Biographies
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)

Source:
 A Portrait and Biographical Record of
Mercer and Van Wert Counties, Ohio
Containing Biographical Sketches of Many Prominent and Representative Citizens,
together with Biographies and Portraits of all the
Presidents of the United States
and Biographies of the Governors of Ohio
CHICAGO: A. W. BOWEN & CO.
1896

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PRESTON ADELBERT ELLIS, of Celina, Ohio, owner of the Ellis House and livery barn connected therewith, and who was for a period of eighteen years previously proprietor of the Ellis House, was born in Rockford, Ohio, Nov. 11, 1844.  He is a son of Oliver and Eleanor (Stannard) Ellis, both of whom were natives of Genesee county, N. Y., and who came to Ohio in 1838, locating on a section of land in Dublin township, Mercer county.  There they lived until 1853, when they removed to Celina and here died.  They were the parents of nine children, as follows:  Lyman K., John P., James O., Roseltha, all deceased; Susan R., wife of H. C. Mack, of Mercer county; Amelia, wife of J. M. Davidson of Marion, Ohio; Catherine wife of V. N. Estry of Celina, Ohio; Mahala wife of G. E. Nungester of Celina, and Preston Adelbert, the subject of this sketch.  Oliver and Eleanor Ellis were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church; he was a republican in politics, and at his death left but a small estate.      Preston Adelbert Ellis was educated at the public schools in Celina, having removed with his parents to this city when about eight years old.  Upon arriving at the proper age he became engaged in business in Celina, having up to this time, when he was twenty-four years old, remained with his father, who had been keeping hotel.  In 1868 Mr. Ellis started a livery stable, which he managed one year; in 1869 he sold out and engaged in the hotel business, keeping the Ellis House from that time on until 1887, when he sold it to the Ellis Bros., who are now the proprietors of the business.  For two years he lived retired from active business, and then purchased a half-interest in the present business, and in 1893 became the proprietor of one of the finest livery stables and livery stocks in Celina.  He has thirteen horses, seven buggies, two carriages, two cabs, two wagons, and numerous other livery stable appurtenances necessary to a successful business.      Mr. Ellis was married in Celina, June 14, 1874, to Miss Harriet Fetters, who was born in Greenville, Ohio.  To this marriage there has been born one child - Frank L.  Mrs. Ellis is a member of the Presbyterian church, and in political affairs Mr. Ellis is a democrat.  Fraternally he is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias, in Masonry being a knight templar.  As a democrat he served in the city council of Celina several terms.  Mr. Ellis owns forty-four acres of land in Center township, beside valuable property in Celina.  In his business affairs he has been successful, and in social circles he is recognized as a potent factor, always ready to aid the needy and to perform an act of charity or kindness, whether or not there is any prospect of their being reciprocated and recompensed. A Portrait and Biographical Record of Mercer & Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 Page 272

WILLIAM WILLSHIRE ELLIS, one of the proprietors of the Ellis House in Celina, was born in Mercer county, Ohio, Jan. 8, 1861.  He is a son of Lyman K. and Lydia S. (Ross) Ellis, the former of whom was a brother of Preston Adelbert Ellis, whose biographical sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.  Lydia S. Ross was born in New Jersey, Aug. 4, 1833, and is a daughter of Daniel Ross.  She married Lyman K. Ellis Dec. 25, 1856, in Mercer county, Ohio, and with him located on a farm six miles north of Celina.  Here they lived until Mr. Ellis died, Nov. 27, 1873, and then she moved to Celina.  Here they lived until Mr. Ellis died, Nov. 27, 1873, and then she moved to Celina, and has lived there ever since.  Lyman K. Ellis and his wife were the parents of two children, viz: James O. and William Willshire, who, now under the firm name Ellis Bros., are proprietors of the Ellis House in Celina.  Lyman K. Ellis was a prominent man in his day, a business man of correct principles, a man of honest methods, and one highly respected by all that knew him.  His widow is now living with her two sons, James O. and William Willshire.      William Willshire Ellis was but eleven years of age when his father died.  Upon removing to Celina he attended the public school until he was seventeen years of age, in the meantime working for his uncle, Preston Adelbert Ellis in the hotel, and remaining with him in 1886.  Then, going to Fostoria, he was clerk in the Hayes house for a short time, returning to Celina in 1887, and then in partnership with his brother, bought the furniture of  and leased the hotel building of his uncle, which the two brothers have since conducted as the Ellis House.      William Willshire Ellis was married Oct. 24, 1887, in Celina, to Fannie Ashbaugh who was born in Celina, Oct. 7, 1863, and was a daughter of George and Annie (Lorimer Ashbaugh, both natives of Mercer county, Ohio, the former being now a retired mechanic.  To this marriage there was born one child, Charles Oliver, born May 13, 1890.  The mother of this child died June 26, 1890, and the son is now a bright little fellow of great promise.  Mr. Ellis is a republican in politics and a man in whom all place the highest degree of confidence and respect.      James Oliver Ellis, senior member of the firm of Ellis Bros., was born in Mercer county, Ohio, Mr. 17, 1859.  He was educated in the public schools of Celina, and when fourteen years of age began working for his uncle, Preston Adelbert Ellis, in the hotel at Celina.  He remained thus employed until he was nineteen years of age, and then engaged as a clerk with John Manor, in his grocery, remaining with Mr. Manor three years.  For one year after this he was engaged in a similar capacity with E. M. Shepherd.  Returning then to the hotel, he there remained until he and his brother, William Willshire Ellis, became the proprietors, in 1887, and has been engaged in the hotel business ever since.  Politically Mr. Ellis is a republican, and is a genial, pleasant gentleman, qualities that are needed, if anywhere, in the management of a hotel.  The Ellis House contains thirty rooms, runs a fee bus to all trains, and charges transients $2 per day.  It is well kept and is popular with the traveling public. A Portrait and Biographical Record of Mercer & Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 Page 273

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