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Ellis Pierce

1841 – 1912

Author of historical romances and bookseller

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About Ellis Pierce

Lived 1841 – 1912 (aged 71). Ellis Pierce was a British bookseller and writer.

Ellis Pierce (29 January 1841 – 31 July 1912) also known as Elis o'r Nant, was a Welsh writer and bookseller.

Early life Ellis Pierce was born on a farm at Tan y Clogwyn, Dolwyddelan. He attended a school at Penmachno, but his little formal education was interrupted by a serious illness, which he survived with a crooked leg. Though he could not manage farmwork, he was set to help with weighing at a quarry.

Career While a young quarry worker, Pierce began writing for Baner ac Amserau Cymru, mostly articles about local conditions, reform efforts, and antiquity. He moved to America in 1870, settling at Utica, New York, but returned to Wales in 1874. He was clerk of the Dolwyddelan parish, and served a term on the Llanrwst board of guardians.

In 1882, the Baner was successfully sued for libel, and Pierce had to pay the £250 debt incurred.

Pierce had a bookstall at the National Eisteddfod for many years. He was Recorder of the Gorsedd until a falling out over ceremonial procedure in 1898.

Works by Ellis Pierce Ellis's books were mainly historical romances in Welsh, with rural settings. Nanws ach Rhobert (1880) Yr Ymfudwr Cymreig (1883) A Guide to Nant Conway (1884) Rhamant Hanesyddol: Gruffydd ab Cynan (1885) Gwilym Morgan (1890) Syr Williams o Benamnen (1894) Teulu'r Gilfach (1897) Dafydd ab Siencyn yr Herwr, a Rhys yr Arian Daear (1905)

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Important facts

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Ellis Pierce's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ellis Pierce?

author of historical romances and bookseller (1841-1912)

When was Ellis Pierce born?

Ellis Pierce was born on 29 January 1841 in Dolwyddelan.

When did Ellis Pierce die?

Ellis Pierce died on 31 July 1912 in Dolwyddelan.

What was Ellis Pierce's occupation?

Ellis Pierce was a bookseller and writer.

What nationality was Ellis Pierce?

Ellis Pierce was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Ellis Pierce

· Wikidata: Q23856670

· DBpedia: Ellis Pierce

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ellis Pierce. https://biography.guide/ellis-pierce/

MLA: "Ellis Pierce." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ellis-pierce/.

Chicago: "Ellis Pierce." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ellis-pierce/.

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