 Complete the following phrase:  Ellis was born in Nixburg, in Coosa County, Alabama. He obtained a B.Ped. degree from Troy Normal School in 1907, and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Alabama in 1909. Ellis practiced law in Columbiana, Alabama. He served as a state senator from 1927 to 1931, a representative in the Alabama Legislature from 1936 to 1943, and a mayor of Columbiana for two terms. In 1948, Ellis served as an Alabama delegate at the 