Ellis Family History
Much of the information on this family was provided by Albert Morgan, thank you Albert! If you have something to add to this family tree please contact me at lselpien@msn.com Always remember to proof the information yourself! We try to be as accurate as possible but mistakes happen, thanks Laurie
First Generation
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1. Joseph ELLIS.1 Born in 1740 in Virginia. Joseph died in probably Virginia aft Mar 1799, he was 59.
Joseph first married unknown1.
They had the following children:
2 i. William (1771-1862)
3 ii. Sarah (~1787-1855)
On 12 Jul 1787 when Joseph was 47, he second married Mary LITTERAL1, in Franklin County, Virginia.
Second Generation
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2. William ELLIS.1
Born on 12 Mar 1771 in Virginia. William
died in Posey Twp., Washington Co., Indiana on 25 Jun 1862, he was 91.
Buried in Old Unity Cemetery, Hardinsburg, Washington Co., Indiana.
Religion: April 1826 Joined Unity Baptist Church Hardinsburg, Indiana.
Married Martha RADCLIFF1. Born on 11 Nov 1779 in Virginia.
Died in Posey Twp., Washington Co., Indiana on 8 Jun 1854, she was 74.
Buried in Old Unity Cemetery, Hardinsburg, Indiana.
They had the following children:
4 i. Isaac M. (1806-1851)
5 ii. Joseph (1799-<1849)
6 iii. John (1804-1880)
7 iv. Richard (1808-1884)
v. William1. Born on 9 Nov 1810 in Shelby Co. Kentucky. William died on 16 Sep 1840, he was 29.
vi. Martin1.
Born 23 Sep 1813 in Shelby Co. Kentucky.
Died in Madison Twp., Washington Co., Indiana on 1 Feb 1881, he was 67.
Buried in Old Unity Cemetery, Hardinsburg, Indiana.
On 23 Feb 1834 when Martin was 20, he married
Sarah C. WHITMAN1, in Harrison Co., Indiana.
Born in 1814.
Died in 1860, she was 46.
Buried in Old Unity Cemetery, Hardinsburg, Indiana.
vii. Elizabeth1. Born abt 1816 in Shelby Co. Kentucky.
On 19 Sep 1833 when Elizabeth was 17, she married Charles RAWLINGS1.
8 viii. Charles R. (1818-1861)
3. Sarah ELLIS.1
Born abt 1787 in Virginia.
Died in Indiana on 12 Jan 1855, she was 68.
On 20 Mar 1799 when Sarah was 12, she married Samuel SELLERS2,3,1, in Garrard Co., Kentucky.
Born in 1767 in Ireland.
Died in Indiana on 24 Mar 1849, he was 82.
They had the following children:
9 i. Sarah (1809-1878)
10 ii. Nelson
iii. Cynthia2,1.
Cynthia married ELLISON1.
Third Generation
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4. Isaac M. ELLIS.4,1
Born on 4 Oct 1806 in Shelby Co. Kentucky.
Died on 11 Apr 1851, he was 44.
Buried in Old Unity Cemetery, Hardinsburg, Indiana.
On 22 Apr 1827 when Isaac M. was 20, he married Jane RADCLIFF4,1, daughter of David RADCLIFF & Betsy BROWN, in Orange Co. Indiana.
Born on 11 Sep 1810 in Kentucky.
Died in Hardinsburg, Washington, Indiana on 5 Aug 1892, she was 81.
Buried in Hardinsburg Cemetery, Hardinsburg, Washington Co. Indiana.
They had the following children:
11 i. Charles Rawling (1832-1885)
ii. Elizabeth J.1.
Born on 5 Jan 1834.
Died on 15 Apr 1920, she was 86.
Buried in Hardinsburg Cemetery, Hardinsburg, Washington Co. Indiana.
On 21 Feb 1864 when Elizabeth J. was 30, she married Benjamin HOLIDAY1, in Orange Co. Indiana.
iii. Nancy J.1. Born in 1842 in Indiana.
On 14 Jan 1858 when Nancy J. was 16, she married John GARDNER1, in Orange Co. Indiana.
12 iv. Catherine (1842-1922)
v. Isaac M.1. Born in 1849 in Indiana.
vi. Mary Frances1. Born in 1849 in Indiana.
On 8 May 1873 when Mary Frances was 24, she married John HULGAN1, in Orange Co. Indiana.
vii. David1. Born in 1829.
David married Phoebe COLCLASURE1, in Newton Co. Mo.
13 viii. William (1830-<1916)
5. Joseph ELLIS.1
Born in 1799 in Kentucky.
Died in Shelby Co. Kentucky bef 20 Sep 1849, he was 50.
On 22 Jul 1824 when Joseph was 25, he married Mary Polly REDDING1, in Shelby Co. Kentucky.
They had the following children:
i. Rueben R.1.
ii. Martha Ann1.
iii. William R.1.
iv. Willis1.
v. Joseph1.
vi. Mary Ann1.
Born in 1832.
Died in 1855, she was 23.
