Cornelius Family
History 

Our history begins with Dan and Nellie Johnson hailing, from Marshall, Texas. Dan and Nellie briefly spent time in Hooks, Texas before later settling in Texarkana, Texas. Nellie Johnson had four brothers: Dan Pettaway, Richard Pettaway, Marbrough Pettaway, and Charlie Pettaway. Nellie, being a quarter Indian had a temper of fire and a strong left hand and once caught in its grip, it was impossible to get free, but more importantly, this strong-willed woman had a heart of gold. There was absolutely nothing she would not do for her family or her fellow man. Nellie had little or no education and could only read her bible. She was a Christian woman, holding her faith in the highest esteem. She held the banner of faith high and served until death the God she feared and so loved. Dan and Nellie had three children: Rueben, Rebecca, and Ella Mae Johnson. Of these children born, Ella Mae Johnson is the reason we gather. Ella Mae “Big Mama” Johnson, another great woman of faith, was born Nov. 5, 1898, in Texarkana, Texas. She met and married Henry Cornelius at the age of 16 and from this union, six children were born: Curtis, Samuel, David, Charles, Nellie Queenesther, and Dan. We are told that Dan Cornelius preached at a very early age and died of diphtheria at the age of six. She later met and married Joe "Daddy Joe" Ellis of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1927, who shared in the rearing of the children and two grandchildren, Ruby Jones and Charles Ray Mathis. The children were raised and brought up in the Red Springs Baptist Church then located on Summerhill Road. It was here where Ella Mae served as church clerk, secretary, teacher, and president of the mission. Her grandson, Charles Ray Mathis, has preceded her in death. Since her death in November of 1964 all of her children have passed: Charlie in 1980, Curtis in 1987, Nellie in 1994, Samuel in 2003, and David in 2004. Who is this Cornelius family? A family with its foundation built on faith.