THOMAS ELY:
                                   by:
                            Hattie Muncy Bales

       Thomas Ely, the ancestor of the branch of the Ely family in 
       Southwestern Virginia, was among the early emigants of the
       name to the American Colonies and came about the middle of the 
       eighteenth century. According to tradition, Thomas was a young 
       man about twenty four years of age when he left England for
       America, and on shipboard met an Irish girl by the name of Jane
       Smith who was born in Dublin, Ireland, whom he fell in love with
       and married aboard ship.

       There is some evidence that they remained in Pennsylvania for a few 
       years after their marriage, until after the birth of their two oldest 
       sons, Thomas( Abt. 1750) and William in 1753. 

       Thomas Ely,( the elder) was a soldier in the war between Great
       Brittain and France and received a Land Office Warrant for 50
       acres of land to be surveyed in any county within the Commonwealth
       for his military service.
       The place of his residence when he was engaged in this war is not
       definately known, but most probably in Stafford County. He was under
       the command of Colonel Byrd.

       The first established place of residence of Thomas Ely in Virginia
       was not confirmed with documentary proof until 1772. Nov. 23, 1772
       Thomas Ely of Bedford County purchased land in Bedford Co. from
       John Caffery and wife Elizabeth of Bedford Co.

       Deed book D-4, page 415, Bedford Co. VA
       "This indenture made this Twenty third day of November one thousand
       seven hundred and seventy two between John Caffery of the county of
       Bedford of the one part and Thomas Ely of the county aforesaid of the
       other part.
       Witnesseth, the said Caffery for Divers Good Causes and Consider-
       ations, but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of
       Sixty Pounds current money of Virginia... one certain tract piece
       or parcel of land lying and being in the county aforesaid on the
       south fork of Beaver Creek containing one hundred acres... with
       all wood, swamps, meadows, low and high ground, orchards, gardens,
       houses and all appurtenances" Signed by John and Elizabeth Caffery. 

       ( List of Revolutionary Soldiers-Eckenrode: Thomas Ealey( 5VR) W.D.
       118, 5) Thomas Ely Jr., presumably the eldest son, was killed in this
       war.

       Thomas Ely and family were residents of Bedford Co. VA during the
       Revolutionary War, and Thomas and three of his sons were soldiers in
       this war. Thomas Ely Sr. served as a private in the 5th Virginia
       Regiment, Continental Line under various Captains under the command
       of Colonel Josiah Parker and Colonel Abraham Buford.

       Tradition: " Wounded at Bufords Defeat, Thomas feigned death.. a
       Brittish soldier said, "This old man is not dead" and ran a bayonet
       through him...asked" Why are you fighting against the King?" Thomas
       replied. I married here, my family is here, my home is here and I
       think I have a right to fight for my country." 

       Notes for JANE SMITH:

       Disbursements to Jane Ealy (Ely)

       At a court held for Bedford Co. the 27th March 1780, Present:
       Samuel Hairston, William Mead, James Calloway, John Hunter,
       John Talbot, Francis Thorp, William Leftwich, John Fitzpatrick,
       and William Henderson, Gent:

       Jane Ealy Wife of Thomas Ealy a soldier in the service of the United
       States alld: two hundred weight of pork in the hands of Jonathan
       Rosser which is ordered to be certified. County Order Book 6, page
       276.

       At a court held for Bedford Co. July 25 1780. present:
       James Callaway, Charles Lynch, John Talbot, John Ward, and
       Harry Buford Gente., William Callaway Gente., Wm. Leftwich Gente.,
       Jno. Callaway Gente.

       Jane Ealy wife of Thos. Ealy ald. 4 barrels of corn to be purchased
       by Jonathan Rosser for her use in the absence of her husband in the
       Service of the United States. ( 8 in family) County Order Book 6,
       page 290.

       According to tradition, Thomas died two years after he was wounded
       (1780) at Buford's Defeat. Some time later, Jane with her large family of children
       left Bedford Co. and settled in Montgomery Co. VA where they received
       small land grants, and where they lived for several years before
       selling their property and moving to Lee Co. Va 1796-98.