THE ELLER CHRONICLES
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ELLER FAMILY ASSOCIATION
Volume XXI, Issue 11 AUGUST 2009
Inside This Issue:
President’s Message
Secretary's Message
Editor's Message
Board Meeting Minutes from
July 23rd and 25th, 2009
Treasurer's Message
Overview of Nashville EFA Conference
Obituaries
EFA Organization
You may submit material for publication
in The Eller Chronicles as follows:
Email to [email protected] OR Mail to
Randy Poplin, 1911 Tara Place,
Dalton, GA 30720.
If you are submitting photographs, please scan
in JPEG format or copy to a diskette or CD.
Most Kodak developers can perform this service
if you do not have a computer. If you prefer,
you may submit photo quality copies; however,
they will not be returned.
Our spotlight
on an
Eller Family
Association
Member
this month is
on Van Eller!
It was great
seeing him at
the EFA
Conference in
Nashville!
Page 2 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Message from the President
I feel that we had a really good Conference in Nashville in July. I want to
thank Karen Pelzman for doing such a wonderful job as host of our EFA
Conference and also all of our members who were speakers and helped in
making it a very good Conference. We look forward to the 2011 Conference
in Chattanooga. Start early telling people to meet us in Chattanooga.
I would like to bring every one up to date on my sister Lois Eller Hardy
and her husband Lee. On July 29th Lois had surgery on her back, after four
days in the hospital she was to a rehab hospital and was there for eight days.
She was home for five days and had to call 911 and was taken back to the
hospital and went back to surgery. She had a staph infection and was there
four days and then back home and will be on antibiotics until Sept. 28. A
home care nurse comes every day to dress her back and give medication.
She was doing better until Sept. 5 after dinner she started having pain in both
arms and chest pain. They called 911 to go back to the hospital and on the
way she told them "I’m going I'm going" and they had to shock her back.
She had a 99% blockage and they put in a stint. She did very well and came
home on Sept. 9 and is improving every day. Her e-mail is [email protected].
Betty and I went to Ohio on Sept 6 and came home on the 9th.
Now for Lee Hardy, he drove himself to Barberton hospital Aug. 3rd with
heart problems and was taken by ambulance to Cleveland Clinic four days
later and had open heart surgery on Aug. 11. They had to repair the mitral
valve and replace a section of the Aortic valve and by-pass one artery. He
was in ICU for four days and came home on Aug. 18. He was doing well
until Thursday the 27th and was sent to Akron General Hospital because of
fluid around his lungs. He came home on Aug. 31 and seems to be well on
his way to recovery. Please pray that Lois and Lee will have full recovery
and not have any more problems. Believe me they have had their share of
medical problems. Ed Eller
Page 3 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
…from the desk of “Our New” Secretary/Treasurer
Well, another conference has come and gone. The old adage is correct – the older you get
the faster time flies by. It seems we were just in Akron, OH.
I want to thank Roger Eller for his 6 years as EFA Secretary/Treasurer and his dedication
to the EFA. I know I will be calling on his expertise quite often. He will be a hard act to
follow. Thank you also, to the EFA membership for entrusting me with this position. I
will strive to do my best.
We need to all work on getting new members and getting the word out about the EFA.
We had 51 participants this year, down from 70 in 2007.
My family combined the conference with our reunion. We had a great time and there is
interest in genealogy that wasn’t there before. Chattanooga would be a great venue for
our members to plan their individual family reunions and get new members for the EFA.
Mom and I are planning to attend the Free Track of Ancestry.com Classes at the 2009
Federation of Genealogical Societies’ Genealogy Conference in Little Rock in
September. I will share what I learned in the November Chronicles.
Karen Pelzman, Secretary/Treasurer
*********************
A Note from the Eller Chronicles Editor…
What an exciting time had by all at the EFA Conference in Nashville! It was so
nice to be able to put names with the many faces I communicate with in pulling
together the quarterly Eller Chronicles. I also appreciate receiving the EFA
Award…what an honor! I really enjoy pulling together the Eller Chronicles each
quarter and am glad that everyone enjoys reading it!
I am dedicating this entire edition to highlight the fun and historical learning
that we had during our July EFA Conference. I have tried to get photos of
everyone in attendance, but please forgive me if I have left anyone out or
incorrectly listed any names. I appreciate all of the photos of the EFA Conference
sent in to me by everyone!
Please continue to forward me any photos, research or any other items of
interest you would like to see within the next publication!
Your Eller Chronicles Editor…Randy Poplin
Page 4 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
A Note from the Hosts of our 2009 EFA Conference…
Eleventh Biennial Conference of the Eller Family Association
Holiday Inn Select, Nashville, TN
July 22-26, 2009
The Conference was a great success and we hope everyone had a good time.
Thank you to all who helped us and especially to Lois Hardy for her help with all
my questions on the plans for the Conference. We all missed you Lois and hope
you are on your way to a speedy recovery from your back surgery. Thanks also to
Ed and Roger for their insight.
Thanks to Ed Eller for agreeing to host the 2011 Conference in Chattanooga, TN.
