct he may have had a half-sister living.

 

“The grandfather” – Why was Roger not mentioned by name?  Thomas would have been old enough when they left Ripley, Indiana to remember his grandfather and the family had the family Bible so his name was recorded.

 

The list of siblings – Was David and Martha just overlooked or was were they left out for some reason?

 

Records lost – The article states that all the family records were lost.  Yet, it is known that James’ descendants had as of a few years ago, the family Bible.

 

The great-grandfather – The article provides a story about the paternal great-grandfather.  It is assumed that the article is referencing his grandfather’s (Rogers’) father. The mention of Pennsylvania is consistent with records showing that Roger was born in Pennsylvania.  However, it states that he was a stowaway and a Revolutionary Soldier.  Both of these are possible, but also suspect because of the other inaccuracies and the fact that his name was lost.  Families were very proud of their Revolutionary War soldiers and would likely have talked proudly about his service.  Not only did this article provide no details of his service, no stories about him being a Revolutionary War soldier were passed down in our branch of the family.

 

Heritage  – The article indicates the family is English, Irish, Welsh, and Dutch.

Roger’s Children

The Questions

 

This is an analysis of “proof”  of Roger’s children. ?  Also, do Roger’s children’s movements, marriages, etc.  tell us anything about Roger?

 

According to Bio of Thomas Marion Elless:  His family included:  James, John, William, Wesley, Nancy, Polly, Becka and Susanna.

 

  • Is it meaningful that David and Martha are not listed?  Do they have the same parents? Since there were lots of errors in this article, I don’t read too much into this omission, but it is something to consider.
  • Polly would have been Mary and Becka would have been Rebecca.
  • Have a DNA match with descendant of James, but that only shows they are related, not that David was a brother.
  •  The article about the Bible lists children as: James Lewis, John, Nancy, David, William, Martha Jane, Mary Elizabeth, Rebecca, Wesley W, Susannah H.
  • It is unclear the source of this information. It isn’t written in a way that I can assume it came from the Bible.  I am guessing it came from the author’s research.

Census Data

 

Census Data for Roger Ellis to help explain his children

 

1810  in Shelby County, Kentucky: 2m<10, 1m 26-44, 1f<10, 1f 26-44

  • This would be James, Nancy, and David
  • What about John?  Was he after 1810?

 

1820 in Ripley County, Indiana: 2 m<10, 2m 10-15, 1 m 26-44, 3f< 10, 1f 10-15, 1f 26-44

  • 2m 10-15 James, David
  • 2m < 10 John, William
  • 1f 10-15 Nancy
  • 3f<10 Mary, Martha, Rebecca

 

1830 in Ripley County, Indiana:  (According to transcription) 2m 15-19, 1m20-29, 1f < 5 1f 5-9, 2f 10-14, 1 f 40-49.  My read of the record adds 1m 5-9 and 1m 50-60 as I believe there are light marks in those columns.

  • 1m 20-29 David  (James is already married; where is he?)
  •  2m 15-20 John, William.  (Implies William did not marry Betsy Province in 1826, which he would have been very young.  If he did, he is back at home)
  • 1m 5-9  Wesley
  •  2f 10-14 Mary, Martha
  • 1 f 5-9 Rebecca
  • 1f < 5 Susannah
  •  Nancy is already married

 

1840 in Ripley County, Indiana: 1 m 15-19, 1m 20-29, 1m 50-59 1f 15-19, 1f 20-29, 1f 50-59

  • 1m 20-29 John or William
  • 1m 15-19 Wesley
  • 1f 20-29
  • 1f 15-19 Rebecca (Susannah is not listed in the household, but may be with James, who is listed next as he has a female 10-14 in the household)
  • A James Ellis is listed next to Roger
  • David is married, but where is he?
  • 1850 in Ripley County, Indiana: Roger, Susan, Rebecca, Susannah
  • James, Wesley, David all have households near Roger
  • Nancy is in Dearborn County, IN
  • William is possibly in Jennings County, IN (See below)
  • John is ?
  • Mary is in Ripley County, IN
  • Martha is believed to have died by now.

