Does anyone have photos from WW I - soldiers? http://www.rootsweb.com/~txellis/eww17.htm Barbara has a listing of the Ellis County men who served. You can search on that page for "Alma" (or whatever town) and find those who may have been friends of your ancestors. Letters from WW I home would also be nice to post. Sept 3, 1917 was the date of the 1st draft for WWI -- although there are earlier dates on this page. The first Selective Service Act passed by Congress was on May 17, 1917. All men aged 21-20 were to register. These draft cards are on-line through Ancestry.com,and would also be a good thing to get posted on-line. Maybe we could all work together on this too. http://www.genrecords.org/txfiles/ This is a form which allows you to post data and Photographs....and I'll be glad to walk you through it if you'd like. This gives you greater flexibility in getting things posted for Ellis County. You can also send them directly to Barbara Knox. Virginia Crilley

http://www.rootsweb.com/~txellis/doctors/medsoc.htm According to the Journal of the Texas State Medical Association, Vol. 7, May-June 1911, as of June, 1911, the following doctors were members of the Ellis County Medical Society. Alma J. T. Carter Barbara's page included this listing for Alma. Does anyone know more about Dr. J.T. Carter or any other Dr during the early days of Alma? http://www.rootsweb.com/~txellis/towns/almhist.htm Jane and Wanda Smith identified these: Some former Alma doctors were: Dr. Johns, Dr. Germany and his brother-in-law, Dr. Carter, Dr. J. F. Myrick, Dr. Lacy and Dr. Worsham. There were never more than two doctors at one time, but for many years Alma had a resident doctor. You can be sure every Alma family had stories to share about these men who helped them through so much. If you know of any, let's get them posted so everyone will benefit. Virginia Crilley

Some years ago, a relative sketched out for me stores in Alma which existed around 1920-1940. Starting from the point nearest the Whitfill Gin (which was on Whitfill Road) and facing Front Street (which was on the East side of the Railroad http://www.rootsweb.com/~txellis/photos/alma.htm (lowest photo is the one I'm referring to) I can't really make out most of the stores -- so if anyone remembers them, please help me out! Grocery Store: 1900-1910? H.J. Ruffin 1910- 1920? A.L. Wright (not sure on these initials, but the name is on the store in the photo) 1940's (think this was Baldridge Store) Cafe: E.R. Kanbrace ? (Not sure on this name spelling) Ice House (don't know who ran that) Meat Market: Tom Killey (Kelley) ?? Barber Shop: ? Willis J.L. Stewart Store Alma State Bank George Collard Store Dr.'s office

I have these names for the original Land Surveys and wondered if anyone knew more about these and how they applied to Alma community and surrounding lands. Jett, James Johnson, Malcom Wade, T. W. Womack, Simon June 23, 1882 Thomas J. Chambers #216 Vol 30 Sept 23, 1834