This will be his third time as host.
Thank you to our speakers on Thursday and Saturday: Jerry Eller, Tom Allman,
Jim Hoobler, Harvey Powers and Tom Eller.
Thanks to all who brought items for the silent auction. We had over 50 items this
year. Let’s top that in 2011!!
Thanks also to Carl Stasiunas of Flair Tours for helping me organize our bus tour,
getting us great seats for the Grand Ole Opry and telling me about the great dance
band, Radio Daze, that entertained us following the banquet.
A great time was had by all and hope to see even more Ellers in 2011 at
Chattanooga, TN.
Karen Pelzman and Betty Russelavage
Page 5 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Eller Family Association
Minutes of the Membership Meeting
At the Eleventh Biennial Meeting
July 23, 2009
The Meeting of the Membership of the Eller Family Association met at 1:30 PM,
Thursday, July 23, 2009, at the site of the Eleventh Biennial meeting, at the Holiday Inn
Select, 2200 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, Tennessee. President Ed Eller called the meeting
to order and asked Secretary/Treasurer Roger Eller whether the required quorum is
present. Roger stated that a quorum is present.
President Ed asked that we have a moment of silence in recognition and memory of those
deceased since the last meeting. They are: J. Gerald Eller, the principal founder of the
Eller Family Association; George E. Eller of Ft. Worth and a member on the Board of
Directors; Julia S. Eller, wife of Roger, the S/T of the Association; Bill Walker, husband
of Christine Eller Walker, of Wilkesboro, NC; and Myrtie Eller Lance of Ohio.
Ed then asked Roger to read the minutes of the previous meeting of the Membership held
in Akron, Ohio, and to present the financial report. Following the reading of the minutes,
Roger handed out several copies of the Statement of Income and Expenses and Cash
Balance for each of the two years of the previous biennium, which were reviewed and
approved as presented. The budget for the ensuing year will be included in the order of
business of the Board of Directors meeting later in the day and presented to the
membership on Saturday morning.
Ed stated the next order of business is the election of officers and directors for the
ensuing biennium. Lois Hardy, Chair of the Nominating Committee, was unable to
attend due to problems with her back and impending surgery scheduled within the next
few days.
Roger presented the report of the Committee as follows:
President Ed Eller
Vice President Fred Bame
Secretary/Treasurer Karen Pelzman
Directors: Joe R. Eller
Nancy Eller
Thomas J. Eller
Lois Hardy
Randy Poplin (Editor of the Eller Chronicles)
Harvey W. Powers (Web Master)
The Secretary then asked if there were any nominations from the floor. There being
none, the motion was made and seconded that the nominations be closed. The motion
passed and the slate of officers and directors as presented was duly elected.
Page 6 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
The President returned to the podium and suggested that the officers and directors (and
anyone else) make a voluntary contribution to the Association to cover the cost of the tee
shirts, which then means that the total revenue received from the sale of the shirts will go
to the treasury; as has been done as precedent for many years. The cost of the shirts, one
hundred of various sizes, was $450; and the contributions received amounted to $450.
Ed asked the Editor, Randy, if he had anything to report. Randy, as usual, requested that
we, the members of the Association, send material to him for the newsletter. Ed
reiterated the request, and said that each one us of knows stories about our families that
will make interesting articles. The President also suggested that we pay the dues for
someone else; a brother, sister, son, or daughter; which is a means of increasing the
membership, and possibly getting another interested in genealogy.
Under the category of new business, Ed again introduced Harvey Powers, the Web
Master, and said that Harvey spoke to us at the Asheville meeting in 1995. Harvey has
recently retired and is now available for gratis work, to the delight of the EFA. He has
already accomplished a lot. (Go to Eller.org and check it out.) We discussed the benefits
of distributing the newsletter via email, which are: 1) the savings of about $3 per copy to
print and mail as compared to almost nothing to email; 2) reducing the distribution time
by about two weeks, and 3) the email copy is transmitted in color and the member can
print it if desired, it is always accessible to the member without having to file a hard
copy. Ed suggested that each of us list our email address on a work pad and indicate our
preference of receiving the newsletter via email or hard copy by mail.
Next on the agenda was to consider the site (and Conference Coordinator) of the next
biennial conference in 2011. No one jumped to the floor to suggest or volunteer, and Ed
said that he “has an ace in the hole”; whereupon he asked what we thought about
Chattanooga. He said that the City has made a lot of improvements and he thought
would be a nice venue for the next conference. He further suggested that he would try to
arrange a tour of a carpet mill for the group in Dalton, which is only about twenty miles
from Chattanooga. He volunteered to be the Coordinator; which will be his third; San
Diego and Hiawassee being the previous ones.
Paula Eller suggested that we think about planning something during the “off year”
sometime in 2010. She said that the two events which we did previously, the St. Lake
City trip and the research effort led by Devon Dahl, and the Alaskan cruise were enjoyed
by all who participated. She and Ed are to collaborate and see if they can come up with
an idea.
