Eller Chronicles Feb 93 p- 3

The Eller Chronicles
Vol. VII NO 1THE ELLER FAMILY ASSOCIATIONFEB 1993

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Eller Chronicles Vol. VII (1) Feb. 1993


ELLER FAMILIES OF WILKES COUNTY, NC
Descendants of James Madison and Nancy Louise (Vannoy) Eller
Nora Robinette Eller
1974

Eds. This compilation of the work of Mrs. Eller was submitted to the Chronicles by Mr. Clinton Eller of Wilkes County, NC. We have reformatted her data, made a few editorial changes, and added some excerpts from The Heritage of Wilkes County, published by the Wilkes County Genealogical Society, 1982. We hope to publish additional genealogy and family history in future issues on the ELLERS OF WILKES COUNTY and their descendants. We believe more Ellers live in Wilkes County, NC than in any other county in the U.S.


1. George1 Michael Eller
2. Peter2 Eller
3. John3 Eller
4. Absalom4 Eller
For Descendants of above see: J. W. Hook, George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America, 1957.

Fifth Generation

5. James5 Madison Eller, 6th son and 10th child (youngest) of Absalom and Sally Reynolds Eller, born 17 June 1840, at te old home place; died July 15, 1920; bufied on a high hill in front of the family home. Part of the house is still standing. A family is living at this time on the old home place. James married Nancy Louise Vannoy, a daughter of a primitive Baptist minister of Ashe County, NC. At one time the family owned three farms. The family lived on a large farm on the North prong of Lewis Fork Creek in Stanton. Township, near the New Hope Baptist Church and the New Hope Academy.- He had a tannery where he tanned hides to make shoes for men, women, and children. He made shoes and harnesses for horses in his blacksmith's shop. He ran a store where they hauled merchandise by horse and wagon from Statesville, NC. James and his family were very interested in education. They boarded young men and women so that they could go to school taught at New Hope Academy each year for several years. There were only three or four of these schools in Wilkes County. Noah Robinette, father of Mrs. James Madison Eller, taught at this school in 1882-1883. Eight children were born to this union.

  Children of James5 Madison Eller and Nancy Louise Vannoy:

+ 6 i. Dr. Albert Johnson Eller, b. 2 December 1867.
+ 7 ii. William Thomas Eller, b. 29 August 1869.
8 iii. Matitilda Eller, b. (n.d.) at the old Eller homeplace near New Hope Baptist Church. She never married and stayed home and took care of her father and mother. She was interested in education.
+ 9 iv. Rebecca Eller, born 23 January 1878.
10 v. Ethel Eller, born (n.d.) near New Hope Baptist Church. She played the organ at church for several years. She never married but helped take care of Mae, her younger sister who died young, and her parents. She was the last one to leave home; later she stayed with Mrs. Florence Thompson, one of Rebecca's girls. She died there and was buried in the New Hope Cemetery.
I I vi. Mae Eller, died young.
+ 12 vii. John Grover Eller, b. 4 Jan. 1886.
13 viii. Sally Eller, died quite young, even at birth.


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Sixth Generation

6. Dr. Albert6 Johnson Eller, b. 2 December 1867; son of James Madison Eller and Nancy Louise Vannoy- d. 28 April 1952; m. 2 September 1894, Nancy Zora Church. She was b. 28 March 1875; d. 3 July 1958; daughter of Linsy Lafayette Church and Elizabeth Simmons Church. "He attended New Hope Academy and studied under other teachers in the county. He graduated from College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Maryland in 1893 and began general practice of medicine at Ready Branch Community in Lewis Fork township in western Wilkes County. For many years his mode of travel was by horseback, but in spite of this he served the people over a large area of western Wilkes County. To serve as many people as possible he would travel to an area on a specific day. For example, on Monday to the Stony Fork area, on Tuesday, the Congo area. The people knew his schedule and would leave word for him at key places in the community or homes of critically ill people where they knew he would be visiting. "At that time there was a considerable amount of typhoid fever and other contagious diseases. He realized the need and importance of vaccinations to prevent contagious diseases so when these vaccines became available he promoted, encouraged, and administered them. Mrs. Eller learned how to administer some of these vaccines and was a big help with the program. "The closest dentist was in North Wilkesboro, thirteen miles away, so he pulled a lot of teeth. Mrs. Eller helped him. So many came to his office and home that she began to pull teeth. For years she pulled more aching teeth than he did. With drug stores thirteen miles away, it was necessary for him to keep a supply of medicine in his office and to carry a supply in his saddle bags as he visited patients. "In 1931 he accepted the position as Wilkes County Health Officer and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1950. As health officer he joined forces with "an angel of Mercy," Mrs. Bertha Bell, public health nurse. They promoted the inoculation of students and adults against contagious diseases. They screened children for defects and literally combed the county for crippled children. With the help of the Kiwanis Club and other agencies, they were able to get many children in orthopedic hospitals for corrections." Chelsie B. Eller, The Heritage of Wilkes County, 1982 p. 188-189)

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  Children of Dr. Albert6 Johnson Eller and Nancy Louise Vannoy { - Nancy Zora Church, -- the name is Albert, not Oedipus. ;-) [ADE]}:

+ 14 i. Vera Faustina Eller, b. IO Sept. 1895.
15 ii. Chelsie Baird Eller, b. 14 Dec. 1900. d. after 1982; m. 2 Aug. 1928, Cora Elenoir Holland, b. 27 Mar. 1903; d. 13 June 1974; daughter of Gideon Gaines and Dells Stroud Holland. "He attended the local one-teacher school, then attended Mt. View High School, Mars Hill College and North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C. graduating in 1925. He began teaching and coaching athletics in Warsaw High School in Duplin County, N.C. in 1925. He moved to Thomasville High School for the year 1927-28, returning to Warsaw High School as high school principal and athletic coach. . . Mr. Eller was elected Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools in June 1933 and served in that capacity until 1966. In 1933, the Wilkes County school system consisted of ninety elementary and nine union schools. (Union schools were schools serving students from beginning to high school graduates.) Of the ninety elementary schools, forty-eight were one teacher schools and thirty were two-teacher schools and ten were three- and four- teacher schools. Of the ninety-nine schools eighty-six served white students and thirteen served black students. "Superintendent Eller realized and was convinced that to improve the educational advantages for the children of Wilkes County, schools must be enlarged and better facilities provided. "This period being in the depth of the great Depression, it was very difficult to secure funds to operate, mush less to improve,. With a dedicated Board of Education supporting the superintendent, a program of consolidation and improvement was advanced. As fast as space could be provided, roads improved and busses secured, small schools were consolidated with union schools or combined with other elementary schools. Wilkes County was one of the first counties in North Carolina to affect a high school consolidation program... It is generally conceded that C. B. Eller had put in more school consolidations than any other educator in North Carolina history. Mrs. Eller taught fourth grade in Duplin and Wilkes County for twenty years until health conditions forced her retirement. She was very active in the Baptist Church where she taught a Sunday-School class for twenty-five years. C. B. Eller is a Deacon Emeritus in the First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro, an active Kiwanian, Mason, treasurer of the Old Jail, Inc., and Secretary-treasurer of the C. O. McNeil Memorial Scholarship Fund." (Heritage of Wilkes County, 1982, p. 186-189)
+ 16 iii. Wayne Vannoy Eller, b. 24 Nov. 1904.


