James Ellison Jr.
(15 Mar 1809 - Mar 1851)
Last updated 09/23/09
Outline
CHILDREN:
James Ellison Junior was born to James Ellison Senior (c1778 - c1835) and Elizabeth (__) Ellison (b. 1783 -) in South Carolina on 15 Mar 1809 [4]. James Ellison, Sr. and Elizabeth took their children, Robert, James Jr. and Berry to the Blue Springs Hollow area near Lost Creek in then Claiborne County. This area would be annexed to Union County, TN in 1858.
The Ellisons were farmers, had very little assets and never received much of an education until the first school house was built in Claiborne County. Some of their children attended school but James and Eliza never learned to write but could read. Most of the Ellison boys enlisted in the Union Army, Tennessee Volunteers. James died at age 59 and Eliza died in her mid 60s. They lived very difficult lives and had very little assets and left no wills. Eliza witnessed their country in ruins after the Civil and lost her youngest child in the war.
Timeline
1819 (age 10)
At some point prior to 1820,
James Ellison Senior and his two sons James Ellison Junior
(b. 1809) and Berry Ellison, Sr (b. 1810) moved from
South Carolina to Claiborne County, Tennessee. James' brother married to Catherine (Boruff) Ellison
and lived near James most of his life.
1829 (age 20)
Circa 1829 James
Ellison Junior and his 16-year old neighbor, Eliza Ausmus (1812 - aft
1880) give birth to their first child, Nancy.
Eliza was the daughter of
Henry
Ausmus and Malinda Price who had moved to Speedwell, Tennessee
circa 1807 from Washington County, Tennessee shortly after their marriage in
Washington County, TN. Nancy Ellison married John Clemmons and
had several children. Nancy was left widowed young and lived most of her life
with her mother.
1830 (age 21)
When the 1830 census was taken
for Claiborne County 21 year old James Ellison Junior
can be found living next to his father James Ellison Senior (age
50-60). James’ brother, Berry Ellison I is also living nearby and is
listed on the same census page.
Although Eliza's name is not directly stated, the census shows James' wife, Eliza (Ausmus) Ellison between the age of 16 and 20. James and Eliza have a daughter less than 5 years of age who was born in Tennessee. This would be Nancy Ellison who was born in 1829. Thirty years later, when the 1860 census was taken, 31 year old Nancy can be still living with her mother at home. Nancy married a Clemmons.
Jul 1831 (age 22)
James and Eliza give birth to
Henry Clay Ellison (Jul 1832 - 17 Apr 1895). He was named after Eliza's
father. Henry served in the 1st Regiment of Company "C" for the Tennessee
Volunteer Infantry. He married Elizabeth Mahaley O'dell on 23 Dec 1852
[another reference states 10 Oct 1851] in that part of Claiborne County that would be ceded to Union County, TN.
Elizabeth was buried in the Braden Cemetery in Speedwell, TN. They had the
following children:
Eliza M. Ellison m. Harvey Williamson
William Marshall Ellison (23 Dec 1855 - 21 Aug 1935) m. Katie Ausmus, dau of Benjamin Ausmus, Jr.
