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Joshua Mitchell Ennis

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Birth	:	10 Aug 1818 Worcester County, Maryland, USA
Death	:	11 Jun 1889 Shelbyville, Shelby County, Missouri, USA
Burial	:	Shelby Memorial Cemetery, Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate	:	39.8046330, -92.0448310
Plot	:	Probably Old Original Cemetery
Description	:	Married Elizabeth Jane Agee on 08 JUL 1847 in Monticello, Lewis County, Missouri. JOSHUA M. ENNIS (Sheriff and Collector, Shelbyville). Among the old and respected citizens of Shelby county, no one is better or more favorably known than the subject of the present sketch. For nearly half a century a resident of the county, Mr. Ennis has been one of its active and useful citizens from the beginning, and has been long and prominently identified with its public affairs. He has held the office of sheriff longer, perhaps, than any other man in the State, and has also served... Read More	Married Elizabeth Jane Agee on 08 JUL 1847 in Monticello, Lewis County, Missouri. JOSHUA M. ENNIS (Sheriff and Collector, Shelbyville). Among the old and respected citizens of Shelby county, no one is better or more favorably known than the subject of the present sketch. For nearly half a century a resident of the county, Mr. Ennis has been one of its active and useful citizens from the beginning, and has been long and prominently identified with its public affairs. He has held the office of sheriff longer, perhaps, than any other man in the State, and has also served the people of the county as treasurer. Mr. Ennis is a worthy representative of one of the early families of Shelby county. His parents, Joseph and Mary Ennis, came here from Worcester county, Md., in 1837. His father was one of the first merchants of Shelbyville, there being but two other stores when he engaged in business at that place, namely: those of Holliday & Broughton and Hawkins & Bro. In 1839 his father built the brick house now known as the City Hotel, where he ran a hotel for a term of years. During this time he held the office of county treasurer for four years. Later along he settled on a farm adjoining Shelbyville, where he resided until near his death, one of the honored and esteemed citizens of the county. Joshua M. Ennis was born in Maryland August 10, 1818, and received a good business education as he grew up in Worcester county. The year before his parents came to Missouri he started out in the world to seek his own fortune, although but 18 years of age. He went to New Orleans, clerking in a mercantile house, and, later along, to Arkansas, but learning that his parents had removed to Missouri, he came to this State and joined them in Shelby county. He clerked in the store for his father for several years and then assisted him in the county treasury. A young man of fine business qualifications, active, and unusually popular with all with whom he came in contact, in 1846 he made the race for sheriff against the old sheriff, Gilbert H. Edmonds, and was triumphantly elected. And again, in 1848, Mr. Ennis was a candidate for re-election for the office of sheriff and collector, his opponent being J. H. Forman, and was elected. In 1856, he was also a candidate, his opponent being E. L. Holliday, and was elected to the office of sheriff and collector. Mr. Ennis was again a candidate for re-election, without opposition, in 1858. In 1874, he was a candidate for county treasurer, his opponent being A. B. Irwin, and was elected, and in 1876, he was a candidate for re-election, without opposition. In 1878, Mr. Ennis ran for sheriff and collector against F. M, Harrison on his second term, and was defeated by 139 votes, — the Tilden vote was made ruling and the ruling was not respected. In 1880, he was once more a candidate, his opponent being W. O. Huston, and was elected. Likewise in 1882, he was a candidate for re-election, his opponents being William Hope for the office of sheriff and Mr. F. Keith for the office of collector, beating them by about 750 votes each. In the year 1852 J. M. Ennis entered into partnership with A. McMurtry, selling goods, and continued until 1855. In 1865 he engaged in the stock business, buying and shipping to St. Louis, which he followed for about three years. In 1869 he opened a grocery store, which he conducted five years, and in 1875 he opened a hardware and agricultural house, which, in 1880, after his election, he sold out. On the 1st of March, 1883, he commenced the agricultural implement business under the firm name of J. M. Ennis & Son. This he is still carrying on, or, rather, his son has charge of it, and has made it a success. They have a good trade in their line and are doing an excellent business. Mr. Ennis has a good farm near Shelbyville, which he superintends, but he himself resides in town and has lived here since 1837. In July, 1847, Mr. Ennis was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Agee. They have six children: Mary, now Mrs. Dr. A. R. Noland, of Monroe City; Charles, now in partnership with his father, and deputy sheriff of the county; Lorena, at home, as are also Joseph, Ella and Grace. Another, William, the eldest, died at the age of 26, in 1874. Two others are deceased, Samuel and Elizabeth, both at tender ages. Mr. Ennis is a member of the Masonic order, and was 66 years old the 10th day of last August. History of Monroe and Shelby Counties, Missouri; St. Louis: National Historical Company, 1884, Pages 912, 913 & 914 Ennis. When Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning last, the word went from house to house, and from lip to heart, that Joshua M. Ennis was dead, it caused intense feeling and deep sorrow. Though he had been in feeble health for months, and his death was no surprise, yet it none the less moved nearly all hearts. He was probably the best known person in Shelby county, and not only best known, but most sincerely respected and loved for his manly, generous, kindly, public-spirited qualities. His large hospitality and general liberality were recognized by nearly everyone within the limits of this county, and by many elsewhere. That he was strictly honest in all his dealings both public and private, no one questions. He had long been recognized as a man of great force of character; in politics, a leader whose wisdom was second to none. Joseph Ennis, the father of the deceased, as one of the best merchants in Shelbyville, settling there in 1837, and spending the remainder of his life in and near the county seat of this county. Deceased was born in Worcester county, Maryland, August 10th, 1818, where he secured a good business education. At the age of 18 he became a clerk in a mercantile house in New Orleans, and from there he went to the young state of Arkansas. There, learning that his parents had moved to Missouri and settled in Shelbyville, he joined them and cast in his fortunes with this then new county. This was some time in the early forties; for in 1846 he had become well enough known to run for sheriff, the most important office in the county, and to beat that popular old citizen Gilbert H. Edmonds, and in 1848 he was re-elected over his opponent J. H. Foreman. In 1852 he formed a partnership with A. McMurtry in mercantile business in Shelbyville which continued for three or more years In 1856 he again became a candidate for the office of sheriff, and was elec ted over E. L. Holliday; and was re-elected without opposition in 1858. Soon after this that sad period in the history of this county, state and country occurred, when brother was arrayed against brother, and friend against friend in deadly strife. During that bitter period through the war and for some years afterward when party feeling was most intense, the subject of this sketch retained the personal respect and confidence of those most opposed to him politically. He was of course out of politics till after the enfranchisement of those sympathizing with the lost cause. In 1874 he again entered the political arena, and was selected treasurer of the county, to which position he was again chosen in 1876. In 1880 and again in 1882 he was elected to the office of sheriff and collector Alter this he retired satisfied with public office, having been six times elected sheriff and twice treasurer of his county. But once, we believe, was he ever unsuccessful when he desired office. In 1878 Frank Harrison was sheriff, and Mr. Ennis made the race against him for the nomination and was beaten by a few votes In all his public trusts deceased so conducted himself, and so managed the business committed to his hands that he maintained the perfect confidence of the entire people. He was ever faithful, obliging and efficient. He never made the accumulation of money an object. He only cared for it as it enabled him to provide for his family and friends, and dispense charity to others. He was always public-spirited, taking a deep interest in the affairs of his town, his county, his state and the nation at large. He was a friend to every measure calculated to improve and benefit the community. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to young men whom he thought gave promise of usefulness. In 1847 he married Miss Elizabeth J. Agee, who still lives to mourn the loss of a true and tender husband. They had nine children, six of whom still live, deeply mourning the loss of a most indulgentand lovingfather. On Wednesday, the remains of this most worthy citizen, loyal husband, devoted father, true friend and sincere christian were laid at rest in Odd Fellow's cemetery in Shelbyville in the presence of a great multiude of his fellow citizens whose hearts were all saddened by the loss of one in whem they had such confidence, and for whom they entertained so much respect Rev. Penn delivered a eulogy befitting the occasion, tender and touching in its allusions to the many noble qualities of his deceased friend and brother. Thus we have laid to rest one of the oldest, most honored and worthy of our fellow citizens. May his good qualities make a lasting impression on all, especially the young men of Shelby county. Shelbina Democrat, Shelbina, Missouri, 19 Jun 1889, Wed • Page 4, Column 2 Information on file with Shelby County Historical Society & Museum

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Joshua Mitchell Ennis's memorial?
Joshua Mitchell Ennis's memorial is located at: Shelby Memorial Cemetery, Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA.
When did Joshua Mitchell Ennis death?
Joshua Mitchell Ennis death on 11 Jun 1889 in Shelbyville, Shelby County, Missouri, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Joshua Mitchell Ennis's memorial?
Latitude: 39.8046330
Longitude: -92.0448310

Family Members:

Parent

Joseph Ennis

(1791 - 1867)

Mary “Mollie” Gray Ennis

(1791 - 1866)

Spouse

Elizabeth Jane Agee Ennis

(1829 - 1894)

Siblings

Martha A. Ennis Priest

(1822 - 1920)

Children

William Edwin “Will” Ennis

(1849 - 1874)

Joseph Samuel Ennis

(1855 - 1859)

Martha Lipscomb Ennis

(1858 - 1859)

Lorena Belle Ennis Baker

(1863 - 1943)

Ella Davis Ennis Schofield

(1869 - 1951)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Shelby Memorial Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8046330, -92.0448310

2. Shelbyville Mausoleum
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8048900, -92.0462300

3. Shelbyville Masonic Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8081100, -92.0465600

4. Hiles Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8058014, -92.0691986

5. Rookwood Family Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8470611, -92.0335702

6. Bethany Methodist Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8331950, -91.9937370

7. Eaton Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7621994, -92.0044022

8. Fairview Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7818985, -91.9760971

9. Forest Grove Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8507996, -92.1018982

10. Roff Cemetery
Shelbina, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7379885, -92.0390284

11. Bethel Zion Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8768997, -92.0444031

12. Gilchrist Cemetery
Shelbina, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7483531, -91.9854958

13. Wood Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7406006, -92.0950012

14. Smith Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7299995, -92.0550003

15. Heartland Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8773000, -92.0203300

16. Mount Hope Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7930984, -92.1442032

17. Pickett Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8822700, -92.0085100

18. Mount Zion Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8554900, -91.9555100

19. Bethel Hebron Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8910000, -92.0312700

20. Bacon Chapel Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7511487, -92.1368436

21. Looney Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8516500, -91.9457830

22. Oak Dale Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7620700, -91.9336900

23. Morris Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8227997, -92.1808014

24. Shelbina Mausoleum No 2 1961
Shelbina, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.6930200, -92.0481800