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7. William6 Thomas Eller, "born 29 August 1869 at the old home place about two miles from New Hope Baptist Church, son of James5 Madison Eller and Nancy Louise Vannoy. He went to school at New Hope Academy. He taught school a few years. He went to Roaring River, N.C. to work in a store owned by Thomas Church, uncle of Nora Robinette, who lived on Stoney Fork Creek at Hendrix in Wilkes County, N.C. Miss Robinette was visiting her uncle when she met Thomas Eller. Their courtship was mostly by letter. They courted about two years before he got to go see her regularity. They were married 2 October 1902, at a home wedding performed by the Reverend Bradshaw of North Wilkesboro, N.C. Tom and Nora moved to a farm near New Hope Church in 1917. Thomas made a profession of faith, joined he church and was baptized at Beaver Creek. Later he was elected Deacon of New Hope Baptist Church and served as Clerk of the Church for several years. He was a farmer and raised cattle and hogs. He sold milk to the dairy when it was hauled to North Wilkesboro, N.C. In 1930, his health became bad. He was in the Baptist Hospital at Winston-Salem and also a patient at Davis Hospital in Statesville, N.C. He was confined to his bed most of the time afterwards until his death on December 4, 1936. He was buried in the New Hope Baptist Church Cem. in the back where he had requested to be buried. Six children were born to this union: Vernon, Viola, Clyde, Electra, Ernest and Edna." (Nora Robinette Eller, 1974)

  Children of William6 Thomas Eller and Nora Robinette:

+17 i. Vernon Eller, b. 29 April 1904.
+18 ii. Viola Eller, b. 6 Nov. 1905.
+19 iii. Clyde Eller, b. 7 May 1907.
+20 iv. Electra Eller, b. 2 Oct. 1913.
+21 v. Ernest Eller, b. 28 Sept. 1915.
+22 vi. Edna Eller b. 28 Sept. 1915.


9. Rebecca6 Eller, born 23 January 1878, James5 Madison Eller and Nancy Louise Vannoy; d. 29 Nov. 1959; m. 23 May 1900, Zollie Coffer Church. He was the son of "Linsy Lafayette Church and Elizabeth Simmons of Ready Branch in Wilkes County. He was born 2 Dec. 1871, an died 27 Sept. 1907 ... they built a home in the Ready Branch Community. This home still stands today in what is now known as the Ferguson Community and is owned by their oldest daughter, Estelle and her husband, Gerald McGee. Zolley operated a general store in the Beaver Creek Community for his father and assisted him on his farm. . . after Zolley's death, Rebecca was determined to see that her daughters received a good education. In addition to being a homemaker, she gardened, sewed and helped her father-in-law in the L.L. Church General Store. One outstanding way that she earned extra income was by making knotted bedspreads for Mrs. Jean Nelville owner of the Hand Loom Shop in Whitefield, New Hampshire, and for shops in Charleston, S.C. Knotted bedspreads were a handicraft that has placed a mark in our cultural heritage of the Appalachian Mountains. Today one will find the Fry Collection of knotted bedspreads on exhibit at the Belk Library on the Appalachian State University campus in Boone, North Carolina. Thus Rebecca obtained her goal as the three daughters were educated and became teachers." (Kay Thompson Carpenter in The Heritage of Wilkes County, 1982).

  Children of Rebecca6 Eller and Zolley Coffer Church:

+ 23 i. Estelle Church, b. 15 April 1902.
+ 24 ii Beatrice Teresa Church, b. 8 Jan. 1904.
+ 25 iii. Florence Mae Church, b. 4 June 1906.


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12. John6 Grover Eller, b. 4 Jan. 1886, son of James5 Madison Eller and Nancy Louise Vannoy; d. I Jan. 1953; m. 24 Dec. 1906, Ethel Beatrice Jones, b. 20 Dec. 1890; d. 6 Oct. 1964. She was the daughter of Robert M. and Mary "Mozzy" Elizabeth Hall Jones. He taught in public schools of Wilkes County for a short period and then engaged in sawmilling. He spent his entire life on the North Prong of Lewis Fork Creek where he was born. Eighteen children were born to this couple.

  Children of John6 Grover Eller and Ethel Beatrice Jones:

+ 26 i. Gwen Jones Eller, b. 24 Feb. 1908.
+ 27 ii. Charles Clinton Eller, b. 31 July 1909.
28 iii. Grace Eller, b. 191 0; d. 19 1 0.
+ 29 iv. Ruth Irene Eller, b. 3 June 1912.
30 v. Ruby Lee Eller, b. 2 Aug. 1913.
31 vi. Florence Vivian Eller, b. 15 April 1915.
+ 32 vii. Lucy Marie Eller, b. 22 Jan. 1917.
33 viii. Myrtle Eller, b. 20 april 1918; did not marry, lived at old homeplace.
+ 34 ix. Edna Beatrice Eller, b. 6 Oct 1819.
+ 35 x. Mattie Lou Eller, b. 15 Oct. 1921.
36 xi. Fred Forest Eller, b. 21 Aug. 1922.
37 xii. Gladys Eller, b. 8 Oct. 1923; d. 27 Jan. 1924.
38 xiii. Mary Louise Eller, b. 13 Feb. 1925; d. 4 Sept. 1925.
+ 39 xiv. James Robert Eller, b. 13 July 1826.
+ 40 xv. Edythe Lucille Eller, b. 10 April 1928.
+ 41 xvi. John Lester Eller, b. 30 Nov. 1929.
42 vii. Gene Eller, b. 3 0 Nov. 193 1; d. 3 0 Nov. 193 1.
43 xviii. Albert Grayson Eller, b. 18 Oct. 1933


Seventh Generation

14. Vera7 Faustina Eller, b. 10 Sept. 1895, daughter of Dr. Albert6 Johnson Eller and Nancy Louise Vannoy; d. after 1982; m. 28 June 1919, Andrew Casey. "She attended Appalachian State Training School at Boone, and Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C... They went to Washington, D.C., where she worked in the Registered Mail department of the Postal Service. When they returned to North Wilkesboro, she taught in the public schools for four years. After Andrew's death she accepted a position with the Wilkes County Department of Social Services, primarily in child welfare work, and continued in this position for 24 years until her retirement in 1967. She lives in North Wilkesboro and will be 87 years on her birthday in September, 1882." (Chelcie B. Eller in The Heritage of Wilkes County, 1982 p. 189)

  Children of Vera Faustina Eller and Andrew Casey:

+ 44 i. Annie Lucille Casey, b. 21 Jan. 19026.
+ 45 ii. William Eller Casey, b. 30 Aug. 1928.
+46 iii. Mary Ann Casey, b. 21 Jan. 193 1.


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16. Wayne7 Vannoy Eller, b. 24 Nov. 1904, son of Dr. Albert6 Johnson Eller and Nancy Louise Vannoy:; d. 23 June 1964; m. 19 Dec. 193 1, Julia Thelma Holland, b. 13 Oct. 1908; d. 30 Jan. 1967; daughter of Gideon Gaines and Della Stroud Holland. "She was an alumna of Peace College and East Carolina Teachers College and was an elementary School teacher at the time of her marriage. She was active in the Woman's Club, her church work and enjoyed music, bridge, gardening and antiques. Wayne attended Mountain View School, Appalachian Training school and N.C. State College, class of 1928. He worked for Reynolds Tobacco Company for thirty-three years beginning in 193 1, as a salesman in Bluefield, West Virginia. In 1936, he became division manager In Evansville, Indiana. From 1941 to 1943 he was assistant department manager of the Winston-Salem department and in 1943, he became department sales manager for New York, City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and parts of Maryland and Ohio. He maintained offices in Philadelphia and New York. In 1952 he returned to Winston-Salem to do general staff work and traveled throughout the United States for Reynolds. He became field sales coordinator for them in June 1956 and continued working in that capacity until his death June 23, 1964. Wayne Eller was a member of the Masonic Order, Phi Pi Phi Fraternity, the Presbyterian Church, Oldtown Club of Winston-Salem, and was active in the Chamber of Commerce. His hobbies were sports, woodworking and gardening." (C.B. Eller and Libby Eller Booke, The Heritage of Wilkes County, 1982, p. 131-132.

  Children of Wayne7 Vannoy Eller and Julia Thelma Holland:

+ 47 i. Elizabeth Ann Eller, b. 26 July 1934.
+ 48 ii. Martha Eleanor Eller, b. 17 July 1940.


17. Vernon7 Eller, b. 29 April 1904, Roaring River, Wilkes Co., N.C., eldest son of William Thomas Eller and Nora Robinette; m. Bessie Lovette of Millers Creek, Wilkes Co., N.C. When his parents moved to New Hope settlement near Purlear Post Office in 1917, he went to school there. As he was in the sawmill business, they lived at several different places. He had made a profession of faith as a boy, but felt called to peach after he got married. He was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1936. He worked for the last several years at the Richardson Rest Home until his retirement. Five children.

