Title

Eliza Watts Ellis

Creation Date

circa 1853

Description

Woman identified as Eliza Ellis. This was Elizabeth Watts Ellis. She appears to be wearing mourning clothes, and if so, this photo may have been taken soon after the family's arrival in St. Peter and the deaths of three family members in the following months. From the extensive biographical sketch on Find a Grave:

"In September 1853, they sold their property and the Ellis family: Servius, Eliza and children (born in Washington, Peru and Worthington), John Reuben, Philura Elizabeth, Servius Washburn, Martha Maria, Franklin Stowell and Charles H., left for Minnesota Territory, destination Traverse des Sioux, with the William P. McMasters family -- Lucinda and children: Harriet and William.

The family tragedy began on 10 November 1853 when her husband died, 26 November when daughter Martha died, 7 December when Philura died and 12 December when John died Eliza and the surviving children traveled with the McMaster's family to Traverse des Sioux. She and her remaining three children arrived there with the McMasters' in January 1854.