| VOL III no. 2 | THE ELLER FAMILY ASSOCIATION | May 1989 |
Byron H. Eller, 6507 Jack Hill Drive, Oroville, CA 95966
Thanks to the splendid response from readers of the "Chronicles" we have additional information on OBADIAH ELLER to share with you. Charlotte Eller Marshall sent census records showing that Obadiah descended from (probable) Henry Eller, through son Amos Eller, who was born in 1799. A letter from Nancy Carr of Lexington, Oklahoma, received 9 March 1989, contains an 1850 listing from Rowan County, North Carolina, for the family of Amos and Elizabeth Eller. Obadiah was ten years of age, and his brother, Greenbury, was 18 years old. Amos, Obadiah's father, died sometime in 1856, and the 1860 census of Rowan County shows Obadiah and his mother living in the same household as Edward and Eliza Eller. Nancy states that this Edward Eller "was a brother or brother-in-law of Obadiah and was my great, great grandfather". It is noted that Obadiah's mother's maiden name also was Eller.
Obadiah married Caroline Barger, 4 January 1866, in Rowan County, North Carolina, and the 1870 census of the same county, furnished by Charlotte, has Obadiah, age 30, and wife, age 38 (8 years older than Obadiah) with four children, Margaret 18, Lafayette 12, Daniel M. 10, and Mollie A.E. 4. It would appear that Caroline had three children by a former marriage, and Mollie A.E. was their only natural child.
Nancy Carr adds that Obadiah is "buried at Organ Lutheran Church near Salisbury, North Carolina, dates: born 29 November 1939, died 9 November 1928". Holly (or Mary A.E. as noted in the 1880 census of Rowan County) grew to adulthood and married William A. Weaver. Bride age 23, daughter of Obadiah and Caroline Eller, wedded 18 December 1890, C.A. Marks officiating.
It is interesting to note that the officiating minister at Obadiah's and Caroline's wedding, 4 January 1866, was Rev. Jethro Rumple who I presume to be the same person as the author of the "History of Rowan County, North Carolina", by Rev. Jethro Rumple, Regional Publishing Company, Baltimore, Md., 1971 (reprint). It was from this book found in the St. Paul, Minnesota, public library that I learned much of the Rowan County Civil War soldiers.
It is difficult for us today, living in the relative ease and comfort of the late twentieth century, to imagine or understand the hardships, difficulties and tragedies of those unsettled times preceding and during the Civil War. No family or person was truly removed from the tensions and trials and violence existing in those days. That was equally true of our forebears, because we have evidence that many of them experienced these situations in their own lives and families. Those living in the western border states were particularity involved and affected by events of the time.
Kansas and Missouri Territories had been the scenes of much bitter violence so that large areas were turned into a "no man's land", perpetuated and kept alive by such groups of people known as "Jayhawkers", "Bushwhackers", "Freesoilers", etc. Even southern Indiana was a hotbed of "Copperhead" sentiment. It can be boiled down to one term "guerilla warfare", though that phrase was probably not in usage in that day. The Confederates had their groups raiding the settlers of that area, then returning to relative safety to the south, and Unionists had their counter insurgency forces, returning to safe areas in the North. Later in the war these activities took on scenes of partisan warfare with such organizations as "Quantrill's Band" forming a quasi Rebel cavalry; and a notorious 7th Kansas Cavalry (Jennison's Jawhawkers) passing as a Yankee military unit, but plundering and killing it's way across the Western Missouri. It was here and under these circumstances the James and Younger brothers emerged into notoriety.
-34-
"Partisan warfare along the Kansas- Missouri border continued the violence begun in 1854. The vicious conflicts between Boarder Ruffians and JayHawkers expanded a hundredfold after 1861 as they gained sanction from Confederate and Union governments. The guerrilla fighting in Missouri produced a form of terrorism that exceeded anything else in the war. Jawhawking Kansans and bushwhacking Missourians took no prisoners, killed in cold blood, plundered and pillaged and burned (but almost never raped) without stint. Jawhawkers initiated a scorched earth policy against rebel sympathizers three years before Sheridan practiced it in the Shenandoah Valley. Guerilla chieftains, especially the infamous William Clarke Quantrill, initiated the slaughter of unarmed soldiers as well as civilians, whites as well as blacks, long before Confederate troops began murdering captured black soldiers elsewhere. Guerrilla bands in Missouri provided a training ground for outlaw gangs that emerged after the war; most notably the James and Younger brothers". -"Battle Cry of Freedom ", James M. McPherson, p. 784.
