Introduction to Diversity for Educators EDF-2085-32155

July 6, 2012

Ellis Family

by Misty Ellis

All because 2 people fell in love…

My ancestor, Samuel Ellis, was born about 1733 in Wales, UK, and died on July 11, 1794 in New York, NY. Samuel came to America to pursue his dreams, he became a butcher in New York and purchased an island in the middle of the harbor. After his death his family donated the island to the government, today that island is named after him. It is Ellis Island. His descendants migrated across America and homesteaded what is now Denton, Texas. Ellis county Texas is named for one of his grandsons who is my 4X great grandfather

Ellis Family Line

•Ellis wagon train to Texas

My Loeffler family line has been in America since 1871. Anton Loeffler came from current day Germany and passed through Ellis Island with little money in his pocket. He migrated to Nebraska where he homesteaded land and in 1879 he married an “American” girl, Helena Sand. Lena’s family immigrated from Germany and the Netherlands in 1841 and they also homesteaded land in Nebraska. They came to America to escape tyranny and oppression.

Loeffler Family Line

•Loeffler Family Farm Nebraska

Respect everyone, especially your eldersAlways address people with Sir and Ma’am,

unless they ask you not toGive your seat to an elder, without being asked toWhen invited to someone’s home never show up

empty handed, always take a token of appreciationMake eye contact with someone you are talking

withTreat others as you wish to be treatedDo not interrupt when someone is talkingWork hard for everything you want and share with

others whenever you can

Some of the cultural norms and values that have been handed down to me:

Birthday cakes are always Angel Food CakeChristmas Eve meal consists of soups and

breads; oyster soup and chili are a mustChristmas Day meal is large with multiple

meats, vegetables, breads and desserts

Family Food Traditions

A fresh pine Christmas tree is a requirementA glass pickle ornament is hung on the treeEvery holiday is celebrated with familyAt Christmas a candle is displayed in the

window for a member of the family that is not with us

Family Traditions

The hardships, struggles, and sacrifices that my ancestors made has not gone unnoticed. Because of the choices, decisions, and sacrifices they made I have the possibilities and opportunities I have today. Finishing my college education is my opportunity to thank them and pay forward all they have instilled in me. To all who have come before me, THANK YOU!!! -Misty Ellis

•Three Generations