Willis Willard Elliott (1799-1900) and Mary "Polly" Vanderpool (1800-1889). Unfortunately, I don't know the date in which this picture was taken. Anyone want to wager a guess as to how old they were in this photo? Willis was the father of Kinman Elliott who was the father of John Morgan Elliott who was the father of Elbert Aaron Elliott who was the Father James Elbert Elliott. Willis died at the ripe-old-age of 101 years!
Is it me or does it look like Willis was dragged to this family photo by Polly. I'm pretty sure this old codger would rather be fishing. All the while, Polly serenely smokes her pipe with one arm on her knee ready to grab Willis if and when he makes a run for it.
Look for future biographical sketches on both Willis and Polly coming soon. Have a story to tell or photo to share (see story suggestions)? Please send to Tim DeGraw at tim.degraw04@gmail.com.
Story Suggestions:
Memories of childhood
Memories of parenthood
Memories of grandparents
Memories of parents
First cars
First dates
First ball games
Family events (i.e. weddings, funerals, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.)
Places tied to families (i.e. Waterloo, Lebanon, Albany, etc.)
Willis Elliott with his eldest sons William Elliott and Jeremiah Elliott joined the Missouri State Militia protecting their state from the U.S. Army whom were invading the state. They fought at Liberty and Lexington. Then they with additional sons James Elliott and David Elliott joined the Confederate Cavalry in Missouri engaged at the battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas then headed to aid in Mississippi where they became dismounted. Willis stayed with the horses because tget could not take them across the Mississippi River. The brothers fought at Corinth and Farmington in Mississippi. Then exhausted William Elliott was discharged. He rejoined at the Battle of Lone Jack in Missouri in 1862 where he was killed. The Elliotts fought in the 2nd Corinth where Jeremiah was killed due to wound to his knee. James and David went on to fight at Iuka and Vicksburg as well as other battles. Both sustained injuries. James was shot in the head and captured at Vicksburg. David had some of his fingers shot off while behind a wood pile by Union sharpshooters. When they returned from the war, the family had already moved to Nebraska.
ReplyDeleteMisty