Born in Highland County, Ohio, September 9, 1835. He came to this county when twelve years of age and assisted his father in developing a farm. His educational advantages were limited, but being blessed with a retentive memory and being a close observer and student, he has gained a good education. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he assisted in raising a company for the 5th Iowa Infantry, and enlisted as a private, but at the mustering of the State service was elected as Second Lieutenant. He was mustered out August 9, 1864. Politically, Captain Ellis is a Republican and has been honored by his district as a Representative, having been elected to the Legislature in 1868. In 1875 he was elected as Sheriff of the county, being re-elected in 1877 and 1879, and was twice elected as Supervisor of the county. In 1864, Captain Ellis was united in marriage with Alice F. Nichols.