William Vernon Ellis (1893-1936), the son of John D. and Cordelia Ellis, was a native of Colfax, Washington, who served in World War I and survived the war, but died an early death in Seattle, Washington, possibly as the result of a condition he developed during his time in the military.
The Ellis family had moved to Spokane, Washington by 1908, but William Ellis completed his education in Palo Alto, California. He enlisted in the army on 23 May 1917 at Fort George in Wright, Washington. Ellis, who rose to the rank of sergeant first class and master mechanic, saw action in France as a member of the 601st Engineers, Company B. Following the war, he attended business school in Spokane, but went to work with the Standard Oil Company in Washtucna, Washington. In 1921, Ellis married Maree Ruby Sloan of Ritzville, Washington, but the couple divorced in 1927. Recurring health problems continued to plague him. He was diagnosed with a "chronic duodenal ulcer" and this worsening condition hampered his ability to hold down a full time job. Ellis eventually settled in Seattle with his new wife, Doris, and obtained a position with the University of Washington's Department of Fisheries in 1934, but his health continued to deteriorate, leaving him unable to work. Ellis died at the United States Marine Hospital in Seattle at the age of 43.
From the description of William V. Ellis papers, 1911-1948 (bulk 1917-1919) (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 231864102
