My Genealogy Hound

GRIFFITH ELLIS. Among the most noted and representative men of Slatington stands the name of Griffith Ellis, whose high reputation and material prosperity came as the reward of unusual abilities industriously applied. He is the proprietor of a prosperous business, and is conducting his trade under what is known as the Keystone Slate Company. He is also greatly interested in the Ellis Slate Company, Northampton County, of which he is the principal stockholder.

Our subject was born in the north of Wales, March 31, 1833, and spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native land, in the meantime receiving a common-school education. He subsequently completed his education in Cherryville, Northampton County. In 1851, deciding to try his fortunes in America, he came to the United States, landing in New York City, whence he came to Slatington. Here he found employment in a slate quarry, which business he followed for several years, and one time was foreman for Henry Williams. He was later foreman and superintendent for a period of seven years of the Girard Slate Quarry, the richest slate company in Lehigh County. In 1875 he determined to engage in business on his own account, and being thoroughly versed in every detail of the work and a practical business man, he has met with signal success. He manufactures all kinds of roofing slate, which he ships to different points throughout the states.

In politics our subject is a stanch advocate of the platform laid down by the Republican party. He is public spirited, interested in all improvements, and is one of the city’s most influential men. In 1871 Mr. Ellis was elected to the Council, serving acceptably for a term of three years. His marriage with Miss Jemimah Evans was celebrated in 1854. Mrs. Ellis was also born in Wales, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of the following children: Laura, the wife of John Hart; Katherine Louisa, living in New Orleans, and the wife of John W. Reppen; Lizzie, now Mrs. E. D. Peters; and G. Weldon. Three boys died in infancy.

In 1861 Mr. and Mrs. Ellis returned to their old home in Wales, remaining there for three or four years. They occupy a beautiful residence in Slatington, and are classed among its best citizens.