I hope someone has some clues to assist moving my Ellis line back another generation or two. The earliest I can document my Ellis line is 1837 in GA when Joshua C. ELLIS marrried Sarah Kelly. Census data indicates Joshua was born in NC in 1814. Some family group sheets I have seen list Josuha's birthplace as Burke County, NC, however since this was Sarah's Kelly Ellis' birthplace that could be in error. Thus far I have been unable to document Joshua in NC. Considering that in the 1800s many families named the first born son William, I suspect that Joshua's father was the William Ellis found in the 1840 Census of Cherokee County GA. A few years later there is an exchange of land between Joshua and William. There is a William Ellis listed in the 1830 Census of Burke County, NC. This could be a possibility. Thanks to anyone who can provide me new leads. Most of the genealogist I have met are very gracious and caring people. We seem to support each other in so many ways. I welcomed the opportunity to send my prayers and encouragement to someone who was having a bad time. Caring is part of MY Ellis heritage. Jonelle ELLIS Russell <ljrussell@earthlink.net>