General of the Civil War, born Oct. 11, 1820 in Penn’s Manor, Pennsylvania. Served with the Union Army as a volunteer, 1861-1864; most of this time spent in command of Mississippi Ram Brigade established through the efforts of his brother, Col. Charles Ellet, Jr. The brigade consisted of 9 riverboats converted into ironclad ramming vessels. This fleet was instrumental in the Union’s win in the Battle of Memphis, and the eventual control of the Mississippi river, leading to major victories over the Confederates.

After moving to El Dorado, KS after the war’s end, Gen. Ellet quickly became a leader in local business and civic affairs. He helped organized the Bank of El Dorado, which later became the Farmers & Merchants Bank; he also helped bring the Santa Fe railroad to El Dorado and established the Ellet Opera House.

Among recognitions received is a bronze bust of Gen. Ellet at the National Cemetery at Vicksburg. Also, the USS Ellet, a U.S. Navy destroyer, was commissioned in 1939 in honor of 5 officers of the Ellet family, including Gen. Ellet.