Mary Ann married FITZSIMMONS1.
vii. John1.
6. John ELLIS.1
Born on 9 Jun 1804 in Shelby Co. Kentucky.
Died in Hardinsburg Cemetery, Hardinsburg, Washington Co. Indiana on 29 Aug 1880, he was 76.
On 31 Oct 1828 when John was 24, he married Elizabeth RADCLIFF1, in Washington Co., Indiana.
Born on 13 Sep 1813.
Died on 22 May 1842, she was 28.
Buried in Unity Baptist Cemetery, Washington Co., Indiana.
They had the following children:
i. Benjamin1.
Born in 1833.
Died in 1862, he was 29.
Married Lydia FOUTS1.
Born in 1847.
Died in 1881, she was 34.
ii. Martha1. Born in 1837. Martha died in 1846, she was 9.
iii. Margaret1. Born in 1839. Margaret died in 1898, she was 59.
Margaret married SCHOONOVER1.
7. Richard ELLIS.5,1
Born on 8 Oct 1808 in Shelby Co. Kentucky.
Died in Blue River Twp., Harrison Co., Indiana on 5 Oct 1884, he was 75.
Buried in Old Unity Cemetery, Hardinsburg, Indiana.
On 29 Nov 1829 when Richard was 21, he married Nancy S. WHITMAN5,1, in Harrison Co., Indiana.
Born in 1811.
Died in 1881, she was 70.
They had one child:
14 i. William D. (1839-)
8. Charles R. ELLIS.5,1
Born on 4 Oct 1818 in Shelby Co. Kentucky.
Died in Posey Twp., Washington Co., Indiana on 24 Jan 1861, he was 42.
Occupation: Physician.
On 17 Jan 1850 when Charles R. was 31, he married Sarah E. HARDIN5,1, in Washington Co., Indiana.
Born on 18 Jul 1828.
Died on 4 Apr 1862, she was 33.
Buried in Hardin Cemetery, Washington Co. Indiana.
They had the following children:
i. William5,1. Born on 3 Aug 1851. Died on 17 Jun 1876, he was 24.
ii. Sarah M.5,1. Born on 13 Sep 1853. Died on 9 Oct 1878, she was 25.
15 iii. Samuel G. (1855-)
9. Sarah SELLERS.1
Born on 5 Apr 1809 in Kentucky -could be Virginia.
Died in Franklin, Johnson Co., Indiana on 10 Jan 1878, she was 68.
On 5 Sep 1833 when Sarah was 24, she married Richard Thompson TAPP3,1, son of William TAPP (-1854) & Mary.
Born on 21 Jan 1814 in Virginia.
Died in Franklin, Johnson Co., Indiana on 22 Aug 1893, he was 79.
They had the following children:
i. Mary A.1.
Born on 8 Apr 1835 in Indiana.
Died in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana on 29 Jun 1861, she was 26.
On 6 Feb 1858 when Mary A. was 22, she married Bernard ELDOFIGG1, in Indiana.
ii. John T.1.
Born on 7 Aug 1851 in Indiana.
Died in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana on 16 Sep 1870, he was 19.
iii. Martha A.1.
Born on 21 Jul 1838.
Died on 14 Aug 1893, she was 55.
On 28 Nov 1862 when Martha A. was 24, she married Daniel PARKHURST1, in Indiana.
16 iv. Samuel Melton (1840-1881)
v. Sarah1.
Born in 1843 in Indiana.
Died in Indiana on 10 Aug 1876, she was 33.
On 8 Jul 1866 when Sarah was 23, she married Wesley TERHUNE1, in Indiana.
vi. Wilson1.
Born on 13 May 1846 in Indiana.
Died in Indiana on 12 Feb 1905, he was 58.
On 19 Oct 1871 when Wilson was 25, he married Mildred UTTERBACK1.
10. Nelson SELLERS.2,1
Child:
i. Martin1.
Fourth Generation
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11. Charles Rawling ELLIS.4,1
Born on 21 Jan 1832 in Washington Co., Indiana.
Died in Wayne City, Wayne Co. Il. on 14 Aug 1885, he was 53.
Buried in Johnsonville Cemetery, Wayne Co., Illinois.
Occupation: Miller, owned and operated at least 5 grist mills in Clay & Wayne Counties.
Religion: Christian Church.
On 8 Aug 1854 when Charles Rawling was 22, he married Nancy CARLISLE4,1, daughter of John CARLISLE (1807-1877) & Hannah SMITH, in Orange County, Indiana.4 Nancy Carlisle’s Powhatan Connection
Born on 3 Feb 1840 in Orange Co. Indiana.
Died in Johnsonville, Wayne Co., Illinois on 20 Aug 1885, she was 45.
Buried in Johnsonville Cemetery, Wayne Co., Illinois.
Picture from Albert Morgan
They had the following children:
17 i. Martha Jane (1856-1946)
18 ii. Mary Ellen (1859-1943)
iii. John D.4,1. Born on 15 Nov 1860.
