Titus Co., TX - Military: SGT John Riley ELLIS, Cavalry, CSA ************************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGENWEB Archives by: William David Farnham (ww2x57@aol.com) Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************** A research paper prepared by: William David Farnham member Sons of the Confederate Veterans Brookhaven Light Artillery Camp # 1839 Brookhaven, Mississippi ================================== SGT John Riley ELLIS, CSA, Cavalry, FIRST Texas Legion Titus/Morris County, Texas ================================== Note: Early Marriage Records (prior to 1875) in Titus County TX are not available in the County Clerk’s Office due to a courthouse fire (in 1875) which destroyed most of the County’s official records. Also, these dates are important for the reader: Titus County was established from Red River County in 1847, with Mount Pleasant as the County Seat. Morris County was organized from Titus County on 12 May 1875, with Daingerfield as the County Seat. SGT John Riley Ellis CSA was born in the State of Tennessee on 08 Dec 1841 on the Duck River. This River is some 270 miles long, is located in Central TN, and flows into the Tennessee River. I do not know the exact location on the River where the ELLIS family lived. He came to Texas (present day Titus/Morris County) via a wagon train with his parents sometime between 1848-1850@ (See Comments Below). The Ellis family settled in the area North of Cookville Texas near White Oak Creek. His father - William - was one of the pioneer families of Titus/Morris County TX area. He was William M. Ellis b 12 May 1807 North Carolina d 17 Mar 1894 in either Titus or Morris County TX. John Riley’s mother was Nancy Riley and she was b 22 May 1808 North Carolina and she died in either Titus or Morris County TX on 06 Aug 1899. They are both buried in the Coopers Chapel Cemetery, Titus County TX. Of note: John Riley’s wife Margaret died due to complications at childbirth of daughter Anna. Margaret died almost three years before her mother in law, Nancy. @1848-1850: I do not think that the William Ellis family was in either Titus (or present day Morris County) in 1847 because we are told the following: “Excerpts from J. H. King Memories Year 1847 - just before Christmas we moved 3 miles West and 35 degrees North, to the Horse Creek Neighborhood (Community) of Titus County, Texas. (The area somewhat North of present day Cookville Texas). We had a school and a church, there were 11 other families, some were even as close as a half-mile; others much further North. They were J. B. Keith, D. Young, Warren Cash Keith, William Keith and wife (they parents of the other Keiths), Jo Keith, J. H. Keith, William Tigert, William Heath, William Taylor, Jas Spencer, John Rogers and his wife.” re: Ben K. Green Papers (AR326). The University of Texas at Arlington Library. When he was 19 years old, John joined the Confederate Army. He first was mustered into the Confederate 27th Cavalry (Texas), Company “E” as a Private on 03 Aug 1861 by Lieutenant Colonel McRae. There is some evidence that he participated in operations at Wilson Creek MO in the fall of 1861 but I am not sure about this; but I do know that he travelled some 450 miles and returned to Daingerfield TX in the month of December 1861. He was enrolled at Daingerfield, TX by Capt. E. B. Hawkins’ in his Company of Whitfield’s Battalion of Texas Volunteers for the period of 12 months service. At Daingerfield, on 31 December 1861, he was reassigned to Company "A" of the 27th Regiment, Texas Cavalry (Whitfield's Legion) (lst Texas Legion). His Company was named the "Titus Invincibles" (men from Daingerfield, Morris and Titus County) and they lived up to that name over the next three and one half years. His Unit was organized on 02 April 1861 with 13 Companies (A to M) and enlisted for 12 months. It was reorganized in May 1862 under the “Conscript Law” for an additional term of 2 years or War; and the Unit was assigned to Whitfield’s Legion - this Legion was purely a cavalry Unit. Company “A” was originally a Texas Company, which had been first assigned to 2nd Regiment AR. Mounted Rifles, and was even transferred (on paper) to this organization in November 1861. It was then reassigned back to Whitfield’s legion by order of Brig. Gen. Benjamin McCulloch’s Army of the West at Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Unit left Titus County, in late February 1862, and proceeded across the State of OK to Ozark AR and then on to the Pea Ridge AR area; there to participate in the first of many battles. There is some evidence that John had been in Northeast AR in the fall of 1861 in operations against the Indians from OK; again I can not confirm this information. Little did young John realize - when he joined the Confederate Army - that he was about to travel such a long and dangerous trail throught many Southern States, face so many hardships, fight in so many battles, and through it all live to return home some three and one half years later. To really appreciate his hardships, the miles traveled on horseback, and the many battles fought by this fine young man, and for him to be able to survive; one must actually read the dates and battles that he participated in while gone from home. In this regard, I believe that the impartial historians, even today, when they collect up the facts and figures, will show that the Winfield’s Legion, also known as the First Texas Legion, participated in more actual battles, skirmishes, and actions (over 75 various type engagements during its career), over a longer and sustained period of time, and covered (on horseback) greater distances in a very short time than any other regiment on the Southern Side. “SO,...... come stroll across the faded pages of Civil War history with me and lets see where he travelled and learn of the real hardships faced by this young man. In your veins flows his blood and the blood of his fathers. He is indeed the spirit of your ancestors.” For sure, GOD must have rode in the saddle with him at all times. We are told by other members of Company “A” that SGT Riley was “a fine soldierly looking young man who had a frank, open face, which was inclined to brightness. Actually a handsome individual with long hair; he was quite a character. In all things he showed himself a true soldier. He rode a stout and very beautiful Red Roan horse that he called “MARK.” We are further told that when he returned home (after some four years in the service) that his mother found him “much lighter in weight, bright gray eyes, long hair and thick beard.” I cannot by research determined when and where he obtained this horse (we do know it was after 19 Sep 1862 and before 3 Oct 1862 and most probably in the State of Mississippi) (he had most probably been paid “compensation” for the loss of his first horse) but we do know that he must have had a very strong feeling toward him (probably because of what they both went through during the War). He is quoted as once saying something to the effect “It has been more than twenty-three years since MARK was alive, but in all these years I can still see and bring back vividly the picture of that devoted horse and our times together. Time erases many things from our memory; the events of war, care, family sorrow and trouble make us forget, but nothing but the coming of the MASTER shall take MARK from my recollection. More than once, he did his duty and saved my life.” 10Jun2003. Further research would suggest that perhaps (and I cannot confirm this) that John Riley may well have taken this horse from a Union Officer (cavalry). It appears that perhaps he killed this individual - in battle - and took his weapon and some items of his clothes (perhaps his boots). I find this of interest: Mounting the Cavalry. By act of the Confederate Congress, dated March 6, 1861, all volunteers for the mounted arm were required to furnish their own horses and necessary equipment. In return, each man was to receive .40 cents a day per diem for the use of his horse. Compensation (value at mustering) was provided if the animal was killed in action or died of wound, but no reimbursement was allowed if it succombed to disease or the rigors of campaigning. The Confederate Quartermaster was responsible for providing grain, hay, and fodder. All horses brought into service were branded with