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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Mr. John Ashford Ellis

Mr. John Ashford Ellis, Foreman Carpenter at the Eastown Railway Workshops, is a native of Devonshire, where he was born in 1835. He served an apprenticeship of six years at Bradninch, and afterwards worked at his trade till 1864, when he embarked for Lyttelton per ship “Amoor.” In Christchurch Mr. Ellis was engaged on the Jewish Synagogue, on the Roman Catholic Church and School, and afterwards he was employed for twelve months in making six elaborate doors for the Provincial Council Chambers. He worked on the Selwyn Bridge and on several railway buildings, under Messrs. Richards and Holmes, contractors.
Photo by A. Martin Mr. J. A. Ellis.

Photo by A. Martin
Mr. J. A. Ellis
.

page 1350 In 1867 Mr. Ellis joined the public service as waggon-builder, and when the Addington Workshops were being constructed he was engaged on the building, being entrusted with the erection of the water-tower. He was transferred to Wanganui as foreman carpenter in 1883, and has filled the position up to the time of writing, with the exception of three years, from 1888 to 1891, when he was inspector of carriages and waggons at Petone. In 1879 Mr. Ellis was married to a daughter of Mr. Samuel Jamieson, of Christchurch, builder, and has two sons and two daughters.