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William Ellis

1834 – 1875

Union Army soldier during the American Civil War, recipient of the Medal of Honor

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About William Ellis

Lived 1834 – 1875 (aged 40–41). William Ellis was an American military personnel.

William Ellis (c. 1834 – February 1, 1875) served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor.

Ellis was born in England in about 1834. His official residence when he received his Medal of Honor was listed as Watertown, Wisconsin. His name was misspelled as "William Elise" on his Medal of Honor citation.

He died February 1, 1875, in San Bernardino County, California.

Medal of Honor citation His award citation reads: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Sergeant William Ellis, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 14 January 1865, while serving with Company K, 3d Wisconsin Cavalry, in action at Dardanelles, Arkansas. First Sergeant William Ellis remained at his post after receiving three wounds, and only retired, by his commanding officer's orders, after being wounded the fourth time.

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Important facts

Born
1834, England
Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Awards
Medal of Honor

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Ellis's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Ellis?

Union Army soldier during the American Civil War, recipient of the Medal of Honor

When was William Ellis born?

William Ellis was born in 1834 in England.

When did William Ellis die?

William Ellis died on 1 February 1875 in San Bernardino County.

What was William Ellis's occupation?

William Ellis was a military personnel.

What nationality was William Ellis?

William Ellis was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Ellis

· Wikidata: Q16065320

· DBpedia: William Ellis (Medal of Honor)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Ellis. https://biography.guide/william-ellis-military-personnel/

MLA: "William Ellis." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-ellis-military-personnel/.

Chicago: "William Ellis." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-ellis-military-personnel/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-25 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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