The Joshua Clifford Ellis Family, Oxford, Georgia
by John Burson
The Clifford –Ellis family of Jasper County moved to Oxford, Georgia around 1920. Mr. Ellis was a farmer and builder/carpenter. In 1926, the family’s home burned and Mr. and Mrs. Ellis moved to 808 Emory Street with their six children. The children grew up in that home and Mr. and Mrs. Ellis lived there the remainder of their lives. They were a caring, involved, Christian family who were members of Allen Memorial United Methodist Church. All six of the children graduated from Palmer Stone School, and four of the children were students at Emory at Oxford.
Each season, the family planted and harvested a large garden. They also owned several cows that they milked and churned their own butter. Neighbors, friends, and anyone who needed a special helping hand were the recipients of the generous sharing of the products of these endeavors.
Civic-minded and concerned for the growth of the town, Mr. Ellis served on the Oxford City Council for many years. His focus was on what was best for the welfare of the citizens.
The Ellis family built numerous homes in Oxford and throughout Newton County, including the first brick home in Oxford. With the tools available at the time, it took a year to build a home. When Mr. Ellis’s health deteriorated, his sons took over the business.
During World War II, the dean of Emory College approached Mrs. Ellis and asked her if she would open a grill and sandwich shop and she did, calling it “The Huddle.” The intent for the shop was for the college students to have a place to eat, socialize, and play pool. Mrs. Ellis had never worked outside the home, but with four sons in military service, she needed the diversion. She quickly became “Mother Ellis” to the students and was always ready to do for them, even if it meant sewing on buttons or mending a garment. They all came to her for advice, love, and encouragement – and she readily gave it. To show their love and respect for her, the students honored her by dedicating the 1950 yearbook to her.
During severe ice storms, snow storms, fires, and other disasters, the Ellis family could be counted on to help others in their time of need. Three of her four sons were volunteer firefighters as long as their health allowed.
The Ellis home sat prominently on Emory Street and, to paraphrase Sam W. Foss, the Ellis family “lived in a house by the side of the road and was a friend to man.”
Each season, the family planted and harvested a large garden. They also owned several cows that they milked and churned their own butter. Neighbors, friends, and anyone who needed a special helping hand were the recipients of the generous sharing of the products of these endeavors.
Civic-minded and concerned for the growth of the town, Mr. Ellis served on the Oxford City Council for many years. His focus was on what was best for the welfare of the citizens.
The Ellis family built numerous homes in Oxford and throughout Newton County, including the first brick home in Oxford. With the tools available at the time, it took a year to build a home. When Mr. Ellis’s health deteriorated, his sons took over the business.
During World War II, the dean of Emory College approached Mrs. Ellis and asked her if she would open a grill and sandwich shop and she did, calling it “The Huddle.” The intent for the shop was for the college students to have a place to eat, socialize, and play pool. Mrs. Ellis had never worked outside the home, but with four sons in military service, she needed the diversion. She quickly became “Mother Ellis” to the students and was always ready to do for them, even if it meant sewing on buttons or mending a garment. They all came to her for advice, love, and encouragement – and she readily gave it. To show their love and respect for her, the students honored her by dedicating the 1950 yearbook to her.
During severe ice storms, snow storms, fires, and other disasters, the Ellis family could be counted on to help others in their time of need. Three of her four sons were volunteer firefighters as long as their health allowed.
The Ellis home sat prominently on Emory Street and, to paraphrase Sam W. Foss, the Ellis family “lived in a house by the side of the road and was a friend to man.”