John F. Ellison was born in Ohio in 1840. He was 21 years old when he enlisted for three years of military service at West Union, Ohio. Enrolled as Private John F. Ellison, he mustered into service on June 13, 1861, at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio. He served honorably in Company D of the 24th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. John was good with his hands. He skillfully carved walking canes from tree limbs while off duty, and one of the canes is still in the possession of his descendants. A very patriotic volunteer, John F. Ellison reenlisted for three more years and served in Company D of the 18th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

After mustering out of service on October 9, 1865, John F. Ellison returned to his home in Adams County, Ohio. The State of Ohio honored him with a war veteran's service medal. He was one of only sixty-nine original members of the 24th O.V.I. who received one of these medals.

Like many other members of the 24th O.V.I., John Ellison moved west. He first settled in Kansas, and there he married Josephine Pigg of Arkansas in 1883.

About 1897, the Ellison family moved to Missouri, when they had their last child. In 1905, John became a partner in a blacksmithing business known as Ellison and Blanton. By 1910, John and Josephine made their home on Oak Street in Sullivan, Franklin County, Missouri. John resided there for the rest of his life.

The couple had four children. Alma and Ray were still residing with John and Josephine in 1910.

John F. Ellison died October 9, 1913, at Sullivan, Missouri.

Sources: "Official Roster of Ohio Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion and 24th O.V.I. pension index," and "The Centennial Biographical Directory of Franklin County, Missouri." Charlene Copeland of Lebanon, Missouri, also provided biographical information. Email Charlene at rcopeland@leblink.com .

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