View source for ELLIS, George Francis

[[File:G. F. Ellis.png|350px|right|<center>Capt. George F. Ellis (1848-1923)</center>]]
[[File:Ellis gravestone.jpg|350px|right|<center>Santa Barbara Cemetery </center>]]
[[File:Ellis.png|350px|right]]

<span style="color:#006400">'''ELLIS, George Francis'''</span> (1848-1923), Massachusetts-born mariner who was master of several important vessels in the Santa Barbara channel. His family ancestry can be traced three different ways to the Mayflower. His father was Nathan Bourne Ellis, for whom the schooner, ''N.B.'' was named. George Ellis was captain of the 49-foot ''N.B.'', when she was lost on December 23, 1879, on San Miguel Island in a northeaster. He was also captain of the 43-foot ''Convoy'' when she was wrecked off Santa Rosa Island in January, 1884. In the mid 1880s, Ellis ran the ''Don George'', which was used in the sea otter business by George Nidever. 

In 1888, according to the New Directory of the City of Santa Barbara, Captain George F. Ellis was President of the Santa Barbara Transfer Company and lived at the corner of De la Vina and Micheltorena streets. 

In 1890, Ellis had a steam yacht constructed in San Francisco “to be used in the establishment of a fishing camp on one of the islands, and to take passengers back and forth to the camp.” He named his boat, ''Undine'', after his only daughter. Shortly after the vessel's arrival in Santa Barbara, she was lost in the channel. This was the third vessel Ellis lost, although he was not on board at the time. 

In 1892, Captain Ellis was master of the schooner ''Santa Barbara'', and he served as an agent for the Rogers Brothers. In 1894 he traded his ''San Mateo'' for the sealing schooner, ''Achilles''. 

Captain Ellis lived at the corner of Victoria and Laguna streets. He married Mary Jane Rogers (1850-1911) and they had three children: 
* Undine Frances Ellis (1886-1977) 
* Harry Bourne Ellis (1888-1956) 
* Gilbert Alvah Ellis (1889-1973) 

Captain Ellis was the brother-in-law of Eugene and Herbert Rogers. He died in San Francisco on June 22, 1923 at the age of 75, and is buried in the Santa Barbara Cemetery next to his wife, Mary Jane Rogers (1848-1911), where they share a monument with Eugene F. Rogers and his parents.


* '''» [[Achilles]]'''
* '''» [[Convoy]]'''
* '''» [[Don George]]'''
* '''» [[N. B.]]'''
* '''» [[San Mateo]]'''
* '''» [[Santa Barbara (schooner)]]'''
* '''» [[Undine]]'''



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=====<span style="color:#006400">In the News~</span>=====

'''August 9, 1883 [SBI]:''' “The schooner ''Convoy'' Captain Ellis, arrived from San Miguel Tuesday with six fine otter skins. She was to leave today for Anacapa to bring over a cargo of sheep.”


'''November 20, 1883 [SBDI]:''' “Captain George F. Ellis of the schooner ''Convoy'' arrived on the steamer from the south yesterday.”


'''December 21, 1883 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Convoy'', Captain Ellis, returned from the Islands last night bringing two otter hunting parties from unusually successful excursions. One party under the charge of Antonio Cavalleri secured seventeen fine skins, being the best catch ever done in the same length of time in those waters. George Nidever’s party brought back nine pelts which is by no means a poor result. The hunters have returned from their lonely haunts to spend the holidays, and their good luck will serve to make them sympathize with the folks on shore who are jubilant over equal good fortune in having a fine rain.”


'''January 15, 1884 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Convoy'', Captain Ellis, sailed today for the islands on an otter hunting cruise and will be gone two months or so.”


'''January 19, 1884 [DAC]:''' “The schooner ''Convoy'', Captain Ellis, sailed from Santa Barbara on the 15th instant for the Islands on an otter hunting cruise, and will be gone two months or so.”


'''January 28, 1884 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Convoy'', Captain Ellis, is at San Miguel Island hunting otter, securing sea lions and gathering abalones. Due at this place within a month.”


'''February 6, 1884 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Convoy'' broke her rudder in the late southeast gale and became unmanageable. Captain Ellis let go his anchors in eight fathoms of water, but the storm became too severe and she parted her cables and went ashore January 27th a total wreck. The crew came home in an otter boat from San Miguel.”


