Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Elizabeth E. Gay, dau. of Edward F. and Clarissa Gay, of Howell, MI. 10/1850; children: Ida and Frantie? [adopted]
Number of Children: 2
Background
Education:
common school and attended the academy at Bakersfield, V
Biographical Sketch:
Son of William E. or C. and Bathama (Johnson) Ellsworth. He taught one winter in Vermont. before moving to Howell, Livingston Co., MI to read law with a relative, Josiah Turner, teaching during the winters. Admitted to the bar in 1848. Prosecuting attorney of Livingston County, 1849. Moved to Montcalm County and settled in Greenville in 1851; served as the first president of the village. Prosecuting attorney of Montcalm Co., 1853 and 1876; served in the Union Army as paymaster with the rank of major, 1862. He was influential in bringing the Detroit, Lansing and Lake Michigan Railroad through Greenville. He was a member of the Odd-Fellows and Masons. He advocated for the cause of temperance and belonged to the Rechabites, Sons of Temperance, and Good Templars. He was educated a Universalist, though not a member of any religious body. During a revival in Greenville, Mr. Ellsworth became interested in religion, and, soon after, joined the Methodist Church, that being, at the time, the only religious organization in the village. He has since united with the Congregational Church, but has not materially changed his religious views. He was a Democrat until the Fremont campaign and Kansas troubles, when he became a Republican, and has since acted with that party.
Notable Facts:
Elected to the 45th Congress 1877-1879.
His father was in the Vermont legislature.