NELLIS TAVERN TIMELINE

A brief outline of dates and people

associated with the Nellis Tavern

1725 - Christian Nellis, Sr. obtained 650 acres on Lot #12 of Harrison 
           Patent.  Built log cabin and Ft. Nellis.
1732 - Hans Jurg Nellis born.  He later moved to Herkimer, NY.
1734 - Christian Nellis, Jr. born. He became a grist miller, member of 
           NYS Assembly, Judge in Court of Common for Montgomery County, 
           pvt in Tryon County Militia,  Ranger in Revolutionary War, 
           Battle of Oriskany.
1747 - Nellis Tavern building built by Christian, Sr. - Georgian Period.
1767 - Christian Sr. deeded much of his share of Klock and Nellis Patent 
           to Christian Jr.
1768 - Palatine Church started.
1769 - Johannes Christian Nellis born (John C.).
1771 - Christian Sr. died.

1783 - Christian, Jr. started Tavern before this date.
1785-1790 - Tavern renovated.  (1792, 2nd story was added.)
1801 - Store was added to Tavern.
1805 & 1809 - Christian, Jr. deeded land to Jacob C. and John C. Nellis. 
1808 - Christian Jr. died. 
1811 - New Turnpike was legally established, from Johnstown, to end 
           at home of John C. Nellis.
1812 - Jacob as captain and John also an officer, served in War of 1812.

1815-1820 - Tavern renovated.  Two-story wing was added to east.
1834 - Railroad bought land from John C. and Jacob C. Nellis.

1835 - This is the date chosen for present restoration - 
           It is post Revolution - Federal Period.

1838 - Fulton County was formed from part of Montgomery County and 
           Town of St. Johnsville was split off of Town of Oppenheim.
1839 - John C. Nellis died after deeding land to John Nellis.  
           Land later belonged to Peter Fox Nellis (1831-1919)
           (1868 map of Montgomery County). 
1870 - James G. Nellis born to Alpha Nellis. 

1887 - Alpha Nellis (descendant of William) bought Tavern.
1913 - Alpha Nellis died and left tavern to son, Jimmy Nellis.
1945 - Jimmy Nellis died and left Nellis Tavern to his niece, 
           Aleda Mary Nellis Weaver.
1960's - Department of Transportation condemned building when they 
           prepared to widen NYS Route 5. They evicted Aleda Weaver.
1969 - Donald Tuttle, Dir. of Ft. Plain Museum discovered stenciling 
           in vacant tavern.
1978 - Palatine Settlement Society formed.
1984 - Elizabeth Bilobrowka donated $1200 for purchase of Nellis Tavern.
	      Palatine Settlement Society granted Provisional Charter from NYSED.
1985 - Palatine Settlement Society bought Nellis Tavern and 8 acres 
           of land.  Tavern opened for tours; 112 total membership in PSS, 
           20 local. 
1987 - Sponnable Cheese House (1810-20) donated.
1988 - Archeological dig over 2 acres.  President - Elizabeth Bilobrowka.  
          (She sent copies of stencils to Mary Maples same year.) 
1989 - PSS received $14,000, State and County grants for renovating Tavern.
1990-1991 - Nellis Tavern placed on State and National Register of 
           Historic Places.
1993-1994 - North façade porch and entrance were finished.  
           Trees and brush cleared east of the Tavern for a larger lawn.
1995 - Tavern refurbished and open for tours. 
2003 - Jim Nellis and Microsoft donated a total of $20,000 for renovations.  
           The south entrance and porch were constructed, among other 
           improvements.

NOTE: Information contained in this timeline is accurate according to the information available to the Society 
as of this date. When new information is discovered, the timeline will be revised accordingly.
Any corrections you may find should be sent to the Society, PO Box 183, St. Johnsville, NY 13452.
(This page last updated on March 15, 2004)