'''February 6, 1884 [SBDP]:''' “The schooner ''Convoy'', Captain Ellis, was lost in the recent storm. On Sunday, January 27, she broke her rudder and became unmanageable. The Captain and crew came home in an otter boat, from the Isand of San Miguel, arriving here this morning. The schooner was of sixteen tons burthen, of the value of about two thousand dollars, belonged to Rogers Bros., of this city, and was not insured. She has been engaged in otter hunting off the Santa Barbara chain of islands. A week ago last Sunday, as will be remembered by all, the weather was stormy and the sea running very high. At that time the ''Convoy'', as well as all small craft plying in the waters of the channel, was hovering close off the islands or keeping out to sea, and in pitching from crest to trough she became disabled and the schooner was at the mercy of the tossing sea. That the crew escaped without any serious injury or loss of life seems marvelous, but none suffered except from cold, hardship and possibly hunger.”



'''February 7, 1884 [LAH]: “The schooner ''Convoy'' broke her rudder in the late southeast gale and became unmanageable. Captain Ellis let go the anchors in eight fathoms of water, but the storm became too severe and parted the cables and she went ashore, January 27th, on the island, a total wreck. The crew came home in a boat from San Miguel Island. The schooner was valued at $2000 and was uninsured. She was owned by Rogers Brothers.” 


'''February 14, 1884 [SBDP]:''' “The sloop ''Ocean King'', Captain Larco, set sail for San Miguel Island yesterday morning, having on board Dr. H. Mills, wife and child, and Captain Ellis of the wrecked ''Convoy'', as passengers. Dr. Mills with his family intends to live on the island, and will set up a comfortable home, having taken with him a quantity of household furniture and paraphernalia. Captain H. W. Mills, father of Dr. Mills, who is now at the island, will return on the sloop. Captain Ellis has gone over to the island to look after the ''Convoy'' that was noted in the press some time ago.”


'''February 21, 1884 [SBDP]:''' “The sloop ''Ocean King'', Captain Larco, arrived from San Miguel Island about 1:30 this morning with fresh fish. Captain Ellis, who went over on the sloop to look after the wreck of the ''Convoy'', says that they were unable to get anywhere near it, on account of prevailing wind.”


'''February 21, 1884 [SBDI]:''' “Captain Ellis, who went in the ''Ocean King'' to the scene of the wreck of the ''Convoy'' to endeavor to recover property left on the island, has returned. Owing to the waves it was impossible to get within a mile of shore.”


'''March 10, 1884 [SBDP]:''' “Captain Ellis went over to Anacapa Island Saturday with Captain Larco to try his luck in catching live seals for the San Francisco market.”


'''March 21, 1884 [SBDI]:''' “A new schooner has been brought to Santa Barbara by Captain Ellis, to engage in the local trade between here and the islands.”


'''March 28, 1884 [SBDP]:''' “The schooner ''Don George'', Captain Ellis, came into port Saturday, and yesterday sailed again for San Miguel Island to look after the wreck of the ''Convoy''.”


'''April 1, 1884 [SBDP]:'''  “The schooner ''Don George'', Captain Ellis, which was brought up here about two weeks ago from San Pedro, has gone to San Miguel.”


'''April 1, 1884 [SBDP]:''' “The schooner ''Don George'', Captain Ellis, came into port Saturday, and yesterday sailed again for San Miguel Island to look after the wreck of the ''Convoy''.”


'''April 6, 1884 [SBI]:''' “A review of Santa Barbara shipping... The ''Don George'' is the latest comer in the Santa Barbara waters. It is a modest little sloop which Captain Ellis is using for the transportation of otter hunters and their supplies and such miscellaneous duties as the peculiar trade and industry about the islands require. The Captain of this vessel had the misfortune to lose a larger vessel, the ''Convoy'', which was wrecked off one of the islands…”


'''April 29, 1884 [SBDP]:''' “The schooner ''Angel Dolly'' arrived last night from San Francisco for Captain Ellis, to be used in the seal fishing business at the islands. She is in command of Captain Frank Thompson, and made the trip from San Francisco to this port in thirty-five hours. She is a trim little craft of 19 tons register.”