Book 78 pg 579 The Heirs of John W. Harris, deceased to H.J. Ruffin, lease State of Texas County of Galveston This contract and agreement this day made and entered into by and between John W. Harris acting for himself and as Attorney in fact for Annie P. Harris, Rebecca P. Harris, Lillie B. Fisher,and Walter P. Fisher, her husband; Cora L. Davenport and Wharton Davenport, her husband all of whom except the said Walter P. Fisher and Wharton Davenport are the sole heirs of John W. Harris, deceased of the county of Galveston, State of Texas. Parties of the First Part and H. J. Ruffin of the county of Ellis, State of Texas, Party of the 2nd part. Witnesseth 1) that the parties of the first part have leased to the party of the second part for both farming and grazing purposes that certain tract of land containing one hundred and twenty eight (128) acres situated in the County of Ellis, State of Texas, and more particularly described as follows: to wit: Said tract is a part of Eight leagues of land originally granted to Thomas J. Chambers by virtue of Patent No 216, Volume 30, dated September 23, 1834 and is known as Block No Two (2) in the subdivision of a tract of Two Thousand and Two Hundred and Ten (2210) acres owned by the Estate of John W. Harris Dec'd. Beginning at the most westernly corner of Block No One a Bois d'arc stake on the North East line f the G.W. Whaley survey. Thence north 40.5 east with the division line of Blocks One and Two eight hundred and Fifty two (852) varas to a Bois d'arc stake set for the most northern corner of Block No one. Thence North 49.5 West with the division line of Blocks No two and Three at seven hundred and eighty three (783) varas a small ravine course North 7.7 West at Nine hundred and twenty nine (929) varas a Bois d' arc stake in the south east line of the Roosevelt league whence Tredway's chimney bears North 69.5 West and Dave Hull's house bears North 30 degrees 40 degrees West. Thence South 40.5 West with line of said Roosevelt league Seven Hundred and Five (705) varas to a Bois d'Arc stake for the most westerly corner of this block on the North East line of the said Whaely Survey. Thence South 40.5 East with the line of said Whaley survey Nine Hundred and Forty (940) varas to the beginning. 2) That said lease is to begin on the first day of December 1891 and is to continue for an absolute term of Six years, ending on the first day of December 1897 unless sooner terminated, as here in after provided. 3)That as soon as possible said lessee will fence the land herein leased with a good, substantial wire fence, and will put in cultivation at least one hundred and two (102) acres and keep the same in cultivation during the continuance of this lease. 4) That said lease is to occupy said premises as the Tenant of said leasors; and during said occupation will protect the same against all kinds of trespass, and will not sublet to any other person without the written consent of said leasors. 5) That upon the termination of this lease the said leasee will deliver peaceable possessions of the land and having paid all rent due under the lease can remove any fences or other improvements he may have placed on said land during the lease, unless there be an agreement to purchase said fences or other improvements. 6) That said leasee will pay as rent for the said premises during the term of this lease the sum of Sixteen Dollars ($16.00 per annum which is to be paid annually in advance, at Galveston, Texas. The receipt of the first annual installment of rent is hereby duly acknowledged. For the next five installments of rent the said leasee has executed five promissory notes of even date herewith each for the sum of Sixteen Dollars due and payable to Annie P. Harris, Rebecca P. Harris, Lillie B. Fisher, Cora L. Davenport and John W. Harris or order at Galveston Texas on the first day of December in the years 1892, 1893, 1884, 1885, and 1896. 7) That should there be any default in paybment of any installment of rent for a period of sixty days after the same shall become due or in any of the covenants herein conatined, then it shall be lawful for the parties of the first part to re-enter said premises and remove all persons there from without prejudice or any remedies which maybe used for the collection of rent all and every claim for damages by reason of sai dre-entry & being hereby expressly waives. Witness our hands this Twenty Sixt day of September 1891 John W. Harris for himself John W. Harris Attorney in fact for Annie P. Harris, Rebecca P. Harris, Lillie B. Fisher, Walter P. Fisher, Cora L. Davenport and Wharton Davenport parties of the first part. H.J. Ruffin party of the Second part

============= Book 121 pg 300 E.N. & S.J. Fears e ux to W.V. Ruffin and husband $500 cash in hand Lots in Alma Block # 2 - 1, 2, 3, 4 lots Jun 26th 1900 W.H. Brown, notary ======================= Book 121 pg 203 E.K & Stella Atwood to H.J. Ruffin Nov 23, 1900 Block 1 - Lot 5 in Alma $30 ============= Book 124 pg 236 E.K. & Stella Atwood to H.J. Ruffin Block 1 - Lot 8 in Alma Jan 21, 1901 ============= Book 129 pg 261 J.C. & Sallie B. Farley Block 2 Lot 6 in Alma July 2, 1901 =========== Book 143 pg 159 J.W & Henrietta Eady Block 2 Lot 5 in Alma April 21, 1903 ================ Book 166 pg 500 H.P. Benie Mizell to H.J. Ruffin $1,00 caseh + $2,864.16 note 85 87/100 acres part of Malcom Johnson survey Dec 10, 1906 =============== Deed Book 175 pg 11 H.W. Page to H.J. Ruffin Block 18 lot 4 part of Highlan, Addn Ennis Oct 12, 1907 ========= Deed book 179 pg 346 B.J. Fowler, Heirs of et al to H.J. Ruffin (Kate Fowler & Thomas Eagen) Nov 23, 1908 79 19/100 part of S. Womack survey $1,000 cash + 5 notes [Note: this land was part of H.J. Ruffin estate Nov 1943]

