B. F. "Uncle Ben" Ellis was born July 5, 1834;
died January 17, 1923, at the home of his son, Mack, aged 88 years,
6 months and 12 days.
He was married to Mary Moore, who preceded him to the great beyond,
November 24, 1897. To this union were born 7 children: John
W.; James; India; Richard G.; Mack; George W. and Katy. Four sons
survive: John W., of Ingleside, Nebraska; Richard G., of Sikeston,
Mo.; Mack, of Golconda and George W. of E. St. Louis. India,
wife of Milo Austin, died June 16, 1915.
He professed a hope in Christ and with his wife joined the Primitive
Baptist Church, at Old Grandpier, where he remained faithful until
death.
Although having been blind for the past 15 years, he enjoyed good
health until a few hours of his death, death being caused from
heart failure.
Besides his children he leaves to mourn a number of grand and
great-grandchildren, 1 sister, Mrs. J. W. Parmley, of Rock; 2
brothers, John Ellis, of Metropolis, L. C. Ellis, of Missouri,
and I half-brother, Richard Ellis, of Golconda.
Funeral services were conducted by Eld. Newt. Rodgers, of Simpson,
after which his body was laid to rest beside his wife, in Mt.
Zion Cemetery.