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         HON. ALBERT ELLIS, a resident of Morning Sun, Iowa, was born in Highland County, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1835, and is a son of Job and Hannah (Job) Ellis, who were pioneer settlers of Louisa County, Iowa. He came to this county when twelve years of age and assisted his father in developing a farm. His educational advantages were limited, but being blessed with a retentive memory and being a close observer and student, he has gained a good education. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he assisted in raising a company for the 5th Iowa Infantry, and enlisted as a private, but at the mustering of the State service was elected as Second Lieutenant. The company was sent to Camp Warren at Burlington, where it was found that they had not the required number of men. A part of the company had been raised in Lee County by a man of the name of Patterson, who agreed to join this regiment if he could hold a commission, so rather than have the organization broken up Mr. Ellis gave way and took his place in the ranks, with the understanding that he should receive the first promotion. The regiment was mustered into the United States service at Burlington, where they remained but a short time and then went to Benton Barracks. Thence they were sent to Booneville, where they were joined by Gen. Fremont’s forces; from there they proceeded to New Madrid and Island No. 10, where they were first under fire. Next they joined Pope’s forces and were to operate against Ft. Pillow, but the battle of Shiloh was brought on and they were ordered to that point, arriving two days after the engagement had taken place. From there the regiment went to Corinth, where they remained until September, and then joined Rosecrans, fighting the battle of Iuka, going in with 481 men, and lost, in killed and wounded, 216; Company C went with fifty-two men, and lost thirty-one while supporting the 11th Ohio Battery. They returned to Corinth, participating in the second battle at that place; from there sent on an expedition to Holly Springs, but were cut off by Van Dorn and ordered to Memphis.

In the following spring they broke camp and joined Grant, going to Yazoo Pass and Milliken’s Bend, participating in the battles in the rear of Vicksburg, and also in its siege and capture. They followed Johnston as far as Jackson, where they were ordered back to Vicksburg and went into camp, remaining until August, when they went to Helena; while there word came of Rosecrans’ defeat at Chattanooga, and the regiment was sent to reinforce him. They there saw some sharp fighting, being engaged in the battle of Missionary Ridge, after which they were ordered to do guard duty on the railroad between Huntsville and Stevenson. While there the term of service expired, and about 200 re-enlisted as veterans, forming two companies, and were transferred to the 5th Iowa Cavalry, Mr. Ellis being transferred to Company G. The companies were sent to Nashville, where they were mounted and joined Thomas’ command. On account of poor health our subject was mustered out Aug. 9, 1864. As stated he went into the service as a private, but was promoted Second Lieutenant, Nov. 1, 1861; First Lieutenant, June 29, 1862, and Captain of Company C, March 15, 1863. On March 1, 1864, he was presented by his company with a handsome sword. During his long term of service he gallantly did his duty, and was promoted from a private to the rank of Captain for his valiant conduct on the battlefield.

Politically, Capt. Ellis is a Republican, and has been honored by his district as a Representative, having been elected to the Legislature in 1868. In 1875 he was elected as Sheriff of the county, being re-elected in 1877 and 1879, serving six years, and was twice elected as Supervisor of the county. . . .

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. . . In 1882 he made a business trip to Europe, traveling over Ireland and England. In 1864 Capt. Ellis was united in marriage with Alice E. Nichols, who was born in Louisa County, Sept. 8, 1845. They are the parents of five children: Della, wife of Park Jarvis, of this county; Ona M., Nellie F., Maud H. and Roscoe A. Mr. Ellis is a member of the G. A. R., Blake Post, of Morning Sun.