'''May 23, 1884 [SBDI]:''' “The excursion of the ''Angel Dolly'' on Sunday next will start about noon, sail about the channel, allowing a fine opportunity for barracuda fishing… The fare will only be one dollar. See Captain Ellis.”


'''May 27, 1884 [SBDI]:''' “The '''Angel Dolly''', Captain Ellis, left this afternoon with sheep shearers for Anacapa Island.”


'''July 9, 1884 [SBDP]:''' “The trial of Ah You… Captain Ellis testified that he was owner of a small vessel, was at Santa Rosa Island last March; stopped there on his way to get a wrecked schooner; talked about it while there; saw Ah You there; saw him also after he was dead; was at the island again in May; More was there both times; did not see Ah You there second time…”


'''December 23, 1884 [SBDP]:''' “The schooner ''Angel Dolly'', Captain Ellis, came over from the island yesterday.”


'''March 30, 1885 [SBDI]:''' “The ''Angel Dolly'' brought into port yesterday five large sea lions, captured on Anacapa Island. Captain Ellis shipped them on the steamer for San Francisco last night.”


'''March 30, 1885 [SBDP]:''' “Five bull sea lions were caught by Captain Ellis, and on Sunday were shipped by him on the ''Orizaba'' to J. P. Thomas at San Francisco, to be forwarded to the East.”


'''June 22, 1885 [SBDI]:''' “Schooner ''Angel Dolly'', Captain Ellis, arrived Saturday from a two months’ trip otter hunting, with forty-five fine otter skins valued at $3100. This is the most successful otter hunt that has been made on the California coast since the days of Captain Kimberly and Vasquez. We congratulate Captain Ellis on his success.”


'''1886 Santa Barbara Directory:''' “Ellis, George F., sea captain. Residence west corner Victoria and Laguna streets.”


'''March 15, 1886 [SBDP]:''' “The schooner ''Angel Dolly is to go to Santa Cruz for a load of lumber for Captain Ellis to be used in the construction of a new house here for the captain.”


'''March 15, 1886 [SBDP]:''' “Of the channel fleet, the ''Angel Dolly'', a Chinese junk, the ''Annie'', and ''Ocean King'' were the only vessels in port.”


'''May 4, 1886 [SBDP]:''' “The schooner ''Rosita'', 'Lord, master, last night brought six live seals from Anacapa Island for Captain Ellis. They are now on the wharf.”


'''October 14, 1886 [SBDI]:''' “Captain Ellis, commander of the ''Angel Dolly'', was to have left today for the islands to capture seals.”


'''November 17, 1886 [SBDP]:''' “Captain Ellis yesterday morning commenced the erection of a cozy cottage house on the corner of Victoria and Santa Barbara streets, for rent.”


'''November 27, 1886 [SBDI]:''' “Captain Ellis is contemplating laying up his schooner ''Angel Dolly'' for the winter, and if he determines to do so he will take the schooner above in a few days.”


'''September 15, 1890 [SBDI]:''' “Captain George F. Ellis has resigned as agent for Wells Fargo & Co.’s Express. Major Duncan, route agent for the company, is expected this evening and will transfer the office to W. A. Atlee of Pasadena, who will be Captain Ellis’ successor. Captain Ellis is having a steam yacht built and will make daily trips to the islands and other places. We think the new business will prove profitable and we congratulate our city on having this new enterprise which we are positive will be well supported.”


'''November 19, 1890 [SBMP]:''' “Captain G. F. Ellis arrived from San Francisco yesterday morning in his new steam yacht the ''Undine'', which will be a notable addition to the fleet of this port. He has been in San Francisco for several months having the craft built to suit his nautical taste and she certainly is a credit to her designer… It is Captain Ellis’ intention to establish a fishing camp on one of the islands and run his boat regularly every day to bring over their catch, which will be shipped on ice by fast freight to San Francisco where there is a constant market for fresh fish. Passengers will be taken to the islands and brought back the same day if desired.”


'''November 20, 1890 [SBMP]:''' “On invitation of Captain G. F. Ellis, a party of about fifteen gentlemen enjoyed a sail in his new yacht, the ''Undine'', yesterday afternoon. The little craft worked beautifully and all were delighted with her. There was no wind and her sails were not used, but the gasoline engine sent her along eight miles an hour.”


