William Lewis Ellis
Seymour, Baylor County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(January 25, 1861 - August 6, 1916) Sheriff of Baylor County 1912-1916. A champion of the law, he was feared by the many rustlers and bandits in the area. He gave his life in the line of duty. First wife was Barnetta (Ashton); second, Sarah E. (Scott). He was Presbyterian. Recorded--1969.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
William Lewis Ellis served as sheriff of Baylor County from 1912 until his death in 1916, earning a reputation as a lawman feared by the rustlers and bandits who plagued the region. A champion of the law, he ultimately gave his life in the line of duty on the still-rough North Texas frontier.
Why it matters
Ellis's death embodies the hard, often deadly work of bringing order to a frontier where cattle rustling and lawlessness lingered well into the twentieth century.
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Related people
- · William Lewis Ellis
Themes & tags
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