So it is in this context that a particular Eller family comes to mind, the family of ANDREW AND MARTHA ELLER. This was brought to my attention some time back when reading the in "George Michael Eller" by Hook, p. 40,41.
Audrew/4/, [Adam /3/, Leonard /2/, George Michael /I/] settled in Lawrence Township of Marion County, Indiana about 1835. He lived here until 1859 when he removed to Missouri, probably living near his brother, David, who had settled in Adair County, Missouri, in 1854. (Letter from Kathy Schoen, identifies David Eller and his son James H. Eller as her ancestral line). It was because of the unsettled political and social conditions in Missouri, as we have noted in the above paragraphs, that led Andrew to take his family back to Marion County, Indiana, until after the war, when he moved back to Missouri.
Even here, though in quieter surroundings, tragedy struck the family in a different form. Having three sons (not four as Hook states) of military age it was not long till the young men were joining the Union Army in the State regiments being organized at that time. What were the experiences of these young men and what actually happened to them has been an interesting research project, though as of this time I still do not have the records of the younger brother, Andrew Jr., for there is some apparent confusion with another Andrew, but older, and probably a son of David, making him a cousin to the brothers under consideration in this study.
In answer to President Lincoln's call for volunteer regiments, Indiana was responding in rapid order. So it was that the 79th Indiana Infantry Regiment was formed and organized from August 20, 1862. This regiment was mustered in at Indianapolis, Indiana, September 2, 1862. Thomas was 27 years of age, David was 23 years of age. (Andrew, Jr. would have been about 19 years of age). The 79th Indiana Regiment became part of the Army of the Ohio, and later the Army of the Cumberland, thus remaining in the Western Theater of operations during the war. At the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, October 8, 1862, the 79th was in reserve, though present in the vicinity, after which they marched to Nashville, Tennessee, October 22 to November 7, 1862. David became ill while on this march and was sent to a convalescent camp in Nashville, Tennessee. Thomas J., with his regiment advanced to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and there became involved in the Battle of Stone's River, December 39, 1862 to January 3, 1962. The Army of the Cumberland had spent Christmas on the march, the weather being bitterly cold. The army arrived at Murfreesboro in the sleet and hail, and crossed Stone's River, December 30, then extending in a line of battle for three miles to the south. On December 31, a cold and miserable New Years Eve, the Union army was met by the Confederates and a desperate battle continued for the entire day, with the rebels eventually driving the extended portion of the Yankee line back toward the river so that by the end of the day the new line was bent resembling a half open jack knife. The 79th Indiana was actively engaged, particularity in the closing action of the day. Sundown came early on that New Years Eve, but suffering had only started for many. The wounded suffered horribly on a field frozen by the extremely cold weather. Casualties were massive in number and this day had proved to be the bloodiest single day of the war in Tennessee.
-35-
For the Confederates it was a happy new Year. Their commanding general, believing a great victory had been won, sent a victory telegram to Richmond claiming he had beaten the Yankees, and so it did appear. They fully expected the Northern forces to withdraw, and the Northern commanding general had actually considered it. But after deciding to stay and fight it out, the Yankees used New Years day in preparing and strengthening the Union line. Many artillery pieces were assembled so that an awesome 58 cannon were placed to repel the Confederate attack that surely was to come. The 79th Indiana, with Thomas J., was ordered to recross the river and to take it's place in the front line facing the assembled Confederate line. January 2, 1963, at 4:00 p.m., with just one half hour left till sunset, the Southern Commanding General, confident of a smashing victory, ordered Maj. Gen. John C, Breckenridge, former Vice-President of the United States under James Buchanan, to take his troops forward. Breckenridge had been outraged on learning the previous night that he was to lead the assault against the Federal line, and had protested vigorously to his commander, believing that an attack on the strongly defended Union line would be suicidal, but to no avail. At Breckenridge's order the Confederate troops advanced across the field bordering the river, and on up a low hill, attacking the Union lines just where we can imagine Thomas J. was positioned.