  Children of Vernon7 Eller and Nora Robinette:

+ 49 i. Mabel Eller, b. 1923, Wilkes Co., N.C.
+ 50 ii. Frances Eller, b. 21 Oct. 1925, Wilkes Co. N.C.
+ 51 iii. Gilbert Eller, b. 29 June 1928, Wilkes Co. N.C.
+ 52 iv. Rex Eller, b. 22 Dec. 1930, Wilkes Co. N.C.
+ 53 v. Glenn Eller, b. 1933, Wilkes Co., N.C.


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18. Viola7 Eller, b. 6 Nov. 1905, Roaring River, N.C., Wilkes Co., N.C., daughter of William6 Thomas Eller and Nora Robinette, m. 1929, Charles Combs. She lived until her parents moved to Beavercreek settlement near Ferguson in 1908. She lived there until 1917 when her parents moved to the New Hope settlement. She joined the Beaver Creek Baptist Church and her father joined at the same time. She stayed with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Robinette, and went to school for two years. She also boarded at the home of Mr. and Mrs. T.E. Story in Wilkesboro for two years, and then she went to college at Boone, N.C. for one year and got a teacher's certificate. She taught school two years. They lived near Cove Creek, Watauga Co., N.C. Charles worked two different times in Cleveland, Ohio. 11 children.

  Children of Viola7 Eller and Charles Combs:

+ 54 i. Marie Combs, b. 20 Jan. 1930. Cove Creek, Watauga Co., N.C.
+ 55 ii. Blanche Combs, b. 6 Nov. 193 1, Cove Creek, Watauga Co., N.C.
+ 56 iii. Tommy Combs, b. 1933, Cove Creek, Watauga Co., N.C.
+ 57 iv. Roberta Combs, b. 16 July 1935, Cove Creek, Watauga Co., N.C.
+ 58 v. Sarah Combs, b. 3 May 1937, Cove Creek, Watauga, Co., N.C.
+ 59 vi. Nora Combs, b. 2 June 1932.
+ 60 vii. Louise Combs, b. 12 May 1941.
61 viii. Patsy Lou Combs, b. 15 June 1943; died soon after birth
+ 62 ix. Lewis Combs, b. 21 June 1944.
63 x. Barbara Combs, b. 10 April 1947, Cove Creek, Watauga Co., N.C.; m. 7 Sept. 1968 Wesley McGuire. She graduated from Cove Creek High School in 1965 and attended Appalachian State University, Boone, N.C.
64 xi. Jimmy Steve Combs, b. 14 July 1949, Cove Creek, Watauga Co., N.C.; m. 29 Aug. 1970, Linda Wilson. He graduated from Cove Creek High School in 1967 and served in the armed forces.


19. Clyde7 Eller, b. 7 May 1907, Roaring River, Wilkes Co. N.C., son of William6 Thomas Eller and Nora Robinette; m. 1929, Nora Bell Faw of the New Hope Community. The family moved to the Beaver Creek settlement near Furguson, N.C. in 1908. They moved to the New Hope settlement near Purlear Post Office and New Hope Baptist Church in 1917. Clyde attended New Hope free school and Mllers Creek High School. He worked awhile for one of his uncles in Georgetown, S.C. before he was married. H worked at farming and sawmilling several years. He lives in the house his father had built near where the old Peter Eller house was located in 1920. Nora Bell worked at the Richardson Rest Home near Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Thirteen children.

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  Children of Clyde7 Eller and Nora Bell Faw:

+ 65 i. Ernestine Eller, b. in 1931.
+ 66 ii. Franklin Eller, b. Feb. 1933, Wilkes Co. N.C.
67 iii. Filmore Eller, b. May 1934; m. Alberta Call. He worked several years at the Holly Farms Poultry Company in Wilkesboro, N.C. He was transferred to Winston-Salem, N.C. where they were living in 1970. No children.
+ 68 iv. Willie Eller, b. 27 Sep. 1935.
+ 69 v. Lorene Eller, b. 7 Sep. 1937, Wilkes Co., N.C.
+ 70 vi. Richard Eller, b. 7 Sep. 1939.
+ 71 vii. Christine Eller, b. 18 Aug. 1941.
+ 72 viii. Marvin Eller, b. 29 March 1943.
+ 73 ix. Jimmy Eller, b. 19 Dec. 1944.
+ 74 x. Arline Eller, b. 22 Sep. 1946.
+ 75 xi. Harold Eller, b. 5 Jan. 1949.
+ 76 xii. Max Eller, b. 20 Nov. 1950 near New Hope Baptist Church and Purlear Post Office in Wilkes Co., N.C. He m. Janice Bishop. He graduated from the West Wilkes High School and has worked at Holly Farms in Wilkesboro, N.C. for several years.
77 xiii. Maxine Eller, b. 5 Feb. 1953 in Wilkes Co., N.C. She graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1971. She took a business course at Wilkes Community College and works in the office of Modem Globe.


20. Electra7 Eller, b. 2 Oct. 1913, Beavercreek settlement near Ferguson, Wilkes Co. N.C., daughter of William6 Thomas Eller and Nora Robinette; m. 1935, Clifton Goodwin from Wilmington, N.C. Ferguson became a post office and little village after the railroad was built up the Yadkin River from North Wilkesboro, N.C. to Landon, N.C. The railroad was washed away so badly in the flood of 1916 that it has never been built back. Electra moved to New Hope settlement near New Hope Baptist Church and Purlear, N.C. post office in 1917. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School, Wilkes Co., N.C. in 1931. She took a beauty course at North Wilkesboro and worked in a hosiery mill for a few years. They moved to Hickory, N.C. and Clifton worked for a furniture store at Granite Falls. They bought a place on the Catawba River near Highway 321 leading to Hickory, N.C. and built a house and a building from which to sell eats and fish bait. Electra worked in a fabric shop. She had worked at different places in buying material for several stores. Cliff s health got bad and he wanted to be on the outside and now is working for a house building company doing finishing jobs. Two children.

  Children of Electra Eller and Clifton Goodwin:

+ 78 i. Betty Jean Goodwin, b. 18 Feb. 1939.
+ 79 ii. R.C. Goodwin, b. 5 March 1937.


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21. Ernest7 Eller, b. 28 Sept. 1915, Beaver Creek near Furgerson, Wilkes Co., N.C., son of William6 Thomas Eller and Nora Robinette; m. 1942 Geneva Faw of Wilkes Co., N.C. He had trouble with a leg and after a fall on the ice and spent eight weeks in the hospital in 1927 He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1934. He helped take care of his father until he died in 1936. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942 and was stationed at several bases. After he and Geneva were married they went to Camp Cook in California where they rented a room nearby and Geneva worked to help with expenses. In 1943 Ernest was told by doctors that his leg would not permit oversea duty so he was honorably discharged that year and returned to Wilkes County where they lived at several different places. They moved to S.C. and lived for awhile before moving back to Millers Creek in Wilkes Co., N.C. Earnest started raising White face cattle, hogs and chickens. In 1955 they built a new home. Geneva worked as a Nurses' aid at Wilkes General Hospital for several years. Three sons.

  Children of Ernest7 Eller and Geneva Faw:

+ 80 i. Larry Ernest Eller, b. 6 Aug. 1944.
81
ii. Earl Thomas Eller, b. 28 March 1946; m. 22 June 1969 Jane Eller Myers of Wilkesboro, daughter of R. B. Myers and the late Mrs. Lucille Shell Myers. He attended Millers Creek Elementary School and graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1964. He graduated from Mars Hill College in 1968. He majored in Physical Education and now teaches at North Wilkes High School where he is head football coach. In 1972 he was named "Coach of the year" for the District 7, Northwestern Conference. Jane is the secretary for the Wilkes County Board of Education. They lived for the last four years in Sherwood Forest Estates in North Wilkesboro. No children in 1974
82 iii. David James Eller, b. 21 Oct. 1949 near Millers Creek, Wilkes Co., N.C. He attended Millers Creek Elementary School and graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1967. He worked at Northwest Print Shop before joining the U.S. Army on 17 Sep. 1970. He was sent to Viet Nam where he was presented with several combat awards. He was also presented with the Combat Pressman Award for his Loyalty, Diligence, and Devotion to Duty in the Republic of Vietnam during the period September 1970 September 1971. He was honorably discharged after which he went to work for the Northwestern Bank in the printing department..