There being no further business for consideration, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Roger Eller, (ex) Secretary
Page 7 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Eller Family Association
Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting
July 23, 2009
The Board of Directors of the Eller Family Association was held at 4:00 PM, July 23,
2009, at the Holiday Inn Select, Nashville, TN, the site of the Eleventh Biennial meeting
of the Eller Family Association. Present are the following members of the Board of
Directors, which were elected by the earlier membership meeting: Ed Eller, President;
Fred Bame, Vice President; Karen Pelzman, Secretary/Treasurer; and Directors Joe R.
Eller, Nancy Eller, Tom Eller, Randy Poplin,( Editor); and Harvey Powers, (Web
Master). Lois Hardy was also elected to the Board, but unable to attend the conference
due to physical problems with her back. She is scheduled to undergo surgery July 29.
Also, the now Ex-Secretary/Treasurer Roger Eller was present to help and assist Karen
with the transition of duties.
The first item of business is to work up a budget to present to the Membership for
approval. The estimated revenue for the year 2009-10 totals $3,300, itemized as shown
on the attached statement. The cost of printing and mailing the Chronicles is in a state of
flux depending on the success attainable by emailing the newsletter instead of printing
and mailing the hard copy. Also, the budget for DNA testing is difficult to project very
accurately. However, following discussion, the Board budgeted expenditures for the
ensuing year of $3,300 as itemized on the attached statement; with the footnote that the
sum of $3,000 was approved for DNA testing, of which $493 was spent for that purpose
last year (7-1-08/6-30-09).
Ed noted that Dean Eller has again consented to review the financial records for the year
ended June 30, 2009. The Board approved and expressed appreciation for her review of
the records.
Roger was asked to contact Stan Taylor Insurance Agency, or the Old Republic Surety
Group, for the renewal of the surety bond the anniversary of which is August 23, and to
notify them of the change of mailing address.
No further business was offered for consideration; motion was made for adjournment.
Submitted by;
Roger Eller
Secretary 2003-09
Karen Pelzman
Secretary 2009-
Page 8 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Eller Family Association
Minutes of the Membership Meeting
July 25, 2009
The called meeting of the Membership of the Eller Family Association convened
Saturday morning at 9:00 AM at the Holiday Inn Select, Nashville, TN for the principal
purpose of approving the budget for the year 7-1-2009/6-30-2010. The Board of
Directors at its meeting Thursday afternoon, after reviewing the income and expenses for
the previous biennium; and, following a discussion of the expected income and expenses
for the ensuing year, recommends to the Membership that a budget of $3,300 income and
like amount of expenses, the detail of which is listed on the attached statement, be
adopted for the year July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010. The only change of significance is the
decrease in the cost of printing and mailing the Eller Chronicles from $1,700 to $1,200;
based on the anticipated success of the effort to increase the distribution of the Chronicles
by email; and, thus decreasing the number printed and mailed the old and slow way. The
Chronicles will be placed on the Eller.org web site and be available to the membership by
using a password. Any EFA member who does not have that password should email the
Secretary/Treasurer, Karen Pelzman to obtain it. The vote approving the budget as
recommended by the Board of Directors was without objection.
There being no further business, the meeting of the membership was adjourned.
Submitted by:
Secretary/Treasurer
Page 9 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
ELLER FAMILY ASSOCIATION
INCOME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT
Yr 7-1-07 to 6-30-08
Yr 7-1-08 to 6-30-09
Yr 09-10
Budget Actual
Budget Actual
Budget
Income: Conference July 2007: Registrations
2,815
1,334 Donations for tee shirts
0
0
Tee shirt sales
0
Raffle Eller rug
_____
0
Total Conference income
2,815
1,334
Dues-Regular
2,700 2,410 2,700 2,325 2,400
Dues-Life
0 500 0 0 0
Sale-GME books
300 96 300 64 320
Sale-JJE books
0 0 0 230 180
Interest income
770 383 800 506 400
Total Income
3,770 6,204 3,800 4,459 3,300
Expenses: Chronicles-publish & mail
2,000 1,548 2,000 1,700 1,200
Conferences expenses
3,567
1,500 Cost of tee shirts
0
DNA testing
0
493 950
Eller web site
500 239 340 459 450
Postage
100 71 100 52 100
Telephone & Officers exp
0 0 Office supplies
60 50 60 59 100
Surety bond
200 183 200 183 200
Flowers, memorials
0 0
174 300
Research
0 0 Contingency
300 0 300 0 0
Total Expenses
3,160 5,658 3,000 4,620 3,300
Net Income (Deficit)
610 546 800 -161 0
Cash balance beginning of period
17,802
18,348
Cash balance end of period:
18,348
18,187
Checking acct
5,261
4,594 C/D BB&T (4% due 10-30-09)
13,087
13,593
18,348
18,187
Encumbered funds: For publications:
Balance beginning 4,751
4,847
Page 10 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
of period
Receipts (sale of books) 96
294
Balance end of period 4,847
5,141
Note: Board of Directors approved on 7-21-07 authorized
expenditure of up to $3,000 for DNA study.