the letters “CS.” By adopting the plan of individual ownership, the Confederate Government felt that recruits would obtain better mounts than could be supplied and consequently would take better care of their own animals than if they were government property. The Civil War and SGT John Riley Ellis 1861 August 3, 1861, Mustered into Service as a Private in Company “E” (Men from Red River County) *December 8, 1861, Birthday - 20 years old and he is in the State of Texas December 31, 1861, Reassigned to Company “A” as a Private; at Daingerfield TX. 1862 February, 1862, Enroute to Northwest AR. March 6-8, 1862, In his first Battle at Pea Ridge, Nentonville, Leetown and Elkhorn Tavern, AR March 9, 1862, Took departure from NW AR and began the trip, via Memphis TN, to the State of Mississippi; and the Corinth Campaign. April-June 1862, Fought in the Corinth Campaign, MS. May 8, 1862, He was elected as 4th Sergeant of Company “A”, 1st Texas Legion Cavalry. A position that he held for the duration of the Civil War. September 19, 1862, Fought in the Iuka, MS battle. September 19, 1862, He is listed as absent from his Company as wounded (he was shot in the arm and in the leg), captured and paroled at Iuka, Mississippi. His brother William is also shot this day in this battle and William was dead when John Riley found him. October 3-4, 1862, Fought again at the Corinth, MS battle. October 14, 1862, Confederate Cavalry, Texas, J. R. Ellis, Sergeant, Company “A”, 1st Texas Cavalry, Appears on a List of Prisoners of War captured at the battles of Iuka, on the 19th of September, 1862; of Corinth, on the 3d and 4th, and of Hatchie, on the 5th and 6th of October, 1862; who have been paroled by Union Forces. List dated Headquarters, Corinth, Miss, Provost Marshal’s Office, Oct. 14, 1862. October 31,1862 - Jan 10, 1863, Participated in operations on the Mississippi Central R. R. from Bolivar, TN to Coffeeville, MS. (against Grant’s Central Mississippi Campaign) December 3, 1862, Action at Oakland, MS. December 7, 1862, Fought in the Oakland, MS skirmish. *December 8, 1862, Birthday - 21 years old. He is in the State of Mississippi December 20, 1862, Fought in the Holly Spring, MS battle. December 21, 1862, Fought in the Davis’ Mill, MS battle. December 24, 1862, Fought in the Middleburg, TN battle. 1863 February 16-19, 1863, Fought in the Yazoo Pass, MS battle. March 5, 1863, Fought in the Thompson’s Station (Spring Hill), TN battle. May-July 1863, Participated in the Vicksburg Campaign, MS. May 5, 1863, Skirmish at Big Sandy Creek, MS. May 8, 1863, Skirmish at Big Sandy Creek, MS. May 9, 1863, Skirmish at Big Sandy Creek, MS. May 9-10, 1863, Skirmish at Utica, MS. July 8, 1863, Skirmish near Clinton, MS. July 9, 1863, Skirmish near Jackson, MS. July 10-17, 1863, Participated in the Jackson MS siege. July 20-21, 1863, Participated in operations against Scouts from Memphis, TN. September 27, 1863, Skirmish at Yazoo City, MS. September 28, 1863, Skirmish by a detachment at Brownsville, MS and at Canton, MS. September 29, 1863, Skirmish by a detachment at Moore’s Ford near Benton, MS. October 6, 1863, Fought in the Garrison’s Creek battle near Fosterville, TN October 15, 1863, Skirmish at Brownsville, MS. October 15-16, 1863, Skirmish at Canton Road near Brownsville, MS. October 16, 1863, Skirmish at Treadwell’s Plantation near Clinton and Vernon Cross Roads, MS October 16-18, 1863, Skirmish at Brownsville, MS. October 17, 1863, Skirmish at Clinton, MS. October 17, 1863, Participated in action at Bogue Chitto Creek, MS. October 18, 1863, Skirmish at Livingston Road near Clinton, MS. October 19, 1863, Skirmish at Smith’s Bridge, MS. October 20, 1863, Skirmish at Treadwell’s Plantation near Clinton, MS. October 22, 1863, Skirmish at Brownsville, MS. October 31, 1863, Skirmish at Yazoo City, MS. *December 8, 1863, Birthday, 22 years old. He is in the State of Mississippi 1864 January 16-18, 1864, Skirmish at Grand Gulf, MS. February-March 1864, Participated in the Meridian Campaign, MS, and operations against the Expedition up the Yazoo River. February 3, 1864, Participated in action at Liverpool Heights, Yazoo River, MS. February 4, 1864, Skirmish at