 

1860 Roger has died at this point and in Ripley County is Susannah as head of household with Rebecca (Daughter), Wesley(Son), Susannah H.(Daughter), Rebecca, Andrew, Mary, Jonathan, Martha J (not the daughter Martha)

  • David and Joseph Ellis (David’s son) households are listed on the same page with Susannah
  • James is in Minnesota
  • John is ?
  • Nancy is in Dearborn County, IN
  • Mary is in Ripley County, IN
  • William is possibly in Jennings County, IN

 

1870

  • James is in Fillmore, MN
  • David has died.  His wife Lucy is in La Salle County, Illinois with children Stephen, Henry, Susan.
  • Son Joseph is still in Ripley County, IN
  • Mary Ellen is married and is in Ripley County, IN
  • James WIlliam is ?
  • Wesley W. (Possibly died in the Civil War.  There is a Wesley Ellis that did, Can we confirm it is him?)
  • Amanda (Elizabeth) is ?
  • Nancy is in Dearborn County, IN
  • Mary is in Ripley County, IN
  • John is?
  • William is possibly in Jennings County, IN
  • Wesley is ?
  • Susannah is?

 

1880

  • James is in Fillmore, MN
  • Wesley is in Otter Tail, MN
  • David’s widow Lucy is in Neosho Co, KS with children Stephen and Susan
  • Joseph L. is in Neosho Co, KS  (We know he went to Illinois first and then to Kansas)
  • Mary Ellen and husband are in Neosho Co, KS
  • James William is in Neosho Co, KS
  • Wesley W. (See 1870)
  • Amanda (Elizabeth) is married and in Neosho Co, KS
  • Nancy is in Dearborn County, IN
  • Mary is in Ripley County, IN
  • Martha is ?
  • John is ?
  • William is possibly in Jennings County, IN
  • Susannah is ?

 

James Lewis Ellis

 

  • One consideration is that James was born in May 1805 and Roger only married in February 1805.  It is possible that Susannah was 6 months pregnant when they married, but typically marriages of necessity happened earlier in pregnancy.  Since his descendants  have David’s Bible and the dates don’t quite align, I wonder if he could be the son of David and was raised by Roger. He was clearly close to Roger since he named a son after him. Still this seems unlikely because James has the middle name Lewis and one would guess it came from Susannah.
  • I have seen a different marriage date in 1804, which would make James a normal first born son. (Need to get a look at that original marriage record)
  • The Bible entries end in 1807.  Why?  Did David die soon after 1807?
  • The Bio of T.M.Elless is also wishy-washy about the ancestry and they should have known Roger’s name.
  • Married Matilda Harris 1826 in Ripley County (age 21)
  • Where is he in 1830?
  •  I checked Harris families in the area and did not find him with them and he is not with Roger.
  • In 1840 a James Ellis is listed next to Roger.  This is likely James Lewis Ellis although the census has his age as 40-49 and he would have been under 40. However, this could have been a wrong column issue. He has m<5, m 5-9, m 40-49, f 10-14, f 30-39. They boys are the right age for his sons, but I can not explain the female child although he had been married long enough to have a daughter in this age range. If this is not him, where was he?
  • 1850 listed on the prior page to Roger
  • Moved to Winneshiek County, Iowa in 1853 (According to Bio of Thomas Marion Elless) What took him to this location?  Land?  Other reasons?
  • Moved to Fillmore County, MN by 1857. According to the Bio of Thomas Marion Elless, this happened about 1855. What took him to this location?
  • Middle names of two boys Roger and David, which makes him a likely candidate to be Roger’s son (or David’s son)
  • 1860-1880 Census in Carimona, Fillmore, Minnesota

John Ellis

 

