Thomas Flower Ellis facts for kids

Thomas Flower Ellis (born December 5, 1796 – died April 5, 1861) was an English legal expert. He was known for writing down important court cases. This helped other lawyers and judges understand past decisions. He was also a very good friend of the famous writer and politician, Thomas Babington Macaulay.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Flower Ellis was born in Walthamstow, England. His father, also named Thomas Flower Ellis, was a merchant. His mother was Frances Danvers. Young Thomas went to school in Hackney.

He then studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree in 1818. The college recognized his talent and made him a fellow in 1819. He got his master's degree in 1821. That same year, he married Susan McTaggart. She was the daughter of John McTaggart. After getting married, he left his fellowship at Cambridge.

A Career in Law

Ellis decided to become a lawyer. He joined Lincoln's Inn, a famous place for training lawyers. In February 1824, he officially became a lawyer. For several years, he worked in the northern part of England.

Friendship with Thomas Babington Macaulay

During his early career, Ellis met Thomas Babington Macaulay. Macaulay was a very important writer and politician. They became incredibly close friends. Their friendship lasted until Macaulay's death. Ellis once wrote to Macaulay that he felt the most trust and attachment to him, second only to his wife.

They often traveled together in Europe. When Macaulay passed away, Ellis felt a great loss. He then worked to publish some of Macaulay's essays that had not been released yet.

Important Legal Roles

Thomas Flower Ellis held several important positions. He was the Attorney-General for the Duchy of Lancaster. This was a special legal role. In 1839, he became the Recorder of Leeds. This meant he was a judge in that city.

In 1831, he helped with the Reform Act 1831. This law changed how people voted in England and Wales. Ellis was a commissioner who helped decide the voting areas in Wales.

Contributions to Knowledge

Ellis was not only a lawyer but also interested in sharing knowledge. Around 1830, he wrote for the Edinburgh Review. This was a well-known magazine. He was also a member of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. This group aimed to spread education. He helped edit some of their books.

Famous Law Reports

Ellis is most famous for his work on law reports. These books record court decisions. They are very important for lawyers. He co-authored three excellent series of these reports:

• Adolphus and Ellis (with John Leycester Adolphus) from 1835 to 1842.
• Ellis and Blackburn (with Colin Blackburn) from 1853 to 1858.
• Ellis and Ellis (with his son Francis), which was published after his death.

Scientific Interests

Beyond law, Ellis had a keen interest in science. He was a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. He joined this group in May 1820, making him one of its earliest members. From 1847, he was also a Fellow of the Royal Society. These are both very respected scientific organizations.

Family and Later Life

Thomas Flower Ellis passed away at his home in London on April 5, 1861. His wife, Susan, had died earlier in 1839. They had five sons and two daughters.

One of his grandsons was the philosopher John McTaggart Ellis McTaggart. He was named after Susan's brother, Sir John McTaggart. Ellis's youngest brother was Edward Chauncy Ellis. His cousin was Robert Leslie Ellis.