Liverpool Heights, Yazoo River, MS. February 5, 1864 - March 2, 1864, Participated in operations against advance from Vicksburg to Meridian, MS. February 28, 1864, Skirmish near Yazoo City, MS. March 5, 1864, Action at Yazoo City, MS. March 22, 1864, Participated in engagement near Okolona, Ivey’s Hill farm, MS. April 20, 1864, Skirmish near Mechanicsburg, MS. May 15, - September 8, 1864, Participated in the Atlanta Campaign, GA. May 18-19, 1864, Combat near Kingston, GA. May 26-Jun 1, 1864, Combat in and around Dallas, GA. June 10-July 2, 1864, Conducted operations around Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain, GA. June 15, 1864, Combat at Brush Mountain, GA. June 20, 1864, Combat at Powder Springs, Lattimer’s Mills, and Noonday Creek, GA. July-September 1864, Participated in the Atlanta Campaign, GA. July 2-5, 1864, Conducted operations on the line of Nickajack Creek, GA. July 4, 1864, Combat at Ruff’s Station, Smyrna, GA. July 5, 1864, Skirmish at Nickajack Creek, GA. July 5-10, 1864, Operations on the line of the Chattahoochee River, GA. July 6-8, 1864, Skirmish at Nickajack Creek, GA. July 9-10, 1864, Skirmish at Nickajack Creek, GA. July 18, 1864, Skirmish at Buckhead, Nancy’s Creek, GA. July 22-24, 1864, Operations against Garrard’s Raid to Covington, GA. July 22-24, 1864, Action at Covington, GA. July 23-25, 1864, Participated in the Siege of Atlanta, GA. July 27-31, 1864, Operations against McCook’s Raid on the Atlanta and West Point R. R. and the Macon and Western R. R. in GA. July 28, 1864, In battle at Flat Shoals, GA. July 29, 1864, In battle at Lovejoy Station, GA. July 29, 1864, Action at Smith’s Cross Roads, GA. July 30, 1864, Action at Clear Creek, GA. July 30, 1864, Combat at Macon, GA. August 16-22, 1864, Participated in operations about Kilpatrick’s Raid on Atlanta, GA. August 18, 1864, Combat at Camp Creek, GA. August 19, 1864, Combat at Jonesborough, GA. August 19, 1864, Combat at Red Oak, GA. August 19, 1864, Combat at Flint River, GA. August 20, 1864, Combat at Lovejoy Station on the Macon and Wester R. R., GA. August 27-28, 1864, Action at Fairburn, GA. September 29 - November 3, 1864, Participated in Hood’s operations in Northern GA and Northern AL. September 30, 1864, Skirmish at Camp Creek, GA. October 9-10, 1864, Skirmish near Van Wert, GA. October 1864-January 1865, Participated in the Franklin-Nashville Campaigns, TN. November 22, 1864, Action at Lawrenceburg, TN. November 24, 1864, Action at Campbellsville, TN. November 24, 1864, Action at Lynnville, TN. November 24, 1864, Skirmishes near Colombia, TN November 28, 1864, Skirmish at Duck River Crossing, TN. November 29, 1864, Action at Columbia Ford, TN. November 29, 1864, Skirmish at Thompson’s Station, TN. December 1, 1864, Action at Owen’s Cross Roads, TN. December 5-7, 1864, Participated in demonstrations on Murfreesborough, TN. *December 8, 1864, Birthday, 23 years old. He is in the State of Tennessee. December 24, 1864, Action at Richland Creek, TN. December 24, 1864, Action at Lynnville, TN December 25, 1864, Action at King’s Gap near Pulaski, TN 1865 January 19, 1865, Skirmish at Corinth, MS. February 17-18, 1865, Participated in operations against the Expedition from Eastport to Iuka, MS. April 9, 1865, General Robert E Lee surrendered the Confederate Army to General U. S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. The Civil War was over. May 4, 1865, 4th SGT John Riley ELLIS on duty in Northeastern Mississippi was surrendered, at the close of hostilities, by Lieutenant General Richard Taylor, Commanding the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, at Citronelle, Alabama. His regiment was paroled at Meridian and Corinth, Mississippi and he begins the long journey back to his home in Titus/Morris County, Texas. The 4th of May was the date when the Unit was officially surrendered in AL; however, John Riley (his individual detachment) was actually surrendered on 13 May 1865 in or around present day Jackson MS. Research would indicate that he probably left the area that very day - heading home. July 4, 1865, John Riley (having been in the saddle since 13 May 1865) arrived home with his horse “MARK.” *December 