  • Both the bio and the article about the Bible list a son John
  • Not sure if any of the following are this John or not
  • John Ellis married Nancy Dowers 1848 in Ripley, IN. A George Dower lived near Roger Ellis.
  • I found a John and Nancy Eller (or possibly Elles) in Ripley County in 1850 with son Barnabas.  This John was born about 1826 and is too young to be our John.  I assume this might be the John and Nancy matching the marriage record.
  • John Ellis married Cynthia Faught 1828 in Ripley,
  • This is a reasonable possibility if John was born by 1814 at the very latest.
  • A William Ellis 12 born in Kentucky is living with William and Amanda Faught in Jefferson County, IN in 1850. Could he be a son of John?  Or is her perhaps Amanda’s son with a prior husband?
  • In 1870, a 10 year old born in Indiana is living with William and Amanda.  The record says the name is James Elles.  It appears it could be Eller.
  • John Ellis married Eliza Skeen in 1843 in Ripley, IN.
  • This appears to be John Ellis (3) listed in the Ellis families nearby, who was a son of Joseph in the Stephen Ellis line.
  • What happened to John?

Nancy Ann Ellis

 

  • Married Isaac East 1826 Ripley, Indiana  (Do we have proof that she is our Nancy?) ***
  • 1830 – Isaac 1 m 20-29, 1f 20-29 2 f<5 in Ripley
  • 1840 – Isaac 1 m 30-39, 1f 30-39 1 f<5 1 f 5-9 2f 10-14
  • 1850 – Isaac, Nancy, Matilda(16), Martha J.(11), Eliza J.(5) & John Ellis
  • Who is John Ellis age 9 (b. 1840-1841) was living with Nancy and Isaac – Who’s son is he?
  • Stephen Ellis Jr. had a son John in 1843.  The age isn’t quite right, but possibly.
  • Was it another Ellis that may have not been related, but lived in the area.
  • 1860 – Nancy, Martha (21), Elizabeth (17)
  • She remained in Dearborn County the rest of her life.
  • Nancy Ellis married George Cooper 1828 Dearborn, Co. – which family did she belong to?
  • Born 1796 Kentucky, which means she is not Roger’s daughter
  • Nancy Ellis married  Samuel Rolston in 1830 in Switzerland Co – which family did she belong to?

 

David Ellis

 

  • Married Lucy Ann Storms 1834 Ripley, Indiana
  • Where was he in 1840?  He is not in Roger’s household.  There are two David Ellis households in Dearborn County in 1840, but if the children of David and their birth years are correct.  Neither of these men are our David.  He is not with Lucy’s father or either of Lucy’s grandfathers.
  • Joseph’s obituary says that he was born in Jefferson County.  Is that where the family was in 1840?  With whom?
  • Listed next to Roger in the 1850 census
  • 1850 Ripley County 41.  With Lucy A., Ellen E., Joseph L., James W, Stephen E, Westley W, Henry D, and Amanda
  • 1860 Ripley County  52. With Lucy, Stephen, Henry, Elizabeth (Amanda), Susan
  • 1870 David is not with the family, assumed to have died: Lucy, Henry, Susan, and Stephen are in Rutland, LaSalle, Illinois
  • 1880 Lucy with Susan and Stephen in Galesburg, Neosho, Kansas
  • Joseph L. is in Neosho Co, KS  (We know he went to Illinois first and then to Kansas)
  • Mary Ellen and husband are in Neosho Co, KS
  • James William is in Neosho Co, KS
  • Wesley W. (See 1870)
  • Amanda (Elizabeth) is married and in Neosho Co, KS
  • Henry is in Jasper County, Indiana and would later move to South Dakota.
  • What happened to David?