'''December 3, 1890 [SBDI]:''' “George E. Thayer has made arrangements with Captain Ellis by which he is enabled to supply patrons of his market of fresh fish of all kinds. He receives his supply fresh each morning.”


'''December 6, 1890 [SBDI]:''' “The ''Undine''. Lost in the channel in the storm supposed to be Captain Ellis’ new launch, with all on board. Our city was shocked last evening by the news brought by the captain of the steamer Santa Cruz. It was that the pretty new schooner ''Undine'' was wrecked. Worst of all three lives were lost. The story was about as follows: Early yesterday morning the Santa Cruz was steaming towards Santa Barbara in the face of a terrible storm—one of the worst for years. When off Ventura about seven miles offshore, the officers heard a cry of distress. The engines were stopped and a boat was discovered in a half-submerged condition. On it was a man. A number of ropes were thrown to him, but for some reason he failed to grasp them. The heavy seas caused the boats to drift apart rapidly. A boat was lowered and at the risk of their lives a crew started out on its mission of rescue. Some time elapsed before the wreck was again discovered, as it was pitch dark. When finally after great efforts the little boat found the wreck the man was gone. On the stern the words, ‘''Undine'' San Francisco’ were made out. The ''Undine'' was owned by Captain Ellis of this city, and had lately been put on the coast, making trips between Santa Barbara and the Island Santa Cruz, at the latter point Captain Ellis having a fishing station. The schooner was fitted up with a gasoline engine as a motive power. She had a register of fifteen tons and cost about $4500. The vessel was under the command of Captain Joseph N. Lord. There was also on board an engineer, and a Spanish boy named Ramon Vasquez. Captain Lord was well known in this city and was about thirty-eight years of age. He leaves a mother, wife and two children. Up to this noon no further news was heard regarding the wreck. Captain Ellis went to Ventura last evening to look up the matter as far as possible. The cause of the wreck is supposed to have been by the engine supports working loose and shifting. Of course, this is a matter of mere conjecture, nothing being definitely known.”


'''December 6, 1890 [LAT]:''' “Lost in a storm. The sloop ''Undine'' capsized off Hueneme. Three men drowned before assistance can arrive. A passing steamer finds the wreck too late. The sloop ''Undine'', a sixteen-ton steam propeller owned by Captain Ellis of Santa Barbara, was wrecked at 4 o’clock this morning, ten miles from this port. She was used in the fishing trade and was returning from Anacapa Island with a cargo. The crew of three men whose names are unknown were all lost. The steamer ''Santa Cruz'' sighted the wreck, and found one man clinging to the bottom, but he sank from exhaustion before assistance could be given him. The ''Undine'' was a small naphtha launch recently brought from San Francisco by Captain Ellis and was used to carry passengers to and from the points of interest on the Santa Barbara islands, and also in the transportation of supplies to the sheep-herders of Anacapa. The wreck occurred off Hueneme, and the capsized sloop was passed by the ''Santa Cruz'' while on her way from that point to Ventura.”


'''December 12, 1890 [SBMP]:''' “Captain G. F. Ellis was in town yesterday awaiting the arrival of the insurance adjuster, with whom he will visit the wreck ''Undine''. It is Ellis’ intention to hire a steamer and attempt to  bring the ''Undine'' ashore.”


'''May 17, 1891 [SBMP]:''' “The schooner ''Santa Rosa'' leaves today for the islands with a gang of Chinamen to collect abalone shells for Captain G. F. Ellis.”


'''May 17, 1891 [SBMP]:''' “Captain G. F. Ellis’ new boat to take the place of the ''Undine'' will be launched about June 1st.”


'''July 9, 1891 [SBMP]:''' “The ''Santa Barbara'' sailed for San Miguel Island with Captain Ellis and Herbert Rogers.”


'''July 18, 1891 [SBMP]:''' “The Santa Barbara Fishing Company’s schooner, ''Santa Barbara'', Captain Ellis, unloaded ten tons of shells and abalones at the wharf yesterday afternoon and returned to the islands.”


'''August 5, 1891 [SBMP]:''' “The ''Santa Barbara'', Captain Ellis, has arrived from the islands with 600 packages of skins and several barrels of oil.”


