My Genealogy Hound

Jacob Eller, a millwright and farmer in the Fourth District, P. O. Hillsdale, is the son of Joseph and Sarah (Stephens) Eller, the fourth of thirteen children, and was born in North Carolina in 1822. Joseph Eller and wife were born in North Carolina and were of Dutch and Irish descent. Joseph Eller died in September, 1863. Mrs. Eller died September 25, 1846. Mrs. Eller’s father was with Gen. Jackson in the Indian war and participated in the famous fight at Horse Shoe Bend on the Tennessee River, where he was killed. Jacob Eller is a self-made man, getting his education while at his work without outside assistance. He has an excellent memory and is well posted on. the history of the country. He is also a born mechanic, early adopting the millwright business as his chosen vocation. As a millwright he is sought far and wide to construct mills, even going outside the State in many instances. He is also quite an inventor, having invented some very useful articles. He was reared a Whig, and since the dissolution of that party he has voted the Democratic ticket. He cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Harrison when only sixteen years old, which was allowable in North Carolina to young or old if they could pay the poll tax. Mr. Eller began life with horse, saddle and bridle; and by his industry, foresight and good management has accumulated quite a handsome competency. He first bought near Heartsville, sold out there and purchased a farm of 165 acres, beautifully situated and nicely improved, near the Heartsville and La Fayette road, six miles from the latter place. January 17, 1844, he married Miss Nancy M. Wood, by which union nine children were born: Susan F., now Mrs. Meador; Joseph A.; James J.; Jno. S. W. (deceased); Sarah P. (deceased); Wm. J.; Nancy M. (deceased); Lillian C. (deceased) and Marian M., now Mrs. Adams. Mrs. Eller died August 30, 1880, and he married Miss Eleanor Royster June 23, 1881. Himself and family, excepting one child, are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. For many years Mr. Eller ably served his friends and neighbors as magistrate. He has been a very energetic and active man. He is now sixty-five years old and has still a good share of the fire and vim of his younger days. At his advanced age he can do more work and display more mechanical skill than many young men in the county, His ancestors are noted for their long life, his grandfather reaching the age of one hundred and eight years, and being actively engaged in the work of his trade until death. Jacob Eller bids fair to rival his ancestors for longevity and is still using his first pair of glasses, showing how little his eyes have failed.