James Madison Ellis
by
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“Yes, Mar—, uh, Ma,” the five-year-old corrected. James looked at Marylou questioningly. Marylou caught his look and gently shook her head as if to say, “Not now,” so James let it go. When they reached Marylou’s house, he handed Cissy back to Marylou and placed Janie safely on the ground. “Thanks, Mister, uh, Mister—” James filled in the blank for her. Janie repeated, “Thanks, Mr. Ellis. That was goo-o-o-d.” Janie dragged the word out; she was so excited she could hardly contain herself. Her whole body jiggled, and her blonde curls bounced. She was grinning from ear to ear, her blue eyes sparkling. Although the blue calico dress was old, she looked cute in it. “You are mighty welcome, Janie, but you need to tell Buck thank you also. He did all the work.” “Thanks, Buck,” Janie exclaimed and started to run away, but James stopped her. “Do you want to pet him?” he asked. Janie’s hands came together as she excitedly exclaimed, “Can I? I mean, is it really okay?” “Of course, it’s okay. Just remember, never run up to just any horse and try to pet it. You could scare them. Horses don’t like to be startled.” While James held the reins, Janie, at less than three and a half feet tall, stretched her little hand as high as she could to touch the horse’s nose. James gently tugged the reins as Buck leaned down to Janie’s level and nuzzled the little girl’s hand. Janie gently scratched the tip of Buck’s nose, and the horse nickered. Janie looked at James with what he thought was the most beautiful and most excited smile she could muster, her blue eyes smiling also. That stole his heart. Then she ran inside. She reminded him of Priscilla and Betty Ann when they were young. He was homesick and yearned to see his family. “She isn’t your daughter, is she?” James asked softly. Marylou gently shook her head. “What happened to her mother, if I may ask?” “Another time,” Marylou said, as she hastened into the house to change Cissy’s diaper. One day she would explain about Janie, but not today. James looked at her questioningly. He let it drop for now, but he couldn’t help but wonder what that was all about.
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About the Book
James Madison Ellis was a unique individual. His lifetime spans most of the 1800s in rural North Georgia. He spent eight months in the Army during the Indian Removal of 1838 which created a conflict between his friendship with the Cherokees and the way they were treated. As a minister he traveled the circuit. He organized and established different churches in North Georgia near Talking Rock and Ellijay. He re-enlisted in the Army and served during the Civil War.
About the Author
Audrey Horn Barber has enjoyed writing since seventh grade. As a fourth generation descendant from James Madison Ellis, she grew up in Georgia hearing stories from her grandfather about his grandfather (JME). After gathering enough information she was able to write this story about her great-great grandfather, James Madison Ellis.