Three weeks after his wife’s death, Reuben Ellis made out a will that left all his property to his step-grandchildren. The land had been Mary Lynch Rhodes Ellis‘, and Ellis returned it to her descendants.

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In the 1920 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: on Stantonsburg Road, farmer Reuben Ellis, 45; wife Mary, 42; and stepson John Hardy Rhoades, 21, widower.

In the 1930 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: on Old Stantonsburg Road, Ruben Ellis, 57; wife Mary, 52; and grandchildren Hattie M., 12, Carrie, 9, James, 6, and Charlie Rhodes, 5, and Cora B. Wynn, newborn.

In the 1940 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Ruben Ellis, 60, farmer; wife Mary, 62; grandsons James R., 17,  and Charlie Rhodes, 15; and granddaughter Cora Bell Ellis, 11.

In 1942, James Rhoades registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his draft card, he was born 4 January 1923 in Wilson County; lived at Route 3, Wilson; his nearest relative was Ruebin Ellis; and he worked on Isaac Jones’ farm.

Mary Wyatt Ellis died 10 October 1943 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 16 May 1876 in Wilson County to Wyatt Lynch and Nicie [no maiden name listed]; was married to Rubin Ellis; was engaged in farming; and was buried on “Lynch Farm.”

Rubin Ellis died 11 March 1944 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 67 years old; was a widower; was born in Wilson County to Rubin Ellis and Clara Atkinson; worked as a farmer; and was buried on the home place. Charlie Rhodes was informant.

Will of Reuben E. Ellis (1943), North Carolina, U.S. Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.