(updated June 28, 2008)

The Family of

James Ellison and Isabella Riley

James Ellison and wife Isabella Riley

   James Ellison son of James B. Ellison and Mary Scott was born in Ballynahinch, County Down,  Ireland on March 6, 1831. The exact date of James and Isabella's immigration to the United States has yet to be determined. Estimates would be 1850-1853. No records have been found that they immigrated together. No marriage record has been found, but it is possible according to the following article, that they were married in Ireland or New York State.   He later moved to Marietta, Saunders County, Nebraska in 1878. He died in Saunders County, Nebraska on July 23, 1907 and his wife was born bet. March 31, 1836 - 1838 in Mohill, County Leitrim, Ireland and died April 19, 1892 in Saunders Co., Nebraska.

Past and Present of Saunders County, Nebraska

    James and Isabella had five children:

1) James Henry Ellison married Myrtle Louise Smith

2) Sarah (Taddie) Ellison married Charles Stockert

3) Isabella (Nannie) Ellison married George Bell

4) Ellen Maude Ellison 

5) Leticia (Lettie) Ellison married Robert Love.

 Below is reference to James and Isabella in an article about their son James H. Ellison in the

"Past and Present of Saunders County, Nebraska"

 S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. , 1915 pg. 439

James H. Ellison

    James H. Ellison is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Saunders county and for many years has engaged in farming on section 17, Marietta precinct. He was born at Eagle Harbor, Michigan, on the 7th of March 1865, of the marriage of James and Isabella Ellison, both of whom were natives of Ireland, though they were reared in New York state. In 1878 they came to Saunders County and the father took up the first homestead in Marietta precinct. He developed a good farm from what was a tract of wild prairie land when it came into his possession and thus aided in promoting the agricultural advancement of his community. He also helped to build the main line of the Union Pacific Railroad. For two years the family resided in a sod house, which at the end of that time was replaced by a small frame shack. It was necessary to go to Plattsmouth for provisions and there were many inconveniences and often hardships to be endured. He persevered, however, in the hundred acres of good land. He was a populist in his political belief and a Presbyterian in religious faith. He died July 23, 1907, and his wife passed away on the 19 of April, 1892.

   James H. Ellison was reared at home and attended the public schools in his boyhood during a short period of each winter. He then turned his entire attention to helping with the farm work and when twenty-five years old began his independent career. He now owns a good farm on one hundred acres on section 17, Marietta precinct, and its excellent  improvements indicate his prosperity. He is prompt and energetic in carrying on the farm work and seldom fails to harvest good crops, while he derives a substantial addition to his income from the sale of his stock.

   On the 24th of August, 1893, Mr. Ellison was united in marriage to Miss Myrlte Smith, a daughter of Charles D. Smith, formerly of Fennimore, Wisconsin. Two children have been born to this union, namely: James Donald, born July 21, 1900, who is attending the Wahoo high schools; and Dorothy Autumn born October 1, 1905 who is a pupil in the country school. Mrs. Ellison was born in Grant County, Wisconsin, August 25,  1873, and was a graduated at the Fennimore (Wis.) high school, and during her younger womanhood she was a teacher in the public school. She is a Presbyterian and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

   Mr. Ellison holds membership in the Masonic order at Wahoo, belonging to both the blue lodge and chapter, and he is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Wahoo. In politics he votes independently, refusing to be bound by the dictates of a party leader. He is now serving as a member of the school board, of which he has been a member for thirty years, or since he was twenty-one, and he takes the interest of a good citizen in everything relating to the public welfare. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He attributes his success to his willingness to work hard and his constant study to increase his ability as an agriculturist.

For more detailed information on the James and Isabella Ellison family see 

Dan Reese: http://hometown.aol.com/reesedp/MAINPAGE.html

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