I'm searching for John J Ellis. His mother was Elizabeth and father unknown ELLIS. There may be connections to the RUNKEL or GIMMELL family. The 1870 Fed Census in Vernon Co., WI had the following.... Elizabeth Ellis b. 1819 VT Her sons... William H. Ellis b. abt. 1847 VT John J. Ellis b. abt. 1849 VT Edwin H. Ellis b. abt. 1853 VT Franklin Merrill Ellis b. abt. 1855 VT The 1880 Fed Census for same county is as above, minus John J. Ellis. There is an addition of William H. Ellis living next door with wife, Clara and their children, Sadie and Cora. A later child of William and Clara is Charles F. Ellis b. 30 Dec 1881 Vernon Co., WI. My ggrandfather, Edwin H. Ellis died in Willmar, MN and his brother, John was called from Minneapolis to be by his side. Edwin was taken to hosp. in Minneapolis, where he died. The year is in question, but between 1887--1895. One piece of information about Edwin says he was a mechanic and wonder if he worked for railroad. Our stories say he was a farmer. His son, my grandfather, Pirl Carl Ellis b. 1885. I'm trying to see if there is a connection to a Perl Ellis b. 18 Nov 1881 d. Jan 1970 with last residence of Austin, Mower Co., MN. With such an unusual name PERL/PIRL/PURL, it's highly possible. I found in my search, a John J Ellis who was assistant master mechanic for "C St P M & O Ry" with location of 1145 W 7th st, St. Paul, MN in the years 1890-1891. I assume this is a railroad company? I wonder if there are records of this company or anyone knows of it? This could be my John J. Ellis. Thanks for any help.....! I can sure use it! GJEllis......