The Thompson Book:
Nicholas (like his father) was also a Methodist preacher. The following tribute to his life appeared in The History of Methodism in Kentucky:
Nicholas Ellis . . . was one of the most useful members of the Church in [Kentucky]. His whole life seemed imbued with the spirit of the Master, and in his conversation and deportment he exemplified everywhere the truth and reality of the religion he professed. Not contented to enjoy the gracious boon alone, he used every effort within his power to bring others to the Saviour. However great his attachment to the forms of Christianity, he felt unwilling to rest in these, and was only satisfied in the enjoyment of the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. He enjoyed religion in all its vitality and power, and in the purity of his life said, "Follow me as I follow Christ."

For many years before his death, he was the leader of the country class that met in Hopkinsville, and was eminently prepared to instruct them in the way to heaven.

His last moments were full of triumph. His disease was spasmodic bilious colic, from which his sufferings were intense; yet reckoning "that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory" that awaited him, he bore all with Christian heroism. About a week before his death, he requested his brother to sing the hymn commencing, "Jesus, lover of my soul," and unite in prayer with him. At the close of the prayer, taking his brother's hand, he said, "What is to be compared with religion when possessed in its genuineness and strength?" At another time he said to his pastor, "I would not give the hope with which religion inspires my soul for ten thousand worlds.". . . The last words he uttered on earth were, "Is it not time to have public prayers?"

THE HISTORY of PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY VIRGINIA
CHAPTER IX EARLY CHURCHES IN PITTSYLVANIA THE CHURCH of ENGLAND
page 129
Though Methodism found many followers in the County, it was not until 1823 that deeds were recorded for the erection of churches. In 1827 Rawley Williamson Carter and his wife Anne gave a lot for the erection of a church, making the deed to the following trustees: Augustine H. Carter, Jeduthan Carter, Ira Ellis, Reuben Hopkins, William A. Lilly, Nicholas Ellis and John Pinnell.

Book written on this family per Barney Thompson:
"Ancestors and Descendants of Nicholas Mason Ellis"

Nicholas Mason Ellis removed from Pittsylvania County to Christian County in 1831 and died there in 1848. He was a son of Ira Ellis who wrote his will August 5, 1838, according to Christian County Will Book L, page 81. Mary "Polly" Gunn Ellis who was born in 1800 in North Carolina continued to live in Christian County in 1874. 138

Nicholas Ellis was a plain farmer, and lived some four miles south of Hopkinsville in the southern part of the present precinct. (Perrin pp.1959)

1830 Census Ky Christian co Hopkinsville
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