Fred. Knefler, Colonel, Commanding the 79th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, describes the ensuing action:
"About 4 p.m. the fire of the skirmishers increased, and a column of the enemy, four or five regiments deep, approached rapidly, supported by artillery, which was kept concealed (as it was dragged by men instead of horses) until it opened fire within 100 yards of our lines. The forces on the right soon became engaged, but the regiment was kept lying on the ground until the enemy had approached within 50 yards, when it was ordered to rise up, and commenced firing with very destructive effect on the enemy, volley after volley, until, the line having given way on the right and left, the regiment being left alone almost surrounded, the enemy in front and on both flanks, it was forced to fall back across Stone's River where it rallied at the rendezvous of the Third Division. The regiment went into action on December 31 with 341, rank and file, and lost during both engagements fully one third of its available force, including more than half the commissioned officers in killed and wounded. . ."
"Official Records: War of the Rebellion, Vol. 20, p590
-36-
It can be assumed that it was in this place and at this time, on the front line of battle, that Thomas J. gave up his life, being "killed in battle". After a fierce combat lasting 45 minutes, and when almost dark, the regiments on the front line were compelled to retire, and to cross the river. It was now that the massed Union artillery came into action and tore into the advancing Confederates. Breckenridge suddenly found his Brigades subjected to that terrible artillery fire in which 2,000 men were lost in 20 minutes thus forcing him to retire.
We will now pick up the story of David. He returned from his sick leave after the battle of Stone's River. Another period of illness is mentioned, occurring in June 1863, but he recuperated in time to rejoin his regiment as a teamster and was present for the "Battle of Chickamauga", Georgia, September 19 to 21, 1863. The "Battle of Missionary Ridge" followed, November 24 and 25, with a story book charge by General George Thomas and his "Westerners" up the steep Missionary Ridge on the southern edge of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This assault has become almost as well known as Pickett's charge at Gettysburg, but with a different-outcome, for the results was a stunning success for the Union forces. David was wounded in that battle on November 25, 1863, the extent of which is not known, but he was admitted to a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. The 79th Indiana, under General Thomas, Army of the Cumberland, marched to the relief of Knoxville, Tennessee, November 17 to December 1863. Whether David was on the march or whether he was transferred there by rail, we do not know, but on April 8, 1864, he died at Knoxville, of "Typhoid Pneumonia".
We have seen that two of Andrew's sons have died thus far in the war, one in battle and one of disease. Finding the story of Andrew Junior will conclude this report, and should be an interesting one.
(Eds. Byron has found an effective literary device for entwining history and genealogy and thus giving elements of life and substance to past events and individuals. This story also explains the basis for the record on the following page. This was received as a result of my inquiry about John Wesley Eller of Buncombe County, North Carolina, killed in action in east Tennessee in late 1864 or early 1865, and, according to family tradition, was buried in the Knoxville National Cemetery. No record for John Wesley's burial has been found. I am pleased to pass this record on to Baron.)