Sarah "Cumae" Ellison (20 Feb 1857 - ?) m. James Edwards (1834 - 14 Aug 1912)
Benjamin Wiley Ellison (6 Apr 1859 - 27 Jul 1944) m. Mary Marie Kivette (22 Feb 1860 - 5 May 1932)
Abraham Lincoln Ellison (30 Aug 1861 - 23 Apr 1947) m. Rachael Edwards (6 Jun 1864 - 3 Feb 1928)
Berry Ellison (September 19, 1863 – 25 Jul 1951) m1 Adeline Edwards m2 (Annie C. Edwards)
Elizabeth Paradine Ellison (Jun 1865 - ?) m. Andrew Commings Braden (Apr 1830 aft 1930). They moved to Blue Creek and Ogllalia, Nebraska
David McMillan Ellison (10 Oct 1868 - ?) m. Susan Edwards (24 Apr 1867 - 9 Feb 1916)
Mary "M" Emily Ellison (22 Feb 1872 - 5 May 1932) m. Marion Ellison
Benjamin Wiley Ellison (1842 - 18 Apr 1862)
| Name: | Henry Ellison |
|---|---|
| Side: | Union |
| Regiment State/Origin: | Tennesee |
| Regiment Name: | 1 Tennessee Infantry |
| Regiment Name Expanded: | 1st Regiment, Tennessee Infantry |
| Company: | C |
| Rank In: | Private |
| Rank In Expanded: | Private |
| Rank Out: | Private |
| Rank Out Expanded: | Private |
| Film Number: | M392 roll 5 |
ELIZABETH M. ELLISON...Widow of Henry ELLISON, a Private in Co. C. Regiment 1
Tenn. Cal., Infantry...Affidavit made by soldier Henry ELLISON 1877 that he
was wounded accidentally in the service by a fellow soldier while in line of
his duty 1865, Dec. 17, near Morristown, Tenn. that I was on detail duty. The
second section on the page seems to be someone s summary of reports on Henry s
C.W. duty and his injury... Under command of Colonel Palmer of the 15th
Pennsylvania Regiment order from General Burnside Affidavit made in Union Co.
Tenn. 1876 by 2nd Lieutenant Caide M. Rogers who states he was detailed on
duty by Gen Burnside and etc., same place as above. Also affidavit made in
Union County, Tenn. by Berry Ellison, Wm. W. Braden, Privates in Co. C, Tenn.
Inf., Vol. were attached to the fifteenth Penna. Calv. and while in
Morristown, Dec. 1873, This date must be an error while on march and in line
of duty while soldiers were through fence, said soldier was dismounted and
another soldier s horse ran against the said Henry Ellison s horse and the
soldier s gun fired and shot said soldier through the left leg and etc. The
soldier died 4 17 1895 shown by affidavit of Marion W. ELLISON and Andrew C.
BRADEN, Union Co., Tenn. Affidavit of widow for pension in Union County,
Tenn., 1895, states her maiden name was Elizabeth M. Odle, and married Henry
Ellison 12 23 1852, by Wm. Williams, Reverend, Claiborne County, Tenn., that
her husband enlisted in Barboursville, Kentucky. Affidavit of Elisa Nelson in
Campbell County, Tenn., age 71, as she was at their wedding about 12 1851 or
1852... The latter document states that Elizabeth was buried at Broden
[Braden] Grave Yard, 13th Dis., said county... It is uncertain if said county
refers to Union or Campbell Co., TN The single page ELLISON family genealogy
states that the three brothers, Berry, Ben and Henry ELLISON are probably
buried in the National Cemetery in Knoxville [5].
1833 (age 24)
Berry Ellison, Sr (1810 - a1870) is listed in the 1833 tax lists for males over the age of 21 in Claiborne County. Barry, husband of Catherine Boroff is listed amongst, John Braden, Henry Braden, John Braden Jr., Joseph Dunn and his brother-in-law, Christian Boruff. Also on the list is Robert Ellison (1805 - ?) who is surrounded by the following neighbors, Anthony Sharp, George Sharp, William Sharp, the Ellingtons and Bartlett O'dell. Thomas Ellison. is also on the list, but appears to have no relations. Neither James Ellison Junior or Senior is on the list.
Mar 1835 (age 26)
James' father, James Ellison, Sr dies in Claiborne County, TN and is buried in the Braden Graveyard in Lost Creek, present day, Union County, TN. James' widowed mother moves into his home.
