My Genealogy Hound

JAMES S. ELLIS is a man who has witnessed the material development of Jamestown and whose labor has been largely instrumental in the erection of many of her most substantial and beautiful buildings. He was born in the town of Busti, this county, on February 19, 1841, and is a son of Edward and Angeline (Porter) Ellis. Great-grandfather Ellis was born in England, and coming to America settled in Connecticut, where he died. He married and had eight children, all sons. One of these, Richard Ellis, born in Connecticut, was the grandfather of our subject. He emigrated and settled in Norwich and followed the sea for sixty years. He became a captain by promotion and was sailing during the Revolutionary war. During his voyages, he met a lady in one of the English ports, whom he married. Her name was Jane Brown and she never came to this country but made her home in England, during the time she was not with him. Edward Ellis was born in England in 1800. He lived in Connecticut for some years and finally drifted to western New York, settling in Niagara county. His father came with him. From the latter place he came to Busti about 1845 and in 1848 he went to Farmington, Pennsylvania, where he continued farming until his death. He was a whig and a republican and a member of the Methodist church. Edward Ellis married Elizabeth Lovering and had three sons and two daughters. John W., living in Busti, entered the Union Army in the 112th regiment. New York Infantry, and attained the rank of sergeant. George was also in the same regiment and died in the service from disease. William moved to Indiana and joined the army from that State. Nancy married Henry Fowles, who died in Saginaw, Michigan, where she still is living. Mary twice married, first to William McCay, who died, and she afterwards wedded John Kern, who is a draughtsman in Chicago, Illinois. His first wife died and Edward Ellis took for his second, Angeline Porter. They had six children. Charles engaged in farming near Saginaw, Michigan; James S.; Solomon R. entered the 112th regiment New York Infantry and died in the service; Calvin lives at Farmington, Pennsylvania, and follows farming; Anna married William R. Bucklen and lives in Jamestown; and Jane, died young.

James S. Ellis was educated in the common schools and the Jamestown academy. He learned the carpenter and joiner’s trade and worked at it by the day. He married Adelia Hunt, a daughter of Anthony Hunt, one of Chautauqua’s old families, who settled in Ellicott, and they have the following children: Jennie, married Thaddeus E. Matson, who is a book-keeper for his father-in-law. They have one child, Florence A.; Flora married Frank L. Sharp, a machinist of New Castle, Pennsylvania. She had one child, Louis E., and died; Gertrude also living at New Castle, Pennsylvania, married Edward Sharp, a machinist. They have one child. Flora; Anthony E., Clida A., James G., Adelia and Allen E. live at home; and Louis died. Industry and economy, coupled with good wages, which a first class mechanic receives, permitted Mr. Ellis in a few years to begin contracting and building on his own account, which he did in 1868 and an extensive business was the result. His work was soon recognized as equal to the best and his operations were not limited to Jamestown. He has been connected with a large number of the buildings that have been erected in Jamestown and vicinity during the past twenty-five years. He was the master builder of Halls, the largest worsted mill in the city, and has built more of the first class houses than any active firm in the city. In connection, or we had better say in conjunction, with his contracting and building business, he has a well equipped planing mill near the boat landing where they do a large custom work, as well as manufacturing doors, frames, etc., for his own buildings. Politically Mr. Ellis is a republican and is serving his third term as councilman from his ward, having served ever since Jamestown was incorporated a city. He is a member of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 145, F. & A. M. and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he, with his wife, is an active worker, a teacher in the Sabbath-school, steward and class leader.