This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Ellis, Tinnin, Smith Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lIB.2ACE/516 Message Board Post: Abstracted from 17 Sept 1909 "Sulphur Springs Gazette" Hopkins Co., TX: John Wesley Ellis aka "Uncle Wes" lives on Chisum St. near the lace factory and waits on Mr. W.B. Smith an invalid on W. Brame St. In his 80th year; said to be strongest man in Lamar Co.; last summer shouldered a 625 lb. bale of cotton for 30 steps; used to work at Texas & Pacific Depot unloading freight; says most ever lifted 900 lbs for which he was paid $20. Slave duirng war & served in Confederate army carrying his wounded master twice from the battlefield. 6' 3" tall; goes barefoot year round; gets around as well as men half his age. Born Mississippi ; came to Lamar Co. 1842 to below Arthur City with master W.H. Tinnin; has lived at Paris since 1892 at various jobs. One of most thrilling experiences: saving brother in 1863 from an alligator at Slate Shoals while swimming.