23 Feb 1836 (age 27)
James Ellison Junior and Eliza (Ausmus) Ellison give birth to
Berry Ellison, Jr. (23 Feb 1836 - 4 Oct 1924) who is born in
Claiborne County, Tennessee. Berry
was a farmer all his life and served in Company "C" in the 1st Tennessee
Volunteers. He was 5'-10" tall had dark hair with a light complexion and dark
eyes [pension cert said grey eyes]. He had an uncle with the same name that
would leave no ancestrial trace. Berry Jr. would later marry Piety Boruff
(13 Mar 1834 - 3 Mar 1905) dau of Christian Boruff on Feb 22, 1855 in
Campbell Co, TN by Reverend William Williams. As declared
by his widowed pensioner, they had 8 children [1]:
In 1890 James' son, Berry was a resident of Phebe, Union County and was “partly unable to earn a support by manual labor by reason of Lumbar Rhumatism. [arthritis in the back] and kidney and bladder disease.
In a statement recorded in Claiborne County 24th day of Feb 1891, Herald Overbay and William W. Braden swore the following:
In the matter of Claim of Berry Ellison for Pension no 884 279, Herald Overbay, a resident of Speedwell and William W. Braden a resident of Phebe in Union County duly swore that they are personally acquainted with Berry Ellison the claimant and have been for several years and know that he suffering from Physical Disabilities of a permanent character not the result of his own vicious habits which incapacitates him for the performance of manual labor in such a degree as to render him unable to earn a support.
In 1923 James' son, Berry was totally blind in right eye, “it required very loud talking to hear”, and "he was nervous with other general disabilities and Heart disease”.
In a hand written letter recorded Nov 30, 1923 by Daniel Peirce or Price of Speedwell, TN:
I Daniel Price of Speedwell Tennessee after being duly sworn depose and Say Chart I am 63 years of age.
That I have Been the regular attendant of Berry Ellison Certificate No. 866.651 from May 7, 1922 to the present date.
That it has required the regular aid and attendance of an other person from May 7, 1922 to the present date to assist the said Berry Ellison in dressing and undress him self also assist him at the table in serving all his meals and attending the calls of nature by reason of Partial Blindness Patial Deafiness, nervousness and a general disabilities and Heart Disease and the said Berry Ellison is intitle to home Examination as he is unable to attend the Board of Sergeons.
This Nov 23, 1923
Daniel Pierce
Berry died Oct 4, 1924 as stated in the “Drop Report” for pension.
c1838 (age 29)
James and Elizabeth give birth to William Ellison (1843 - ?) in Claiborne
County, TN. He may be the William Ellison who:
married Elizabeth Carroll (c1837 - ?) and had a son named Francis Ellison (c1859 - ?)
died on 24 Jan 1864 while fighting in the war and was buried in Richmond, Virginia
He should not be confused with William Ellison (b 1840), son of Elizabeth (b 1815) who had brothers named Timothy and Jeremiah who lived in Claiborne County, TN during the same time. These were and were likely cousins of this Ellison Line.
Ellison genealogy given to [4] stated he died before the war. However, he can be found one year prior living nex.
| Name: | William Ellison |
|---|---|
| Side: | Union |
| Regiment State/Origin: | Tennessee |
| Regiment Name: | 2 Tennessee Infantry |
| Regiment Name Expanded: | 2nd Regiment, Tennessee Infantry |
| Company: | E |
| Rank In: | Private |
| Rank In Expanded: | Private |
| Rank Out: | Private |
| Rank Out Expanded: | Private |
| Film Number: | M392 roll 5 |
1840 (age 31)
When the 1840 census was taken in Claiborne County, TN
James and his wife can be seen still
living next to James' brother, Berry Ellison Sr,
They have three young boys at home and one girl. These are known to be: Henry, age 9, Berry Jr. age 4, William age 2. Their neighbors also include:
John Hunter (40-50)
Henry Moyers (50-60)
John Braden (50-60)
John Braden (20-30)
David Lynch (30-40)
c1840 (age 31)
James and Eliza give birth to Benjamin Ellison. He was named after his
mother's brother, Benjamin Ausmus. At age 19, he enlisted in the Union Army
for the Tennessee Company “C” commanded by Captain Vincent Moyers
in the first Regiment of Tennessee Infantry Volunteers commanded by Col R. K.
