Ellis, Fred, 1859?-1928

ELLIS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

From the Rock Valley Bee, February 24, 1928:

Fred Ellis Dies From Effects [of] Coal Gas

Fred Ellis died in Rock Valley Monday morning from the effects of gas from a hard coal heater. Mr. Ellis’ home is in Greeley, Colorado. He came here from Cherokee, Iowa, Saturday evening, and stopped at the hotel Saturday night. He was accompanied by Miss Estella Parmenter who was going back to his home with him. Miss Parmenter stopped with friends here, while Mr. Ellis went to the Parmenter house Sunday evening, built a fire in the hard coal stove and went to bed. When he did not appear Monday morning, Miss Parmenter went to the house but found it locked. She went for help and Herman Helmers came and unlocked the door. Mr. Ellis was still breathing when found, but died soon afterwards.

Mr. Ellis is a former resident of Rock Valley. He left here several years ago, going to Colorado. He spent one winter in California, but the rest of the time since leaving Rock Valley he spent at Greeley, Colorado. He is well remembered by all the older residents of this place. He was a man who was well thought of and highly respected by all who knew him. He leaves a wife and family at Greeley, Colorado, and one brother, Ray Ellis, who lives in California, and who is also a former resident of Rock Valley and well known here.

Mr. Ellis was born in New York, October 12, 1859. He came with his parents from New York to Jackson, Minn., where several years of his life were spent. Mrs. Ellis arrived Tuesday from Greeley, Colorado, and had the remains taken to Jackson, Minn., for funeral services and for burial.

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From the Alton Democrat, March 2, 1928, Rock Valley News:

Another tragedy occurred here Monday morning, Fred Ellis of Greeley Center, who arrived here Saturday evening to look after some business and had spent Sunday visiting old time acquaintances was found unconscious on the floor of the Parmenter home. Mr. Ellis had built a fire in the hardcoal burner Sunday afternoon and had passed the night in the home. He was clothed in night clothes when found. Doctors Huizenga and Lock were called, but the victim died without regaining consciousness, It is thought Mr. Ellis noticed the gas and tried to get out but could not. Deceased formerly lived here and had many friends here. He was a man of 70 years of age and is survived by his wife and 3 children. The body lies in rest in the home of Mrs. Estella Hastings where Miss Parmenter had spent the night.

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His death certificate includes no date of birth, but gives his age as 69 years, 4 months, 8 days; wife Maude Ellis; occupation, farmer, labor; born in New York, N.Y.; father Helon B. Ellis, born in New York, mother Lamanyon[?], born in New York; died at 7 a.m. February 20, 1928, of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

FiindaGrave.com gives his birth date as 12 Oct 1857 [which does not match his stated age]; buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, Minn.