'''September 26, 1891 [SBMP]:''' “The schooner ''Santa Barbara'', Captain Ellis, returned from Ventura via Anacapa Island on Thursday evening, bringing with her Captain Troop of the sloop ''Pearl'' of San Pedro, which was wrecked on the island on Wednesday night… They flew a flag of distress which was seen by Captain Ellis, who was taking over a band of sealers from Ventura…”


'''October 9, 1891 [LAT]:''' “A jewfish of large proportions and weighing 200 pounds was brought over from the islands by Captain Ellis of the schooner ''Santa Barbara'' this morning and shipped by him to Los Angeles. The fishing season is at its height apparently. Hundreds of mackerel are being caught daily.”


'''October 28, 1891 [LAT/SB]:''' “The new yacht ''Santa Barbara'', Captain Ellis, arrived from Santa Catalina Island yesterday after a day’s cruise.”


'''November 4, 1891 [SBMP]:''' “Captain Ellis arrived in the steam yacht ''Santa Barbara'' early yesterday morning with 1000 pounds of fish which were shipped to the San Joaquin Valley by rail. He also brought over five jewfish which averaged about 250 pounds apiece.”


'''November 6, 1891 [LAT/SB]:''' “Captain Ellis’ steam yacht left ''Santa Barbara'' Wednesday on a fishing expedition to Santa Cruz Island. Fishing on the island is the best ever known.”


'''December 18, 1891 [LAT/SB]:''' “The papers in the insolvency of Captain George F. Ellis have been filed in the Superior Court. Captain Ellis has been engaged for some time in the fishery business. His debts amount to $12,907.27. He has real estate valued at $7000. His principal creditor is William Dewlaney, who holds a promissory note for the sum of $7800.”


'''October 9, 1893 [LAT/SB]:''' “The schooner ''San Mateo'', Captain Ellis, which a week age was reported lost, has arrived in port. She has been otter hunting up the coast, and has not been near any means of communication for some time.”


'''September 29, 1894 [SBDI]:''' “A rumor was circulated in town today to the effect that the schooner ''San Mateo'', Captain Ellis, which sailed from here some time ago on an otter hunting expedition, had been lost with the entire party. The rumor was not confirmed, however.”


'''October 1, 1894 [LAT/SB]:''' “A report was current here this morning that the schooner ''San Mateo'', which left this port some time ago with Captain Ellis and a party of otter hunters, had been wrecked and sunk with all on board. When traced up, however, the story seemed to have no foundation, and is likely to be only a hoax. As yet those most interested have been unable to get any confirmation.”


'''October 9, 1894 [SBMP]:''' “Captain Ellis of the ''San Mateo'', who left here some weeks ago on an otter hunting trip, returned Sunday from a most successful hunt, nine splendid skins being the result of his days on the sea. Captain reports heavy seas and sloppy weather.”


'''October 17, 1894 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'', which arrived in the harbor some time ago, has passed into the possession of Captain Ellis and Hiram Pierce. It is stated that the San Mateo was traded for ''Achille''s, and that the latter will be used for otter hunting, for which purpose she was built. She is a much larger vessel than the ''San Mateo'' and is a new boat.”


'''October 20, 1894 [SBDI]:''' “The ''Achilles'', the new schooner recently purchased by Captain Ellis, is outfitting for an otter hunting trip around the islands and up the coast. On his last trip Captain Ellis in the schooner ''San Mateo'' captured ten otter, and having done so well is preparing to go in on a larger scale. The Achilles is a fine new two-masted schooner, 44 tons burden, and a speedy and safe craft. She will carry a crew of fourteen men besides the captain. Four boats will be used in hunting, each boat carrying a hunter and two men. On the last trip in the ''San Mateo'', two small boat’s crews were lost from GET THE END OF THIS ARTICLE


'''October 20, 1894 [LAT/SB]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'' was tied up to the wharf this morning, discharging her cargo of four-foot pine wood, which she brought from Washington. The schooner ''Achilles'' has become a fixture of this city. Captain Ellis having traded the schooner San Mateo for her. She will be used for otter hunting, for which purpose she was built. She is a much larger vessel than the San Mateo and is a comparatively new boat.”


'''October 26, 1894 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'', Captain Ellis, put to sea yesterday on an otter hunting expedition. She took along a crew of eighteen men and several boats including Mr. Doulton’s gasoline launch ''Chispa''. They expect to spend the winter on this trip.”