Byrd. He contracted pneumonia while stationed at Camp Garber in Flat Lick, Kentucky and
died in the hospital on April 18, 1862 at the age of 22.
| Name: | Benjamin Ellison |
|---|---|
| Side: | Union |
| Regiment State/Origin: | Tennessee |
| Regiment Name: | 1 Tennessee Infantry |
| Regiment Name Expanded: | 1st Regiment, Tennessee Infantry |
| Company: | C |
| Rank In: | Private |
| Rank In Expanded: | Private |
| Rank Out: | Private |
| Rank Out Expanded: | Private |
| Film Number: | M392 roll 5 |
c1842 (age 33)
James and Eliza give birth to James Ellison. He must have died early as
there are no records beyond the 1850 census.
18 Nov 1850 (age 41)
When the 1850 census was taken for Claiborne County on the 18th day of November, 41 year old James Ellison and 38 year old Eliza (Ausmus) Ellison can be seen with their children. James’ mother, Elizabeth (__) Ellison. Their children are as follows:
Nancy Ellison 21
Berry Ellison II 14
William Ellison 12
Benjamin Ellison 9
James Ellison 7
Elizabeth Ellison 67
23 Dec 1852 (age 38)
James and Elizabeth's 26-year old son, Henry Ellison marries
Elizabeth M. Odell in Claiborne County, TN.
Mar 1851 (age 39)
As stated in Eliza’s pension
certificate, James Ellison Junior dies [at about the age of 39]
in March of 1851.
24 Jul 1854 (Eliza age 42)
Eliza's Ellison's oldest daughter, Nancy Ellison marries John Clemmens.
He would die soon after their marriage.
21 Nov 1858
The Blue Springs Hollow area of Claiborne County that the Ellisons lived on
was ceded to Union County.
1 June 1860 (Eliza age 48)
When the census was taken for Tazewell, Claiborne County, TN, Eliza and the
remainder of her family are living amongst her Ausmus nephews and next door to
her eldest sons, Henry, Berry and William and their young families. Eliza
cannot read or write but her children were afforded an education.
Feb 9, 1861 (Eliza age 49)
The Confederate States of America is formed
with Jefferson Davis, a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer, as
president.
April 12, 1861 (Eliza age 49)
At 4:30 a.m. Confederates under Gen.
Pierre Beauregard open fire with 50 cannons upon Fort Sumter in Charleston,
South Carolina. The Civil War begins.
April 15, 1861 (Eliza age 49)
President Lincoln issues a Proclamation
calling for 75,000 militiamen, and summoning a special session of Congress for
July 4. Eliza must have heard the news and shuttered for the safety
of her family, especially her teenage boys.
April 17, 1861 (Eliza age 49)
Tennessee secedes from the Union
forming an eleven state Confederacy with a population of 9 million, including
nearly 4 million slaves. The Union will soon have 21 states and a population of
over 20 million. Benjamin and Anna's sons would join with the Union.
1862 (Eliza age 40)
Eliza Ellison is listed as head of household when the tax list was tabulated
for Claiborne County, TN. She is living on 50 acres valued at $400 dollars.
After the death of James Ellison, Eliza would be looked after by her oldest son, Henry Ellison until the 1861 Civil War begins. Henry and all his younger brothers enlist in Company "C" for Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. William enlists in Company "E" of the second Tennessee Regiment. Also enlisted are Eliza's nephews and neighbors, John, Joseph and William Ausmus.
30
Apr 1862 (Eliza age 42)
James and Eliza's 22-year old son, Benjamin Ausmus contracts pneumonia and
passes away at Camp Garber in Flat Lick Kentucky.
24
Jan 1864 (Eliza age 44)
James and Eliza's 26-year old son, William Ausmus dies in Richmond, Virginia
[3].