8, 1865, Birthday, 24 years old. And, he has returned to his home in the Titus/Morris County TX area. The Specific Higher Command Assignments of John Riley’s Regiment were: April 29, 1862: Second Brigade, Price’s Division, Army of the West. Sept 19, 1862: Second Brigade, First Division, Army of the West. Oct 1, 1862: Second Brigade, First Division, Price’s Corps (Army of the West), Army of West Tennessee Jan 20, 1863: Third Brigade, Cavalry Corps, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana Feb 15, 1863: Second Brigade, Second Division, Cavalry Corps, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana June 4, 1863: Second Brigade, Jackson’s Cavalry Division, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana Oct 3, 1863: Chalmers’ Brigade, Chalmers’ Division, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana Nov 20, 1863: Second Brigade, Jackson’s Division, Cavalry Corps, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana Jan 20, 1864: Second Brigae, Jackson’s Division, Cavalry Corps, Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana Jun 20, 1864: ^^Ross’ Brigade, Jackson’s Cavalry Division, Army of Tennessee Dec 31, 1864: ^^Ross’ Brigade, Jackson’s Division, Cavalry Corps, Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana ^^Note: Talk about history............John Riley personally knew, was a friend of, and he served under Sul Ross (Lawrence Sullivan Ross (Capt/Texas Rangers, 1860)(Brigadier General, Civil War)(Gov. of Texas)(President of Texas A&M)) who became famous (prior to the Civil War) after his aggressive boldness in pursuing a Commanche raiding party/hunting camp at Mule Creek (a tributary of the Peace River) on 18 December 1860 which resulted in the battle of Peace River (Texas) in which Cynthia Ann Parker was recovered; she having been a white captive of the Commanche for over twenty-five years. Both John Riley and Sul Ross were Master Masons in the Masonic Lodges AF&AM. After the Civil War, John Riley became a rancher/farmer and a rather large land owner (although I am sure he sold some of his land) as proven, in part, by the following Titus and Morris County Abstracts of the “Original Land Owners of Texas.” Of course, we must remember that he lived in Texas (the South) before, during, and after the Civil War and thus he experienced all of the hardships associated therewith. He had also the myriad task of raising his large and young family after the unexpected death of his wife. I am sure that life was indeed hard for this family. Morris County TX Survey: John R. Ellis John R. Ellis GS&SF RR CO Grantee: J. Ellis J. Ellis J. Ellis Leage Sec: 30 29 716 ABST: 383 382 374 Titus County TX Survey: John R. Ellis Grantee: J. R. Ellis Acres: 158 ABST: 695 John Riley was a Master Mason (Charter Member) in the Omaha Morris County TX David Elliott Masonic Lodge # 364 AF&AM (It was Chartered by The Grand Lodge of Texas on 09 June 1873). He married on 24 Dec 1874 (in the home of his future father and mother-in-law) (he was 33 and his wife was 19) in Titus County TX Margaret Ann Cockran, she born 11 Jul 1855 in Titus County Texas (her father was born in TN and her mother was born in TX). John Riley and his wife Margaret Ann had eleven known children. She died on 18 Nov 1896 (following complications at childbirth) in Titus County TX. He died on 17 May 1925 in Titus County TX. They are both buried in the Coopers Chapel Cemetery, Titus County TX. She is buried beside two of their children - young son Edie and infant daughter Anna. John lived out the rest of his life, after Margaret’s death, on his farm (except for perhaps the last two years when he was struck with paralysis and he then lived with his oldest daughter (Nancy) and her husband (James)), North of Mount Pleasant, TX; he never remarried after the death of his wife and infant daughter Anna. John raised their 7 children; their ages at the time of their mother’s death were: 1. Nancy - 20 2. Para - 17 3. Bill - 15 4. John - 10 5. Maggie - 9 6. Kate - 7 7. Ada - 5 Some comments from Ms. Ruby (Gautney) Allen of Titus County, TX. “To find the old home place of my grandfather John Riley Ellis one would take FM 1001 North to Cooper’s Chapel