Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-12
OUR STATE CHAIRMAN.
4 sketch of Mr. j. Taylor Ely

Hon. ]. Taylor Ellyson, reelected
state chairman. is one Of the best
known public men in Virginia, and has
been in active political life for more
than twenty years. He is a man OF wide
business experience, has served his city,
state. and party, in responsible positions
and as q political leader enjoys the unique
distinction OF never having lost fight.
Mr. Ellyson Is a native of Richmond
having been born here May 20, 1871. HIS
father was the late II. X. Ellyson, VINO,
like his son. was prominent in the ousl-
ness. political, and religious world
After attending the best private scnools
Of the city Mr.. Ellyson took the course
at Richmond College, and completed MS
education at the University of virginia
from which he graduated in 1870. lie
entered the Confederate army when but
1e years Of age, enllsting as a private IN
the second company Of Richmond How
tiers. He saw two years of active SER
vice. and surrendered AT Appomattox.
since the war Mr.. Eliyson has been
Identified with all the prominent Contede-
rate movements i'm Richmond, has taken
a CONSPICUOUS part in all reunions and
celebrations. and is at this time president
of the jefferson Davis Monument AS
sociation. and a member or both OIL the
local camps.
MIR. Ellyson began his political career
as a member of what was then known
as the Monroe Ward Democratic Club,
and was serving as president of that
organization I'm 1878. when first called
mon TO represent his fellow-citizens in
the Common Council He served in the
Council for four successive terms. and
was president Of that body for two terms.
He went from the Council to the state
Senate in 1856, and remained in the upper
branch Of the Legislature until the spring
of 1888. when he became candidate TOT
Mayor of this city. Mayor w. G. Car
rington being Withdrawn by his friends
Mr.. George A. Ainsle entered the mayor
altv race. and Mr.. Ellyson defeated him
in the spirited contest for the nomina-
tion. Mr.. Elyson served for three
terms. being twice reelected without op-
positlon. and In 1894 declined to run again.
Since then he has not been an aspnaht
for any office until last spring, when ne
decided TO enter the race for the guper-
Material nomination.
Mr. Elyson has served as q deIesa'e
I'm district, State and national conVen-
tions. and I'm 1856, yielding to the solicl-
tation Of the Democratic City Commit
tee. became chairman Of Citizens AUX
iliary Committee, which rendered Nalu-
able assistance in the local campaign.
He was first made chairman OF the state
Committee on which he had for several
wears served as a member. in June. 1880,
when I'll health forced Hon. Basil Il.
Gordon 10 resign. He was unanimously
elected. and conducted the campaign OF
1890 and 1891. but in 1892 retired from the
Craftsmanship. having written TO Mr..
Gordon signifying that under the pecu-
liar circumstances under which the lat
ter had retired. he was then entitled 10
be reinstated by the convention. Mr.
Gordon being again chosen, served one
wear. and when he resigned. in 1893, the
convention unanimously elected Mr.. Ill
tyson who has served In that capacity
ever since. He has conducted SIX cam
paigns with signal success. and In the
first of these enjoyed the distinction or
having his party elect. under his leader
ship. all ten congressman from Vlr-
ginia.
Mr.. Euysons life has been an active
and busy one. While devoting great
deal Of his time and thought and means
to politics, and successfully directing
large business enterprises he has taken
deep interest in both educational and
religious work. He is an officer Of the
Second Baptist church, secretary Of the
BAPTIST State Education Board. and one
of the trustees and vice-president Of
Richmond College. He was long identi-
fed with the Religious Herald as secre-
tary. treasury, and business manager
but for several years past has devoted
himself to the duties Of the Office of presl-
dent Of the Old Dominion Building and
Loan Association.