Married Emma WARSACK4,1.
iv. Sarah E.1.
Born on 18 Aug 1864.
Died on 1 Jan 1866, she was 1.
Buried in Campground Cemetery, Xenia, Clay Co., IL.
iv. Anna B.4,6,1.
Born 16 Oct 1872.
Died in Van Nuys, California in 1960, she was 87.
Married Clarence CHANDLER4,7,6,1.
Born in 1868.
Died in 1917, he was 49.
v. Jessie Thomas4,6,1.
Born 20 Oct 1874.
Died in Bentonville, Arkansas.
vi. Francis M.4,6,1.
Born on 20 Oct 1879.
Died in Weatherford, Texas in 1967, he was 87.
Married Zelphia WILLIAMS4,1.
12. Catherine ELLIS.1
Born on 17 Nov 1842.
Died in Hardinsburg, Washington Co. Indiana on 8 Jun 1922, she was 79.
On 30 Mar 1862 when Catherine was 19, she married William POLSUN1.
They had the following children:
i. Magill1.
ii. Tindle1.
13. William ELLIS.8,9,10,11
Born in Jan 1830 in Indiana.
Died bef May 13, 1916, he was 85.
married
Name: Sarah Goldman
Spouse Name: William Ellis
Marriage Date: 24 Feb 1853
Marriage County: Orange
Source Title 1: Orange County, Indiana
Source Title 2: Index to Marriage Record 1826-1920 Inclusive Volum
Source Title 3: Original Record Location County Clerk's Office Pao
Book: C- 3
OS Page: 469
Obituary: Wm Ellis died (Wayne Co., Press May 13, 1915). "Wayne City
Uncle Wm. Ellis age 85 died. his home near Johnsonville. He was the father of Mrs. J. F. Beck of Here.".
Sara GOLDMAN daughter of Moses and Sarah Goldman8,9,10,11,
Born in Feb 11, 1833 in Indiana. Died Dec 26, 1919
bef 1916, she was 81.
Obituary: Sarah GOLDMAN Ellis (Wayne Co. Press Jan 8, 1920). "Sarah Goldman, daughter of Moses and Sarah Goldman, born Feb 16, 1833 Orange Co., Indiana Married Wm Ellis in 1853. 9 children Husband and 4 children died she died Dec 26, 1919. Besides the 5 children she leaves 26 grandchildren and 24 great grand children.".
They had the following children:
19 i. Clara A. (1870-1888)
20 ii. Charles R. (1865-)
iii. Isaac M8,1.
iv. Laura9. Born July 16, 1870 d. Dec 14, 1959 Clay Co., Il. marr. James Gatewood and died Dec. 14,1958. buried Thomason Cemetery
Mrs. Gatewood Dies, received from Betty Wheat. "Mrs. Laura Gatewood of Wayne City, died at the Clay County hospital in Flora at 10 O'clock Sunday morning (Dec 14, 1958). Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday from the Richardson Chapel, with burial in Thomason Cemetery. The body will be at the funeral home until the funeral hour. Her husband James died in 1952. Surviving are three daughters."
Gertie Gatewood b. Feb 1896 m. Cayton E. Stevens b. 1892 d. 1952 buried Thomason Cemetery
Grace Gatewood b. May 18, 1897
Nora Gatewood b. May 24, 1899
v. Sara8. Born in 1865. and died Jan 2, 1946 Jefferson Co., Il buried Bailey Cemetery.
She married Robert Tilmon Jones b. 1859 – Oct 19, 1940 Berry Twp. Wayne Co., Il. buried in Bailey Cemetery
JONES SARAH F/W UNK 0001701 1946-01-02 JEFFERSON ROME TWP
JONES ROBERT TILLMAN M/W UNK 0000139 1940-10-19 WAYNE BERRY TWP
vi. Mary Catherine8,1. Married James Franklin Beck
BECK JAMES FRANKLIN M/W Y-82 0051330 1935-12-13 JEFFERSON MT VERNON
a. Rose Maude Beck b. June 17, 1885
b. Joseph Henry Beck b. Dec 18, 1888 married Jan 1, 1910 Etta Vaughn Joseph Died June 18, 1959 Salem MO. Buried Cairen Cemetery
vii. Nancy E.8,1.
viii. Josephine. Born in 1875.
14. William D. ELLIS.5,1
Born on 7 Jun 1839.
Occupation: 1867 Dr.
Religion: member Baptist Church.
On 16 Oct 1859 when William D. was 20, he first married Martha D. RADCLIFF5,1.
Died on 19 May 1865 in Clay County Illinois.
They had the following children:
i. Eliza J.5,1.
ii. Mary E.5,1.
iii. Matilda F.5,1.
On 3 Mar 1868 when William D. was 28, he second married Paulina SINCLAIR5,1.
Religion: Member Methodist Episcopal Church.
They had one child:
i. Lillian5,1.
15. Samuel G. ELLIS.5,1
Born on 12 Oct 1855.