'''October 28, 1894 [LAT/SB]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'', Captain Ellis, put to sea today with a crew of eighteen men. She will sail to San Miguel Island first, and if she finds no otter there will cruise down the channel as far as San Nicolas Island. Should she fail to find plenty of otter on the islands, she will then sail north along the coast, and will be gone all winter. Captain Ellis, in any event, expects to spend three months on the trip. The ''Achilles'' has a complete otter-hunting outfit, is well provisioned, and is a good, seaworthy vessel. Among the boats taken on board for the trip was Harold Doulton’s gasoline launch ''Chispa''.”


'''November 21, 1894 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'', Captain Ellis, arrived in the harbor this morning from San Miguel Island, where they have been otter hunting for some time past. Owing to the heavy fogs and bad weather, however, they had very poor success. Mr. Harold Doulton who accompanied the party returned last night in his gasoline launch ''Chispa''.”


'''November 22, 1894 [SBMP]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'', Captain Ellis, returned from the islands yesterday where she has been otter hunting. Ten excellent skins were taken.”


'''November 22, 1894 [LAT/SB]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'', Captain Ellis, arrived this afternoon from her otter-hunting expedition.”


'''November 22, 1894 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'' will remain in port a few days and then proceed down the coast, visiting San Pedro and then going to San Nicolas Island to continue the hunt. Captain Ellis says he is in hopes that the fog will lift after awhile and given them half a chance.”


'''November 23, 1894 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'' was today taking on a supply of water for another cruise. Captain Ellis expects to sail tomorrow for San Miguel Island again, and will probably visit all the islands before he returns.”


'''December 28, 1894 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'', Captain Ellis after several weeks absence during which time she has been at San Miguel Island on an otter hunt, returned this morning after a very unsuccessful trip, with not a single skin as a trophy. Her last trip was also unsuccessful. The weather has been most unfavorable, the wind blowing a gale most of the time.”


'''December 29, 1894 [LAT/SB]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'', Captain Ellis, arrived in port this morning, after several weeks at San Miguel Island, on another hunting expedition. They were very unsuccessful, however, owing to bad weather.”


'''March 16, 1895 [SBNP]:''' “Strange upheaval. Startling seismic disturbance on San Miguel Island... Huge rocks weighing many tons covered the surface of the newly exposed portion, which was also thickly strewn with crabs and fish… My boats [Captain Waters] those of Captain Ellis are all right…”


'''April 5, 1895 [LAT/SB]:''' “The schooner owned by Captain Ellis, and sent to San Miguel Island, is expected to return on Friday.”


'''April 7, 1895 [SFCall]:''' “Santa Barbara, April 5. The strange wrecking of the sloop ''Liberty'' in Cuyler Habor on San Miguel Island on the morning of March 30, which was briefly mentioned in press dispatches, occurred during a visit to the island of the Call’s correspondent. The wreck of the sloop was due undoubtedly to seismic disturbances beneath the water. The sloop had been lying for two days in her customary anchorage in the southwest curve of Cuyler’s Harbor. On the morning of March 30 the vessel lay a shattered hulk along the shore. The bows of the sloop were stove in and the mainmast was lying amidships, pointing sternward and enveloped in a tangle of rigging. The anchors, two in number, had dragged, and their thirty-fathom chains were wound around and around the keel of the vessel. Everything indicated that the sloop had received a severe blow from beneath the surface of the water and had then been caught in a maelstrom, which had rolled her over and over. This view is confirmed by the experience of Captain Ellis’ schooner, which anchored in precisely the same spot on Wednesday, April 3. At 12 o’clock, when the men were all below, a sudden severe shock sent the ship reeling and tossing, and brought the crew on deck. Immediately the waters began to boil in a way never before witnessed on this coast by Captain Oleson, who is familiar with the whirlpools and maelstroms of Norway. The schooner began to drag its anchor, weighing 485 pounds, and attached to a heavy forty-five fathom chain. Captain Oleson quickly slipped the anchor, after fastening a buoy to it, and got out of the harbor as quickly as he could set sail, only narrowly escaping drifting upon an ugly rock. Captain Oleson reports that the soundings of the anchorage, which were formerly four fathoms, are now seven fathoms, which shows a sinkage of six feet in solid rock at this point within a week.”


