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