Thomas Ellison, son of John and Polly Ellison, was born in 1794 in the state of Kentucky. In the early 1800s his parents moved the family to Bedford County, Tennessee, as evidenced by Bedford County Deed Book I, pp 250-252.

Thomas was married (1815) to Nancy (maiden name unknown). According to the 1820 Bedford County census, they had one son and one daughter. Sometime later, another son was born but died in 1827. While in Tennessee Thomas and Nancy were active in the Hopewell Congregation under the care of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This would indicate the Ellison family was established in the Cumberland Presbyterian faith before migrating to Missouri.

Things most sought after as the pioneer families moved steadily westward were fertile land, ample water, plentiful game and heavily timbered areas. When such a place was found, it was sure to become a settlement. What is now known as the Valley Water Mill area along the Little Sac River, Greene County, Missouri, had all these elements. In this valley Thomas Ellison purchased 240 acres in Section 10, Township 29, Range 21 and 160 acres in Section 15, Township 29, Range 21 (U.S. Land Office Springfield, MO 1839-40, Vol. 6, pp 72, 74).

Thomas and Nancy raised a large family as was common during that period: Nancy, Alexander, John, Hancock A., James C., Jane C., Polly D., Elizabeth and Robert P. Jane married W. C. Caldwell and upon her death was buried in Union Campground Cemetery. Elizabeth married Theophilus C. Piper and two of their children, Robert L. and Sarah J., are buried in the cemetery.

Thomas Ellison died in 1858 and was buried in Union Campground. His coffin and box were bought from P. C. Beal for the sum of $15.00. A headstone similar in size and shape is nearby but the name and dates are illegible. It is surmised the stone probably belongs to his wife, Nancy. A third tombstone, same size and shape, has the name Thomas Patterson Ellison, born (no date) died September 23, 1840. His name does not appear on above list of children. His tombstone has the earliest burial date in the cemetery and occurred in the same month the trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church purchased the land and established the cemetery, September 1840.

On the tombstone of Thomas Ellison is the birthdate of 23 July 1794. Research reveals this to be the earliest birthdate yet discovered in Union Campground Cemetery.

Genealogy furnished by:

Ray Ellison

1769 W. Colonial street,

Anaheim CA 92804

Ray is a descendant of Alexander Ellison.