James Ellis, one of the early settlers of Decatur, operated a general merchandise store, tavern, livery stable and rooming house. He was state representative from Neshoba County, 1835–1838, and represented Newton County, after Neshoba was divided, 1838–1842. In 1836 he helped build the first courthouse at Decatur. In the first part of the volume there are chronological entries from February 9 to December 31, 1838. The second part lists entries under the name of the client for the years 1837 to 1839.