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22. Edna7 Eller b. 28 Sept. 1915 at the Peter Eller home, near New Hope Baptist Church and Purlear Post Office in Wilkes Co., N.C., daughter of William6 Thomas Eller and Nora Robinette; m.(1st) Joe McNeil (D); m.(2nd) 12 Sep. 1945, Ernest Martin. The house was one of the oldest in the county and was owned by James Eller. Later it was bought by Thomas Eller. He built a seven room house in 1920. Nine families have lived on this farm now as of 1970. Edna graduated from Miller's Creek school in the western part of Wilkes County in 1937. She worked awhile before her marriage. One daughter was born to this marriage. Ernest was a carpenter for several years but is now raising chickens by the thousands. Edna and Ernest now make their home in the Purlear section of Wilkes County, N.C. Three children.

  Children of Edna Eller and Joe McNeil:

+ 83 i. Juanita McNeil, b. 16 Oct. 1939
  Children of Edna Eller and Ernest Martin:

+ 84 ii. Bronda Martin, b. 17 Oct. 1946.
85 iii. Judy Martin, b. 15 May 1949 near New Hope Baptist Church and Purlear Post Office in Wilkes Co., N.C. She graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1967. She is presently staying at home helping raise chickens.
86 iv. Pat Martin, b. 21 Feb. 1957 near New Hope Church. He attends school at Mllers Creek Elementary now in 1970.


23. Estelle7 Church, b. 15 April 1901, daughter of Rebecca6 Eller and Zolley Coffer Church; m. 29 Nov. 1928, Gerald McGee, b. 30 June 191 1, son of Mrs. Nora McGee Barnette. Three. children.

  Children of Estelle Church and Gerald McGee:

+ 87 i. Edwin Harold McGee, b. 2 Dec. 1929.
+ 88 ii. David Franklin McGee, b. 24 Jan. 1938.
+ 89 iii. Clyde Eugene McGee, b. 7 Dec. 1941


24. Beatrice7 Teresa Church, b. 8 Jan. 1904, daughter of Rebecca6 Eller and Zolley Coffer Church; m. 28 July 1928, Walter Worth Vannoy, b. 7 April 1907, son of Joseph L. and Lillian Colvard Vannoy.

  Children of Beatrice Thresa Church and Walter Worth Vannoy:
90 i. James Madison Vannoy, b. 29 Oct. 1929; m. 22 Dec. 195 1, Mildred Dean Whittington, b. 2 Mar. 1933, daughter of Walter and Ruby Parsons Whittington.
91 ii. Annie Lee Vannoy, b. 11 Feb. 1933; m. 5 Aug. 1956, Ivery Haynes, b. 26 Nov. 1932, son of Major Dewey and Millie Bron Haynes.
+ 92 iii. Lt. Col. Claude Elbert Vannoy, U.S. Army, b. 5 July 1935.
+ 93 iv. Walter Worth Vannoy, Jr., b. 3 Dec. 1938.


25. Florence7 Mae Church, b. 4 June 1906, b. 4 June 1906, m. 24 Mar. 1933, John Harley "Dick" Thompson, b. 12 Mar. 1901, son of Moses Elcainey and Minnie Yates Thompson.

  Children of Florence Mae Church and John Harley Thompson:

+ 94 i. Kay Rebecca Thompson, b. 7 Oct. 1939.
95 ii. Clayton Harley Thompson, b. 19 Feb. 1944.


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26. Gwen7 Jones Eller, b. 24 Feb. 1908, b. 24 Feb. 1908, daughter of John6 Grover Eller and Ethel Beatrice Jones; m. 25 July 19--, Ola Nancy Staley, daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Mary Roberts Staley. He attended Wilkesboro High School and was an employee of the N.C. Highway Dept. for 40 years until his retirement in 1971. Ola graduated from Appalachian State Teacher's College and taught in Wilkes County Schools for 36 years until she retired in 1966.

  Children of Gwen Jones Eller and Ola Nancy Staley:

+ 96 i. Nancy Gwendolyn Eller, b. 8 July 1937.
+ 97 ii. Colbert Staley Eller, b. 3 April 1939.


27. Charles7 Clinton Eller, b. 31 July 1909, son of John Grover Eller and Beatrice Jones; m. Connie Scott, daughter of Thomas Preston and Nelia Greer Scott of Ashe County, N.C. He taught school in Wilkes County for six years before being appointed Rural Letter Carrier on January 10, 1938 on Route 2, North Wilkesboro where he served until his retirement 31 Oct. 1972 with the exception of two years spent in the U.S. Navy during World War II. One child.

  Children of Charles Clinton Eller and Nelia Greer Scott:

98 i. Patsy Ann Eller, b. 6 Nov. 193 8.


29. Ruth7 Arlee Eller, b. 3 June 1912, daughter of John Grover Eller and Beatrice Jones; m. 16 June 1930, Joseph Lee Mikeal. He died 19 Feb. 1936. Four children.

  Children of Ruth Arlee Eller and Joseph Lee Mikeal:

99 i. Betty Pearl Mikeal, b. 18 Oct. 1932.
+ 100 ii. Wilma Rose Mikeal, b. 30 Aug. 1933.
+ 101 iii. Shirley June Mikeal, b. 2 July 1935.
+ 102 iv. Ruth Arlee Mikeal.


32. Lucy7 Marie Eller, b. 22 Jan. 1917- m. 22 Feb. 1941 (Div. 1949), Ivan Byrd, son of Mrs. Hillary Byrd of Benham, N.C., b. 20 June 1922. One child. Lucy Marie m.(2nd) 20 Dec. 1952, Harris C. Brewer, b. 30 Dec. 1908, son of Newtn and Maitie Brewer of Fall Creek, Chatham County, N.C. Lucy Marie graduated from Appalachian State University and taught in the public schools of Wilkes and Guildford Counties, N.C.

  Children of Lucy Marie Eller and Ivan Byrd:

103 i. Jeannette Marie Byrd, b. 24 April 1943-, died 18 Jan. 1946.


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34. Edna7 Beatrice Eller, b. 5 Oct. 1919; m. 6 Oct. 1940, Edison D. Hipps, b. 6 April 1917, son of James D. and Bertha B. Hipps of Morganton, N.C. Two children,

  Children of Edna Beatrice Eller and Edison D. Hipps:

104 i. Harold Dean Hipps, b. 16 Oct. 194 1.
+ 105 ii. Eleanor Lois Hipps, b. 30 March 1944.


35. Mattie7 Lou Eller, b. 15 Feb. 1921; m. 30 May 1946, Herman Livingston Minton, b. 13 April 1918, son of Herman Livingston and Mabel Brooks Minton of Washington, D.C. He was an orchestra leader. Four children.

  Children of Mattie Lou Eller and Herman Livingston Minton:

106 i. Virginia Lee Minton, b. 28 April 1947.
107 ii. Herbert Livingston Minton, b. 9 May 1948.
108 iii. Kenneth Lloyd Minton, b. 8 Aug. 1949.
109 iv. Barbara Brooks Minton, b. 17 April 1951.


39. James7 Robert Eller, Sr., b. 13 July 1926; m. 7 Aug. 1946, Nancy Lee Yates, b.4 Aug. 1926, daughter of William Edgar and Daisy Velma Yates. Three children.

  Children of James Robert Eller, Sr. and Nancy Lee Yates.

110 i. James Robert Eller, Jr., b. 30 May 194-; an attorney-at-law in New York, N.Y.
111 ii. Gary Steven Eller, b. 15 Dec. 1950; m. August, 1972, Candyce Miriam Crosby, b. 6 Feb. 1950, daughter of Claude D. and Miriam Crosby. She was a teacher.
112 iii. Crystal Eileen Eller, b. 31 May 1958.


40. Edythe7 Lucille Eller, b. 10 April 1928; m. 27 Nov. 1947 Richard Lionel Levine of Washington, D.C., grandson of a rabbi who emigrated to America from Poland around 1880, the rabbi has 12 children. Edythe graduated from Millers Creek High School in Miller's Creek, N.C.; thence she went to the San Francisco Bay area where she still lives in 1974. She is presently a secretary in the Marin County Assessor's Office, San Rafael, CA. She was formerly employed by the Federal Government in Washington, D.C.. Her present address is: 615 Plum Street, Movato, California 94947.

