ELLIS, William Russell
William Russell Ellis, was born April 23, 1850 in my hometown of Waveland, Ind; however, his father, James passed away the next year on November 22. He had been born 27 Feb 1821 in Shelby County Kentucky and married Susan Stone. James was from a large family, several coming to our area. Hanna, Kelso, Proctor, Allen, Canine and Watson were some of the family members.
Well, Will wasn’t with us in MoCo very long at all. His mother remarried Joseph Roberts, farmer (and they were married over 55 years) going with him to Guthrie County, Iowa. In the 1870 census Will was listed as a school teacher there. He went by several names during his career: W.R.; William R; Will; William Russell …
Wikipedia’s overview of his politics and life seems to jive well indicating he graduated from the University of Iowa School of Law in 1874, setting up his practice in Panora, Iowa. He served a term as mayor there. Later he went to Hamburg, Iowa, serving as mayor there, as well as city attorney.
By 1884, William Russell Ellis was living in Heppner and briefly served as Supt. Of Public Schools for Morrow County. From 1886-92, he was DA for Oregon’s 7th Judicial District.
From March 4, 1893 – March 3, 1899, he served three terms as a Republican in the House of Representatives, afterwards serving as a circuit judge of Oregon’s sixth judicial district.
From 1907-1911, he again served in the House of Representatives. He moved to Portland in July 1914 where he passed away quickly from a stroke the next year on January 18th. He rests in a mausoleum in that city (Biographical Directory of the US Congress). On January 18, 1915, Will was stricken with a stroke while attending the furnace in the basement of his home in Portland. Although doctors were called in, he never regained consciousness and passed away at age 65 (Albany Oregon Daily Democrat 18 Jan 1915 p 1).
Edgar Russell Ellis (1891-1937) was the only child I found but there could easily be more, William Russell having been married twice (Jennie and Ida).
Photo from wikipedia (from w:Oregon)
