New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-03
CHACE'S BROOK HERMIT DEAD.
JUDsoN ELLIS. EIGHTY YEARS OLD, A MAJ
OF THE FORESTS. GONE.


Delhi n Y. Dec. 2 (speciaD.-Judson Ellis. who
for the last twenty years had led the life OF her
NIT in the forests near Deposit, Keeryville, Rock
Rift and Walton, In Delaware County, died on
Monday OF last week at the house Of a nelghoor
near Marvin Hollow, back OF Walton. this county
at the age OF nearly eighty years. Ellis was true
hermit living with a and dog and herd OF
goats Goats milk and oatmeal porridge together
with berries and trout in the summer time were
about the only things the old man ate and he was
well and strong up 10 q few years ago although
his hut I'm winter time must have been exceedingly
cold. Ellis made his appearance about twenty
years ago In the neighborhood Of Peters Pond, De-
post where ne built small hut and stayed for
a few years Then his visitors became too numer-
GUS and he "trekked' TO near Keeryville. There
two wood alcohol distilleries had been started. He
chopped a little wood FOR the factories. which pay
an able bodied man about 81 80 day. Ellis never
exerted himself his wants were few, and he had
little for money. After remaining for few
years at Keeryyile his cabin burned in q for
est fire and he moved 10 a point about three miles
from the little flag station OF Rock Rift. the
Ontario and Western Railroad Here he built
tight little cabin about 1Oxl0. the site being the
north bank OF Chace's Brook, the front door Of
his cabin facing the south. The view from the
cabin was one OF great beauty. and Ellis seemed
70 be completely happy.
Here II was that the correspondent saw Ellis for
the first time in the spring Of 1855. At that time
he would converse with visitors II he happened 20
10 favoraby impressed with them. He was dressed
the time IN a patched suit or blue overall stuff
and wore a coonskin cap. although the weather
was quite warm. His manner was that Of court
IT, educated man OF affairs, and ne gave the news
paper man the only seat IN ms evening, a three
legged stool. himself taking his little lounge bed
II don't see what there IS here to interest YOU"
said he. unless you come 10 enjoy my view down
the creek. which you see, Is wonderfully fine. It's
no use trying to find out anything about why I'm
here. This IL my way OF enjoying the blessings OF
Cod and Ike IT, My goats give me milk enough
drink. and that, with oatmeal porridge, keeps
me well and strong. As for drink, there is spring
that far the creek is right here in front OF the
door I'd rather you wouldn't write anything about
me. II brings back rather paInIHi rscoections OF
time when | had ambitions Ike yourself Mr
Greeley, Of The Tribune, and | were good friends
back in war TIM, and did good deal OF work
monthly publications. and tried book, which was
not success. write now and then when feel
Ike It, and some bits OF philosophy which penned
from time 10 time were paid for By publisher
about three years ago. But ! don't try TO 40 much
with the pen for the reason that my MIND Is grow
ing lazy. and at its best was never anything e1-
Il get the most enjoyment simply by watching
the wonderful works Of the Creator as they unfod
here in this beautiful solitude attractive than
the curriculum Of any university. ! could tel you
Bp qds nS animals Of this section doubt
can find most Of them I'm print IL Is not 50 inter-
sstDg ,Se nsa ana Set Them first hand Ny
Of books Is small. as you can see for yoursei,
pn%ns shakespeare and a Bible are about all !
have Now and then see newspaper, ou' thg
outside world does not interest me any more as
got out OF touch with II many years ago. =. ',
II r. said that Ellis was born near Keene y H.,
a1d mat his family was an excellent one. He was
literally educated. Toward the later part OF AIS
naners OF walton but his intellect had lost It's
Str-,se 20 make his productions Of much interest.
the customary story OF an early disappointment In
- ,vos circulated about the old man but II NAV
~. b.ve been true His life closed book 20
the curious and whatever his life's secret was II
Aied with him az q neighbors house. lie was at
.acted with pneumonia last winter. and was so III
that a farmer named Joseph Davis out OF sheer
To- took him IN Mrs Davis cared for him TIL ne
di.d Hts goats wandered off without his care
and either died appropriated by local hunt-
srs cunning yor wildcats and foxes.