Sequoyah Caverns & Ellis Homestead

James Ellis moved his family to Valley Head, Alabama fromTennessee back in 1841. He and his family built a log cabin and later a frame house where the campground is today. The cabin was
later moved and used for another home
on the farm.

In these pioneer days the Ellis Family had to be tough and worked hard to cut farmland out of a wilderness. This hard work allowed the family to accumulate hundreds of acres of land, including what is today Sequoyah Caverns.

During The War Between the States the Ellis family was divided, just like the nation itself. James, a 2nd Lt. in the Union army, died from a camp disease in 1863. He is buried at the Chickamauga Battlefield. Four of his sons also served in the war. Three of his sons fought for the Union and one fought for the Confederacy. Only two of the sons survived the war. Mrs. Ellis had one son, Abner, who was too young to fight.

Although times were hard after the war, the farm began to prosper again. By the turn of the century the Ellis family was relatively well off. They were growing corn, cotton, wheat, and oats, making sorghum, and raising sheep and cattle.

Today, the direct decendants of James Ellis still live here welcoming visitors from all over the world who come to explore the Ellis Homestead and see Sequoyah Caverns.

Original Settler: James Ellis,
Born 1806, moved here in 1841, died 1863

Son: Abner Jackson Ellis,
Born here 1847-1900

Granddaughter: Harriet Saphronia Ellis,
Lived here 1870-1935, married John Humble

Great Granddaughter: Abbie Jane Humble,
Lived here 1904-1977, married Roy Lee Jones

G. Great Grandson: John David Jones,
1933- Present, Owner of the farm, working with
his son, Roy

G.G. Great Grandson: Roy Lee Jones II,
1964- Present Running day-to-day operations

G.G.G. Great Granddaughter: Rebecca Jones,
1989- Works today as a tour guide

G.G.G. Great Grandson: John Paul Jones,
1991- Works today on the farm



	James Ellis moved his family to Valley Head, Alabama fromTennessee back in 1841. He and his family built a log cabin and later a frame house where the campground is today. The cabin was later moved and used for another home on the farm. In these pioneer days the Ellis Family had to be tough and worked hard to cut farmland out of a wilderness. This hard work allowed the family to accumulate hundreds of acres of land, including what is today Sequoyah Caverns. During The War Between the States the Ellis family was divided, just like the nation itself. James, a 2nd Lt. in the Union army, died from a camp disease in 1863. He is buried at the Chickamauga Battlefield. Four of his sons also served in the war. Three of his sons fought for the Union and one fought for the Confederacy. Only two of the sons survived the war. Mrs. Ellis had one son, Abner, who was too young to fight. Although times were hard after the war, the farm began to prosper again. By the turn of the century the Ellis family was relatively well off. They were growing corn, cotton, wheat, and oats, making sorghum, and raising sheep and cattle. Today, the direct decendants of James Ellis still live here welcoming visitors from all over the world who come to explore the Ellis Homestead and see Sequoyah Caverns. Original Settler: James Ellis, Born 1806, moved here in 1841, died 1863 Son: Abner Jackson Ellis, Born here 1847-1900 Granddaughter: Harriet Saphronia Ellis, Lived here 1870-1935, married John Humble Great Granddaughter: Abbie Jane Humble, Lived here 1904-1977, married Roy Lee Jones G. Great Grandson: John David Jones, 1933- Present, Owner of the farm, working with his son, Roy G.G. Great Grandson: Roy Lee Jones II, 1964- Present Running day-to-day operations G.G.G. Great Granddaughter: Rebecca Jones, 1989- Works today as a tour guide G.G.G. Great Grandson: John Paul Jones, 1991- Works today on the farm