On 19 Feb 1879 when Samuel G. was 23, he married Sallie V. COOK5,1, in Washington Co., Indiana.
They had one child:
i. William E.5,1.
16. Samuel Melton TAPP.1
Born on 20 Aug 1840 in Franklin, Johnson Co., Indiana.
Died in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana on 26 Jun 1881, he was 40.
Occupation: farm laborer.
Cause of death: typhoid fever.
On 17 Dec 1861 he married Mary Catherine CAYWOOD1, in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
Born in 1844 in Hensley Twp. Indiana.
Died in Bloomington Indiana on 29 Jun 1906, she was 62.
Cause of death: Tuberculosis.
They had the following children:
i. Elza1.
Born on 9 Dec 1863 in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
Died in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana in 1950, he was 86.
On 15 Dec 1885 when Elza was 22, he married Maggie L. DUCER1, in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
ii. Overton Durastus1.
Born on 31 Oct 1866 in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
Died in Peoria, Illinois on 2 Feb 1937, he was 70.
On 6 May 1900 when Overton Durastus was 33, he married Clara Belle MASSY1.
iii. Anna E.1.
Born on 25 Nov 1869 in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
On 21 Apr 1887 when Anna E. was 17, she married James PATE1, in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
iv. Walter Allen1.
Born on 8 Nov 1871 in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
Died in Bloomington, Monroe Co., Indiana on 2 Apr 1963, he was 91.
Occupation: Engineer at Showers Brothers Co. & Johnson's Creamery.
Religion: New Prospect Baptist- Dolan Indiana.
On 28 Jul 1892 when Walter Allen was 20, he married Naome Elizabeth LANGLEY1, in Bloomington, Monroe Co., Indiana.
Born on 28 Dec 1878 in Bloomington, Monroe Co., Indiana.
Died in Bloomington, Monroe Co., Indiana on 10 Nov 1962, she was 83.
Religion: New Prospect Baptist Church - Dolan Indiana.
v. William Ira1.
Born on 31 Jul 1875 in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
Died in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana on 11 Jun 1907, he was 31.
On 10 Jul 1906 when William Ira was 30, he married Bessie E. SWARTZ1, in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
vi. Edgar W.1.
Born on 24 Sep 1877 in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
On 4 Sep 1908 when Edgar W. was 30, he married Bessie BAXTER1, in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
vii. Emma C.1. Born on 9 Jan 1880 in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
On 11 Nov 1899 when Emma C. was 19, she married Homer A. HOWARD1, in Franklin Johnson County, Indiana.
Fifth Generation
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17. Martha Jane ELLIS.4,12,7,6,13,1
Born
on 1 Oct 1856 in Newton Co. Mo.
Died in Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co. Il. on 14 Aug 1946, she was 89.
Buried in Thomason Cemetery, Wayne Co., Illinois.
On 25 Feb 1875 when Martha Jane was 18, she married John CLOSE4,14,7,6,13,13,1, son of John CLOSE & Mary GRAHAM, in Johnsonville, Wayne Co., IL.14
Born on 28 Feb 1855 in Philadelphia, Pa. John died in Wayne City, Wayne Co. Il. on 22 Mar 1926, he was 71.
Buried in Thomason Cemetery, Wayne Co., Illinois.
Occupation: rural mail carrier Rt. 1 July 1 1903 first asst. to Postmaster Wayne City Illinois.
Death Cert# 0960046 Wayne City, Wayne Co. Il.
18. Mary Ellen ELLIS.4,1
Born on 15 Nov 1859 in Newton City. Mo.
Died in Van Nuys, California on 23 Feb 1943, she was 83.
On 10 Jun 1875 when Mary Ellen was 15, she married John BOSWELL4,1, son of Matthew BOSWELL & Lucy S. MOORE, in Clay County Illinois. John died on 7 Mar 1941.
They had one child:
i. Jay1.
19. Clara A. ELLIS.16,17,8,18,19
Born in 1870.
Died in Wayne County IL, in Feb 1888, she was 18.
Cause of Death Killed by husband
Buried in Johnsonville Cemetery.17
OBIT
On 29 Dec 1885 when Clara A. was 15, she married Lee (Levi) FORTH20,16,21,22,18,19, son of John FORTH (1833-1868) & Francis CHAPMAN (1833-), in Wayne co., Il.23
Born in 1866 in Wayne County IL,.
Died in Wayne County IL, in Feb 1888, he was 22.17
They had one child:
26 i. John William (1886-1968)
20. Charles R. ELLIS.10,8
Born in Dec 10, 1865 in Illinois.
In 1893 when Charles R. was 27, he married Rosa10.
May 26, 1943 Pneumonia 77y 5m 16d
Buried Hale Cemetery Wayne County, Illinois
They had one child:
i. Earl10. Born in Aug 1894 in Illinois.
Sixth Generation
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26. John William FORTH30,31,32,10,
Named John William after his two grandfather’s John Forth and William Ellis.
Born
on 31 Aug 1886 in Indian Prairie, Wayne County, Il.18
Died in Carlyle, Clinton Co. IL on 17 Jul 1968, he was 81.