  Children of Edythe Lucille Eller and Richard Lionel Levine:

113 i. Stephenie Diane Levine, b. 6 Dec. 1955, San Francisco, CA.
114 ii. Stephen Richard Levine, b. 3 Sept. 1959; d. 30 Oct. 1959.


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41. John7 Lester Eller, b. 30 Nov. 1929; m. I I Mar. 1950, Helen Louise Ford of New Oxford, PA, b. 30 April 1932. Three children.

  Children of John Lester Eller and Helen Louise Ford:

115 i. Clare Lee Eller, b. 7 Nov. 1950; m. 3 Mar. 1983, John Russel Ullrich, of Broken Bow, NE, b. 8 Dec. 1950
+ 116 ii. John Lester Eller, 11, b. I I April 1952.
117 iii. Ruby Louise Eller, b. 30 August 1953.


43. Albert7 Grayson Eller, b. 18 Oct. 1933- m. 2 Aug. 1952, Velma Dorris Brown, b. 22 June 193 1, daughter of Charlie B. and Edna Rebecca Fender Brown. Grayson graduated from Millers Creek High School in 1952. He moved to Gettysburg, PA in 1954. Now residing near York, PA, he is employed by Teledyne Readco as night foreman of the Sheet Metal Department. Four children.

  Children of Albert Grayson Eller and Velma Doris Brown:

118 i. Mikeal Eller, b. 4 Dec. 1953- d. 4 Dec. 1952.
119 ii. Anita Doris Eller, b. 19 Feb. 1956.
120 iii. Tina Marie Eller, b. b. 31 Oct. 1959.
121 iv. Timothy Coite Eller, b. 4 May 1965.


Eighth Generation



44. Annie8 Lucille Casey, b. 23 Jan. 1926; m. 3 Sept. 1939, George Campbell Wilson, b. II July 1923.

  Children of Annie Lucille Casey and George Campbell Wilson:

122 i. Andrew Casey Wilson, b. 4 Oct. 1950;
123 ii. George Campbell Wilson, b. 23 Aug. 1953.


45. William8 Eller Casey, b. 30 Aug. 1928; m. 26 Dec. 1956, Frances Louise Harris, b. 20 Oct. 1931, daughter of Lee Edward and Louise Gaither Harris. Three children.

  Children of William Eller Casey and Frances Louise Harris:

124 i. Ellen Harris Casey, b. 30 Jan. 1959.
125 ii. Sarah Catherine Casey, b. 22 July 1961.
126 iii. William Andrew Casey, b. 5 Oct. 1963.


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46. Mary8 Ann Casey, b. 21 Jan. 1931; m. Algenon Festus Sigmon. Two children.

  Children of Mary Ann Casey and Algenon Festus Sigmon:

127 i. Algenon Robert Sigmon, b. 15 Oct. 1958.
128 ii. Michael Casey Sigmon, b. 8 July 196 1.


47. Elizabeth8 Ann Eller, b. 26 July 1934; m. 29 Dec. 1955, Henry Madrey Booke, b. 9 Nov. 1933, son of Samuel Lewis and Anne Cooke Booke, "a 1956 graduate of N.C. State College in industrial engineering. After a year of graduate training at Duke University, he served for two years as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Germany. In 1959 following army service the Bookes returned to Winston-Salem where he began work in the Wachovia Bank in the area of data processing. In 1972 He joined the family firm of Booke and Company, whee he has established a Defined Contributions Division of the pension service company. Community affairs have been a major interest of the Bookes. Libby served on the boards of several arts organizations and has been president of the children's Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Winston-Salem. She is also active in church, civic, and school activities. The Bookes are members of the first Presbyterian Church, Old Town Club and the Twin City Club. (C.B. Eller and Libby Eller Booke, The Heritage of Wilkes County, 1982, p. 191-192.)

  Children of Elizabeth Ann Eller and Henry Madrey Booke:

129 i. Henry Holland Booke, b. 2 Nov. 1963.
130 ii. Martha Eller Booke, b. 13 May 1966.


48. Martha8 Eleanor Eller, b. 17 July 1940; m. 23 March 1963, Lewis Sterling Kunkel Jr., of Harrisburg, PA, Attorney-at-Law, b. July 4, 1937, son of Lewis Sterling and Ruby Woodruff Kunkel. He was a 1958 graduate of Princeton University and a 1961 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He is a partner in the law firm of Pepper, Hamilton and Schultz of Philadelphia. Martha Eleanor graduated from Duke University in 1962. After living in Philadelphia for several years they moved to Harrisburg in 1969 when Lewis opened a branch office for the firm in the state capital. The Kunkels are very active in community affairs in the Harrisburg area. Martha has worked with the regional council of the Government's Justice Commission, the Junior League, the Y.W.C.A., and the Family and Children's Service. Lewis has been Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Harrisburg Academy, and serves on the Harrisburg Hospital Board and other professional organizations. (C.B. Eller and Libby Eller Booke, The Heritage of Wilkes County, 1982, p. 191-192.)

Children of Martha Eleanor Eller and Lewis Sterling Kunkel, Jr.:

131 i. Lewis Sterling Kunkel, III, b. 14 Oct. 1964. 132 ii. Lucy Forsythe Kunkel, b. 1 Oct. 1966. 133 iii. Elizabeth Holland Kunkel, b. 20 Nov. 1967.

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49. Mabel8 Eller, b. 1923, Wilkes Co., N.C.; died suddenly in 1972, Shellman, GA; m. 1942, George Robinette. Four children.

  Children of Mabel Eller and George Robinette:

+ 134 i. Meredith Robinette, b. March 1944.
+ 135 ii. Charles Michael Robinette, b. 13 Mar. 1948.
+ 136 iii. Teri Clair Robinette, b. 16 Dec. 1951.


50. Frances8 Eller, b. 21 Oct. 1925- m. 1944; Robert Honeycutt. Four children.

  Children of Frances Eller and Robert Honeycutt:

137 i. Jack Honeycutt, b. 15 May 1845; he is a bachelor.
+ 138 ii. Claire Lee Honeycutt, b. 29 Aug. 1949.
139 iv. Tommy Honeycutt, b. 29 Jan. 1954; m. 9 Dec. 1972, Venica D. Burchette. He graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1972 and works at Gilbert Engineering. They live on Pleasant Home Church Road and are expecting their first child.
140 iii. Kevin Honeycutt, b. 18 Nov. 1960.


51. Gilbert8 Eller, b. 28 June 1928; m.-Betty Lovette, trained nurse. He graduated from Millers Creek High School and then went to Winston-Salem where he took a business course. He was then called into the armed services. Upon getting out of service he was transferred to Asheville, N.C. where he is working at this time as a railroad dispatcher. Two children.

  Children of Gilbert Eller and Betty Lovette:

141 i. Danny Eller, b. 26 March 1954.
142 ii. Gre--- Eller, b. 21 March 1957.


52. Rex8 Eller, b. Dec. 1930, Wilkes Co., N.C.; m. 18 Nov. 1950, Elsie Dyer. They bought land and built near his father, Vernon Eller, Four children.

  Children of Rex Eller and Elsie Dyer:

+ 143 i. Vicki Eller, b. 1954.
144 ii. Carol Eller, b. 1956.
145 iii. Anita Eller, b. 1959.
146 iv. Gary Eller, b. 1960.


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53. Glenn8 Eller, b. 1933, Wilkes Co., N.C.; died 1958- m. 1955, Gracie Shepard. He graduated from Millers Creek High School in 195 1. He worked at Holly Farms Poultry Co. for awhile until his health got bad and he died at his father's home. He was buried at New Hope Baptist Church where he was a member. Two children.

  Children of Glenn Eller and Gracie Shepard:

147 i. Rosa Marie Eller, b. 1954.
148 ii. Roy Ray Eller, b. 1956.


54. Marie8 Combs, b. 20 Jan. 1930, Cove Creek Settlement, Watauga, Co., N.C. where she attended school until graduating in 1948; m. 1950, George Grover Wilson who died in 1951. One child was born to this union but died at birth and was buried in Hickory, N.C. Marie m. 1952, Dana Henson. They live in Watauga County, N.C. where Dana works at public work and does some farming. They are faithful to their church. Three children.

