Ellery, William
lawyer, jurist, congressman, was born Dec. 22, 1727, in Newport, R. I. He was a delegate to the continental congress from 1776 to 1780, and from 1783 to 1785. He was a signer of the declaration of independence, and also of the articles of confederation. In 1786 he was appointed commissioner of loans for Rhode Island; and was elected chief justice of the state. In 1789 he was appointed, by President Washington, collector of Newport, which office he held until his death, which occurred Feb. 15, 1820, in Newport, R. I.