William Ellis

Born in 1774, in the valley of Mankleigh, high above Torridge Valley, England, Ellis started his career as "a most competent master shipwright" by working for a man by the name of Richard Chapman. After completing the "Peter and Sarah" and the "Bellona" for Thomas Burnard, which were two of Ellis' most famous ships, Chapman became sick.

During Chapman's sickness, William Ellis became his partner, taking over the shipyard and eventually taking over the company.

In 1818, William Ellis landed on Prince Edward Island, along with two of his six sons and two appendices, Edward Williams and John England. Upon arrival, Ellis had received, thru Thomas Chanter, 630 acres of woodland.

By 1826, William Ellis was the master of a fine home, stores, the shipyard and fine farmland in Port Hill and New Bideford. He was an "honest master craftsman"; he liked to take things slowly and seriously. He was one of those people to complain about his own misfortunes and the wickedness of his fellow men. 

In 1847 Ellis had given it all up and returned to his "agricultural roots" and became a farmer. He occupied 50 acres of farmland as a sub-tenant of Yeo. He did supervise the shipbuilding until his death, in December 25, 1855. 

Jessie - Brig
135 tons register 70'5" x 21'31/2" x 12'3

Built at New Bideford in 1827 by William Ellis, the Jessie was owned jointly by Mr. Ellis of New Bideford, Thomas Chappell and Joshua Willams, both of Appledore, United Kingdom. On March 4, 1828 she was registered at Bideford, UK.