Edward Ellis

biography

EDWARD ELLIS, M.D., Meadville, was born in Chester Mass., January 15, 1804. His parents were Ebenezer Ellis and Ruth (Stiles) Ellis. His ancestors on both sides were of English blood, and were among the earliest colonists of New England. His grandfather, Samuel Ellis, served in the French and Indian wars and in the Revolution. His father was a farmer and the father of nine children, his five sons being each six feet or over in height. Dr. Ellis is a graduate of Berkshire Medical College, which was formerly the Medical Department of Williams College, and at that time a school of reputation. He attended lectures both in Philadelphia and New York. His health being delicate he determined upon a change of locality and climate, and came in 1826 to this county, then a comparatively new and unsettled region. His practice therefore extends over a period of nearly sixty years, and now, at the age of eighty-one, he still attends to the duties of his profession. His physical strength is remarkable and his health unimpaired. Dr. Ellis has been twice married; first, on April 4, 1832, to Mrs. Mary Kennedy, who died in 1840; afterward on March 31, 1842, to Miss Sarah Buchanan, of Meadville, who died March 14, 1844. By his second marriage he had one daughter, Elizabeth Ruth, who was married in 1864 to the Rev. Marison Byllesby, then and for some time afterward Rector of Christ Church, Meadville. Of this church Dr. Ellis was one, of the Wardens for many years, and is still a Vestryman. During his long residence in Meadville Dr. Ellis has taken an active interest in the welfare of the community. He has aided many young men in obtaining an education, and established others in business, some of whom are now prominent and successful men. He was at one time largely interested in manufacturing and other enterprises which promised to contribute greatly to the prosperity of the place, but which turned out to be unfortunate investments, and resulted in the total loss of his large property. His losses, however, have neither lessened the cheerfulness of his temper nor his kindness of heart.