E. Ellis, Jr. was born in McLean county, Illinois, November 5, 1853. His father, Elijah Ellis, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, Gracie Canada Ellis, a native of Illinois. His parents came to Missouri in 1859 and located in Daviess county, where they still live. The subject of our sketch received only a common school education, and at twenty. years of age went to Texas where he remained about eight months and then came back to Missouri and farmed one year. In the fall of 1873 he began the drug business in Coffeysburg, remaining one year, then removed to Havana for a short time and returned. to Coffeysburg where he remained till August, 1875, then permanently located in Pattonsburg. Here he has succeeded well and built up a fine business. He has been the architect of his own fortune, for with but a limited education and no finances he has within a few years conquered and. become well read in medicine and surgery and has gained considerable property, owning a residence and business house, and doing an extensive and lucrative business. He still continues his studies and is continually adding to-to his fine library.
He was married, February 14, 1876, to Miss Sarah Belle Coffey, born in. Indiana, November 5, 1855. Her parents moved to Missouri and still live’ in this county. He is a leading member of the I. O.O. F. and also a member of the city council. He is spoken of as a liberal, public spirited man and one well worthy of the high esteem in which he is held by his many friends.