Eller Family Association
Receipts and Disbursements Statement (Financial Review)
For the period from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009
Beginning Balance as of July 1, 2008 $ 18,348
Receipts 4,459
Expenses 4,480
Net Change for the Year (income) (21)
Ending Balance as of June 30, 2009 18,327
***************************
Financial Reviewer’s Statement
I have reviewed the statements of receipts and disbursements for the above
period. This review includes the examination of all receipts, disbursements,
bank statements, and other supporting data. This examination indicates that
the funds were properly accounted for and good records were made, and
that invoices or other information are on file, which adequately
substantiates these transactions. Based on the results of this review I
conclude that the receipts and disbursement statement of the funds of the
Eller Family Association for the above period represent the cash
transactions for the period and the cash balance as of June 30, 2009 is
correct.
Dean Eller
Financial Reviewer
Page 11 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
ELLER FAMILY ASSOCIATION
ELEVENTH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE SUMMARY
NASHVILLE, TN
JULY 22-26 2009
The Eleventh Biennial Conference officially opened at 9:00 A.M. Thursday, July 23,
2009 at the Holiday Inn Select, Nashville, TN. The first item on the conference agenda
was the Call to Order and Welcome by Ed Eller, EFA President. Ed introduced the EFA
Officers and Board Members. The conference attendees then introduced themselves.
Ed announced those who have deceased since the last meeting and asked that we have a
moment of silence in their memory. They were:
J. Gerald Eller, the principal founder of the Association, August 4, 2008
George Eller, Ft Worth, TX
Julia S. Eller, Sneads Ferry, NC, March 12, 2009
Bill Walker, Wilkesboro, NC
Myrtle Eller Lance, Akron, OH
Next on the agenda was a historical presentation by Jerry Eller on the History of Aswell
Peter Eller, his great-grandfather, and his son, Cleveland A Eller, Jerry’s grandfather,
both George Michael Eller descendants. His presentation can be found in this issue.
Following Jerry was Tom Allman speaking on his experiences with DNA testing and his
Eller lineage. His talk was very interesting as he related his own story about the question
of his biological father. He grew up assuming that his legal father was also his biological
dad. However, with much research and DNA analysis, he has determined that he is an
Eller, his mother’s first husband.
Jim, Hoober, Senior Curator, Art and Architecture at the TN State Museum and
Commissioner, Metro Historical Commission, was our next guest speaker. He gave a
very informative presentation on the early history of Nashville with insight into the
importance of maintain the old city cemetery. Nashville has a very active Historical
Commission which is intent on preserving Nashville’s place in history.
Following a lunch break the Biennial Meeting of the Membership was held, the minutes
of which comprise a separate report.
At 4:00 P.M. a Board of Directors Meeting was held, the minutes of which you will find
elsewhere in this issue.
The next day, Friday, was our day trip. 26 of us boarded the bus at 8:45 A.M. for a tour
of the Hermitage, the home of Andrew Jackson. A short film was watched and a tour of
the antebellum home of President Jackson followed. We had time to stroll through the
grounds before boarding the bus for a short ride to the Hermitage House Smorgasbord
where we enjoyed a delicious southern buffet.
Page 12 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
The afternoon was spent touring the city, driving through Centennial Park where we
could view the Tennessee State Capitol Building on the hill, through Bicentennial Park, a
photo session on the East Bank and a walk through the beautiful Opryland Hotel atrium.
Friday evening 42 of us enjoyed a great show at the Grand Ole Opry, especially Little
Jimmy Dickens and Vince Gill.
It was a fun-filled day.
Saturday, the third and final day of the conference began at 9:00 A.M. with a
Membership meeting convened for the purpose of approving the budget. A copy was
provided to all those in attendance and the budget was approved.
Harvey Powers, EFA Webmaster, followed the Membership meeting speaking about the
EFA website. He has done a spectacular job in improving our website. He explained the
set up of the site and how to maneuver through it.
At 9:30 A.M. Tom Eller brought us up to date on the Eller DNA Project. He urged more
participation from the male members of the Ellers. Family Tree DNA is the company
that is handling the Eller DNA Project. Please contact Tom if you are interested in being
part of that project.
Following the presentations, items for the Silent Auction were displayed. The group was
free to visit the Meeting Room to place bids on the various items or meet in the
Hospitality Suite to visit with old and new acquaintances. The silent auction ended at
3:00 P.M. with high bidders purchasing their items.
Conference attendees later gathered at the hotel atrium at 5:00 P.M. for group pictures.
We then made our way into the Belle Meade room for the banquet. There were 50
present for the final conference event. We enjoyed a delicious buffet.
The presentation of awards followed dinner. Ed presented the President’s Award to Lois
and Lee Hardy (who were unable to attend due to Lois’ back surgery) for hosting the
Tenth Biennial Conference at Akron, Ohio the EFA Award was given to Randy Poplin
and Harvey Powers was awarded the Hook Award. The awards were engraved with the
name of the recipient and the name of the award. Thanks to all those for their dedication
and service to the Association.
