From: History and Biographical Album of the Chippewa Valley, Wisconsin Chicago, IL Warner Publ. 1891-2
Samuel Ellis, liveryman, Eau Claire, has as few enemies as any man living in the Chippewa Valley. He was born in Springfield, Erie county, Pa., November 1, 1821, and is descended from a Welshman who served as an officer in the British army in Ireland, during the opening years of the eighteenth century. August 16, 1704, there was born in Dublin, Richard Ellis, who came to this country at the age of thirteen years, being then an orphan. In 1728 he married Jane, daughter of Capt. John Phillips, of Easton, Mass., where he dwelt for twelve years afterward, and then removed to Deerfield. In 1742 he began the first clearing in Ashfield, Franklin county, Mass., built a log cabin and brought his family, who were the first family to live there, in 1745. For several years thereafter their lives were jeopardized by the Indians. For three years he served as a commissary officer in the English forces in the French and Indian war. He died October 7, 1797. His eldest son, Reuben, married Mehetabel Scott. Their youngest child, David, the grandfather orf Samuel Ellis, removed in 1818 to Springfield, Pa., with his two sons, William and David. The elder of these sons was William, who was born in Ashfield March 28, 1787, married in 1810, Rhoda Flower, who was born in Ashfield September 27, 1789. Shew as daughter of Capt. Lemrock Flower Jr., and granddaughter of Maj. Lemrock Flower Sr., of Ashfield. William Ellis was a devout Baptist, as were all his ancestors, and was a fifer in the militia for many years. He died May 13, 1873, on the farm which he cleared in Springfield, and which is now occupied by his youngest son, Joseph.
Samuel Ellis is the fourth son and sixth child born to William and Rhoda ellis. He grew up on the Springifled farm, adn acquired some skill int he use of builders' tolls. Upon attaining his majority he went to La Grange, Walworth county, Wis., where he built many farm residences and barns. He was very quick and muscular, and was a rapid workman, and also had considerable local fame as a wrestler and ball player. In 1849, at La Grange, he married Amanda Adams, who died July 24, 1850, and left an infant son. This son, William Edwin Ellis, was eleven years old when the family came to Eau Claire. He very early developed unusual business qualifications and when a youth occupied a responsible position with the Eau Claire Lumber Company. In 1871 he married Annie L. Black, and their only living offspring is Mabel E., now residing with her guardian Eau Claire. Having separated from his wife, Mr. Ellis removed to Texas in 1874, where he became cashier of the bank of San Angelo. In 1884 he married Mary McKenzie, of San Angelo, who bore him two daughters. He lost his life in 1888, by the accidnetal discharge of his gun, while hunting.