Deed Book 78 pg 273 Jinks, H.T. & W.M. Lease John W. Harris Nov 30,1893 T.J. Chambers Survey Descendants of John W. Harris (Inheritor's Lease) to W.M. Jinks That the parties of the first part have leased to the party of the second part for both farming and grazing purposes that certain tract of land containing 100 acres situated in the county of Ellis: Part of 8 leagues of land originally granted to Thomas J. Chambers by virtue of Patent #216 Vol 30 dated Sept 23, 1834 and is known as Block $ 6 in the subdivision of 2,210 acres owned by the estate of John W. Harris. Beginning at the common corner of blocks 3, 4, 5, 6 Thence N 46 East with the line of blocks 5, 6, 5078 varas to the common corner of block 5, 6, 7, 8 Thence north 49.5 west with the line of block 6, 7 at 168 vars a large ravine course north 75 east at 702 vara a ravine course East at 975 vars a Bois d'arc stake in the south east line of the Roosevelt league for the common corner or blocks 6, 7 which Columbus Neal's house bears South 79 3/3 east. Thence south 40.5 west with said Roosevelt League line 589 vrs to the common corner of blocks 3 & 6 on the said line 980 vrs to the place of beginning. Lease to begin 1st day of Dec 1891 and to continue for an absolute term of 6 years ending the 1st day of Dec 1897. That as soon as possible said lessee will fence the land herein leased with a good substantial wire fence and will put into cultivation at least 80 acres and keep the same in cultivation the continuance of the lease. Leasee to occupy said premises as the tenet of said lease John W. Harris attorny in fact for Annie P. Harris, Rebecca P. Harris, Lillie B. Fisher, Walter P. Fisher, Cora L. Davenport and Wharon Davenport parties of the 1st part W.M. Jinks party of the 2nd part.

Does anyone know who this Frank Jinks is? Or where this land is? Maybe near Ferris? The original patent was H.H. Rawlings. Deed Book 60 pg 114 Whereas on Dec 31, 1889, Frank H. Jinks executed and delivered to John Morrison his certain deed of conveyance to certain land herein after described as situated in Ellis County in trust for the purpose of securing to Hiram Morrison the payment of two certain promissory notes executed and delivered to Hiram Morrison by said Frank H. Jinks, each of said notes dated Dec 31, 1889 and payable to the order of said Hiram Morrison in the city of Dallas in the sum of twenty seven hundred and fifty dollars ($2750) each with interest thereon from date at the rate of 10 percent per annum and ten percent additional in case of collection by attorny or by suit... Two tract, parcels of lnd in County of Ellis. Part of a tract of land patented in the name of H. H. Rawlings and described as follows: Beginning at a stake in the west line of the James Perry 280 acre survey H. Morrison S W Corner Thence N 30 W 505 8/10 vra with said West line of the James Perry survey to stake in Mrs. Lacey's south line. Thence S 60 W 603 1/0 vrs. Thence south 50 E 11 League line 6327 5/10 vr to a point S 60 W from H. Morrison's SW corner. Thence N 60 E 879 vrs to place of beginning Also the following about 3 miles east of Ferris in the NE Corner of Ellis County. North half of 1280 acres of land patented to James Perry 15th Oct 1890 Another deed: Deed Book 57 pg 181 Dec 31, 1889 Morrison, H. S to Jinks, Frank H.

Deed Book 88 pg 87 Henry J. Ruffin & wife to Henry T. Jinks Know all men by these presents that we Henry J. Ruffin and wife, W.V. Ruffin of county of Ellis in state of Texas and in consideration of the sum of $1250 twelve hundred fifty dollars to us [and be paid by Henry T. Jinks as follows first four at $200 and the 5th and last note for $250 all bearing 10 percent interest from date and due respectively one, tow, 3, 4, 5 years after date. Interest on said notes due and payable annual each year as it accrues have granted, sold and conveyed: Situated in said Ellis County about 3/4 mile NE from Alma, a part and parcel of the T.W. Wade 154 acre survey. Beginning at the NW corner of the Malcom Johnson survey a rock for corner on the East boundary of the Simon Womack 640 acre survey Thence N 30 W along the line of the Womack survey 534 1/2 vrs a stake the NW corner of said Wade Survey Thence N 60 # 19 1/2 degree variation 654 vrs to a stake in said Wade North line. Thence S 30 E parallel with Womack East line 430 vs to stake in N Line of Malcom Johnson survey and in center of County Road. Thence S 60 W (9 deg variation) with North line of said Johnson survey and in County Rd 654 vr to the beginning containing 50 acres of land more or less to have and to hold.... 18th day of November at Alma witness my hands 1895 H.J. Ruffin and W.V. (x) Ruffin C.T. Hogan Notary public