Buried in Bailey Cemetery, Wayne Co., IL.
On 11 Apr 1909 when John William was 22, he married Delila May JONES33,34, G Grandmother, daughter of Silas Davis JONES (1841-1923) & Sara M. BOYD (1840-1905).
Born on 28 Apr 1892 in Wayne County.
Died in Joseph Hospital, Breeze, Clinton Co. Il on 2 Apr 1985, she was 92.
Buried on 4 Apr 1985 in Bailey Cematary. Religion: Aden General Baptist Church. Soc. Sec. #: 358-18-3522.
Census 1900
They had the following children:
i. Opal Pearl32,35,36 (1910-2003)
ii. John Edmond (1912-1978)
iii. Corrine (1914-)
iv. Kelley Woodrow37 (1916-2001)
v. Reedie Dale (1918-1939)
vi. Perry Morton35 (1920-)
vii. Gladys Marie (1923-1943)
viii. Wanda Aline (Judy)35 (1925-)
ix. Robert Marshall (1932-1935)
x. Clarence Curtis (Bub)35 (1934-)
See Forth family history for more on the Forth family.
4. History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois, Four mile Twp. Page 130, 1884.
CHARLES R. ELLIS, miller Wayne City, was born January 21, 1832, in Washington County Indiana. He is the son of Isaac Ellis, a native of Virginia, but reared in Kentucky. He farmed and merchandized in Indiana where he died. His father William Ellis, was a native of Virginia. The mother of our subject was Jane (Radcliff) Ellis. She is yet living, and is a daughter of David and Betsy (Brown) Radcliff. She the mother of the subject, reared nine children, five of whom are now living-William, Elizabeth Holaday, Catherine Tinsel, Mary Hulgin and Charles R., our subject who was educated in Indiana, which state he left at the age of twenty-three and went to Missouri, in 1855, where he followed his trade, which he had learned in Indiana. He lived in Newton County, MO. till 1861, when he came to Wayne County, ILL., where he milled till 1878, when he moved to Clay County, where he followed his trade, returning to this county in 1882. He is now residing in Wayne City, where he built a flouring mill, which is operated by his children, he himself having reserved an interest in the mill. He built two new mills and rebuilt several others in the County. He has owned five different mills in this county. Such men as Mr. Ellis are a valuable acquisition to any neighborhood. He was joined in matrimony, August 8, 1854, in Orange County, Indiana to Miss Nancy Carlisle, born February 3 1840 in Orange County, Indiana. She is a daughter of John and Hannah (Smith) Carlisle. He is a native of Kentucky, and she a native of Indiana. John Carlisle was a Captain in the Black Hawk War. Six children now living have come to bless this happy union-Martha J., wife of John Close; Mary E., wife of John Boswell; John D. born November 15, 1860, he married Emma J. Warsack; Anna B., born October 16, 1872, Jessie T., October 20, 1874; Francis M., born October 20, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are highly respected members of the community in which they dwell, and also of the Christian Church. He is also an active member of the A.F. & A. M. fraternity, Johnsonville Lodge Np. 713. He lost an arm while following his vocation.
5. History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties Indiana, Goodspeed Brothers and Co. Chicago, 1884.
SAMUEL G ELLIS A prominent citizen and native of Hardinsburg, was born October 12, 1855, being the youngest of three children of Charles R. and Sarah E. (Hardin) Ellis, who were natives respectively of Kentucky and Indiana. The former died January 24, 1860 and the later in 1861. Their marriage took place January 17, 1850. William A. a brother and Sarah M. a sister of Samuel G. Ellis, died respectively June 17, 1876 and September 13, 1853. After the death of his parents the subject of our sketch went to live with Aaron L. Hardin. He received an excellent education, and February 19, 1879, his marriage to Sallie V. Cook was solemnized and one child has been born to his union- William E. The present occupation of Mr. Ellis is farming, now owning over 500 acres of well improved land. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a stanch Democrat, taking a live interest in the political affairs of his native locality. He is the only living representative of his father's family, and he and his family are among the best known citizens of the county.
DR. WILLIAM ELLIS, of Unionville, Greenfield Township, Orange County, is a native of Harrison County, Indiana. He is the third son and sixth child in a family of thirteen, of which Richard and Nancy (Whiteman) Ellis were parents. The birth of William D. occurred on the 7th of June, 1893. His schooling was confined to the primitive school of his boyhood in his native county, and his education of consequence is nothing more than ordinary. On the 16th of October, 1859 he led to the hymen's alter Miss Martha E. Radclift, who bore him three children: Eliza J., Mary E. and Matilda F. In the fall of 1864, with his family, Mr. Ellis moved to Clay County Illinois., where his wife died May 19, following. The next year he returned to his father's home in Harrison County. Soon after this he began the study of medicine with Dr. Line, of Dubois County. In November, 1867, he commenced the practice of his profession at Unionville, which he has ever since continued. Mrs. Paulina (Sinclair) Newton became his second wife March 3 1868, and Lillian is their only child. Dr. Ellis has been successful in practice and owns considerable property. He is a member of the Baptist Church and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat in politics and one of Orange County's best citizens.