  Children of Marie Combs and Dana Henson:

149 i. Wanda Jean Henson, b. 3 Nov. 1954.
150 ii. Ronald David Henson, b. 20 June 1960.
151 iii. Harold Henson, b. 24 Dec. 1958.


55. Blanche8 Combs, b. 6 Nov. 193 1, Cove Creek, Watauga Co., N.C.; m. (I st) Tommie Davids (Div. 1973). She graduated from Cove Creek High School 1949. She liked to travel and spent some time in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and other places of interest. Tommie was interested in cafe work; they lived in Oklahoma awhile and from there went to Wilcox, AZ where they built a house and ran a cafe for several years. One child. Blanche m.(2nd) Joe Ivey of Wilcox, AZ. No children.

  Children of Blanche Combs and Tommie Davids:

152 i. Lindel Dale Davids, b. 5 March 1952. He is now in the Air Force.


56. Tommy8 Combs, b. 1933, Watauga Co., N.C.; m. ?; graduated from Cove Creek High School, Watauga County, N.C. in 1950. He worked in Cleveland Ohio before being drafted into the armed services in March 1953. He served in the 147th Infantry Regt. He was in several different camps before he was sent overseas. He returned to the U.S. in 1955 and was discharged as a Rank Corporal. (He apparently married about this time.) He went to Cleveland, Ohio to work. Two children.

  Children of Tommy Combs and __________?"

153 i. Paula Combs, b. 1956.
154 ii. Tammy Combs, b. 1958.


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57. Roberta8 Combs, b. 16 July 1935; m. 22 Dec. 1954, A.B. Blair in Arizona. She graduated from Cove Creek High School in Watauga Co., N.C. and then went to Arizona to live with her sister Blanch and work in the restaurant. After marriage she and her husband lived at Clinton, AZ. He was transferred to the coal mine at San Manual, AZ, where they lived until 1969. A.B. felt the call to be a minister and is going to college in Texas preparing for the ministry. He was ordained on 18 July 1964. Three children.

  Children of Roberta Combs and A.B. Blair:

155 i. Belinda Blair, b. 25 Nov. 1956.
156 ii. Alvin Blair, b. 15 April 1958.
157 iii. Coleen Blair, b. 8 Oct. 1964.


58. Sarah8 Combs, b. 3 May 1937, Cove Creek, Watauga Co., N.C.; m. 7 June 1957, Morton E. Patrick. She graduated from Cove Creek High School in 1955 and went to Arizona to live with her sister Blanch. She joined the WAC 12 Feb. 1957 where she met and married her husband. She was discharged 30 Sept. 1958 with the rank of SP3. Her husband was sent to Fairbanks, Alaska. One daughter.

  Children of Susan Combs and Morton E. Patrick:

158 i. Judy Marie Patrick, b. 3 Dec. 1970.


59. Nora8 Combs, b. 22 June 1932; m.(Ist) 26 Sept. 1959, Kenneph P. Koster (Div.), from Georgia who was stationed at Longlar, Arizona. Two children. She graduated from Cove Creek High School, Watauga Co., N.C. in 1957 and went to Arizona to live with her sister Blanch. She m.(2nd) Phillip Godbold.

  Children of Nora Combs and Kenneth P. Koster:

159 i. Shelia Lynn Koster, b. 9 Dec. 1964.
160 ii. Martin Daniel Koster, b. 18 Nov. 1962.


60. Louise8 Combs, b. 12 May 1941; m. 196 1, Jimmy Barrett who joined the airforce and was stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C. She graduated from Cove Creek High School, Watauga Co. N.C. Two children.

  Children of Louise Combs and Jimmy Barrett:

161 i. Keith Barrett, b. 5 April 1962.
162 ii. Susan Delaine Barrett, b. 5 March 1968.


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62. Lewis8 Combs, b. 21 June 1944; m. Lena Wilson of Vilas, N.C. He graduated from Cove Creek High School., Watauga, Co., N.C. They have bought a home and live in the Cove Creek section. Four children.

  Children of Lewis Combs and Lena Wilson:

163 i. Angela Combs, b. 8 Dec. 1965.
164 ii. Lewis Randall Combs, b. 19 March 1969.
165 iii. Anita Kay Combs, b. 16 Aug. 1970.
166 iv. Tina Lynn Combs, b. 15 Sept. 1974.


65. Ernestine8 Eller, b. 1931, Wilkes Co., N.C.; m. 1951, Gleen Wiles. She graduated from Millers Creek High School in 1950 and began work at Wilkes Hosiery Mill. She and Gleen have a home in the Cricket community of Wilkes Co., N.C. Four children.

  Children of Ernestine Eller and Gleen Wiles:

167 i. Mildred Louise Wiles, b. 1953.
168 ii. Betty Lou Wiles, b. 1954 in Wilkes Co., N.C.; m. 1972, Dean Crane.
169 iii. Charles Wade Wiles, b. 195 5.
170 iv. David Gleen Wiles, b. 1963.


66. Franklin8 Eller, b. Feb. 1933, New Hope Community, Wilkes County, N.C.; m. 1955, Maize Wagoner. He graduated from Millers Creek High School and worked at Holly Farms Poultry Co. Later they moved to Darlington, NM where they bought a house and he works for a shoe company. Two children.

  Children of Franklin Eller and Maize Wagoner:

171 i. William Thomas Eller, b. 1956 in Maryland.
172 ii. Lewis Franklin Eller, b. 1959 in Maryland.


68. Willie8 Eller, b. 27 Sept. 1935; m. Annie Lee Pendergrass. He graduated from Millers Creek High School and worked at Holly Farms Poultry Co., Wilkesboro, N.C. in 1970. She also works at Holly Farms. Three children.

  Children of Willie Eller and Annie Lee Pendergrass:

173 i. Willie Dean Eller, b. 2 March 1957.
174 ii. James Thurmond Eller, b. 19 Jan. 1958.
175 iii. Lisa Ann Eller, b. 13 July 1962.


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69. Lorene8 Eller, b. 7 Sept. 1937, Wilkes County, N.C; m. 1958, Lloyd Castle. She graduated from Millers Creek High School in 1956 and worked for awhile at Wilkes General Hospital as a Nurses' Aid. They live in Wilkesboro, N.C. Three children.

  Children of Lorene Eller and Lloyd Castle:

176 i. Jerry Edward Castle, b. 1959.
177 ii. Sherry Lynn Castle, b. 1963.
178 iii. Terry Elizabeth Castle, b. 1965.


70. Richard8 Eller, b. 7 Sept. 1939 in Wilkes Co., N.C.; m. Jewel Phillips of Wilkes County, N.C. He attended West Wilkes High School. He bought the homeplace where his father lives and they live nearby. Works at the Gardner Mirror Co. One child.

  Children of Richard Eller and Jewel Phillips:

179 i. Dennis Eller, b. 1960, Caldwell Co., N.C.


71. Christine8 Eller, b. 18 Aug. 1941, Wilkes Co., N.C.; m. 1963, Bill Edmonds of Virginia. She graduated from West Wilkes High School and attended college in Boone, N.C. She taught school for several years. One child.

  Children of Christine Eller and Bill Edmonds:

180 i. Anthony Scott Edmonds, b. 1966.


72. Marvin8 Eller, b. 29 March 1943- m. 12 Dec. 1964, Judy Pendergrass of ilkes Co., N.C. He graduated from West Wilkes High School. They both worked at Holly Farms before moving to Hickory, N.C. where he works for the Hickory Furniture Co. Three childen.

  Children of Marvin Eller and Judy Pendergrass:

181 i. Marvin Wayne Eller, b. 1965.
182 ii. William Clayton Eller, b 1963.
183 iii. Jo Ann Eller, b. 1967


73. Jimmy8 Eller, b. 19 Dec. 1944 near New Hope Church in Wilkes Co., N.C.; m. 8 Oct. 1954, Betty Pendergrass. He attended West Wilkes High School. Both work at Holly Farms Poultry Co. in Wilkesboro, N.C. Two children.

  Children of Jimmy Eller and Betty Pendergrass:

184 i. Alvin Eller, b. 13 July 1965.
185 ii. Barbara Jane Eller, b. 15 March 1967.