Following the awards several hours of Big Band music, provided by Radio Daze, was
enjoyed along with spirited dancing.
The Eleventh Biennial Conference of the Eller Family Conference then came to an end.
Karen Pelzman, Secretary/Treasurer
Page 13 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
ELLER FAMILY ASSOCIATION ELEVENTH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE - NASHVILLE, TN
JULY 22-26, 2009 - LIST OF ATTENDEES
Allman, Tom and Liz 7019 Wikle Road West, Brentwood, TN 31027 email:
Bame, Fred 8744 Bame Rd, Colfax, NC email: [email protected]
Bliss, Anna Marie and Jim 155 W Brown Rd, Apt 225, Mesa, AZ 85201-3481 email:
Bowlin, Andy, Stacy and Morgan – Fred Bame’s daughter and family
Conn, Michelle, Joe and Ethan 4800 Whites Creek Pike, Whites Creek, TN 37189
email: [email protected]
Conn, Walton and Sue 7050 Sunrise Circle, Franklin, TN 37067
Cullen, Mary and Kevin 880 Beacon Lite Rd #62, Monument, CO 80132 email:
Eller, Paula and Clif 1290 Peck St, Wasilla, AK 99687 email: [email protected]
Eller, Ed and Betty 1124 Ridgeleigh Circle, Dalton, GA 30720 email:
Eller, Jerry 133 S Brewer Dr, Pueblo West, CO 81007 email: [email protected]
Eller, Joe and Dean 2610 Nantucket Drive, Winston Salem, NC 27103 email:
Eller, Roger PO Box 515, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460 email: [email protected]
Eller, Tom and Anne 1311 Masters Dr, Woodland Park, CO 80863 email:
Eller, Van and Driver 6455 E 116th
St, Fishers, IN 46038
Ellison, Gloria and Gene PO Box 51, Meldrim, GA 31318 email: [email protected]
Koenig, Sue and Donald 303 Newfield Rd, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 email:
Kulina, Murissa and Caroline 11332 Woodland Way Rd, Myersville, MD 21773
Page 14 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Liggett, Dan and Lauren 2619 Heathergold Dr, Houston, TX 77084 email:
Normoyle, Jeffrie Lynn 7328 Picnic Woods Rd, Middletown, MD 21769 email:
Pearson, Kathleen – Jeffrie Normoyle’s sister-in-law
Pelzman, Karen 509 N Poplar St, Paris, TN 38242 email: kpelzman2003 @yahoo.com
Pelzman, Michael and Harry 665 Classon Ave, Apt 3A, Brooklyn, NY 11258 email:
Poplin, Randy, Tammy (Eller), Emily and Molly 1911 Tara Place, Dalton, GA 30720
Powers, Harvey and Lois 150 Merrymount Rd, Boydton, VA 23917-4712 email:
Rogers, Mary and Tom 8973 Edgewood St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 email:
Russelavage, Betty 509 N Poplar St, Paris, TN 38242
Russelavage, Victor 570 Upper Vista Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
email:[email protected]
Sullivan, Tom and Shirley R2 Box 94, Solsberry, TN 47459
Page 15 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Gene Ellison, Dean Eller and Betty Eller boarding the bus for the City Tour
The Eller Crew going up the escalator at the Opryland Hotel
Page 16 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Roger Eller and Gene Ellison at the Aquarium Restaurant at
Opry Mills Mall
The General Jackson Riverboat in front of the Nashville skyline
Page 17 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
The Parthenon in downtown Nashville
Paula Eller, Gloria Ellison and Dean Eller
Page 18 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Dean Eller with Murissa Kulina and daughter Caroline
Tom Rogers (in chair), Harry Pelzman, Betty Russelavage, Mary Rogers,
Jeffrie Normoyle, Murissa Kulina, Kathleen Pearson – In front are Caroline Kulina
& Michael Pelzman
Page 19 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Anna Marie Bliss and Lauren Liggett in the hotel lobby
Some of the City Tour participants on the bus ready for the Tour
Page 20 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Group photo of everyone attending the City Tour of Nashville:
Front Row: Gloria Ellison, Betty Eller, Anna Marie Bliss, Dean Eller,
Lauren Liggett, Karen Pelzman, Betty Russelavage, Harry Pelzman, Jeffrie
Normoyle, Caroline Kulina, Michael Pelzman, Tom Rogers & Jerry Eller
Back Row: Roger Eller, Gene Ellison, Ed Eller, Jim Bliss, Joe Eller, Mary
Cullen, Kevin Cullen, Mary Rogers, Clif Eller, Paula Eller, Murissa Kulina
Page 21 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
The Poplin Family enjoying the Bicentennial Park with the
State Capital in the background
Page 22 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
The Grand Ole Opry
The Eller Group at the Grand Old Opry
Page 23 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Fred Bame, Molly Poplin, Tammy Poplin and Emily Poplin at the Opry
Vince Gill performed some beautiful songs for the auditorium!