Cemetery and the old Ranch house is about one mile down the road past the Cemetery; on the left side of the road. I went there many times and still go to a Family Reunion which is held the first week end of October every year. They come as far away as Pennsylvania for Saturday, Saturday night and Sunday till noon. Folks camp out and have breakfast and church on Sunday morning. My grandmother was 4l years of age when her last baby was born. She took pneumonia in two days and died and the baby died three or four days later, leaving my grandfather with seven small children. They really had it hard. He never married again. There was a one room school house at Cooper’s Chapel and the kids went there for a little education. A teacher there told my grandfather that John Marion was a very intelligent child and if possible send him to school some where. I don’t really know how he did it but John Marion went on and made an excellent Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). He practiced in Mount Pleasant many years. At one time I worked in his office. He had one son, John Marion Ellis II, who made an M.D. and I worked for him 37 years - retired 10 years ago when he retired. He was a very fine medical and surgical doctor at Titus County Memorial Hospital.” 28 May 2003 of interest: 1880 United States Federal Census State of Texas County of Morris Supervisor’s Dist # 2 Enumerator’s Dist # 95 Page 20 (95-02) Precinet # 3 23 June 1880 M. L. Higginbottom, enumerator Family-House-Name-Sex-Race-Age-Occupation-Birthstate (BS)-Father BS-Mother BS 178-178 ELLIS, J. R. - M W 38 Farmer TN NC NC ELLIS, Margaret A - F W 24 Keeping House TX TN TX ELLIS, Nancy - F W 03 Daughter TX TN TX (born 1876) ELLIS, Josephine* - F W 6/12 Daughter TX TN TX (born Sep 1879) *her name changed to Para Lee Ellis for a reason and at a time unknown to me. Perhaps the enumerator misunderstood her name and wrote “Josephine.” Family Father: John Riley Ellis+ Mother: Margaret Ann (Cockran) Ellis+ Children: 1.++ Son: John V Ellis b 18 Sep 1875 Morris County TX d 06 Jan 1876 Morris County TX 2.+ Dau. Nancy Della Ellis b 23 Nov 1876 Morris County TX d 10 Apr 1948 Titus County TX s m James M. (Hath) Harvey b 18 Jan 1875 d 29 May 1952 3.+ Dau. Para Lee Ellis b 23 Sep 1879 Morris County TX d 11 Sep 1971 Titus County TX s m Henry F. Hester b 09 Jul 1866 d 24 Jun 1940 4.+ Son: Bill R. Ellis b 22 Oct 1881 Morris County TX d 05 May 1950 h m Edna Smith b 16 Jan 1886 d 09 Sep 1976 5.++ Son: Joe L. Ellis b 19 Jan 1882 (1883 ?) Morris County TX d 07 Jul 1885 Titus County TX 6.+++ Son: John Marion Ellis b 03 Dec 1885 Morris County TX d 08 Sep 1947 Titus County TX h m Nancy Edna Speer b 18 Jun 1891 d 28 Oct 1988 Titus County TX 7.+ Dau: Maggie Ellis b 12 Mar 1887 Titus County TX d 27 Sep 1979 Titus County TX m Robert Denney b 24 Dec 1879 d 18 Dec 1933 8.++++ Dau: Kate Jane Ellis b 03 Aug 1889 Titus County TX d 18 May 1979 Titus County TX s m Arthur Jones Gautney b 18 Sep 1887 AL d 15 Apr 1968 Titus County TX 9. + Dau: Ada Elizabeth Ellis b 23 Apr 1891 Titus County TX d 01 Oct 1972 Titus County TX s m Isaac (Ike) Ransom Smith b 18 Sep 1888 d 15 Jan 1967 10.+ Son: Edie Riley Ellis b 28 Jul 1893 Titus County TX d 06 Jan 1895 Titus County TX 11.+ Dau: Anna Ellis b 16 Nov 1896 Titus County TX d 26 Nov 1896 Titus County TX. Note: Her mother (Margaret died on 18 Nov 1896 - two days after Anna’s birth; Anna then died eight days after her mother.) Note: + - buried Coopers Chapel Cemetery Titus County TX ++ - buried Old Union Cemetery Titus County TX +++ - buried Masonic Cemetery (Mount Pleasant) Titus County TX ++++ - buried Liberty Hill Cemetery Titus County TX Coopers Chapel Cemetery, Titus County, TX John Riley Ellis parents headstone W. M. Ellis Nancy Ellis 12 May 1807 22 May 1808 17 Mar 1894 06 Aug 1899 John Riley Ellis and wife’s headstone J. R. Ellis Margaret A. Ellis 08 Dec 1841 11 Jul 1855 17 May 1925 18 Nov 1896 Married: 24 Dec 1874 A Mason Co A lst Texas Legion Two small children of John Riley Ellis and his wife Margaret Ann Ellis Anna Ellis Edie R. Ellis 16 Nov 1896 28 Jul 1893 26 Nov 1896 06 Jan 1895 OBITUARY John Riley ELLIS John R. Ellis, one of the oldest residents of Titus