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Facts and Events
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Obituary of Mary Ellis, in the New Orleans, "Christian Advocate" Methodist newspaper, Issue of 29 Aug 1860.
MARY ELLIS, wife of Rev. Stephen Ellis, died August 12th 1860. She was born near Natchez, Miss.; removed in infancy to Washington parish, La., with her parents; was married Sept. 12th 1822, and united herself with the Methodist E. Church in 1828. From the happy day on which she gave her heart to God she continued till the period of her death an humble and consistent christian. Through checkered scenes of joy and sorrow, she pursued the even tenor of her way, displaying the "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit." As a wife, she had but few equals, and perhaps no superior. As a mother, it need only be said, that "her children arise up and call her blessed;" and as evidence of her efforts to guide their minds aright, nearly all of them have become the subjects of divine grace. As a friend and neighbor, it may be truly said of her---
"None knew her but to love,
None named her but to praise."
R. Babington,
Franklin[ton], La., August 14, 1860
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Tombstone photo of Mary Ellis, Ellis Cemetery, Franklinton, Louisiana, www.findagrave.com.
- ↑ 1850 Federal Census, Livingston Parish, Louisiana, p 338, 33/33.
- Letter from Stephen Ellis to his brother, Ezekiel Parke Ellis, Special Collections, Hill Memorial Library, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Transcribed by S. Holdrege, January 14, 2010.
At home August 17th 1860
Dearly Beloved
Brother and Sister, I suppose John informed you of our imparabled [?] and deplorable loss. oh! it even seems like something that is not real. It constantly appears that she will soon return to us but alas! alas! not on Earth but the direct prospect of future Union is the only consolation for though she expressed but little during her illness relative to her future prospects, I have no doubt of her acceptance with God and I hope through his Grace to meet her there. There is no possible chance to describe my poor feelings. I am lost at every place except her grave. There I seem to be with her. Oh! how beggarly is human language in trying to express any feelings on the Subject, now I know how others have felt under similar bereavements.
I know you Sympathize with me for I do not believe that she really loved any of her own Brothers better than she did her Brother EP and though she never showed much yet she was a woman of very deep feelings and strong and lasting Sympathies.
What will become of us I know not. Philip is dangerously sick, the rest some better. I have had to muse more than ever through life for the last three weeks, and cannot tell when it will end. Pray for us―that we may have grace to bear hardships as good Soldiers of Jesus Christ. Our loss is beyond description but we must Submit. Oh! if I could have gone with her; but perhaps it is best as it is, for we have children yet incapable of doing for themselves, and perhaps God has spared me for their benefit. Oh! how I need your advice & Sympathy now. If the family recovers its health, I think I can leave them. I shall be at your place next week or so soon after as possible. My crop is a complete failure.
Your office matters are all attended to. Nothing new in the vicinity.
My dear children are trying to keep house but seem to be at a great loss and so am I, but we must do the best we can under the circumstances. Pray for us. Our love to all your children―
May the God of Love and peace be with, comfort and bless you all.
Your affectionate, but disconsolate Brother
Stephen
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