'''April 9, 1895 [SBDI]:''' “Captain Ellis’ schooner has gone to San Nicolas Island for a load of sheep.”


'''April 19, 1895 [LAT]:''' “San Francisco. Captain Von Helm of the steamer Willamette Valley which arrived today from La Paz, Mexico, states that Oscar Bartels, the piratical sea captain who has a weakness for stealing vessels, is in prison at the Mexican port with two members of his crew. The particular offense on which he is held is the theft of the schooner ''Star of Freedom'' from San Francisco Bay. Captain Johnson, owner of the ''Star of Freedom'', has been looking up the record of Bartels and has learned that he is a trader in other people’s vessels to a considerable extent. Bartels stole the schooner ''Achilles'' from Seattle and went sealing in her. As a sealer he was successful. He turned over his catch to the Alaskan agents of the Alaska Commercial Company, receiving a draft on Louis Sloss for $2000. Sloss refused to honor it without an identification, and while Bartels was waiting, the owner of the vessel dropped into the city from Ashland, Oregon. Meantime, Bartels had secured $2400 from A. P. Laurentzen, giving him a mortgage on the vessel. The owner got here just in time and he gathered in the money the thief had raised, including the bulk of the $2000 draft. He said he was satisfied, so the charge of barratry was dropped and Bartels escaped prosecution…”


'''April 22, 1895 [LAT/SB]:''' “Captain Ellis’s schooner arrived in port from San Miguel Island on Sunday morning, bringing 274 sheep consigned to Sherman & Ealand. She reports that another earthquake shock was felt on the island on April 17. She expects to sail for the island again at noon on Monday.”


'''April 22, 1895 [SFCall]:''' “Santa Barbara, April 21. The schooner ''Arcadia'' arrived in port from San Miguel Island Sunday morning. Captain Ellis reports no further changes of moment in Cuyler’s Harbor, but states that a sharp earthquake shock was felt on the island on the 17th of April. As this shock was not felt anywhere on the mainland, this circumstance confirms the theory that the Channel Islands are of a geological formation separate and apart from the mainland.”


'''April 23, 1895 [LAT/SB]:''' “Captain Ellis, who came in Sunday morning from San Miguel Island, sailed again for the same port on Monday at noon, carrying supplies to the residents, and with the purpose of bringing over another cargo of sheep.”


'''April 29, 1895 [LAT/SB]:''' “Captain Ellis’s schooner arrived from San Miguel Island on Saturday, bringing Captain Waters as a passenger.”


'''April 30, 1895 [SBDI]:''' “Captain Ellis’ schooner left yesterday for San Miguel Island.”


'''May 13, 1895 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'' arrived yesterday from San Nicolas Island with a cargo of wool.”


'''May 22, 1894 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'' was outfitted today for an otter hunting expedition. Captain Ellis will sail up the coast going to Point Sur and other places. He expects to be gone about two months, and will probably start tomorrow morning.”


'''May 23, 1894 [SBDI]:''' “The schooner of Captain Ellis’ left today for Point Sur on her otter hunting expedition. She is provisioned for a two months’ cruise.”


'''September 2, 1895 [LAT/SB]:''' “Antonio Caballero, the otter hunter who has been with Captain Ellis in the schooner ''Achilles'', returned to Santa Barbara last evening, bring rather discouraging reports of the schooner’s success. The ''Achilles'' has been out several months and the hunters and the hunters secured only three skins. Caballero left the ''Achilles'' at Gaviota and the schooner proceeded to San Miguel Island where the hunt will be resumed. She expects to go to San Diego for new rigging in the course of a few weeks.”


'''November 13, 1895 [LAT/SB]:''' “A southeaster has been prevailing all afternoon, accompanied with dust. This is the storm that was brewing yesterday, and caused the capsizing of the Chinese junk, ''Chromo'', which was on the way to the Hollister estate at Gaviota with a load of lumber. At the time of the accident there was one man on deck and two below asleep. Fortunately they escaped drowning… The ''Chromo'' had been here some time transporting guano from San Miguel Island, and Captain Ellis engaged her for this trip. He, Captain Jars and two sailors were aboard. All succeeded in reaching shore. The ''Chromo'' was drifting at the mercy of the waves at last report.”


'''July 26, 1896 [LAT/SD]:''' “Schooner ''Achilles'' has arrived from the South with guano.”