County, died Sunday evening at 8 o’clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. M. Harvey, four miles north of town, after a lingering illness caused by a stroke of paralysis over two years ago. Much of this time he was unable to leave his bed. Mr. Ellis came to Titus County before the Civil War, and took up a homestead a short distance south of White Oak Creek, where he made his home until stricken with paralysis, when he moved to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey. He witnessed the progress of the county from a wilderness to its present condition, and always contributed much to the upbuilding of the things that made for improvement. He was honest and industrious, and held the respect of all who came in contact with him, and was universally recognized as one of the best citizens. He leaves two sons and five daughters to mourn his death, all of whom live in Titus County. They are Dr. J. M. and Bill Ellis, Mrs. Lee Hester, Mrs. A. J. Gautney, Mrs. J. M. Harvey, Mrs. Ike Smith and Mrs Robert Denney. His wife died a number of years ago. He was 83 years and 5 months of age at the time of his death. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Harvey residence by Rev. J. H. Hays, assisted by Rev. J. D. Fuller. After the services interment took place at the Cooper’s Chapel cemetery, near his old homestead, under the direction of the Omaha Lodge of the Masonic fraternity, of which he was a charter member. A large number of Mt. Pleasant people attended the funeral services. re: Mount Pleasant Daily Times, Mount Pleasant, TX , Tuesday, 19 May 1925, Obit OBITUARY Dr. John M. Ellis (son) of SGT John Riley Ellis. Dr. John M. Ellis Succumbs Monday to Effect Long Illness Dr. John Marion Ellis, practicing physician in Mount Pleasant for many years, died at his home at 1118 North Jefferson Avenue at 6:00 o’clock Monday morning. His death climaxed an illness from which he suffered for many years. Dr. Ellis was 6l years of age and was a veteran in the medical corps of the army in World War I. Also during World War II he served his country as county examining officer for prospective enlistees and draftees in the various branches of service. He was a competent physician, ministering to all who were in need of his services, and held the respect and esteem of everyone with whom he came in contact. Surviving him are his widow and one son, Dr. John M. Ellis Jr of St. Louis. Other survivors include a brother, B. R. Ellis, and five sisters, Mrs. Maggie Denney, Mrs. A. J. Gautney, Mrs. Hath Harvey, Mrs. Ike Smith and Mrs. Lee Hester, all of this county. Funeral services, arranged by Riddle undertakers were held at the First Baptist Church at 3:00 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, under the direction of the pastor, Dr. O. J. Chastain. Burial took place in the Masonic cemetery. Active pallbearers for final rites included: G. A. Mount, Joe Garrett, Dr. J. E. Witt, P. O. Wilhite, Ronald Florey and Millard Driggers. Honorary pallbearers were: Dr. W. A. Taylor, Dr. William A. Ferguson, Bird Old Sr., Dr. T. S. Grisson, Dr. T. R. Bassett, Dr. William Taylor, R. B. Cargile, O. L. Colley, G. G. Proctor, Frank Sims, Hugh Wilson and Dr. Jenkins of Daingerfield. re: Mount Pleasant Daily Times, Mount Pleasant, TX, Wednesday, 10 Sep 1947, Obit Research References: 1. Written and verbal conversations with Mrs. Ruby (Gautney) Allen, Year 2003, Mount Pleasant, TX (she g-daughter of SGT John Riley Ellis). 2. Ben K Green Papers (AR326). The University of Texas at Arlington Library 3. Surname: Ellis/Confederate/Cavalry - #94 ELLIS, John R., National Park Service / Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Research System, Washington, DC. 4. Compiled Military Service Record (SGT John R. ELLIS), CSA., National Archives, Washington DC. 5. Texas Regiments and Units in the Confederate Army (Muster Rolls of Texas Confederate Soldiers (Northeast Texas)) by Brothers. 6. Confederate Military Records/Historical Data, Confederate Research Center, Hillsboro College, Hillsboro, Texas 7. Confederate Cavalry Across the River, by Stephen B. Oates 8. The Handbook of Texas - OnLine 9. 