Elias Elliott

Elias Elliott was the father of Harriett Ann Elliott and my great x3 grandfather. He was born about 1832 presumably in Virginia. The earliest record I have for Elias is when he appears on the 1850 federal census in the 22nd Regiment District, Mecklenburg, VA. Members of the family include his mother Elizabeth Elliott (listed as head of household), his sister Dorothy (age 23) and Elias (age 18). Based on her age in the census, Elizabeth's birth year appears to be ~1796.

Elias is next found in the 1860 census in the Southern District, Halifax, VA. He is listed with his wife "Panthia" and their son Camillus (age 6 mos). The young family is living with Panthea's mother Sinthia H Overby. Elias's mother Elizabeth is listed several houses away with her daughter and son-in-law.

By 1870 Elias and Panthea are living in Clarksville, Mecklenburg, VA. Three more children have been added to the family: John L, Ransom, Synthia E. Elias is listed as a farmer.

The 1880 federal census tells us a little more about this family. More children have been added- Harriet (my great-great grandmother), Elias, and Sam. Elias continues to farm, but of interest is that a housekeeper has been added to the family. Panthea is listed as having "no occupation" and is checked in the category "maimed, crippled, bedridden or otherwise disabled". Wonder what happened?

The only other record for Elias that I have seen referenced is his marriage bond to Panthea Overby. The couple married in Halifax County, VA on 25 Nov 1859. Only his mother Elizabeth is listed as his parent. No father is listed.

So, at this point in the Elliott line, I have hit a "brick wall". Until Elias's father is identified, this line cannot be traced futher back. Likely, his father died prior to 1840. Looking at the collateral Elliott lines may provide some clues, however, I've had no luck so far. If Elias's father did die, hopefully some estate papers or guardianship papers for the children were generated. A road trip one day.....