9 Aug
1870 (age 58)
Eliza and her daughter, Nancy Clemmons are heading their household in Lost
Creek, Union County, Tennessee while living next door to Eliza's sons, Henry
and Berry Ellison. Eliza and Nancy are taking care of Nancy's children and
ensuring that the two eldest are attending school. 70-year old Elizabeth
O'dell is also living in the home. All three cannot write but can read.
They are listed as either, "deaf and dumb, blind, insane or idiot. Since they
could read, it means that they were not blind. They were likely mentally
challenged to some degree.
1871 (age +59)
References:
Mother’s Application for Army Pension
State of Tennessee
County of Claiborne
On this 23rd day of December A.D. 1871 personally appeared before the undersigned Clerk of the Chancery Court, a Court of Record within and for the County and State aforesaid, Mrs. Eliza Ellison aged 57 years, a resident of the County of Union in the State of Tennessee…widow of James Ellison deceased and mother of Benjamin Ellison, deceased, who was a private in Company “C” commanded by Captain Vincent Moyers in the first Regiment of Tennessee Infantry Volunteers commanded by Col R. K. Byrd in the war of 1861 who died while in the service aforesaid at Flat Lick in the State of Kentucky on or about the 1st day of June AD 1862 from the effects of Breast [pneumonia] incurred in the service aforesaid and whilst in the line of duty.
Attest:
Henry C. Harman
Eliza (Ausmus) Ellison
Personally appeared:
Hiram A. Kivett and Henry Ellison both of Union County.
Mothers Claim for Pension
The State of
She further declares, that her said son, upon whom she was Wholly dependent for support, having left no widow or minor child under sixteen years of age surviving, declarant makes the application for a Pension under the above-mentioned act, and refers to the evidence filed herewith, and that in the proper department to establish her claim.She also declares, that she has not, in any way, been engaged in , or aided or abetted, the Rebellion in the United States; that she is not in receipt of a pernsion under the second section of the act above mentioned, or under any other act, nor has she again married since the death of her son, the said Benjamin Ellison.…They further say, that the said, Benjamin Ellison who served and died, as stated in the foregoing declaration, left neither widow nor child surviving him; that he was the son of the said James Ellison and Eliza Ellison, born to them during the continuance of their aforesaid marriage; that the said James Ellison died the __ day of March 1851; that the said Eliza Ellison was Wholly dependent upon the said Benjamin Ellison for support…Sworn to and subscribed before me this 16 day of September A.D. 1864
Know all men by these presents, that I, Eliza Ellison of the 2nd District in the County of Claibornre and Satate of Tennessee do hereby constitute and appoint R.R. Butter of Knoxville, my true and lawful Agent or Attorney, for me ,a dn in my name to prosecute the claim presented by me for a pension by reason of the service of my late son, Benjamin Ellison.; deceased; and I do hereby authorize my said attorney…
16th day of September 1864
In the presence of
Henry Ellison
James N. Craig
Eliza Ellison
Mother’s Application for Army Pension
State of
On this 23rd day of December A.D. 1871 personally appeared before the undersigned Clerk of the Chancery Court, a Court of Record within and for the County and State aforesaid, Mrs. Eliza Ellison aged 57 years, a resident of the County of Union in the State of Tennessee…widow of James Ellison deceased and mother of Benjamin Ellison, deceased, who was a private in Company “C” commanded by Captain Vincent Moyers in the first Regiment of Tennessee Infantry Volunteers commanded by Col R. K. Byrd in the war of 1861 who died while in the service aforesaid at Flat Lick in the State of Kentucky on or about the 1st day of June AD 1862 from the effects of Breast [pneumonia] incurred in the service aforesaid and whilst in the line of duty.
Attest:
Henry C. Harman
Eliza Ellison
Henry Ellison
Personally appeared:
Hiram A. Kivett and Henry Ellison both of