1880 United States Federal Census, Morris County, TX, National Archives, Washington, DC. 10. Original Land Owners of Texas, State Abstract Files (Titus/Morris County TX), State Land Office, Austin, TX. 11. Selected Headstones / Coopers Chapel Cemetery, Old Union Cemetery, Masonic Cemetery (Mt. Pleasant), and the Liberty Hill Cemetery, Titus County, TX. Note: I am told by several different people that a book - titled “The Way It Was” has much info therein about the Ellis Family of Titus County Texas and John Riley in particular. I understand that this book was written by Dr. John M Ellis II of Mount Pleasant, Texas. I have never seen this book so I can neither confirm nor deny the above statement; however, Mrs. Ruby Allen of Mount Pleasant TX stated that she had a copy of the book. I do not know where one might purchase this book. Research Note of Interest. We know by facts and pictures that Jerome Roden Gautney b 1882 (the brother in law of Kate Jane Ellis) lived in Oklahoma City OK after 1 Feb 1905 and before 23 Jun 1912. We know also that he had a favorite horse (while living there) whose name was “Mark.” I have always wondered if he named his horse after SGT John Riley Ellis’ civil war mount; naming him because of stories he might have heard SGT Ellis tell about his horse. DVM George Lynn Upham of Tulare CA has a picture of Jerome Gautney’s horse - “Mark.” The Family “AT A GLANCE” John Riley Ellis’ parents and sisters and brothers are: William M. Ellis b 12 May 1807 NC d 17 Mar 1894 Titus County TX. Nancy Riley b 22 Mar 1808 NC d 06 Aug 1899 Titus County, TX. a. Sally A. Ellis b 10 Nov 1834 on the Duck River in TN d 11 Apr 1912 Titus County TX s m George W. Gilpin b 27 Oct 1827 d 17 Oct 1909 Titus County TX. They b b Greenhill Cemetery Titus County TX b. Jane Ellis b 13 May 1836 on the Duck River in TN d 16 Jan 1888 Titus County TX s m W. H. “Billy” Summerlin b 03 May 1831 d 22 Feb 1908 Titus County TX. They b b Bridges Chapel Cemetery Titus County TX c. **John Riley Ellis b 08 Dec 1841 on the Duck River in TN d. William Ellis b Say 1843/1844 on the Duck River in TN d 19 Sep 1862 Iuka Tishomingo County MS (he a PVT, CSA and died as a result of wounds sustained at the Battle of Iuka MS). He b soldiers grave - UNC UMG prob. battleground in or around Iuka MS. e. Willis Ellis b Say 1845 on the Duck River in TN - (no history this member) Margaret Ann Cockran’s parents and sisters are: Lazarus “Cuff” Cockran b 25 Aug 1827 MS d 28 Mar 1910 Titus County TX Susan Delphia Riddle@ b 10 Oct 1831 KY d 03 Aug 1910 Titus County TX married: say 1848 Titus County TX a. Matilda Cockran b 20 Dec 1849 Titus County TX d 30 Jul 1930 Titus County TX s m John A. Wilhite b 15 Aug 1838 d 23 Oct 1924 Titus County TX. They b b Coopers Chapel Titus County TX b. **Margaret Ann Cockran b 11 Jul 1855 Titus County TX c. Alice Cockran - No history this member d. Susan Cockran - No history this member e. Several children (2 or 3) were born into this family but died as infants. They probably buried at Old Union Cemetery Titus County TX. 1850 Federal Census State of Texas County of Titus Reel M432-915/Sheet 110A/Page 218 Enumerator Wm M. Ewing, 19 Sep 1850 LN HM FM NAME AGE SEX OCCUP. WHERE BORN 36 219 219 Cockran, L. A. 23 M Farmer AL* (I think b. MS) 37 219 219 Cockran, Susan 18 F Keeping House KY 38 219 219 Cockran. Matilda 6/12 F -- TX Note: Cuff and his wife Susan are both buried in the Old Union Cemetery Titus County TX. Susan’s@ parents were Isaac William Riddle b xx Apr 1777 prob SC d 30 Nov 1861 Morris County TX and her mother was Anna Grizzle/Grizzell b 18 Jul 1784 prob SC d 29 Dec 1856 Morris County TX. They both buried in the Blevins Cemetery, Cason, Morris County TX This paper has been prepared to try and show some of the civil war history and other events in the Life of John Riley ELLIS and his wife Margaret. It is well documented and will serve, in the future, as a source for those (perhaps yet unborn) who may ask “from whom do I descend” and who, at some time in the future, may have a desire to “climb his or her family tree.” This paper has been made possible by the outstanding assistance of Mrs. Ruby Allen of Titus County, Texas. I thank her very much. --------------------------------------