Volume 12 , Issue 32

Inquiry: Nick (b. 1862) & Mary Eller, Alva, OK

clanknut (email: ) on Rootsweb message board states, concerning Nick (b. 1862) & Mary Eller, Alva, OK, wrote, "I have gathered quite a bit on this couple and children, yet I still have questions, specifically, Did Nick F. Eller (1862-1932) have 2 wives as it appears he does on census records from 1895 (KS) to 1920 (fed, OK)?

"Both wives would have been named Mary. The first wife appears to be the mother of his 4 older children. The second wife appears to be Mary E. L. Warwick, buried (with her married name, Eller) near her mother, Catherine Warwick, in the Alva Cemetery.

"Family stories indicate that the first Mary might have been Choctaw. Her daughter, Capatola, was described in a contemporary letter as half-Indian. According to census records, Mary 1 might have been born in 1860 or 1872.

Before 1900, Nick Eller appears to move frequently across the Kansas and Oklahoma border, but in 1900 appears to settle down in Alva, Woods County for the remainder of his days. His sons also lived there and much of the family history is centered around this area. I am hoping that someone in Woods county has heard or read of the Ellers (one son, Harrison, was quite infamous).

"I have been working on this single, small question for a long time and would warmly appreciate help. Thank you.

ALSO, I have a formal portrait of a young man (age 18-26?) dressed in a 1920s-style suit. He is a relative of mine, but I am not sure how to go about discovering his identity. My only clue is that the photograph is labeled Bradley's Studios, ALVA, OKLA. If anyone has a thought about how to go about this, Iwould greatly appreciate help. Thanks again."   |  View or Add Comments (1 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

---