Further information about Eliza Ellett

In the Fall of 2007, George Pitt, a descendant of Eliza, had the opportunity to view some of Eliza's "love letters" that were in the possession of Ruth Gunn, another descendant. George's communication follows relaying some of the content in those letters, and includes his introductory comments.
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In 1871 John Anderson Gunn was "courting" his second wife.    Now those who are descended from James Noble Gunn, this is his grandfather and grandmother to be.   Her name was Eliza Ellett and she was from Alabama.  John Anderson met his future bride through his brother Jackson S. Gunn, who was married to Elizabeth Ellett, Eliza's half sister.     Jackson was a Baptist preacher near Trinity, Alabama.

Eliza's father was Edmund Ellett.    He first married Jane McDonnell and they had 3 children: Margaret who died in infancy, Elizabeth, married Rev. Jackson Gunn and Mary Miller, married James Throckmorton.    Edmund then married again to Eliza Mitchell.    They had 3 children: Martha, married John Rather (wonder if we are kin to Dan), Eliza, married John Anderson Gunn and John who died in infancy.

I believe almost all the courting went on in letters and Ruth Gunn has several of these letters.   I tried to transcribe them but my eye are not up to the job and they would not copy in a copy machine.

The letters from Eliza were inscribed: "Mr. John A. Gunn, Esteemed friend."

One begins:  "Every letter I receive I must admit that the author is appreciated more highly,"      She further says, "For all your noble gifts my only return is my love which I think includes all, everything."

In one note from John Anderson, he writes,  "At home, May 26th, (18)71.   Enclosed you will find my picture, a very poor picture of myself.    If you can like this picture, I know you will like me much better.     Accept this as token of my love and esteem for you, and for nothing else.    No now only I pray you let aught but death part the and me.   Yours I am until death, J. A. Gunn"

Eliza and John Anderson were married in June of 1871.  I can see a strong resemblance of James Noble, my grandfather, in the photo Ruth Gunn has of John Anderson.

Eliza and John Anderson had 4 children:  John Edmond Gunn, James W. Gunn, Edmund Jackson Gunn and Martha Eliza Gunn.    Eliza died 3 February 1882 and is buried in the Gunn cemetery at Barren Plains.

                                                           George Pitt