Background
William Wolcott Ellsworth was the son of Oliver Ellsworth he second chief justice of the United States, and the twin brother of Henry Leavitt Ellsworth.
https://www.amazon.com/COPY-RIGHT-MANUAL-PROFESSION-1791-1868-Jan-28-2013/dp/B00T0MN16O?SubscriptionId=AKIAJRRWTH346WSPOAFQ&tag=prabook-20&linkCode=sp1&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00T0MN16O
William Wolcott Ellsworth was the son of Oliver Ellsworth he second chief justice of the United States, and the twin brother of Henry Leavitt Ellsworth.
He attended Yale College, graduating with honors in 1810.
Completing his studies at the Litchfield Law School, he moved to Hartford, where he entered the law office of Judge Thomas Scott Williams.
He applied himself industriously to his work, and is reported to have kept himself well informed on the most recent decisions of American and English law.
In 1813 he was admitted to the Hartford bar.
Four years later, when Judge Williams was sent to Congress, Ellsworth was given charge of his superior’s law office.
From 1829 to 1834 Ellsworth himself was a member of Congress from Connecticut.
He might have enjoyed a longer term in Washington, but he resigned the legislative position of his own accord, it is said, in order to return to law practise.
While in Congress he served on the judiciary committee, and as a member of that body was active in preparing measures to carry into effect Jackson’s plan for resisting South Carolina nullification.
In political sentiments, Ellsworth was an enthusiastic Whig.
Fie favored a protective tariff, and government aid for internal improvements.
Reentering active politics as governor of Connecticut in 1838, he served four successive years.
After his period of service as governor, Ellsworth again resumed his law practise.
In 1847 he was made an associate judge of the state supreme court, which position he held until obliged, because of old age, to retire in 1861.
Throughout his public career, Ellsworth was in much demand as a speaker.
To innumerable political rallies in the forties he poured forth that type of blustering oratory so dear to middle nineteenth- century audiences.
He was also active in aiding philanthropic institutions, especially the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, and the Hartford Retreat for the Insane.
By no means a great man, Ellsworth was successful in a moderate way.
He always enjoyed general confidence and respect.
Although advocating numerous progressive measures, he was essentially a conservative politician.
“The time has come, ” he declared in 1838, “when experiments upon our dearest interests are no longer to be tolerated; and when experience, that great and unerring teacher in human affairs, is to resume her influence, and put to silence visionary politicians” (Hartford Courant, May 5, 1838).
Quotations: “The time has come, ” he declared in 1838, “when experiments upon our dearest interests are no longer to be tolerated; and when experience, that great and unerring teacher in human affairs, is to resume her influence, and put to silence visionary politicians” (Hartford Courant, May 5, 1838).
Hartford bar
member of Congress from Connecticut
He was also active in aiding philanthropic institutions, especially the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, and the Hartford Retreat for the Insane.
In personal appearance Ellsworth was tall and graceful, and dignified in manner. His portrait, in the state library at Hartford, suggests to the observer an embodiment of a typical Connecticut Yankee, equally able to trade horses, make a political speech, and offer prayer.
He was married on Sept. 14, 1813, to Emily, eldest daughter of the lexicographer Noah Webster.
