Ezra M. Ellis, 1802-1886

ELLIS

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/31/2009 at 08:43:40

Sudden Death of an Old Pioneer

The friends and acquaintances of that old pioneer, E. M. Ellis of Emmet township will be shocked to hear of his sudden death which occurred yesterday [2 Sep 1886]. He had been working around at odd jobs during the day apparently in as good health as usual, and was found dead near the house in the afternoon only a short time after the family had noticed him actively at work.

Mr. Ellis belonged to that sturdy class of pioneers peculiar to the western country, who did more than their share of labor in order to lay the foundations upon which future generations could build.

Born in New Hampshire nearly four score years ago, he came when a young man to Illinois in 1835 taking a claim in Cook county near where the suburban town of Maywood is now located. Twenty years later he opened up a farm in Linn county, Iowa, from thence removing to Fairbault county, Minn., thence with his family to this county in 1867. [He homesteaded land in Section 28, Township 100, Range 34 W.]

At the time of his death he was getting ready to go to the Pacific coast as he was suffering from a throat and lung difficulty and dreaded the approach of cold weather.

His death follows closely that of his wife who died about three months ago, and removes an old family landmark as the children are all away--two daughters living in Minnesota; one in Missouri; two sons and one daughter residing in Portland, Oregon; two sons in Dakota.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett. Source: Northern Vindicator, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, September 3, 1886.

The funeral of E. M. Ellis was held at the family residence last Sunday, Rev. R. B. Whitacre officiating. But few of the immediate relatives could be present, several grandchildren and two daughters residing in Minnesota being all that could reach home in time for the ceremonies. [The burial took place at East Side cemetery.]

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett. Source: Northern Vindicator, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, September 10, 1886.