My grandfather (his name was Joe Ellis) came to the US in the late 1900s with a man named Skaff that he remained friends with. He lived in Pueblo Colorado and his friend (Skaff) visited him there. Don't know much about him or what part of Syria he came from or why his arabic name was changed to Ellis. Family lore says he changed it on Ellis Island. Any info you can share would be appreciated. My name is also Joe Ellis and I live in Southern California.