(We are indebted to Byron for the following)
CIVIL WAR PHOTOS- If you loan your photo of a Civil War Veteran for copying, the Department of Army will send you a complimentary 8 x 10 of each. The goal of this project is to have a likeness of every Civil War soldier. These photos are being catalogued and will be made available for researching and scholars. Include identifying information such as name, rank, unit and dates of birth and death. Write first so they can send you a franked mailing label and the forms needed to accompany the photo. Write to: Michael J. Winey, Curator, Dept. of the Army Military History Inst., Carlisle Barracks, PA 17013-5009. (This from Defiance County chapter, Ohio Genealogical Society Bulletin "Yesterdays Trails", Winter issue 1988)
-37-
REPORT OF INTERMENT for David Eller, of Co. D, 79th Ind. Inf. who died Feb 21, 1864, in the Civil
-38-
Bethel Jean Eller Stolte, RR 1, Box 19, Ludell, KA 67744
Thomas A. Eller, eleventh child of Harvey Eller (b. 24 Mar. 1819, Wilkes County, N.C.; d. 3 Nov. 1906, Wapello County, Iowa) and Mary Caroline Vannoy (b. 18 Feb. 1823, Wilkes County, N.C.; d. 18 Jan. 1904, Wapello County, Iowa). Harvey and Caroline were married 25 November 1841 in Wilkes County, N.C. and were members of the New Hope Baptist Church located near their N.C. home. Schools were non-existent, so their children were taught at home.
In 1852 Harvey and Caroline decided to move to Iowa to an Uncle, David Eller. They left in a covered wagon with their 7 children, the oldest barely 10 years of age and the youngest a baby of seven mouths. None of the family or neighbors expected to see the family again. Our history tells of their struggle to arrive in Iowa. Food was scarce and the mother fell ill as they neared Danville, Kentucky. They sold one of their four horses for the added expense of staying longer in Kentucky. They finally arrived in Jefferson County, Iowa and had a bad winter there.
Over the years 8 more children were born, Thomas being of them. It was remarkable to note that every child of this large family of fifteen lived to adult manhood and womanhood and honored their Christian parents by doing well in their chosen walks of life. The first death to sadden their fireside came on June 15, 1875 when John Quincy Eller, a lad of eighteen, drowned in Competine Creek, Iowa where the other children were swimming and a current swept John away.
Thomas Eller was born 12 September 1859 at Competine, Iowa and died 28 Mar. 1937 at Stratton,, Nebraska. Thomas farmed and helped his father in Iowa. He.-was united in marriage on 22 September 1881 to Alice Phelps of Ottuwa, Iowa who was born 5 April 1859; daughter of John Phelps and Amanda Rhoadarmour.
One son, Alden Eller, was born 13 August 1882 at Farson, Iowa and the family moved to Clay Center, Nebr. in Nov. 1883. While the family lived in Clay Center, the other 6 children were born to the Eller family: Ira Blaine (1883-1886); Ella Phelps b. 15 Jan. 1885; Stella M. b. 8 Aug. 1886; Vernor Thomas b. 27 Feb. 1891; Cleveland H. b. 31 Mar. 1893 and finally John Harvey b. 5 Sept. 1895.
From Clay Center, Nebr. they moved to a farm five miles east of Stratton, Nebr. in 1903. The farm they owned was sold and they moved into Stratton in 1913. This land is now under water at Swanson Dam.
-39-
Alice Phelps died 30 Sept. 1930. Mr. Eller lived continuously in Stratton with the exception of two years residence in Farson, Iowa. On 4 Nov. 1931 Tom married LaVona Scott of Farson. She passed away in 1933 and he returned to Stratton. On 15 May 1935 he married Mary V. Buffington and she preceded him in death by 5 weeks. Tom suffered a stroke and died 28 Mar. 1937.
All six of the Eller children married and lived in Hitchcock County at one time of their married life.
Alden married Frances Jones and had one son, Kenneth. After Frances' death, he married Jennie Wood, 25 Dec. 1916. Alden died in 1958 and Jenny in 1962. Kenneth married Iris Gilbert 29 Jan. 1940. Kenneth died 22 Nov. 1977.
Ella married Harry Owens in 1910 and one son, Robert, was born. Harry died in 1929 and Ella died in 1971. Robert married Marian Jackson 10 Mar. 1943. Bob and Marian both died in 1979. They had three daughters, Marlene, Kay and Janet.
Stella married Robert Owens in 1906. They divorced and she married Oct. 1923 Lee Hartman. There were 2 children, Delight and LeRoy. Lee died in 1948 and Stella died in 1871. Delight married Bill Allen, 7 Jan. 1937, and had one son, Laugdon. Leroy married and had several children. He died in 1976 and Delight died 5 Sept. 1988.
