The Eller Chronicles

Eller family history was made in Salisbury, N.C., July 20-23, 1989, when more than 160 Eller family descendants from 22 states and two foreign countries met in conference.

For descendants of so many different Eller family lines to meet was truly historic as was the meeting for the first time of many of the same family line. To have present an Eller descendant from W. Germany and to meet in historic Rowan County added greatly to the sense of "returning to one's roots," especially for those who descended from Jacob, Christian, and Melchoir Eller, mid-18th century immigrants of Rowan County. Inez Eller Smith of Oregon, a descendant of Jacob Eller, when standing on the grounds once owned by him, reported feeling "chill bumps and a sense of awe".

Some. who had exchanged letters for years, also met for the very first time. Adding to the excitement were new family history and new leads to follow in further research.

Everyone seemed to enjoy a truly happy and rewarding experience and went away with a greater feeling of kinship and a better knowledge of the number and diversity of U.S. and German Eller families.

All were lavish in their praise for the conference and many vowed to return home and work with greater effort to further the goals of the Association. Responses since the conference indicate that many have already begun work. Approximately 25 new members joined the EFA during and after the conference.

Also, those who worked so long and hard to bring the EFA into existence and hold such a conference felt that their labors were amply rewarded.

MINUTES OF THE CONFERENCE WITH COMMENTS: (Based in part on notes supplied by Lowell Eller of Salem, VA.)

Thursday, July 20: At the 6:00 P.M. social hour the process of matching faces with names and becoming acquainted began. Excitement continued to build and was quite evident as each person was recognized at the buffet dinner which followed. Whispered comments and exclamations were heard- "so that is our cousin Bill from Colorado;" "look at that lady over there. Doesn't she remind you of Aunt Susie?" Dr. John and Bonnie Eller said that Vance Eller looked just like John's father (despite the many generations since they shared a common ancestor).

The first meeting of the Board of Directors followed the meal.

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1) By-Laws, as previously published in the Chronicles, were approved for submission to a final vote by the membership at the Saturday evening dinner.

2) The possibility of incorporation of the Association in order to gain tax exempt status was raised, but the matter was left for the new officers and board to take under advisement.

3) Gerald Eller spoke of the unique contributions made to Eller family history by James W. Hook and explained his plan for initiating the James W. Hook Memorial Award to honor Mr. Hook and a deserving member of the EFA who was deemed to have made a notable contribution to Eller Family Heritage.

4) The need to reprint or republish the James W. Hook book on George Michael Eller was discussed. Many spoke favorably about such a project.

5) The need for standing committees to develop policies and procedures for publicity, membership, research, and publication was mentioned, but no action was taken neither on this nor the suggestion for a Historian to maintain a conference scrap book.

(6) Lowell Eller, Chairman of the Nominating Committee recommended a slate of officers for the 1989-1991 term. The Board approved the slate for submission to a vote by members in attendance at the Saturday evening dinner.

Recommended were:

President: A. William Eller
Co-Vice-Presidents: Vernard and Phyllis Eller
Sec./Treas.: Charlotte Marshall.

FRIDAY, JULY 21: 9:00 A.M.,

Gerald Eller extended an official welcome and introduced Dr. Klaus Napp-Zinn, Professor of Botany at Koln University in W. Germany and an Eller descendant (his mother was an Eller).

Dr. Napp-Zinn presented a captivating program of color slides showing Eller men, women and children of Germany, some dating from the early 1600's. Also shown were Eller land- marks: houses, gravestones, shops, and the villages and towns where these were located. Speaking in perfect English, Dr. Napp-Zinn gave an absorbing account not only of the pictures but of the families involved and the historical and geographical setting as to time and place. His remarkable knowledge of the history of German religions and politics added much to his lecture. Thus began the process whereby Dr. Napp-Zinn was to make many friends during the next days. Many are already inquiring if he will be back for the 1991 conference. It is too early for a decision on that but he has promised to send copies of some of the slides for publication in the Chronicles. (Some of the slides were supplied by EFA member, Georg Eller, of Bingen, W. Germany who sent greetings to all in attendance.)

A relationship between Eller ancestors of Dr. Napp-Zinn, Georg Eller and those of the U.S. Ellers has not been established. However, the name of "Eller" is sufficient to claim cousinship. We hope Dr. Napp-Zinn and others from Germany will be able to attend the 1991 reunion.