Page 24 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Connie Smith was a hit from years ago
Bill Anderson is one of the oldies as well
Page 25 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Point of Grace was popular among some of the younger folks
Of course…Little Jimmie Dickens is always a hit!
Page 26 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Ed Eller presiding over one of the meetings
Harvey Powers showing us the “New and Improved” EFA Website
Page 27 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Tom Eller doing a presentation on the Eller DNA Project
Page 28 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Tom Allman discussing his experiences with DNA Testing
Roger discussing the EFA
Page 29 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Tom Eller, Lois Powers and Anne Eller looking at some of the items up for
sell during the silent auction
Anna Marie Bliss, Fred Bame and Ed Eller get in on the action as well
Page 30 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Group Photo of the EFA Conference Attendees:
Front row: Morgan Bowlin, Molly Poplin, Lois Powers, Mary Cullen, Betty
Russelavage, Kevin Cullen, Murissa & Caroline Kulina, Van Eller
2nd
Row: Tom Rogers w/Harry Pelzman, Mary Rogers, Lauren Liggett,
Anna Marie Bliss, Gloria Ellison, Emily Poplin, Tammy Poplin, Harvey Powers, Sue
Koenig, Donald Koenig
3rd
Row: Randy Poplin, Betty Eller, Paula Eller, Joe & Dean Eller, Kathleen
Pearson, Karen Pelzman, Fred Bame, Stacy Bowlin, Andy Bowlin, Shirley & Tom
Sullivan
Back Row: Roger Eller, Jim Bliss, Clif Eller, Ed Eller, Gene Ellison, Jeffrie
Normoyle, Tom Rogers & Victor Russelavage
Page 31 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
(The George Michael Eller Line)
Front Row: Murissa Kulina, Caroline Kulina, Harry Pelzman, Mary
Rogers, Better Russelavage, Mary Cullen, Kevin Cullen
2nd
Row: Joe & Dean Eller, Kathleen Pearson, Karen Pelzman & Van Eller
Back Row: Roger Eller, Tom Rogers, Jeffrie Normoyle &Victor Russelavage
(The John Jacob Eller Line)
Front Row: Morgan Bowlin, Molly Poplin
2nd
Row: Anna Marie Bliss, Emily Poplin, Lauren Liggett
3rd
Row: Paula Eller, Gloria Ellison, Betty Eller, Tammy Eller & Fred Bame
Back Row: Clif Eller, Gene Ellison, Ed Eller, Randy Poplin & Stacy Bowlin
Page 32 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
(The Christian Eller Line)
Front Row: Sue Koenig, Lois Powers & Shirley Sullivan
Back Row: Harvey Powers, Donald Koenig & Tom Sullivan
The EFA Board
Front: Harvey Powers, Joe Eller & Karen Pelzman
Back: Ed Eller, Randy Poplin & Fred Bame
Page 33 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Ed presenting the President’s Award to Lois Hardy for her planning of the
EFA Conference in Ohio last year. Lois missed the conference due to illness.
Ed presenting the Hook Award to Harvey Powers for his work with the EFA
Website.
Page 34 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Randy Poplin received the EFA Award for his work with the Eller
Chronicles. Randy is married to Ed Eller’s daughter, Tammy.
Don Koenig won the final Eller rug in the annual raffle
Page 35 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Fred Bame with daughter Stacey, and Andy & Morgan
Harvey and Lois Powers & Don and Sue Koenig
Page 36 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Karen Pelzman & Carl Stasiunas (Flair Tours) dancing
Page 37 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Betty Eller with grand-daughters Emily and Molly Poplin,
son-in-law Randy and daughter Tammy
Murissa Kulina, Jeffrie Normoyle, Kathleen Pearson
Page 38 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Shirley and Tom Sullivan
Randy and Tammy Eller Poplin
Page 39 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Ed dancing with grand-daughters Emily & Molly Poplin
….and below with wife, Betty
Page 40 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Betty Russelavage & Jeffrie Normoyle enjoying the evening
“Radio Daze” provided the wonderful big band music for the evening
Page 41 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
“NEW AND IMPROVED” ELLER FAMILY ASSOCIATION WEBSITE!
Thanks to Harvey Powers, our new Webmaster, for getting the Eller Family Association Website up-to-date and nicer than ever!
The link to visit the website is www.eller.org
The only place where a password is required is if you want to view the most recent “Eller Chronicles” The password you will use is “ellerhistory”
As part of the new website, EFA members can subscribe to an email newsletter we'll send out periodically to bring you updates and other information between
issues of The Chronicles. Please take a moment to sign up online at http://www.eller.org/pub_newsletter.html We won't sell or otherwise disclose
your email address. We'll keep it in a secure place. And each newsletter will have a link that allows you to 'un-subscribe.'
Page 42 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
ELLER FAMILY ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
The purpose of the Eller Family Association is to draw all Ellers, regardless of their particular
family line, and allied families into a cooperative effort. We owe to the present generation and
those of the future, this effort to come together, explore and record our common roots and
heritage.
