Main Page   History Page   Persons Page

 

James Edward Ellis CSA Soldier

 

 

James Edward Ellis (1841-1910)

 

James Edward Ellis was the son of very early Conecuh County settlers, William Edward Ellis and Emily Ann Nored, who appeared on early records from about 1816. History of Conecuh County, AL, published in 1881 by Rev. B.F. Riley, indicates that William E. Ellis served as sheriff from 1837-1841, and again in 1844.  He also served as a Trustee of the Burnt Corn Academy in 1841.

 

James E. Ellis was married to Charlotte Joyner.  Both James and Charlotte are buried in Witherington Cemetery in Conecuh County. James & Charlotte Joyner Ellis were the parents of Alice Jane Ellis, wife of John Edward Witherington.

 

James Edward Ellis and William Ball were two of the young Conecuh County men about 18 years of age, who went to Montgomery and enlisted in the Confederate cause in August 1861.  Ellis was thereafter involved in the major campaigns and battles of what was called "The West", as opposed to "Virginia".  He was at Corinth, the bloody battle outside of Shiloh and was near General Albert Sydney Johnson when he was killed.  He later named a son for this general whom he so admired.  Ellis' name is on the U.D.C. Rolls presently at Shiloh National Park. Many of his descendants are present day residents of Conecuh County.

 

Ellis was in the 16th Regiment, Alabama Company 'D' and was in the engagements at Missionary Ridge, Chicamauga, Atlanta and the retreat toward Nashville. At the famous Battle of Franklin, Tennessee (south of Nashville) the South lost five generals and several thousand men. Ellis was grazed in the head by a mini-ball and was taken prisoner.  He was sent to Camp Douglas, Chicago, Illinois, from which he was released at the War's end. He walked home from there to a hero's welcome. His war record is found in the Alabama Archives. As Sheriff of Conecuh County, he planted trees which graced the courthouse lawn in Evergreen until they were cut down and the street widened.

Quote from Tom Morton, a descendant of both James Edward Ellis and John Edward Witherington: 

 

"James Edward Ellis was a Sgt. in the 16th Alabama Volunteer Infantry serving at Shiloh until he was captured at the battle of Franklin, TN and taken to Camp Douglas.  He was later taken down river to Cairo, IL When released after the war, he walked home to Conecuh County, a distance of over 500 miles." 

 

 

Source: Submitted by Bill King, a decendent of the Witherington family.