Elliston, Uncle Mark

1845 - Jan. 22, 1922
Uncle Mark Elliston,one of the true Dallas County pioneers, died in Dallas last week. Lived in this county seventy-ffive years. Monday's Dallas News contained the following notice of the death of Uncle Mark Elliston, which information was telephoned to friends here Sunday: Mark Elliston, 77 years old, a pioneer of Dallas County, died Sunday morning at 1:10 o'clock at his residence, 4323 Thomas Ave. He was born in Henry County Kentucky, in 1844, and at 2 years of age came with his parents to Birdvile, Tarrant County, TX.

At the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted under Captain Quayle, whose company joined the brigade of General Sul Ross. His record as a soldier was both unigue and unusual. In every advance or charge he acted the part of a man devoid of all fear. His voice with a volume far beyond the ordinary, was heard always at the front of battle. The Mark Elliston call soon became known in the Confederate Army as the "Rebel Yell". It struck fear to the heart of the enemy and his comrades said it often caused the enemy forces to retreat.

On New Years Day, 1866, he married Martha Ann Marsh, at Farmers Branch, In Dallas County. There he lived and reared a family. During the years of reconstruction and unrest, just after the Civil War, Mr. Elliston was often called upon by officers of the law to arrest robbers and highwaymen. He never failed to catch his quarry. He was so efficient in his work that road robbers were soon afraid to operate in Dallas County.

He is survived by two sons, John and Marsh Elliston, the latter, serving several terms as Assessor of Dallas County, and one daughter, Mrs. Oscar Thomas of Abilene, and three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

W. C. Kingsley and the News editor were unable to act as pal bearers, Mr. Kingsley being in Mineral Wells and the News editor being ill. It grieved us not to be able to show a last honor to this good friend.

Uncle Mark Elliston moved to Garland shortly after the town moved to its present location, and was in business here for several years. He made his home here until a few years ago, when he moved to Dallas where he has since resided. Mrs. Elliston was an invalid for a number of years prior to her death about two years ago and most of his time was spent in nursing and caring for her, in which he was unselfishly attentive.

Mr. Elliston was one of the most cheerful men we ever knew. While rigidly adhering to his own convictions he was not offensive in his views. For many years he was one of the widest known men in the State at political conventions, his "Rebel Yell" being nationally known. He attended several national conventions, and practically all State conventions up the time Mrs. Elliston's health failed. He was a unique character in many ways, and a man it was good to know.

For the past two years he had suffered from heart trouble and realized that the call would come almost any minute. However, he accepted the condition philosophically and uncomplainingly and was ready when the grim reaper summoned him.

May his spirit find sweet repose in that sublime would to which he has gone. He had been a member of the Christian Church for many years and a Mason since boyhood.

Garland News.

Mrs. Mark Ellison

Nov. 27, 1918
Garland News
Mrs. Mark Ellison, aged 70 years, died at her home in Dallas Wednesday following a long invalidism. She was a native of Dallas county, being born and reared near Farmers Branch. She lived in Garland many years prior to moving to Dallas three years ago and news of her death brings sorrow to many dear friends here.