Verne married Stella Thomas March 1913. They had Dorothy, Donald, Wade and Lynn. Verne died 19 March 1976 and Stella is a resident of Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. Dorothy married Sydny Vaughn 1 Sept. 1945. They had two sons and one granddaughter. Don married Joy Foster, 2 June 1940. They had 4 daughters and 11 grandchildren. Don died 18 May 1980. Wade married Mildred Updike 1 Dec. 1939. They have two sons and 4 grandchildren. Lynn lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Cleve married Ruth Jessee 1 Sept. 1920. They had two children, Vaughn and Bethel. Cleve died in 1963 and Ruth died in 1981. Vaughn married Jacque Buhmann 2 July 1944 and they had one son, Steve, and two grandchildren. Jaque died 29 Nov. 1986. Bethel married Gus Stolte 26 Dec. 1951. Gus died 7 Jan. 1985.
John married Lulu Sharp 23 Nov. 1919 and had one son, Jack. John died 5 Oct. 1980 and Lulu died 16 Feb. 1986. Jack lives in Stratton, Nebr.
Cleveland Harrison Eller was born 31 March 1893 in Clay Center, Nebraska to Thomas and Alice Phelps Eller. When he was 10 years old the family moved to a farm five miles east of Stratton, Nebr. He attended Stratton High School from which he graduated in 1913. After graduation, he went to Oak, Nebr. where he worked awhile as a meat cutter before enlisting in the Army. He was a Sergeant in the 355th Infantry, 89th Division. Overseas he played on the 89th Division Football Team which won the Championship without losing a game- these games were played in Germany.
-40-
After his return to Stratton, he was united in marriage I Sept. 1920 to Ruth I Jessee of Benkelman, Nebr.
Ruth was born 26 Aug. 1895 at Benkelman, Nebr. to Charles K. Jessee and Anna Brewer Jessee. She lived on a farm north of Benkelman and went to Country school there. She taught school in district #33 in the years 1915-1916, 1916-1917 and earned $45.00 per mouth. After she was married to Cleve, they lived on a farm north of Benkelman for 5 years. She continued teaching one more year 1920-1921. Gerald Vaughn was born 20 Sept. 1922 on the farm. They moved to Stratton, Nebr. in April 1925 and Bethel Jean was born 12 August 1925.
Cleve worked as a meat cutter at Farmers Grocery Store for many years and also worked for the County maintaining roads. At the time of his death, March 22, 1963, he was retired and living in the same home they moved to in 1925. Cleve belonged to the American Legion, Post 281, Stratton all his life. Ruth was a housewife and mother and belonged to the Auxiliary of Post 281 and the Woman's Methodist Church Society all the years she lived in Stratton. After Cleve's death she moved to Benkelman to the Low Rent Housing and later moved to ElDorado Manor in Trenton, Nebr. where she died 26 Jan. 1981.
Gerald Vaughn graduated from Stratton High School in 1939 and enlisted in the Navy, but received an Honorable Discharge a few months later. He married Jacque Buhmann of McCook, Nebr. on 2 July 1944 and they lived in McCook several years where he worked for the Debus Bread Company. Their son Gerald Stephen was born 2 Mar. 1946 in McCook. They moved later to Kearney and to Omaha where died 29 Nov. 1986. Steve married Winnie Peterson 11 Dec. 1871 and they have two daughters, Stephanie and Rebecca. At present, Steve works for Airborne Air Freight and they live in North Tarrytown, New York. Vaughn lives at present in Omaha, Nebraska.
Bethel attended Grade School and High School, graduating in 1942 from Stratton High. She started working at Kellogg Chevrolet after graduation and worked there until her marriage to Gustav Stolte Ludell, Kansas 26 Dec. 1951. She lived on the farm and helped Gus with farming until his death 7 Jan. 1985. Bethel still lives on the farm and is busy with Volunteer jobs and traveling.
[Eds. Additional interesting material from Bethel is in hand including some photocopies of pictures which we hope to use in a later edition