After a coffee. break, Lowell and Sarah Eller of Salem, VA gave an interesting and illustrated talk about the Jacob and Magdalena Eller family of Roanoke County, VA. This was followed by a fine presentation on the Ellers of Nebraska and other mid-western states by Bill Eller of Lakewood, CO.

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An address by Jo White Linn, nationally noted genealogist and lecturer from Salisbury, N.C., was enjoyed immediately after lunch. The full text of her address, prepared especially for the Eller Conference, is found in this issue.

Before adjournment four additional speakers were heard: Peggy Agner Troutman of Salisbury discussed aspects of the tangled genealogy of early Ellers of Rowan County; Dr. Byron H. Eller of Droville, CA gave a masterful lecture on the roles of North Carolina, and Ellers from North Carolina, in the Civil War; Joe C. Eller of Houston', TX entertained the group with an informal talk ' on the Ellers of Hillsdale, Macon Co., TN. Walton Eller spoke of his Texas and Eller roots, giving this graphic illustration of the flatness of the land in Texas, "Texas is so flat that if you lay a two-by-four on the ground it will back water up for a mile."

The process of sharing information and making new friends and acquaintances continued unabated. The conference room was open in the evening for informal meetings, socializing and picture making. Members of individual family lines met to take pictures and talk about common ancestors.

SATURDAY, July 22 (9 A.M) Joining the group for the first time were numerous Eller descendants from the surrounding areas of Rowan, Davidson and Wilkes Counties. The day was spent viewing and discussing the materials on display: pictures, wills, coats-of-arms, church records, books, exhibits, and many excellent genealogical research collections.A video show, prepared by Buddy Lovette and Talmadge Wiggins of Moravian Falls, N.C., on "Ellers and Eller Landmarks in Virginia and North Carolina," was shown throughout the day and proved to be a major attraction.

EBuddy Lovette reports that he plans to reshoot some of the footage after which he will begin editing the tapes. He expects to make them available for sale at some time in the future so watch for an announcement in the Chronicles.]

Approximately 108 Ellers and guests enjoyed an excellent sit-down dinner. Gerald Eller recognized Lowell Eller who introduced the speaker: Dr. Vernard Eller, a noted lecturer and writer, and Professor of Theology at LaVerne University in LaVerne CA. Vernard's talk was amusing and interesting. His remarks about Elias Eller, a founder of a mystical religious cult in mid-1700 Germany, are found in this issue.

After paying tribute again to the memory of James W. Hook and explaining the plan for initiating the James W. Hook Memorial Award, Gerald was interrupted by Lowell Eller (obviously a member of a secret group of plotters) who took the floor to present life-time EFA memberships and a copy of one of Vernard Eller's many published books to Gerald and Juanita "in recognition of the time, effort and expenses contributed in bringing the EFA through its first two years and to this first conference."

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Upon regaining the floor and expressing thanks, Gerald recognized Lynn Eller for remarks about his relative, James W. Hook, whom Lynn had known and visited. Then Gerald read a proclamation in tribute to James W. Hook and to Charlotte Eller Marshall, the first recipient of the James W. Hook Memorial Award. The proclamation appears in this issue and a picture of the plaque, presented to Charlotte, is on the front cover. Her letter of thanks to the EFA appears on p. 104

Additional life-time EFA membership awards were made: Dr. K. Napp-Zinn and Georg Eller, both of W. Germany.

Appreciation certificates for help in organizing and presenting the Eller Family Conference were given to: Steven Eller and Jerri Eller Cathey (son and daughter of Gerald and Juanita Eller), Becky Hefner and Inez Eller Smith (cousin and sister of Charlotte Eller Marshall), Janine Eller Porter (co-founder and first Vice President of the EFA), Louise Eller (EFA German translator), A. William Eller, Peggy A. Troutman, Joe C. Eller, Walton Eller, Lowell & Sarah Eller, Byron Eller, Vernard & Phyllis Eller (all presenters and helpers at the Conference;) [Belated thanks goes to Vernard for making the attractive buttons; now to his many titles Vernard may add "button-maker"]. Certificates also went to Charlotte and Vance Eller (on-site coordinators); Buddy Lovette and Talmadge Wiggins (for video show); Lynn Eller (for assistance with the James W. Hook material);and Dr. John Eller (for the devotional service).

In a short business session the member-ship approved the By-Laws and the slate of officers for the 1989-1991 term. In recognizing new President Bill Eller, Gerald passed along these charges: the planning of the next Conference the question of incorporation of the EFA; and the reprinting of the James W. Hook 1957 book on George Michael Eller.

