Jul 31, 2017 Orange County Review
From time to time, I find it useful to ponder on cases that make little sense and reminding myself that genealogical and historical research requires a degree of forensic application.
Merriam-Webster defines forensic as “relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems…belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of judicature to public discussion or medicine, pathology or criminology.” The bottom line is that this work mandates not only the collection of data but the application of both a science and art of investigative skills.
Sometimes, they just don’t seem to be adequate to solving the puzzle or the investigation has not done due diligence in sifting through all the clues. And so we keep digging!
James Ellis is one of those unsolved mysteries. Read on and let me know if you have anything to add.
We know absolutely that there was and is a vibrant family in Orange County by the name of Ellis. The question is: was James Ellis related? I have some early theories but let me first share the facts as I know them.
James Ellis was born in Orange County with the varying birth years of 1838-1848 depending on which document one is viewing. On his marriage record he states that his father was named Taylor and his mother Mary A.
At the age of 21, James enlisted in Co. E 45th USCI (United States Colored Infantry) on July 11, 1864. It is perplexing to this researcher that Ellis enlisted in Wheeling, West Virginia. Though West Virginia was admitted to the Union as the 35th state in June of 1863, its legislature would not abolish slavery until December of 1864. It was not a free state when Ellis enlisted, though it was not part of the Confederacy.
Had Ellis been manumitted? Was he a runway from Orange County or had he been sold to someone in West Virginia and then grabbed an opportunity when the Federal troops occupied the area?
According to his military files, Ellis was mustered out in Brownsville, Texas Nov. 4, 1865.
We have yet to discover his whereabouts following his discharge through Freedmen’s Bureau, Tax and Freedman’s Bank records, but find him living in Fairfield, Henrico County in the 1870 Census.
Ellis died between 1890 and 1899 in Henrico County, but prior to his death he married Jane Crawley of Henrico County and filed for an invalid pension on Jan. 4, 1890. Jane Ellis filed for a widow’s pension on July 20, 1899.
The Veterans Administration has not evolved all that much in the last 127 years. Both James and Jane Ellis’ pension applications reflect the vast amount of paperwork required.
In James’ case: proof of service, proof of medical issues by doctors as well as the testimony of witnesses, friends, neighbors and business associates. One of these was a man named Sawney Grimes, also of Orange County, VA. Mr. Grimes served in the same company and regiment with James Ellis and yes, enlisted as well in Wheeling, WV on July 12, 1864. One interesting difference between Grimes and Ellis was their occupation: Ellis was listed as a laborer and Grimes a servant.
When a soldier’s widow applies for her husband’s pension, she must prove her marriage and that she has not remarried. Jane Crawley Ellis’ file was no exception. She had to resubmit his service record and offer multiple witnesses to her status as his widow.
It was a cumbersome process, but one that offers a valuable look at friends, neighbors and relevant facts as to the life of the individuals in question.
A cursory hunt for James Ellis’ parents has provided no information to date.
Stay tuned and until next week, be well.
Yorumlar