6. unknown, abt. Aug 14, 1946.
MRS. JOHN CLOSE, DIES AT AGE 89
Mrs. Martha Jane Close, widow of John Close, died at 5:15 a. m. today in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ida Morgan, 701 South 18th Street. Her age was 89 years 10 months 13 days. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Combs Chapel in Wayne City. Mrs. Close was born October 1 1856 in Missouri, the daughter of Charles R. and Nancy (Carlyle) Ellis. On February 25, 1875 she was married to John Close, who preceded her in death on March 22, 1926. She was Past Worthy Matron of the Oreder of Eastern Star of Wayne City. Mrs. Close was a member of the Methodist Church. She is survived by two sons, Robert of Fairfield and Charley of Loda, Ill.; two daughters Mrs. Ida Morgan and Mrs. Owen Herbert of Mt. Vernon; two brothers, J. T. Ellis of Bentonville, Arkansas and F. M. Ellis of Weatherford, Texas; one sister, Mrs. Anna Chandler, Van Nuys, California; 15 grandchildren, 33great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
7. unknown, March 26, 1926.
JOHN CLOSE
John Close son of John and Mary Close, was born February 28, 1855 in Philadelphia , Pa. of Irish parentage. Died March 22, 1926 age 71 years and 24 days. He came to Illinois with his parents at the age of ten years where he grew to manhood, where he was united in marriage to Martha Jane Ellis, Feb. 25th 1875. He taught school a number of years in the north part of this county. He and his wife located at Wayne City, Ill. 1883, where he pursued the occupation of farming for several years. He was appointed a rural mail carrier on route no. 1 from Wayne City, July 1st 1903, and served in that capacity for 15 years, resigning on account of ill health. Later he accepted a position as an assistant to the Post Master at Wayne City office, retaining that place till death, having served under three different Post Masters. He was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity having been a Master Mason about 46 years. There were eight children born to this union, namely; Mary Hale who died October 14, 1906, Robert of Fairfield, Ill. Charles of Wayne City, James, who died in his infancy, Kate, who died Jan. 16th 1901, Ida Morgan of Mt. Vernon, Ill. Meada who died Jan. 28th 1910 and Rosa Herbert of Mt. Vernon, IL., who was unable to be present on account of illness. He leaves his wife, four children, fifteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a grand daughter Mrs. O. P. Green of Wayne City whom he raised. He had one brother and six sisters. Only one sister survives, Mrs. Martha Huddleson of Hiawatha, Kans. His brother Robert was killed in the siege of Vicksburg, Miss. in the Civil War, at the age of nineteen years. Besides his relatives, he leaves a host of friends to mourn their loss. He never affiliated with any denominational church but has been heard to express his vies and his faith to reach that Spiritual Building, that house not made with hand, eternal in the heavens. Funeral services were held in the Wayne City M. E. church Tuesday afternoon March 23. The Masons Lodge had charge of the services, and Chas. L. Wood assisted Rev. Earl C. Phillips. Burial at Thomason Cemetery. 3-26
8. 1870 Census Indian Prairie, Wayne Co. Il., Aug 5, 1870 p34 Johnsonville.
Line 30 240/ 246 ELLIS
William 40 Male White farmer $900 $65 IN
Sarah 35 F W keeping house IN
Isaac M 22 M W farm hand IN
Mary C 15 F W IN
Nancy E 11 F W IN
Sarah E 6 F W IL
Charles R 4 M W IL
Clara A 1 F W IL
9. 1880 Census Indian Prairie Wayne Co. Il., page 10 dist 8 10 0f 36 Ancestry.com also familysearch.com.
78/86 ELLIS
William head married Male White 49 Indiana farmer IN IN
Sarah wife m F W 46 IN keeps house IN NC
Sarah daughter S F W 15 IL
Charley son S M W 13 IL
Clara daughter S F W 10 IL
Laura daughter S F W 8 IL
Josephine daughter S F W 5 IL
10. 1900 Wayne Co. Indian Prairie Twp. Roll 351 Book 1 page 164.
line 37 and continuing
ELLIS William Head W M Jan 1830 70 Married 47 IN KY KY
Sarah Wife W F Feb 1836 64 m 47 8/5 IN IN IN
FORTH John grandson W M Aug 1886 13 s IL IL IL
ELLIS Charles Head W M Dec 1865 34 married 7 IL IN IN
Rosa wife W F Oct 1874 25 m 7 1/1 IL IL IL
Earl son W M Aug 1894 5 s IL IL IL
11. 1910 Census Indian Prairie Twp. Wayne Co. Il., series T624 Roll 332 Page 185.