Deed Book 108 pg 346 Henry T. Jinks et al to H.J. Ruffin Henry T. Jinks and wife Carrie Jinks of the county of Ellis in consideration of $1 to us paid by H.J. Ruffin agreeing and assuming to pay off four certain promissory notes: three of them each for $200 and the 4th and last one for $250. All of date Nov 18, 1895 and payable on Nove 18 of the years 1897, 1888, 1899 and 1910 respectively and being the last four notes executed by H.T. Jinks to the order of H.J. Ruffin as pat purchase money for hereinafter described property as described in deed recorded in Book 88 pg 87 of Ellis Co Deed records have granted, sold and conveyed all that certain lot, tract or parcel of land described as followed: Situated in said Ellis County about 3/4 mile NE from Alma, a part and parcel of the T.W. Wade 154 acre survey. Beginning at the NW corner of the Malcom Johnson survey a rock for corner on the East boundary of the Simon Womack 640 acre survey Thence N 30 W along the line of the Womack survey 534 1/2 vrs a stake the NW corner of said Wade Survey Thence N 60 # 19 1/2 degree variation 654 vrs to a stake in said Wade North line. Thence S 30 E parallel with Womack East line 430 vs to stake in N Line of Malcom Johnson survey and in center of County Road. Thence S 60 W (9 deg variation) with North line of said Johnson survey and in County Rd 654 vr to the beginning containing 50 acres of land more or less to have and to hold.... But it is expressly agreed and stipulated that the Vendors Lien is retained against the above described property premises and improvement untill the above described notes and all interest thereon are fully paid according to their face and tenor, effect and reading when this deed shall become absolute. Witness hands at Ennis this 6th day of Dec 1898 H.T. Jinks Carrie Jinks JT Carrie Jinks appeared before Edmond Raphael, a notary public NOTE: Henry T. Jinks is son of William Henry Jinks. William Henry is older brother of Winnie Virginia Jinks who married Henry J. Ruffin. So this is a nephew selling land to his uncle. The TW Wade survey was 1165 acres

Deed Book 156 pg 294 H.T. Jinks and wife Rosa to W.M. Whitfill sum of 100 paid by W.M. Whitfill follows: Cost in hand convey unto Whitfill certain track of land. Undivided interest of Rosa Jinks and the J.H. Curlin and S.E. Curlin homestead situated near Alma in Ellis Co consisting of 13 acres of the M. Johnson survey abstract #1129 9th day of April 1904 Rosa Jinks appeared before C.L. Allen notary Public of Ellis County. NOTE: Jesse H. Curlin (ca 1829-April 11, 1898) and Sarah Elizabeth McGill Curlin(b. Apr. 4, 1839 in Mississippi)- Jan. 12, 1904. Deed book 194 Affadavit H.T. Jinks and Rosa Curlin lived together as husband and wife until March 25, 1905 her death. No children 14th Day 1911. Note: H.T. Jink's first wife was: Carrie Bradley Jul 22, 1878 died Jan 17 1902. They married Dec 13, 1893 (Buried in Rice Cemetery, Navarro County, Texas) See Curlin family history: Search: Alma Ellis County page

I'm looking for descendants of Flora Eldon PRICE (b. 29 Apr 1896, Westpoint, Lawrence Co., TN, d. 3 Sep 1990, Dallas, Dallas Co., TX, bur. Midlothian Cem., Midlothian, Ellis Co., TX), Mary Ann PRICE (b. 28 Mar 1900, Westpoint, Lawrence Co., TN, d. 11 Feb 1985, Dallas, Dallas Co., TX, bur. Midlothian Cem., Midlothian, Ellis Co., TX), and/or Marvin Kelly PRICE (b. 28 Mar 1900, Westpoint, Lawrence Co., TN, d. 18 Mar 1994, Dallas, Dallas Co., TX, bur. Restland Mem. Park). I am a grandson of their sister, Beulah Elizabeth PRICE, and am working on the family genealogy. If you know of them and can provide contact information, or would pass my name on so they can contact me, I would be most grateful. Please contact me off-List for my snail-mail address and phone # if needed. Thanks for your kind assistance! *************************** Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance? Edgar Bergen *************************** Stan Massey, Jr Centennial, CO, USA __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

