William Thomas Ellis

William Thomas Ellis (July 24, 1845 - January 8, 1925) was a U.S. Representative from Kentucky.

Born near Knottsville, Kentucky, Ellis attended the common schools. Enlisted in 1861, at the age of sixteen, in the First Kentucky Confederate Cavalry, which became a part of the celebrated Orphan Brigade, and served with his regiment continuously until April 21, 1865.He attended Pleasant Valley Seminary, Daviess County. Principal of [Mount Etna Academy, Ohio] County, in 1867 and 1868.He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1868.He was graduated from the Harvard Law School in 1870 and commenced practice in Owensboro, Kentucky, the same year.

Ellis was elected county attorney in 1870 and 1874.He was an unsuccessful candidate for election in 1886 to the Fiftieth Congress.

Ellis was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-first, Fifty-second, and Fifty-third Congresses (March 4, 1889-March 3, 1895).He served as chairman of the Committee on Revision of the Laws (Fifty-second and Fifty-third Congresses).He declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1894.He served as delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1896.He resumed the practice of law.He also engaged in literary pursuits.He died in Owensboro, Kentucky, January 8, 1925.He was interred in Elmwood Cemetery.

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