Bill Eller accepted his office with grace and the affirmation to do his best for the EFA. He said, "I am ready and willing to spend full-time, if need be, to see that the organization continues to thrive and grow". He mentioned his strong interest in the reprinting or republication of the James W. Hook book. [A bio-sketch of Bill Eller was published in Vol. III, No. 2, The Eller Chronicles.]

Just before adjournment came these announcements: Lowell Eller extended an invitation to all Ellers to attend the Jacob and Magdalena Eller Reunion in Salem Virginia in 1990. Additional details will appear in later Chronicles.

Charlotte Marshall asked for Eller family stories to be placed in the special Heritage Book that she intends to organize. All persons were reminded of the devotional services and barbecue scheduled for 11:00 A.M. on Sunday in the Dan Nicholas Park.

Bill Eller held a short Board Meeting following the meal. Several matters were discussed including the time and place of the 1991 conference but this was left to the new officers and the Board of Directors. It was agreed to prepare and circulate a questionnaire asking for evaluation and reactions to the Salisbury Conference. The questionnaire appears on p.138 and each member who attended the conference is urged to fill in and return the form to Bill Eller. Members who did not attend but have suggestions and ideas for the next conference are urged to write directly to Bill.

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SUNDAY, July 23-. The Lord provided a beautiful final day for the Eller Conference. The group assembled at 11:00 P.M. in the amphitheater at Dan Nicholas Park for a devotional service led by Dr. John Eller of Arkansas, a part Cherokee Indian, an honorary chief in the Western Cherokee Nation, and a minister in the Assemblies of God. John, very proud of his Cherokee heritage, was dressed in full Cherokee regalia as he delivered his inspiring message. A bio-sketch on Dr. John Eller appears in this issue.

The final event was a delicious barbecue meal served by Charlotte and Vance Eller (and their children). We are indebted to Charlotte's brother,' Mr. Jake Fisher, famous in that area for his barbecue, who volunteered, when he first learned about the Eller Conference, to prepare a barbecue meal. His interest and help is most appreciated, and exemplifies the interest and help given by many people in Salisbury.

After singing "Happy Birthday" to Clifton Eller of Alaska on his 60th birthday, the people began to go their separate ways, exhilarated by the events of the past four days and with a feeling of renewed kinship and pride in the name of Eller.

............................ EDS.

MICHAEL DEAN PORTER

Michael Dean Porter, age 23, son of Ronald Dean Porter and Janine Rae Eller Porter of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, died March 8, 1989 as the result of having an epileptic seizure in the bathtub.

He was born January 28, 1966 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Spokane, Washington. Because of his father's work in road construction, he lived in several towns in Northern Idaho, Eastern Washington, and once in Western Montana. In 1972 his parents moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho where Mike attended grades one through twelve, graduating from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1984. He was a member of he Canfield Jr. High School Honor Society. He enjoyed playing soccer, camping, fishing, and rock music.

In 1978, Mike was diagnosed as having epilepsy, but was determined not to let it dictate his life. The hardest thing for him to accept were the periods when he wasn't allowed to drive after his seizure.

Since graduating, he had several jobs as dishwasher at local restaurants, and for about 9 months, he worked at Keytronics in Spokane, Washington assembling computer keyboards. He was working at Perkins Restaurant at the time of his death.

Survivors include his parents in Coeur d'Alene; his only sister, Michele Rae; brother-in-law, Theodore Curtis Demery, Jr. and nephew, Todd Curtis Demery, in Aura, W. Germany where Ted is in the U.S. Army; maternal grandmother, Willetta Cecelia Carlson Eller of Nezperce, Idaho and several aunts, uncles and cousins.(Another Nephew, Jefferey Michael Demery, was born April 8, 1989 in Wurzburg, W. Germany, one month after Mike's death.)

Funeral services were held at p.m., Saturday, March 11, 1989 at the English Funeral Center in Coeur d'Alene, with the Reverend Rich Irish officiating. Burial was in the Forest Cemetery in Coeur d'Alene...... Janine Porter.

(See Picture of Mike and his family on page 104) (photo moved to here for online viewing)

THE PORTER FAMILY (L-R) Michael Dean, Michele Ray, Tod Curtis, Theodore, Janine Eller Porter, Ronald Dean Porter

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