85/ 85 ELLIS
William Head male white 80 Married 1 58 years INKY KY farm manager
Sarah wife F W 77 M 1 58 9 children 5 living IN NC NC
16. Wayne County Press, February 16, 1888 p.3 c.2.
UXDRICIDE AND SUICIDE
LEE FORTH OF ARRINGTON, KILLS HIS WIFE AND THEN SUICIDES
Monday morning of this week Mrs. Lee Forth left the home of her father, Wm. Ellis, for Johnsonville. Mr. Ellis lives three miles southeast of the above named place. Mrs. Forth was accompanied by her sister who is 13 years of age. When within about two miles of Johnsonville, in what is known as the Pennington Lane, Forth stealthily approached his wife from behind and knocked her down with a club, after which he struck her a number of blows, mashing her scull, and then finished the horrible deed by cutting her throat from ear to ear with a razor. The cries of Mrs. Forth's sister soon brought to the scene a number of persons. The murderer then escaped to the barn on the place of the late widow Millner, about half a mile distant. Warrants were issued and search was soon instituted for Forth and loud threats of lynching were made. But upon entering the barn above mentioned Forth was found to have ended his despicable existence by cutting his throat with the same razor used in committing the horrible deed only a few moments before. Both jugular veins were severed, but the windpipe was not cut, the victim of his own murderous hands having bled to death from two gashes on either side of his neck. The crime is the most blood thirsty and atrocious ever committed within the borders of our county. Forth and his wife have been married about two years, but having lived together only a part of the time, and previous to the tragedy had been parted for some time. Mrs. Forth refusal to live with him is supposed to have been the cause of his murderous assault, but we have not learned that he had ever made such threats to the woman who was so unfortunate as to become his wife. Their marriage resulted in one child, which is now about one year old. Forth has been making his home with his mother, Mrs. Frank Brown, who lives 6 miles southwest of Johnsonville, and has often threatened his mother's life. His age was about 22 years. He was a terror to the whole neighborhood, always carrying a revolver and a dirk. He often threatened to burn the barn of his grandfather, the late R. T. Forth. Almost four years ago he stole a horse and buggy in Montgomery county and was in the jail of that county for some time. His relatives interested themselves and secured his release after considerable expense. About three years he robbed his uncle, John Warren of $330, and since then stole a horse belonging to his sister and a mule belonging to his mother. His character has been notoriously bad. All who knew him feared him, as his blood-thirsty disposition was generally understood. Ashort time since he went to Springfield to work for a street car company. His wife went to him, but in short time he turned her away penniless, and she was compelled to get home as best she could, walking carrying her child from Flora to her father's home. The double tragedy proves Forth to be the desperado that his neighbors had supposed hime to be. General sympathy is expressed for the bereaved relatives and friends of Mrs. Forth. Her funeral was preached on Tuesday, by Rev. Richardson, and she was buried in the Johnsonville cemetery. Forth's body was taken to his mother's with but little concern on the part of the people as to his burial.
Wayne County Press
February 23, 1888
page 2, C. 3
THE FORTH MURDER AND SUICIDE
FURTHER PARTICULARS BY OUR JOHNSONVILLE REPORTER
On Sunday before the murder, Forth come to his father-in-law's Wm. Ellis seemingly in good humour as ever, laughing and talking as though he did not contemplate the terrible crime which he was so soon to commit. His brother-in-law, Charlie Ellis, shaved him with the same razor he used the next day. Forth stayed all night Sunday night and tried to get his wife to go back and live with him, but she told him no; she had tried it several times and she could not stand his brutality and neglect. He went away angry, but as far as we can learn made no threats to her, although we understand he had told his mother if his wife refused to live with him he would kill her and her father, and then kill himself. About half pasted eight or nine o'clock Mrs. Forth and her sister, Miss Josie Ellis, started for Johnsonville with some butter and eggs with which Mrs. Forth intended to get her child some clothes. They had proceded half way to town and were met by Forth, who carried a piece of fence stake which he used as a walking cane. The club was about 2 1/2 inches through, and was heavy enough to make a deadly weapon. He did not slip up and strike her down, as has been reported, but stood talking to her some ten or fifteen minutes, asking her again if she would not live with him. On her starting off he told her to wait and he would give her some money. She approached him, when he stuck her with a club. The wounds on her head alone were enough to have killed her, but he drew the razor and cut her throat from ear to ear. The cries of Miss Josie brought Andy McRunnals to the scene. He immediatly started for town and issued warrants, which were put in the hands of Constable Holmes, who selected as deputies Jasper Russell and two Chapman boys, (Forth's cousins) who started west on the road Forth had taken. A crowd gathered while the inquest was being held over the body of Mrs. Forth by Esguire Alvis; the body of Forth had been found by Ves Powlees and John O'Mare in Mr. Milner's barn, about a quarter of a mile distant. An inquest was held over his body which found he had come to his death by his own hands. After cutting his throat Forth walked to the other end of the barn, about 40 feet, and laid the razor on a log, then walking back he fell with his head over the scuttle hole. On his person were found $417 in money, a lock of his wife's hair, and a well worn pack of cards. The club used in the murderous assault was brought to town and is now on exhibition at Wm. Tenney's.
