The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-06-24

THE HON. CHEssELDEN ELI,

Ia n
The daily papers of this city recently announced the
death Of this gentleman who down in the prime OF
life and in the midst of brilliant professional career by
the relentless shaft of death
Chesselden Ellis a man of rreproachable character
OF high intelligence and OF varied and useful abilities
He was born at Newfane Vermont in August 1901 and
was the younger of two of Col Joseph Ellis deceased
for many distinguished merchant of that town and
map OF great and enterprise The elder and
yying SON. Vespasian Ellis removed TO Virginia in early
life and afterwards to Missouri and Is now resident OF
Washington city a4sH Ta
Chesselden Ellis graduated about 1924 at Union Col
lc2e, Win great distinction and afterwards com-
Huntingdon, of Troy. r.,.'a 80 aha4 alS
lie for years the law parnerof the Hon. John
Cramsr late member of Congress He subsequently
connected with General Il. r. Buard and followed his
profession with zeal and success for in
the village OF Waterford. Whilst pursuing his profession
there he contributed largely the columns of the demo-
cratic papers in that and the writer OF several
York which emannted om the democratic conventions
held during that time at Herkimer He active and
efficient politician AT one period he was States attorney
for the county Of Saratoga s' 9Iti @
In ls42 Mr. Ellis elected to Congress from the Sara
oga district the regular democratic candidate having
beaten his wg opponent several hundred votes in whig
district by reason OF his personal popularity He took his
seat in Congress in December, l843. aa 1af.
The proposition for annexng Texas became the a-ab
sorbing question of that Congre and Mr. Ellis brought
bear all the energies Of his mastery mind in its discus
sion Opposed by nearly NIL his New York colleagues he
battled manully and successfully this great question
His main speech on this subject whilst gave umbrage to
portion of his Van Buren, constituents placed him de-
servedy high in the estimation of all rghtminded
and entitled him to the character Of patriot II was
published extensively throughout the South and West
generally conceded to be the ables argument which
delivered in the House of Representatives in favor Of
nexaton Such was then the opinion Of the veteran editor
of the Richmond Enquirer Mr. Rtchie) who passed upon
its author the highest eulogium presenting tito his
readers. @ eas f&gf
We have referred especially to the Of Mr.
Ellis the Texas question because it exhibits his charac
ter In its true color and in bold relief He was
yielding advocate Of the constitutional rights and perma
nen interests Of the whole country without regard to g
ographica lines No considerations sectional or personal
in their bearing could swerve him from the path OF duty
Selfshnes formed no part Of his character lie was bold
manly, and independent in his views and votes.
Long before the meeting of Congress he had decided TO
sustain the of annexation regardless OF consequences
to himself appears from the response of his brother
Vespasian Ellis letter of that period in which Ches
seden Ellis had unfolded his brother his purposes and
asked his appreciation That response is before and we
feel at liberty TO quote thererom the following passage
Most certainly your decision right should regard
the prospective denuncatons of which you speak, Public
opinion the North viii ultimately approve the measure
or not you will have the consolation that you have
done your duty"
1t is by means improbable that the early advocacy
of the annexation OF Texas by the elder had caused the
younger brother examine the subject with and
with perhaps, predisposon to adopt corresponding
opinions Vespasan Eisthe elder brother--had in early
life removed to the South and adopted southern opinions
and prncpeswas then the editor of the Old School Dem
ocra at st Louis Missouriwas the confidential
pondent of President Tyler and had warmly epoused the
cause Of annexation in advance of that measure being pub
From their youth these brothers had kcrt up the most
free and aectionate correspondence al matters
sonn and political, nterchangng opinions all import
ant questions and they usually harmonized in their poit
cal action. E
The political life of Chesselden Ellis ended with his first
term in Congress the Sd of March, ls45 He left the
arena OF politics with regrets. He had aboriousy,
faithfully and honorably discharged his duties Besides
his Texas annexation speech above adverted to- his able
and lucid report adverse the rechaer of the Bank of
the United States and his speech the tariff of ls42 may
be referred in further proof Of his diversified talents
statesman and scholar and of his Independence as poll
tcian. ....a
Shortly after the termination of his congressional term
Mr. Ellis removed TO the city of New York. where he
sided till his DEATH the 10th umo and where he pur
sued his profession with that untirng industry and self
sacrificing devotion to business which characterized him
through life He the senior partner Of the law firm Of
Messrs Ellis, Burrill Dawson.
As counsellor, his opinions and advice always
safe and reliable As advocate his arguments were
logical and cogent As attorney he astue and nc
curate As he frank honorable and guileless
As husband brother, and friend he was afectonate
con6ding and generous As Christian, his life was
blameless.
Severe professional toll and study had impaired bis
constitution and his general health had not been good FOR
many years The immediate Of his death, however
was attack of pleurisy, terminating in pertedrd
He was twice married but left children surviving
him His remains inferred at Waterford, New York