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74. Arline8 Eller, b. 22 Sept. 1946, Wilkes Co., N.C.; m. 1966, Fred LeFever. She graduated from West Wilkes High School and then worked in Winston-Salem, N.C for awhile. Fred was in the armed forces and was sent to Guam. After he was discharged they returned to Wilkes County. Fred is a barber and hair stylist for men. One child.

  Children of Arline Eller and Fred LeFever:

186 i. Randy Scott LeFever, b. 1970 on Guam.


75. Harold8 Eller, b. 3 Jan. 1949 in Wilkes Co., N.C; m. 1967, Dianne Coffey. He graduated from West Wilkes County High School and worked for several years at Holly Farms Poultry Co. in Wilkesboro, N.C. Two children.

  Children of Harold Eller and Dianne Coffey:

187 i. Christopher Harold Eller, b. 1968.
188 ii. Mitchell Eller, b. 1970.


78. Betty8 Jean Goodwin, b. 18 Feb. 1939 in Wilkes Co., N.C.; her family later moved to Hickory, N.C; m.(1st) 2 Aug. 1956, Jame Robinson; m.(2) Marvin Payne. She graduated from Granite Falls High School in Granite Falls, N.C. in 1957. She took a business course and worked in an office for a few years. Betty and family now live in Monroe, N.C. where Marvin is a security agent and detective for Thomas and Howard Wholesale Grocery Co. Two children by lst m; and one child by 2nd marriage.

  Children of Betty Jean Goodwin and James Robinson:

189 i. David Robinson, b. 22 Jan. 1958.
190 ii. Beth Robinson, b. 28 July 1963.
  Children of Betty Jean Goodwin and Marvin Payne:

191 iii. Pamela Jean Payne, b. 29 July 1967.


79. R.C.8 Godwin, b. 5 Mar. 1937, Wilkesboro, NC; m. 2 Nov. 1958, Barbara Elmore. He graduated from Granite Falls, High School in Granite Falls, NC in 1955. He was in the U.S. Air Force from Jan. 1956 to Jan. 1960 when he was discarged with the rank of Airman lst Class at Biloxi, MS. He began work at UNIVAC Computers in Mar., 1960. He and family make their home in Freeport, NJ where he is an instructor for UNIVAC. Three children.

  Children of R.C. Goodwin and Barbara Elmore:

192 i. Linda Carol Goodwin, b. 17 Dec. 1939, Biloxi, Harrison Co., MS.
193 ii. Steven Lesley Goodwin, b. 31 Oct. 1961, Camden, NJ.
194 iii. Dwight Alan Goodwin, b. 24 Jan. 1963, Camden, NJ.


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80. Larry8 Earnest Eller, b. 6 Aug. 1944, Millers Creek, NC; m. 2 Aug. 1963, Helen Moore of North Wilkesboro, NC, daughter of Archie William and Rozelle Chambers Moore. He graduated from West Mecklenburg High School in 1963. Upon graduation he worked for Holly Farms Poultry Co. in Wilkesboro, NC and then went to work for Central Telephone Co. where he is still employed in 1974. The family lived in N. Wilkesboro for three years before moving to Millers Creek, NC, where on 18 Nov. 1971 they moved into their new home. Helen is presently employed as secretary at the First United Methodist Church in N. Wilkesboro. Two children.

  Children of Larry Ernest Eller and Helen Moore:

195 i. Tammy Renee Eller, b. 7 Nov. 1967.
196 ii James Larry Eller, 7 April 1971.


83. Juanita8 McNeil, b. 16 Oct. 1939, near New Hope Baptist Church, Purlear, NC; m. I June 1958, Ronald Matherly. They left for Savannah, GA where Ronald was stationed at Hunter Air Force Base where he a commenator machineman holding the rank of Airman 1st class. He entered the airforce in Feb. 1956. Juanita graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1958 just before her marriage. They lived in Savannah, GA until his discharge in 1960. They returned first to Wilkes Co., NC but soon moved to Winston-Salem, NC where he took at job and is still working there in 1973. They are church members and recently built a new home. Three children.

  Children of Juanita McNeill and Ronald Matherly:
197 i. Gary Keith Matherly, b. 27 June 1959.
198 ii. Karen Denise Matherly, b. 4 Oct. 1960.
199 iii Robin Lynn Matherly, b. 3 July 1964.


84. Bronda8 Martin, b. 17 Oct. 1946, near New Hope Baptist Church, Purlear, NC; m. 14 June 1968, Bobby Nichols of Wilkes Co., NC, son of James Winfield and Annie Viola Dancy Nichols. She graduated from West Wilkes High School and took a business course before working for awhile at Wilkes Co. Board of Education. Bobby is presently working at Lowe's Hardware Store in N. Wilkesboro, NC. They have bought a new house in the Ravenswood Development in Wilkes Co., NC. She is now working at the Northwestern Bank. Two children.

  Children of Bronda Martin and Bobby Nichols:

200 i. Tonia Jean Nichols, b. 10 Dec. 1970, Columbia, SC.
201 ii. April Dawn Nichols, b. 12 Mar. 1974; d. Aug. 1974.


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87. Edwin8 Harold McGee, b. 2 Dec. 1929; m. 10 Aug. 1952, Iva Dean Eller, b. 4 April 1932, daughter of William Taft and Ola Hufftnan Eller. Three children.

  Children of Edwin Harold McGee and Iva Dean Eller:

202 i. Karen Edwina McGee, b. 26 Nov. 1956.
203 ii. Nathan Dean McGee, b. 16 Sept. 1958.
204 iii. Sherwin Harold McGee, b. 25 April 1962.


88. David8 Franklin McGee, b. 24 Jan. 1938; m. 10 Aug. 1966, Martha Rebecca Hardin, b. 10 Jan. 1946, daughter of Blaine Daniel and Ruth Taylor Hardin. Two children.

  Children of David Franklin McGee and Ruth Taylor Hardin:

205 i. Albert David McGee, b. 5 Sept. 1969.
206 ii. Marty Hardin McGee, b. 6 June 1971.


89. Clyde8 Eugene McGee, b. 7 Dec. 1941; m. 4 June 1965, Mary Lou Church, b. 10 Jan. 1946, daughter of Lattie Richard and Esther Ray Church. One child.

  Children of Clyde Eugene McGee and Mary Lou Church:

207 i. Renee Lynn McGee, b. I Mar. 1966.


92. Lt. Col. Claude8 Elbert Vannoy, U.S. Army, b. 5 July 1935; m. 25 Sept. 1956, Virginia Alene Brown, b. 2 Dec. 1934, daughter of CWO Edward and Clara McDaniel Brown. Three children.

  Children of Lt.Col. Claude Elbert Vannoy and Virginia Alene Brown:

208 i. David Bryant Vannoy, b. 20 Jan. 1958.
209 ii. Cynthia Ann Vannoy, b. 4 June 1959.
210 iii. Marie Alene Vannoy, b. 27 July 1963.


93. Walter8 Worth Vannoy, Jr., b.3 Dec. 1938; m. 9 July 1966, Linda Catherine Anderson, b. 28 Jan. 1947, daughter of JR. and Pearl Combs Anderson. Three children.

  Children of Walter Worth Vannoy, Jr. and Linda Catherine Anderson.

211 i. Catherine Ann Vannoy, b. 11 Jan. 1967.
212 ii. Brenda Sue Vannoy, b. 14 April 1969.
213 iii. Amanda Lynn Vannoy, b. 2 Sept, 1971.


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94. Kay8 Rebecca Thompson, b. 7 Oct. 1939- m. 26 Aug. 1962, Ronald Hubert Carpenter, b. 27 Feb. 1939, son of Theodore Roosevelt and Norma Higgins Carpenter. One daughter.

  Children of Kay Rebecca Thompson and Ronald Hubert Carpenter:

214 i. Clayton Harley Carpenter, b. 19 Feb. 1944.


96. Nancy8 Gwendolyn Eller, b. 8 July 1937; m. 20 Aug. 1961, Wesley Thomas Nicklas Jr., b. 6 April 1936, son of Wesley Thomas and Norma Kinter Nichalas of Waterford, PA. Three children.

