Justice William Hull Ellis

Justice William Hull Ellis

Former Justice William Ellis was the 35th Justice of the Supreme Court and served from 1915-1938. He grew up in Quincy, Florida, and attended school there.  He then entered business college in Atlanta, went back to Quincy to study law, and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1889. 

Ellis became active in politics during the Progressive Era (1901-1926).  He contributed to the founding of the Florida Bar Association, helped set up the Florida state auditor’s office, and was appointed attorney general by Governor William Jennings. 

In 1914, he ran for and was elected to the Florida Supreme Court at the age 47.  Ellis served on the court until he retired, due to ill health, in 1938.

Quick facts about Justice Ellis:

• Served over 23 years from January 5, 1915 to November 1, 1938, including two terms as Chief Justice from January 11, 1927 to January 8, 1929 and January 1937 to November 1, 1938
• Born: September 17, 1867 - Pensacola, Florida
• Died: April 14, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida.