Ellis was born at ‘Nether Hill’ on 28 February, 1906, and attended the Kenton Valley school. He is the youngest son of John and Edie Sandercock and the youngest grandchild of Richard and Elizabeth. He played football for Gumeracha in his younger days. His wife is the former Rita Crowhurst, whom he married in 1925. They have two sons - Lionel lives at Victor Harbor, and Ian at Coonabarabran in New South Wales.

Ellis leased ‘Nether Hill’ from his father after he turned 21 years of age, and John lived with them in the house until his death in 1938. Ellis inherited the property which he worked with his sons as a mixed farm, including dairy cows. Gradually the fruit trees were taken over and there are only a few remaining now. Ellis’s younger son lan bought a property in New South Wales in 1963, but Ellis and Lionel worked ‘Nether Hill’ until 1974 when it was sold to Mr Doug Reid. The new owners have retained the original name and also run it as a dairy selling milk in bulk.

Ellis and Rita Sandercock are retired at Victor Harbor where they enjoy good health. Ellis has in his possession several items of interest belonging to Richard Sandercock, his grandfather. A set of dinner plates brought out by the Sandercocks in 1853, and Richard’s shaving cup are proudly displayed at his home. While at Kenton Valley Ellis shared his brother Leo’s interest in local government, taking over the ward formerly held by Leo, in 1946/47. He was elected again as a councillor and served for a ten year period from 1953 to 1963.