Ellis was born in Caerwys, Flintshire, and was educated at Ruthin School before graduating from Jesus College, Oxford, with a BA degree, in 1863.

He was a friend of William Ewart Gladstone, who lived nearby in Hawarden.

[2] He was synod clerk of Edinburgh, and canon of St. Mary's Cathedral, and he became Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney in 1906.

[4] He wrote a number of theological works, including Some aspects of woman's life: five lenten addresses (1881), and was regarded as a strong opponent of disestablishment of the Church in Wales.

He died in his sleep at Delgatie Castle, Turriff, Aberdeenshire,[3] where he was staying as a guest of Charles Hay, 20th Earl of Erroll.