Louisiana Encyclopedia
E. John Ellis
Ezekiel John Ellis was born in Clinton, Louisiana, on October 15th, 1840; educated in the common schools and Centenary College, Louisiana, graduating in 1858. Studied law at the University of Louisiana, graduated and was admitted to the bar in 1861. Entered the Civil War at the beginning and was made captain of his Company, the 16th Louisiana Regiment Infantry, Adams Brigade, Breckinridge's Division, Hardee's Corps, Army of Tennessee. Taken prisoner during the Battle of Missionary Ridge, Tennessee, about November 25th, 1863. Confined on Johnson's Island until June 13th, 1865. Wrote a diary while a prisoner entitled A Retrospect.
At the close of the war he practiced law in New Orleans, taking an active part in the troubled reconstruction period. Served in Congress 1875-1885. After he retired from Congress, he practiced law in Washington, D.C., where he died on April 25th, 1889.
E. John Ellis as a Young Attorney
E. John Ellis in his Civil War Uniform
Portrait of E. John Ellis
Rep. E. John Ellis in Congress
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Louisiana Encyclopedia