John Hugh Elliott was born on July 5th, 1876, in Keosauqua to Sarah E. Norris, born on July 4th, 1845, and Jehue S. Elliott, born on September 21st, 1845. He was the youngest of four siblings, with three sisters: Elizabeth, born on March 7th, 1869, Fanny, born on October 31st, 1871, and Nina, born on March 15th, 1887.
In February 1897, a devastating outbreak of Typhoid Fever struck the Elliott family. John, his mother, and sister Fanny all fell ill. Elizabeth, who was living in Keosauqua, rushed to her family's side to care for her ailing siblings. Unfortunately, Fanny succumbed to the disease just three days after their mother, who passed away on February 21st, 1897.
John, however, began his recovery after about a week, and on April 14th, 1897, he married Cleo Kelly. The couple settled in Pella, Iowa, where John had relocated with his family in October 1895. Two years later, they welcomed twins, Donald and Dorothy, on August 9th, 1899.
John's marriage to Cleo was marked by challenges, as her family strongly disapproved of her relationship with an "actor." John, who began his career as a stage actor, eventually found success in the early days of "talkies." He took pride in playing a diverse range of roles, often embracing more despicable characters as a way to showcase his acting talents.
John Hugh Elliott passed away on December 12th, 1956, at his California home, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actor who had entertained audiences for decades.
