archives BuildingSouthern Lancaster County Historical Society

Biographical Annals of Lancaster County" Beers inc printed 1903

page .

JUDGE ELLIS LEWIS, sixth in the regular order of succession of the President Judges of this dis trid, was a native Pennsylvanian, born in Lewisberry, York county, May 16, 1798. He was of Welsh descent, his ancestors having come from Wales in 1708. Although at one time in affluent circumstances, his father lost his estate, and young Ellis was thrown on his own resources. He became a printer's apprentice, and studied law while learning his trade. At the age of twenty-four he was admitted to practice, and rose rapidly in his profession. He was twice elected to the State Legislature, in 1828 and 1832. In 1833 he received the appointment of Attornev General of the Commonwealth from Governor Wolf, and in the same year was tendered and accepted the positon of President Judge of the Eighth Judicial District (Northumberland county). In 1843 he was appointed to the same office in the Second District, which place he held until 1851, when he was elected a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State, and was Chief Justice from 1854 to 1857. He was renominated by the Democratic party, but declined the honor. Judge Lewis was a sound lawyer, noted for his knowledge of Medical Jurisprudence, which won for him the degree of M. D., from the University of Pennsylvania, and the degree of LL. D. from several other institutions. He was the author of a legal treatise, and his decisions while on the Bench have won for him a high standing among our Judges. He died at Philadelphia March 19, 1871.

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