     

    William Ellis

     

    • Married Betsy Province 1826 Ripley, Indiana. I think this marriage is too early to be Roger’s son.  At least it makes it unlikely because William would have been quite young.
    • Married Jane Gordon 1842 Ripley, Indiana.  This family lived in Jennings County. William (1) from the Ellis families nearby. ***
    • This seems like a more likely match for David’s son.
    • 1850 in Jennings County 30 born in Indiana with Jane, James, Marion, Philip, Martha, Infant
    • 1860 in Jennings County 45 born in Kentucky with Jane, James, Francis M, Martha, Philip, Newton Kissiah, Susannah, Rebecca Jane, David P
    • 1870 in Jennings County 56 born in Indiana with Jane, William N, Kiziah A., Mary S, Rebecca J., David L, Sarah F., Nancy E, Ann E. Also, Martha J. Reice/Rice (their daughter Martha), John P. Reice/Rice (Martha’s husband it is assumed)
    • 1880 in Jennings County 66 born in Kentucky with Jane, David L, Sarah F, Nancy E, Ann E.; father born North Carolina, mother born Virginia.  The father being from North Carolina would not be a match to Roger.
    • Some people list him as the son of Matthias (who they have no information about), but I find no evidence of a Matthias or Matthew Ellis in Indiana or Kentucky in 1810 or 1820.
    • Used the spelling Elles
    • Jun 16, 1814 – Feb 26, 1900
    • Have DNA match with a descendant

       

      Mary Elizabeth Ellis

       

      • Married James Benham 1835 Ripley, Indiana
      • Lived her entire life in Ripley County.

         

        Martha Jane Ellis

         

        • Married Strawder Long 1838 Ripley, Indiana.
        • They had a son Andrew in 1840.
        • It is believed she died about 1842.
        • He remarried in 1844, had a large family, and moved west ending up in Missouri.

         

           

          Rebecca Ellis

           

          • 1850  – In Roger’s household
          • 1860 – In Susannah’s household
          • 1870 – Both parents have died and she is listed alone in the household
          • She married Rue O’Neil in 1875.  They moved to Iowa where he had been living and are found there in the census until 1900.  He is with a Rebecca and the information matches  our Rebecca as far as age, birthplace, and parents birthplace. Note: He lost his first wife in 1874.
          • 1880 – Buchanan Co, Iowa
          • 1885 – Fayette Co, Iowa
          • 1895 – Fayette Co, Iowa
          • 1900 – Fayette Co, Iowa
          • Note:  Her husband’s probate papers (all 150 pages) are on ancestry.com.  Bottom line is that she was taken care of until she died and then his kids got everything. So, nothing was left to her heirs, which would have been her siblings or their descendants as it is believed she never had children.

           

             

            Wesley W. Ellis

             

            • Married Rebecca Wise 1847 Ripley, Indiana
            • Listed on page prior to Roger in 1850 census
            • 1860 in same household with Susannah.  Roger had died by this time.
            • 1870?
            • In 1876 to Otter Tail, MN
            • Lived remainder of his life in Otter Tail, MN

            Susannah H.  Ellis

             

            • 1850 – In Roger’s household
            • 1860 – In Susannah (her mother) household
            • She may have married George Mauch in 1877.  However, I can not find her after 1860.  What happened to her?

            Kentucky

            1800

             

            If Roger’s father went to Kentucky as stated in TME’s bio, he would have left after Roger was born in 1782.  It is possible that he was there in 1800.  This takes a look at the Ellis families in and around Scott County where the Bible was likely purchased (~1800).

             

            • The 1991 article says the Bible was purchased in Georgetown.  However, the 1999 article mentions that the Bible says Georgetown, Kent. and refers to the 1991 article and Lois as the source.  If it does say “Kent,” I assume that would mean Kentucky.  However, the fact that David identified that state might be important as it may indicate that he knew more than one Georgetown. The 1999 article also implies it could be Kent, Maryland, but I find this less likely.

             

            County boundaries at this time can be seen at http://www.mapofus.org/kentucky/.

