My Genealogy Hound

S. W. ELLIS, farmer, P. O. Feesburg. This name we find to be of Scotch extraction. S. W. is a son of Squire Abraham F. Ellis, and a grandson of Samuel Ellis. Of the latter and his four brothers, mention is made in the body of this volume mostly in Pleasant Township. A. F. Ellis was born in Virginia, in 1791, but from five years of age, grew to maturity in what is now Brown County, Ohio. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Amos and Mary Ellis, December 24, 1813. They first settled near the present Sink Creek Schoolhouse, where they lived until about 1822, when he purchased 100 acres of land in Lewis Township, R. K. Mead’s Survey, No. 1661. In this vicinity, he lived for many years, and died May 27, 1862. He was a patriot in the war of 1812, and during life became a man of opulence; owning broad acres, and serving a number of years as Justice of the Peace. He was a man of medium height, heavy-set, square shouldered and possessed of a strong constitution, which enabled him to withstand many pioneer difficulties. He began to clear his farm in Lewis Township, with but little assistance, as his children were either girls or small boys. Early in his settlement in Lewis Township, he carried on coopering and furnished the pioneers with pork, flour and whisky barrels. Though he never learned the trade under instruction, he made a good barrel. It is said of him that when a youth of seventeen, he encountered and killed the last bear seen in Pleasant Township. Mrs. Ellis was about four years her husband’s junior, and died August 3, 1866. They were both members of the Church, of the Disciples, in which faith they died. Their children were twelve in number, viz.: Perry Q., Mary, Indiana, Minerva, John W., Eliza A., Samuel W., William P., Matilda, Abraham M., Elizabeth J. and Warren W. Of the twelve, seven are now living. The subject of this sketch is the seventh child; he was born January 26, 1826, in Lewis Township. He was raised to farm life, and obtained a common school education. He remained at home with his father until August 7, 1851, when he married Helen M. Norris, of a pioneer family of Lewis Township. Her birth, dates July 1, 1834. To this union have been given two daughters, viz.: Jennie N. Croswell and Mary Bell, wife of Charles G. Thompson. Mr. Ellis has always been a resident of Lewis Township, and now owns a farm of 129 ¾ acres, which is well improved and under good cultivation. He is one of the well to do citizens, and is interested in the cause of education, having prepared both of his daughters for teaching, in which profession both have served.