'''September 14, 1896 [LAT/SD]:''' “The schooner ''Achilles'' has just discharged a cargo of guano into lighters outside the three-mile limit off this port, and sailed again for the south. The cause for this is said to be the desire to avoid a $2600 claim of San Francisco parties. Some time ago, Harry Robbins, E. E. White and Robert Morris bought the ''Achilles'' [from Captain G. F. Ellis] for $800, supposing that they acquired a clear title to the vessel. Later a claim for $200 was presented against the schooner. The new owners paid it. The vessel was put in the guano trade, and about the time of her arrival at this port the $2600 claim was heard of. So it was deemed best for the ''Achilles'' to keep out of American waters. The total value of the schooner is about $1000.”


'''October 15, 1897 [LAT/SB]:''' “A letter was received yesterday from Captain Ellis of the North American Transportation Company, by his wife, written at Dawson City in August, which has created more excitement yet than anything yet heard from Alaska… Captain Ellis was expected home this fall, but has concluded to stay another year… E. F. Rogers, a brother-in-law of Captain Ellis, intends to leave here for Dawson in February, arriving there before Captain Ellis leaves…”


'''January 20, 1898 [LAT/SB]:''' “Two letters received from the Alaska gold fields… Mrs. Ellis, wife of Captain George F. Ellis, has received another letter from Dawson, dated December 5. Captain Ellis says that there are too many people there now doomed to disappointment, and they were leaving every day… Captain Ellis has provisions enough to last him until July, is well, and will return by the first boat out next summer, arriving here in August…”


'''August 11, 1899 [LAT/SB]:''' “The news has been received here that Captain Ellis of this city is dangerously ill of typhoid fever at Dawson City. He is a pioneer in the gold fields, and ahs made a large fortune at the mines.”


'''August 16, 1899 [SBDI]:''' “Captain Ellis returned last night from Klondike where he had been since last spring. He stated that the Rogers brothers are in San Francisco and will return here soon.”


'''August 26, 1899 [SBDI]:''' “Captain Ellis will return on tonight’s train from a trip to Los Angeles.”


'''November 28, 1899 [SBDI]:''' “Captain George F. Ellis and Mrs. Ellis left today for San Francisco at which place they will spend Thanksgiving.”


'''December 30, 1899 [SBDI]:''' “Captain George G. Ellis is in Los Angeles on business.”


'''January 3, 1900 [SBDI]:''' “Captain Ellis and two daughters have returned from a short visit in Los Angeles.”


'''March 6, 1900 [SBDI]:''' “Captain Ellis left yesterday for a short business trip to San Francisco.”


'''March 21, 1900 [SBDI]:''' “Captain George F. Ellis returned last night from a business trip to San Francisco.”


'''May 17, 1900 [SBDI]:''' “Captain George F. Ellis is expected home from San Francisco on tonight’s train.”


'''July 31, 1900 [SBDI]:''' “Mrs. George F. Ellis and family will leave tomorrow for San Francisco where they will meet Mr. Ellis.”


'''August 11, 1900 [SBDI]:''' “Captain George F. Ellis has returned from an extended trip to San Francisco.”


'''November 16, 1911 [SBMP]:''' “Mrs. Mary J. Ellis passed away at an early hour Thursday morning at the home of her mother, Mrs. A. Rogers, 1104 Chapala Street, after a long illness. Mrs. Ellis leaves a husband, George F. Ellis, who is in Mexico, and four children: Miss Grace Ellis [daughter by her first husband, Lawrence Lilly], who resides here, and Mrs. Undine Goldberg, Harry Ellis and Gilbert Ellis, whose homes are in San Francisco. Eugene F. Rogers and Herbert A. Rogers of this city were brothers of Mrs. Ellis. The funeral and interment will be private. Please omit flowers.”


'''June 22, 1923 [SBMP]:''' “Funeral services for George A. Ellis, who died in San Francisco yesterday, will be held tomorrow at 10 o’clock from the L. E. Gagnier funeral church. Interment will be in the Santa Barbara cemetery. Mr. Ellis leaves two sons, Harry D. and Gilbert A. Ellis, and one daughter, Mrs. F. B.[Undine] Goldberg, all of Santa Barbara. Mr. Ellis was a native of Massachusetts and 55 years of age at the time of his death.