[1] Soon afterward he began the study of the law, was admitted to the bar, at Ithaca in 1882,[1] and practiced in East Worcester, New York.

[1] During the first ten years of his legal career, Ely was a general practitioner, trying cases at circuit, acting as counsel, and arguing appeals.

[1] Ely later moved to Buffalo, and engaged in the organization and construction of Western New Yorks most prominent railroads and power companies.

He was heavily involved with the construction of approximately 60 mi (97 km) of irrigating canals in the Columbia River Valley, in the State of Washington.

At the time, the company was associated with the leading figures in railroads, including Francis Lynde Stetson, Daniel S. Lamont, Victor Morawetz, Thomas DeWitt Cuyler, William B. Rankine, and others.

[1] He was a Mason, member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Society of Colonial Wars, and other various clubs and organizations in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and New York.

[1] He died on December 14, 1921, at his home at 14 East 60th Street in Manhattan;[10] and was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo.