James Madison Ellis was a unique individual. His lifetime spans most of the 1800s in rural North Georgia. He spent eight months in the Army during the Indian Removal of 1838 which created a conflict between his friendship with the Cherokees and the way they were treated. As a minister he traveled the circuit. He organized and established different churches in North Georgia near Talking Rock and Ellijay. He re-enlisted in the Army and served during the Civil War.