Is there anyone on this list that could assist me? I am seeking an obituary for a Mr. JAMES CALVIN HILL. He died in San Antonio on 1 APR 1956 and his body sent for burial at the Waxahachie City Cemetery to be buried beside his parents. I am hoping his hometown newspaper might have a more detailed obit than the very short one that appeared in S.A. Thanks so much. Jackie

I was going through an old stack of pictures that I have and lo and behold in the background of a picture of my grandpa and his brother is a picture of a big building with (you'll never guess) "Chevrolet" written on it. I have no way of knowing if this is "THE" dealership I was looking for, but next to the Chevrolet building there is another building with what looks like "Falls Auferheide" on the side of it. I would guess the picture was taken around 1925-1930 as the boys are probably between 8 and 13. Does anyone know what the building next doore could possibly be? I googled it and nothing came up.; I'm assuming it's Ellis Co, but considering I missed the Chevrolet sign in the background, I really can't be trusted! ;) Any thoughts? Thanks

Would anyone know about a James Monford Rogers born 1852, died 1928 and supposed to be buried in Bethel Cemetery near Waxahachie. Buried near him is wife, Martha Jane 1865-Jan 25, 1946. Found this info on Rodgers Genforum. Judy Sanders

I have found on Genforum website (Rodgers) a message that states that a James Monford Rodgers Oct. 1, 1852-April 27, 1928 and wife Martha Jane Rodgers March 5, 1865-Jan. 25, 1946 are buried in Bethel Cemetery near Waxahachie. Would anyone have access to cemetery records that could tell me if there are any other Rodgers/Rogers buried in this Cemetery? If so, who they are? Judy Sanders

I am still searching for ANY information on the Franks family of Midlothian Texas. A piece of information that I recieved from my dad over the weekend was that his great uncle, Castleberry Franks, supposedly owed one of the first (if not the first) car dealerships in Ellis Co. He believes it was a Chevrolet dealership. Like all the information that I have on the Franks', it will probably lead to nowhere, but it got me wondering if there are any kind of business records for Ellis Co from approx 1920 to maybe 1945? My gggrandfather owned a restaurant in Midlothian during the 20's and the same great uncle owned a "hardware" store before the car dealership, also in the 20's. I'm probably grasping at straws, but thought I'd throw it out there on the off chance someone might know. Thanks.

Dear site manager, Because of mailbox problems with junk mail volume I am getting almost no postings from your site. Please change my e-mail address to [email protected] and please check to make sure I have not been removed from your list. I'm sorry to be so much trouble but I can't figure out any other way to continue to get your postings, which is the reason I wanted an e-mail account in the first place. Best regards, Dorothy Lee formerly <[email protected]>

Hi I am new to the list. But would like to know if any one can help me maybe t o find the birth proof and the parents to my Mary Elizabeth HAle. she was born in Italy , Ellis Co, in 1885. I do not know any thing about her parents , where they came from or any thing. Her mothers maiden name was HOLCOMB, that I do know, from a death certificate of Mary's. but no first names were listed . Mary married at an early age about 1903 some where in TX. her husband was a lot older then she was , had been married 2 times at least befor he married Mary, His name was Charles William MOORE born in 1856 MS? Mary had i believe 2 brothers and 1 sister. I dont know if they were younger or older then her. I cant find any census records of any of them as children. brothers were Everrit, Joe Walter, and sister Netty. names were given to me by family members , which are gone now, or have lost thier memory , so they are of no help to me now. thank you for any help or leads in finding my very big brick wall . jenell

Is there anyone on this list that would be so kind as to get the obituary or funeral home records for a James Calvin HILL who died 1 April 1956 in San Antonio? Although Mr. Hill died in San Antonio, his body was shipped to Waxahachie for burial. Thanks very much Jackie -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.