In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From History of Harrison County, Iowa. Containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county. Together with portraits and biographies of all the go (1891)
ARION ELLIS, who has been a resident of Harrison County since March, 1875, is now a resident of section 34, Union Township. When he came to the county he rented a farm in Harrison Grove, of Benjamin Pugh. The following year he moved to a farm near Neola, Pottawattamie County, where he remained one year and then moved back to Union Township, renting a farm of Mr. Whittinger for three years. From there he moved to the ‘l forty ” on which he now lives, renting it one year before he purchased it. The place had a small log house upon it, but otherwise was well improved. The price paid per acre, was $20. After a few years he purchased eighty acres, to the east of this, for which he paid $15 per acre. This he broke up, built a story and a half house 16x24 feet, dug one well for use at the house and another for stock purposes, provided the place with numerous outbuildings, set out an orchard of one hundred trees, besides a large amount of shade trees.
Our subject was born December 28, 1851, in Davis County Mo., and is a son of Phillip and Mary Ann Ellis, natives of
Virginia, who reared a family of five children, our subject being the youngest. The family were born in the following order: John N., Nancy E., Owen, one who died in infancy, and Marion.
Mr. Ellis was married November 25, 1869, to Nancy (Deem) Elhs, daughter of Jefferson and Rebecca Deem, who were the parents of nine children.
Our subject and his wife are the parents of eleven children; J., born September 22, 1870; Cora M., January 21, 1872, Rebecca A., June 20, 1874, Eddie S., February 20, 1876, Orvil, June 24,
1878, Marion J., February 24, 1880,
Mary S., December 19, 1882, Lovinia M., June 5, 1883; Grover C., February 18, 1885; Christopher, December '19, 1887; Lillie L., April 27, 18S8.
Of these the following are deceased: Grover C. and Lillie L.
Politically, Mr. Elhs is identified with the Democratic party.
Viewing the life of this man, one finds he has passed through many vicissitudes, had done a great amount of hard labor. Upon coming to the county his only possessions were his horses, harness and wagon, and $18 in money, and from this small start he has made for himself a comfortable, home, and has the respect of all those within the radius of his acquaintance.
As printed in History of Harrison County, Iowa. Containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county. Together with portraits and biographies of all the go (1891). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1891. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.