The Eller Family Association has already demonstrated that this approach is the quickest and
most efficient mechanism for sharing family history and genealogical information.
The Mission Statement is that the Eller Family Association exists to assist all Eller and
associated family lines worldwide to:
Discover and preserve our historical past
Report current events and ongoing contributions
Develop and expand current family ties
Provide ongoing biennial meetings to summarize accomplishments
Socialize and provide inspired direction as we focus on the future.
A quarterly newsletter, The Eller Chronicles, is published and sent to each member in February,
May, August and November. Information on all Ellers in the United States and Europe, from the
17th century to the current time is being gathered and made available.
To join the Association, please fill out the following information (to the extent known) and send
with check for $25 for an annual membership, or $250 for a lifetime membership, payable to the
Eller Family Association to:
Roger Eller, Secretary/Treasurer
Eller Family Association
P O Box 515
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Name ___________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
Telephone ______________________ Email _____________________________
Name, dates and place of oldest known ancestor _____________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Other family lines in which you are interested ___________________________________
If you have genealogical information or stories you would like to share with other Ellers in the
Chronicles, please send to: Edward K. Eller, 1124 Ridgeleigh Circle, Dalton, GA 30720
Page 43 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Obituaries
Myrtie M. Lance
Myrtie M. Lance, 96, passed away July 8, 2009.
She was born September 21, 1912 in Gaddistown, Ga. She was a member of the Akron
Baptist Temple and was Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star in Morganton, Ga.
Preceded in death by husband, John, in 1970. Myrtie is survived by children, Betty (Jim)
Snyder, Jack (Reba) Lance, Roger (Judy) Lance, and Patricia Lance; numerous
grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Cox Funeral Home, 222
Norton Ave., Barberton with Pastor Steve Lance officiating. Burial was at Greenlawn
Cemetery.
Published in Akron Beacon Journal on July 9, 2009
Page 44 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Glenn Ross Eller Sr Born: December 6
th, 1926
Died: July 31st, 2009
Glenn R. Eller Sr, 82, of Pueblo West, CO passed away, on July 31, 2009. He was born in
Tennessee Ridge TN on Dec 6, 1926. He was preceded in death by his father, Cleveland A. Eller
who died in Feb of 1927 and his mother, Carrie in 1943, and father and mother-in-law, Luther
and Ruth Spitzer. Also preceded in death are his son Glenn Jr, his brother Gene, sisters, Mary
Clamp and Mabel O’Hara and brother-in-laws, George Clamp, Victor Russelavage, Joe O’hara
and his niece Veronica Kelley.
His wife Selma, son and daughter in law, William (Bill) and Martha, son Gerald (Jerry),
daughter in law Margy Eller and sister Betty survive him. He is also survived by his
grandchildren, Brian (and wife Jessikah), Kevin, Aisling and numerous nieces and nephews.
Glenn was a semi-retired real estate broker for the last 40 years, predominately in the
Canon City area. He claimed Southern Colorado as his home with prior residences in Colorado
Springs, Florence and Canon City.
He enjoyed fishing, traveling, collecting coins, politics, the Denver Broncos and his
family and friends were his highest priority. He would consider himself a rancher/cowboy who
loved the country lifestyle and music, and animals. His beloved dogs, Clipper, Boots and Orie,
preceded him in death. In 1943, at the age of 16, he joined the United States Navy where he
proudly served until 1951 when he changed branches of service and joined the Air Force. After
Page 45 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
serving through 3 conflicts, WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam he retired from the Air Force as
a SMSGT in September of 1966.
During his tenure in the Air Force, Glenn worked as a technical writer and was
instrumental in helping build NORAD in Colorado Springs and Falcon football stadium at the Air
Force Academy as well as deploying to South Vietnam with the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing. After
retiring from the Air Force he worked for Continental Airlines and for Howard Hughes at Hughes
Aircraft in Los Angeles before moving to Canon City in 1969.
On April 12, 1953, he was married to Selma Spitzer in Canon City, CO. He had three
sons all who were coincidently born at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Aurora CO. Before his
long career in real estate, he had taught for the Department of Corrections in Canon City and
worked on various construction projects.
Glenn was a Mason and an influential member of the Republican Party. He served as
Fremont County Board of Realtors President and Chamber of Commerce President as well as
serving on the Board of Directors at St Thomas Moore Hospital, Chairman and board of Rainbow
Park Regional Sanitation District, Colorado State Realtors Association and was the last Mayor of
East Canon City and an integral part of the annexation of Canon City.
In lieu of gifts and flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Sangre de Cristo
Hospice, or your local Hospice, in the name of Glenn R. Eller Sr. Services will be held at United
Presbyterian Church in Canon City and burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery with full
military honors.
Page 46 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Benjamin Lawrence Eller Sr.
Born in Purlear, NC on Jan. 17, 1932 Departed on Sep. 10, 2009 and resided in Abingdon, MD.
