William Bruce Ellison

William Bruce Ellison (July 17, 1857 – December 6, 1924) was a Canadian-American lawyer and politician.

Life Ellison was born on July 17, 1857, in St. Thomas, United Province of Canada, the son of Richard Ellison and Sarah Eleanor Arthurs. His parents were both American.

Ellison attended public school in Ontario. In 1880, he was admitted to the Ontario bar as a barrister and solicitor. He then moved to New York City, New York, and began clerking with Stewart L. Woodford. He was admitted to the New York bar in 1882. He became a prominent member of the city's Merchants' Association and Real Estate Board, becoming trustee of a number of large estates. He wrote several works on insurance law, including "Insurer and Insured," "Insurance Companies Before the Courts," and "Fire Insurance." A supporter of strengthening relations between the United States and Canada, he also wrote "The Unification of the United States and Canada" and "Canadian-American Fisheries."

In 1906, Ellison became Commissioner of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity. In 1907, he became Corporation Counsel. The New York Supreme Court often appointed him Commissioner for the condemnation of lands for public purposes.