17. February 16, 1888.
LEE FORTH OF ARRINGTON, KILLS WIFE AND THEN SUICIDES
Monday morning of this week Mrs. Lee Forth left the home of her father, Wm. Ellis, for Johnsonville.....accompanied by her sister who is 13 years of age. When within about 2 miles of Johnsonville, in what is known as the Pennington Lane, Forth stealthily approached his wife from behind and knocked her down with a club, after which he struck her a number of blows, smashing her skull, and then finished the horrible deed by cutting her throat from ear to ear.....The murderer then escaped to the barn on the place of the late widow Milner, about 1/2 a mile distant.
When the barn was entered he, Forth had cut his own throat with the same razor. Forth and his wife had been married about two years, but have lived con't -165-
together only part of the time, and previous to the tragedy had been parted for some time. Her refusal to live with him is supposed to have been the cause of his murderous assault.
Their marriage resulted in one child, which is now about 1 year old. Forth had been making his home with his mother, Mrs. Frank BROWN, who lives 6 miles southwest of Johnsonville, and has often threatened his mothers life. His age was about 22 years. He was a terror to the whole neighborhood, always carrying a revolver and a dirk. He often threatened to burn the barn of his grandfather the late R. T. Forth....
Her funeral was preached on Tuesday....She was buried in the Johnsonville Cemetery. Forth's body was taken to his mother's with but little concern on the part of the people as to his burial.
30. 1930 Hickory Hill Twp., Wayne County Il., Roll T626-567 page 1b Ancestry.com.
John (Head) Male White 43 Married 23 no yes Il Il Il yes Farmer
Mae (Wife) F W 37 M 16 no yes Il Il Ind
Kelly son M W 13 S Il
Retee son M W 11 S
Perry son M W 9 S
Marie daughter F W 7 S
Wanda daughter F W 4 S
31. Wayne County Press, July 22, 1968 p.2 c 3.
JOHN W. FORTH, 82, SUCCUMBS; RITES HELD
FORMER JOHNSONVILLE-WAYNE CITY RESIDENT DIED AT ALTON LAST WEDNESDAY
John William Forth, 82, of Carlyle, former Wayne City resident died at Alton Wednesday morning. Funeral services were conducted from Richardson Chapel in Wayne City, with Rev. Billy Gra_____? and Rev Garrell Forth officiating. Interment was in Bailey Cemetery.
BORN NEAR JOHNSONVILLE
He was born near Johnsonville August 31st 1886, the son of Lee and Clara Ellis Forth. On April 11th 1909 he married to May Jones, who survives. Mr. Forth was a member of the Wayne City Baptist church.
THE SURVIVORS
In addition to his wife he is survived by four sons, Kelly, of Wayne City; Edmund of Sheridan; Perry of Carlyle; and Clarence of Marselles; three sisters? Mrs. Opal Witter, os Wayne City; Mrs. Loreen? Harris of Englewood, California; and Mrs. Wanda Jensen, of Detroit, Michigan; 18 grandchildren; and 28 great grandchildren.
Note: sisters should be daughters and Loreen should be Corrine
32. 1910 Indiana Prairie Twp. Wayne Co. Il., series T624 Roll 332 Page 191.
240/ 240 FORTH
John W. (head) M W 23
May D wife F W 17
Pearl daughter F W 2/12
33. Wayne County Press, Thursday April 4, 1985.
FORMER WAYNE CITY WOMAN DIES; WAS 92
A Breese housewife, Mrs.. May Forth, 92 former Wayne City resident died at 6:10 a. m. Tuesday, April 2, 1985 at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese. Mrs. Forth was the widow of John Forth. The couple moved from Wayne City in the mid 60's to Breese.
WAYNE CITY RITES
Funeral services were held at 1 p. m. Thursday (today) at the Richardson Funeral Home, Wayne City, with Rev. Garrol Forth officiating. Burial was in Bailey Cemetery. Mrs. Forth was born in Wayne County April 28, 1892, the daughter of Silas and Sarah Boyd Jones. She married John Forth, who died July 17, 1968. Mrs. Forth was a member of Aden General Baptist Church.
THE SURVIVORS
Survivors include three sons, Kelley and Curtis Forth both of Wayne City; and Perry Forth of Carlyle; three daughters, Mrs. Opal Witter, of Cisne; Mrs. Crawford (Corrine) Harris, of Englewood, Colo., and Mrs. Bernie (Judy) Jensen of Corneila, Ga. and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sons and a daughter.
34. 1900 IL Wayne Co. Orchard Twp., ED 107 Sheet A 1 of 47.line 14 3 / 3 Jones
Silas head WM Aug 1841 58 M 26 Indiana KY KY
Sarah wife WF Sept 1857 26 9 child 6 live Il Vir Vir
Elijah son WM Sept 1878 21 S Il IN IL
Ephrain son WM Apr 1883 17 S
Robert S. son WM Mar 1890 10 S
Dilila M. dau WF Apr 1893 8 S
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