(Benjamin was Dean Eller’s first Cousin)
Benjamin Lawrence Eller, Sr. of Abingdon, MD passed on September 10, 2009 at Harford Memorial Hospital, Havre de Grace, MD. Mr. Eller, the son of the late Benjamin Harrison Eller and Leona Minton Eller was born January 17, 1932 in Purlear, NC. Mr. Eller was a Commodity Manager at Aberdeen Proving Ground, where he worked for the APG Logistics Directorate. He was also a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, Ferguson, NC. He was an Ordained Deacon for over 40 years and a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Bel Air, MD. Mr. Eller enjoyed bowling, hunting and gardening and was a fine carpenter. He loved singing in the choir and was a member of the Oak Grove Living Christmas Tree Choir. Mr. Eller was survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Mrs. Pauline D. Eller of Abingdon, MD; his son, Rev. Benjamin L. Eller, Jr. and his wife, Judy, of Kirkwood, PA; son Gerald M. Eller, Sr. and wife, Cathy, of Abingdon, MD; daughter Karen Eller Woodall and husband, Thomas, of Lynchburg, VA and son Rev. Kenneth J. Eller and wife, Maritess, of Aberdeen, MD; nine grandchildren, Jennifer Eller, Patricia Eller, Benjamin L. Eller III and wife, Amanda, Gerald Eller, Jr. and wife, Christy, Melissa Woodall Dalrymple and husband, Tim, Nicole Eller, Sara Eller and Rachel Eller and Hannah Eller; five great grandchildren, Brook Eller, Kevin Eller, Brody Eller, Nathan Eller and Griffin Eller; one brother, Warren G. Eller and one sister, Flossie Eller Edwards, both of Abingdon, MD, as well as many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oak Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 2106 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015 or Amedisys Hospice Service, 8003 Corporate Drive, Suite G, Baltimore, MD 21236.
Page 47 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
Carrie Belle Eller Prestwood
Carrie Belle Eller Prestwood, 81, of 5th
S t. NW, Hickory, NC, died Friday, June 26, 2009
at Lutheran Home Hickory West. She was born April 5, 1921 in Johnson County, TN to
Gordon and Fannie Mae Spears Nichols. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church in
Hudson. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Rafe Eller and her second
husband, Frances Prestwood; her parents; three sons, Andrew Eller, Gwyn Eller and and
infant son; three sisters, Mae Huffman, Mary Watson, Dora Smith; three brothers,
Charles Nichols, McKinley Nichols, Arthur Nichols.
Survivors include: two sons, David Eller and wife Louise of North Wilkesboro, Paul
Eller and wife Judith of Hickory; three stepsons, Bob Prestwood, Jerry Prestwood, Nolan
Prestwood; one brother, Edward Nichols of Gamewell.
Funeral services will be 11:00 o’clock Monday at Arbor Grove Methodist Church with
Rev. Dennis Whitt officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will
receive friends at Arbor Grove Methodist Church from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock on
Monday prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arbor Grove Methodist Church Cemetery
Fund c/o Esther Eller, 480 Shepherd River Road, Millers Creek, NC 28651.
Notes of sympathy may be emailed to the Prestwood Family at www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes is serving the Prestwood Family.
Page 48 THE ELLER CHRONICLES Volume XXI, Issue 3
EFA ORGANIZATION
President: Edward K. Eller 1124 Ridgeleigh Circle (706)278-1516
Dalton, GA 30721 [email protected]
Vice President: Fred Bame 8744 Bame Road (336)638-6014
Colfax, NC 27235 [email protected]
Secretary/Treasurer: Karen Pelzman 509 N. Poplar Street (731)644-9057
Paris, TN 38242 [email protected]
Directors: Joe R. Eller 2610 Nantucket Drive (336)765-7353
Winston Salem, NC 27103 [email protected]
Nancy Eller 500 E. Mission Street (817)297-1280
Crowley, TX 76036 [email protected]
Thomas J. Eller 1311 Masters Drive (719)632-2259
Woodland Park, CO 80863 [email protected]
Lois Hardy 2680 Delhi Drive (330)825-7567
Clinton, OH 44216 [email protected]
Director & Web Master Harvey Powers 150 Merrymount Rd (434)689-5549
Boydton, VA 23917 [email protected]
Editor: Randy Poplin 1911 Tara Place (706)529-7485
Dalton, GA 30720 [email protected]
Historian: Lauren Liggett 2619 Heathergold Drive (281)578-8141
Houston, TX 77084 [email protected]
Contact the Secretary/Treasurer:
To apply for membership to the Eller Family Association
To report a chance of address
To report a failure to receive The Eller Chronicles
To purchase back copies of The Eller Chronicles
To purchase the book George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America by
James W. Hook (1957) @ $32 ea
Contact Edward W. Eller to order copies of the book John Jacob Eller and His Descendants by
J. Gerald Eller, Edward K. Eller and Janine Eller Porter (1998)
Contact the Editor to submit genealogy and family history for publication in The Eller Chronicles
Contact the Web Master about submitting and /or inquiring about information on the web site.
To view The Eller Chronicles on the internet, go to www.eller.org
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