  Children of Nancy Gwendolyn Eller and Wesley Thomas Nicklas, Jr.:

215 i. Nancy Celeste Nichlas, b. 30 July 1962.
216 ii. Wendy Lynne Nicklas, b. 31 Dec. 1962.
217 iii. Christy Leight Nicklas, b. 19 Mar. 1971.


97. Colbert8 Staley Eller, b. 3 April 1939; m. 2 July 1961, June Carolyn Rhyne, b. 21 May 1939, daughter of Charles Craig and Jessie Parsons Rhyne. One child.

  Children of Colbert Staley Eller and June Carolyn Rhyne:

218 i. Melody Caroline Eller, b. 25 Mar. 1968.


98. Patsy8 Ann Eller, b. 6 Nov. 1938; m.26 Dec. 1955, Athel Dean Phillips, son of Guy and Nellie Michael Phillips. He is an official in the Northwestern Bank, N. Wilkesboro, NC. Two children.

  Children of Patsy Ann Eller and Athel Dean Phillips:

219 i. Alisa Ann Phillips, b. 8 Sept. 1959.
220 ii. Kevin Dean Phillips, b. 9 Jan. 1963.


100. Wilma8 Rose Mikeal, b. 30 Aug. 1933; m. 8 April 1950, James S. Fairchild, b. July 1929, son of Archie B. and Bessie Ila Dancy Fairchild. Three children:

  Children of Wilma Rose Mikeal and James S. Fairchild:

221 i. Jeffrey Stuart Fairchild, b. 5 July 1962.
222 ii. Mark Alan Fairchild, b. 8 Dec. 1967.
223 iii. Anthony Ryan Fairchild, b. 15 Oct. 1967.(woops!)


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101. Shirley8 June Mikeal, b. 2 July 1935- m.(Ist) 7 April 1954, Aldean Brown, b. 23 Dec. 1933, son of Quincy W. and Irene Brown. He died 16 July 1965. Two children. She m.(2nd) 14 Feb. 1969, Billy Ray Johnson, b. 8 Sept. 1938, son of Felix A. and Hessiea Lawrence Johnson. One child.

  Children of Shirley June Mikeal and Aldean Brown:

224 i. Mikeal Dean Brown, b. 10 Mar. 1958.
225 ii. Erica Lee Brown, b. 17 Nov. 1961.
  Children of Shirley June Mikeal Brown and Billy Ray Johnson:

226 iii. Tonya Denise Johnson, b. 10 Sept. 1972


102. Ruth8 Arlee Eller Mikeal, b. not listed, m. 2 June 1940, Raeford Lonnie Triplette, b. 1 Dec. 1910, son of William Cicero Susan Jane Foster Triplett. Four children:

  Children of Ruth Arlee Eller Mikeal and Raeford Lonnie Triplette:

227 i. Roy Clinton Triplette, b. 20 April 1941.
228 ii. Linda Ruth Triplette, b. 27 Oct. 1942.
229 iii. William Clay Triplette, b. 22 Feb. 1945.
230 iv. Johnny Ray Triplette, b. I I April 1946; killed in action, Vietnam, 20 July 1965.


105. Eleanor8 Lois Hipps, b. 30 Mar. 1944; m. 19 Sept. 1965, Lewis E. Franklin, Jr., b. 7 Mar. 1934, son of Lewis E. Sr. and Maria Franklin of Asheville, Buncombe Co., NC. One child.

  Children of Eleanor Lois Hipps and Lewis E. Franklin, Jr.:

231 i. Paige Lee Franklin, b. 8 April 1971


Ninth Generation

116. John9 Lester Eller, b. I I April 1952; m. 10 Oct. 1970, Shelva Jean Hess of Dallastown, PA, b. 26 Oct. 1956. One child.

  Children of John Lester Eller and Sheiva Jean Hess:

232 i. John Lester Eller, III, b. 30 Aug. 1953.


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134. Meredith9 Robinette, b. March 1944; m. 6 Mar. 1966, Brenda Paulette Kelly, b. 22 May 1946. Two children.

  Children of Meredith Robinette and Brenda Paulette Kelly:

233 i. Kelly Meredith Robinette, b. 21 Oct. 1966.
234 ii. Tracy Michael Robinette, b. 5 Mar. 1968.


135. Charles9 Michael Robinette, b. 13 Mar. 1948; m. 31 Aug. 1872. Constance Sue Watson. One child.

  Children of Charles Michael Robinette and Constance Sue Watson:

235 i. Charles Michael Robinette, b. 15 Sept. 1973.


136. Teri9 Claire Robinette, b. 16 Dec. 1951; m. 21 Mar. 1970, Jerry Houston.

  Children of Teri Claire Robinette and Jerry Houston:

236 i. Renee Claire Houston, b. IO Nov. 1970.
237 ii. Jerry Paul Houston, Jr., b. 12 Nov. 1974.


138. Claire9 Lee Honeycutt, b. 29 Aug. 1949; m. 2 Sept. 1966, Wilkes Co., NC, Larry Royal. One child.

  Children of Claire Lee Honeycutt and Larry Royal:

238 i. Belinda Jo Royal, b. 3 Oct. 1967.


143. Vicki9 Eller, b. 1954; daughter of Rex and Elsie Dyer Eller, m. 197 1, Frank Houck. They live near Moravian Falls, NC. One child.

  Children of Vicki Eller and Frank Houck:

239 i. David Kenneth Houck, b. 12 Oct. 1971.


224. Roy9 Clinton Triplett, b. 20 April 1941; m. 14 Feb. 1959, Pandora Mussette Bowman, b. 8 Nov. 1939, daughter of Jessie Bozia and Eunice Bradshaw Bowman.

  Children of Roy Clinton Triplett and Pandora Mussette Bowman:

240 i. Dora Lee Triplett, b. 24 April 1960.
241 ii. Lara Lynn Triplett, b. 29 Nov. 1962.


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Eller Chronicles Vol. VII (1) Feb. 1993


225. Linda9 Ruth Triplett, b. 27 Oct. 1942; m. 30 Nov. 1963, James C. Morrison, son of Oliver Charles Barnett and Elizabeth Arlene Bowers Barnette Morrison. One child.

  Children of Linda Ruth Triplett and James C. Morrison:

242 i. Kenneth Charles Morrison, b. 9 April 1969.


226. William9 Clay Triplett, b. 22 Feb. 1945; m. Karlsruhe, Germany, Christina Maria Kokat. One child.

  Children of William Clay Triplett and Christina Maria Kokat:

243 		i. Darline Melaine Triplett, b. 20 Jan. 1967.



J.G.E (ed.): We hope this is only the first of the family history and genealogy articles of the Eller families of Wilkes County, NC and their descendants that will appear in THE ELLER CHRONICLES. We invite additions and correction to the foregoing data. We do not have the time, energy or money that it takes to verify all that is published in the Chronicles. We have to depend upon those who compile and submit information for its accuracy. We want to make more contact with members of the various Eller families in Wilkes County in the coming months. Mr. Lynn Eller of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Byron H. Eller of California (descendants of the George Michael and Peter Eller line) and I enjoyed a short visit in Wilkes County last fall and made contact with Clinton Eller. Since then, I have received much help and information from George and Joyce McNeil. Lynn and I plan another visit in the near future. In preparation for that visit, we hope Eller and Eller descendants in the county who have information they wish to share will get in contact with us. We hope to publish several articles in future issues of the Chronicles on Eller Family History and Genealogy, Eller Family Landmarks etc.




Download a GEDCOM of this data, (107KB)
(my errors and all [ADE])







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Eller Chronicles Vol. VII (1) Feb. 1993



WILLIAM T. & NORA ELLER
JOHN & ETHEL ELLER




Eds. We are most grateful to Clinton Eller (#27 p. 22) for making available to us a copy of Nora Eller's material. More genealogy and more pictures of the Eller families of Wilkes County, NC will be in future issues. Several new contacts made recently in Wilkes County should result in additional material in future issues. Two of the most prominent Ellers in North Carolina were Dr. Albert Johnson Eller (#6 p.18-19) and Chelsie B. Eller (# 15 p. 20). We hope to publish more detailed biosketches of both with pictures in a future issue. We invite Wilkes County citizens and relatives with information on Ellers to contact us.




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