Ellis Shopbell

From The Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis., publ, 1889 - page 831, 832

ELLIS SHOPBELL, senior partner of the firm of SHOPBELL & NORRIS, proprietors of the Phoenix Planing Mill, was born in Lycoming County, Pa., March 20, 1835, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (HILL) SHOPBELL. His parents, who are now deceased, were also natives of Pennsylvania, and were highly respected people. Ellis received a common-school education, and when nineteen years of age began to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until August, 1862, when he enlisted during the late war as a member of the 12th Wisconsin battery, and served three years. He took part in the following battles: Iuka, Corinth, Raymond, Jackson, Miss., Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge and Allatoona. He was then with Sherman on the march to the sea, after which he engaged in the battles of Savannah and Bentonville, N.C. On being discharged from the army, Mr. SHOPBELL returned to Janesville, where he had made his home from 1856 until the time of his enlistment, and resumed work at his trade. In 1871 he began the manufacture of sash and doors, and in 1872 formed the existing partnership with Sutton NORRIS. Their establishment is known as the Phoenix Planing Mill, and employs from fifteen to eighteen men. They engage in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, moldings and brackets on the race near Milwaukee street, and also manufacture the Jackson Refrigerator, the most popular refrigerator in the market. They are the sole proprietors of the patent of the improved common sense weather strips, for Wisconsin and Illinois. This indispensable invention is known as "Kellogg & Devers' Air-tight Weather Strip," and is a great success. In the month of May, 1867, Mr. SHOPBELL was joined in wedlock with Miss Mattie PARKER, a daughter of John PARKER, Esq. She was born in Oneida County, N.Y., and removed with her parents to Monroe, Wis. She is a member of All Souls' Church. Four children have been born of their union, all daughters - Kittie, Mamie, Mattie and Edna. In political sentiment Mr. SHOPBELL is a Republican, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to give us undivided attention to his business. He is a member of W. H. Sargent Post No. 20, G.A.R., and of Crystal Temple of Honor No. 32, and is held in high respect by all who know him.

Submitted By Carol