R. T. Ellis, a member of one of the old and prominent families of Oklahoma, is well known in agricultural circles of Washington county as the owner of a highly productive and well improved farm near Ochelata. A native of Kentucky, he was born in Rockcastle County and is a son of Thomas J. and Vera Ellen (Smith) Ellis, who were also born in the Blue Grass state, the father’s birth having occurred at Vernon on the 25th of January, 1842. The paternal grandparents were Thomas and Susan (Wadzle) Ellis, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Kentucky. Since 1882 Thomas J. Ellis has been a resident of Oklahoma, arriving here at an early period in the development of the state. For many years he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits and subsequently assisted in laying out the town of Ochelata, where he engaged in merchandising. He was very successful in the management of his business affairs and is now living retired in Ochelata, at the age of seventy-nine years, being highly esteemed as one of the pioneer settlers of the state.
When twelve years of age R. T. Ellis accompanied his parents on their removal to Indian Territory, their home first being established on Cotton creek. On starting out in life for himself he took up the occupation of farming, which he continued to follow successfully until 1919, when ill health compelled him to abandon the active cares of business. For many years he energetically applied himself to the work of developing and cultivating his land and through judicious management and close application he has become the owner of an excellent farm of four hundred and sixty-five acres situated one and a half miles east of Ochelata, in addition to which he leases land, having one thousand acres under his control, devoted to general farming and stock raising. He employs the most practical and progressive theories in the operation of his place, to which he has added many modern improvements, and he now has one of the best farms in this part of the state.
On May 5, 1908, Mr. Ellis was united in marriage to Miss Clara Eutsler, a daughter of D. F. and Florence (Jacobs) Eutsler and a native of Miller, Nebraska. In 1893 she accompanied her parents on their removal to Indian Territory, the family home being established near Kaw. Her mother has passed away but her father is still a resident of, this state. To their union were born four children : John, Violet, Mary and Clara, all bf whom are residing in this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have become the parents of two children: Boyd, who is eleven years of age, and Mary Ellen. Both are in school.
Having made his home in Oklahoma since a boy of twelve, Mr. Ellis has witnessed much of the development and growth of the state and in the work of progress and up building he has borne his full share as a progressive agriculturist, his worth as a man and citizen being widely acknowledged.