             

            Bourbon County

            • 1800 Henry
            • 1800 Joseph
            • 1800 Philip

             

            Fayette County

            • 1800 Agnes
            • 1800 Hezekiah
            • 1800 James
            • 1800 Littleberry
            • 1800 William, Capt.

             

            Franklin County

            • 1801 Roger – This must be our Roger.
            • 1801 Elazer
            • 1801 Jesse
            • 1801 Obediah

             

            Nicholas County

            • 1800 James, Nicholas County
            • 1800 John, Nicholas County

             

            Pendelton County

            • 1800 Ezekiel, Pendelton County
            • 1800 Rhodham, Pendelton County

             

            Scott County

            • 1800 Richard

             

            Shelby County

            • 1800 Isaac
            • 1800 John
            • 1800 Stephen
            • 1800 Thomas
            • 1800 William

             

            Woodford County

            • 1800 Jesse Sr.
            • 1800 Jonathan.
            • 1800 Leonard
            • 1800 William Sr.

             

             

            Shelby County, Kentucky

            Overview

             

            Since the first confirmed location of Roger is in Shelby County, Kentucky, it seems reasonable to investigate the Ellis families in the area at the time.

             

            One possible clue to Roger’s Ellis line comes from his marriage to Susanna Lewis, recorded in Shelby County, Kentucky in 1804. Susannah’s sister Rebecca had married a Stephen Ellis in Franklin County, Kentucky in 1795. Property records show that Roger, Stephen, and several other Ellis’s near Six Mile Creek in Shelby County, Kentucky. This leads one to believe that it is likely that Roger was a brother or a cousin of Stephen and also somehow related to the other Ellis’ living in the same area.

             

            Fact:  Both Roger and Stephen moved to southern Indiana as land opened up for settlement.

            Possible Explanation: Since their wives were sisters and at least two of their siblings also made the move, it may be that it was the Lewis family that bound these families together rather than the Ellis family.

             

            Fact: Stephen is not listed in the Bible records.

            Possible Explanation: This may mean that he isn’t a brother.  However, since he is born before the first records were recorded, it could be that he just isn’t recorded.  It is also possible that he was a cousin in which case he likely would not be recorded.

             

            Fact: Roger was born in Pennsylvania and Stephen was born in Virginia.

            Possible Explanation: The family could have moved.  However, Stephen’s family is closely tied to Virginia.

             

            Other researchers have also attempted to determine the relationship between Roger and the other Ellis families in the area of Six-mile Creek without success. There was an “Ellis Cousin’s Newsletter” that was written and circulated by Bill and Carol Ellis from 1979 through the 1990’s. A Lois Post of Georgia contributed an article to the summer 1999 Newsletter with the same speculation, but no solid conclusion.

             

            It is important to note, however, that with a common name like Ellis, it is quite possible for two Ellis families to live in the same vicinity and not be closely related.

             

            Chart of Families

             

            The table below shows an overview of the Ellis families that were living in Shelby Co., KY in the early 1800’s. It includes an estimate of birth year. For the earliest records, no age information existed so the assumption was that the person was at least 20 years old. Later birth ranges are based on the age range given for the eldest male in the family. This is not always accurate as a younger male could be the head of household, but it gives a reasonable view for most records.

             

            This shows Roger in 1810. The David shown cannot be the David of the Bible unless the date in the Bible transcription is incorrect. However, the Richard Ellis shown is within the age range of the first Richard listed in the family Bible. If both Richards listed in the Bible were from the same family, then it is likely that the eldest Richard died young. However, it is possible that the second was a nephew to the first.

            .

            Marriages

             

            Below is a table showing early marriages in Shelby County, Kentucky. In this table, we see at least one occurrence of David, Richard, Roger, Ann, and Elizabeth. These names are relatively common with the exception of Roger Ellis; therefore, this may be pure coincidence. However, it is reasonable to speculate that other members of Roger’s family might have been living in Shelby County at this time.