Eliza Jane Eells (1833-1900)
Question: Was Eliza Jane Eells (1833-1900) born to William E. Eells (1805-1847) or Dr.Richard Eells (1800-1846)? If born to William, was she then adopted out to Dr. Eells? If so, why was it necessary for the adoption to take place? I am searching for the answer for my cousin whose grandmother was Eliza. Does anyone have this answer? Paul Gaylord
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Re: Eliza Jane Eells (1833-1900)
Database: Genealogical and Family History of the State of Connecticut: A Record of the Achievements of Her People in the Making of a Commonwealth and the Founding of a Nation. Vol 3. Eells - Dr. Richard Eells, son of Rev. Ozias Eells, was born at Barkhamsted, Feb 23, 1800. He studied medicine...was an earnest Abolitionist and active in the work of the Underground Railroad before the war.... He adopted Richard Latimer Eells,...his sister's son, and gave him his own name. He also adopted Eliza J. Eells, his brother's daughter. He was a man of much influence and strong opinions....Eliza Jane was 16 years old when Dr. Richard Eells died. Hope this helps point you in the right direction to get your main question answered.
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Re: Eliza Jane Eells (1833-1900)
Thank you , Carolyn, for you very prompt reply. I have ascertained that Dr. Eells' first two daughters died while still infants, thus his adoption of William's daughter, Eliza, and Phoebe's (probably) son. You were a great help. Also, thanks to RootsWeb for message boards! Paul
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Re: Eliza Jane Eells (1833-1900)
I read with interest your post about Eliza Jane. I have been researching her mother, Eliza Bestor Eells, who was a member of the Payson Illinois Congregational Church. The Church is celebrating its 175 anniversary this year and she was a founding member.
William and Eliza lived in Burton Township which is just north of Payson in Adams County. In the chancery record index of Adams County there is a citation indicating that Eliza filed for a divorce from William Eells in August of 1846. I have not viewed the file yet so don't know if the divorce was finalized.
There is a tombstone in the Newtown (now called Adams) Cemetery for William E. Eells, died 19 Feb 1847, age 42 yrs 4 m 14 d.
Eliza Eells married Moses R. Spencer, 22 June 1854 in Adams County.
Jean Kay
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