The US GenWeb Archives provide genealogical and historical data to the 
general public without fee or charge of any kind. It is intended that 
this material not be used in a commercial manner. 

From History of North Washington, published 1903, now in public domain. 
Submitted by Candy L. Grubb Feb. 20, 1997. Both above notices must remain 
when copied or downloaded.

candyg@ieway.com

_____________________________________________________________________________


IRA B. ELLIS 

	Ira B. Ellis is one of the real pioneers of the eastern portion of 
Stevens county, having settled on his present place in 1891. He resides 
about six miles west from Scotia and devotes himself to general farming and 
raising stock. He has a quarter section of land, which he hewed out of the 
native wilds and improved by dint of hard labor and industry. Some thirty or 
more acres are devoted to general crops, while he also raises hay and stock.
	Ira B. Ellis was born in Benton county, Oregon, on September 2, 
1865, the son of Thomas E. and Calista (Howell) Ellis, natives of Tennessee 
and Ohio, respectively. The father crossed the plains to the Willamette 
valley in 1852, and the mother came a decade later. For six years the home 
was in Benton county, and then they removed to Linn county. whence they 
returned to the early place of abode, and in 1887 the journey to Spokane was 
taken. Four years later they removed to Stevens county and are now 
substantial citizens of this section. The father is a minister of the gospel 
and for a good many years was pastor of the local church. Five children were 
born to them, Ira, the subject of this article, Frank A., Sarah E.. Effie B. 
and Gertie S. Ira B. was educated in the common schools of Benton county and 
remained with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age. Then he 
took up farming for himself, having come previously to Washington with his 
parents. Later we find Mr. Ellis renting a farm on Moran prairie and in 1891 
he came to his present place. He had to hew his way through the forests and 
blaze a trail out, as there were no roads through this section. In addition 
to improving his place he has devoted himself to various other occupations, 
as lumbering, etc.
	In 1893 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ellis and Miss Sarah Felland, 
whose parents were natives of Norway, but now dwell in Stevens county. Four 
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ellis, Thomas, Frank, Estella and 
Benson. Mr. Ellis is a stanch Republican and has been road supervisor and 
school director since the organization of the districts. He is a man of good 
standing and has the esteem of all who know him.