Captain Ely is the son of William and Emeline (Harrison) Ely, and was horn in Westfield, Mass., May 23. 1853. On the death of his mother, in 1862, he carne with his father to Bloomfield, N. J., an aristocratic suburb of Newark, and here and in the vicinity he has ever since resided. He fitted for college at the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and at Phillips Andover Academy. It was his ambition and intention to enter Harvard University, but circumstances compelled him to abandon a collegiate course and begin life as a teacher, which he did at the age of eighteen. He taught a district school at Connecticut Farms, Union County, N. J., and subsequently became Principal of the Caldwell High School in Essex County, and during this connection, and afterward, he also studied law with a view of being admitted to the bar.

In 1879, however, he temporarily relinquished this intention and accepted the principalship of the public school at Rutherford, N. J., which he filled with marked ability and satisfaction for several years, gaining a high standing for thoroughness and excellent discipline. Many of his pupils are successfully settled in the arts and professions in or near Newark, and owe their first inspiration and early training to his efforts, and he continues to hold their respect, love, and confidence.

Having thoroughly prepared himself in legal study, Captain Ely was admitted to the bar of New Jersey as an attorney at the February term of the Supreme Court in 1888 and as a counselor in February, 1891, and has continuously and successfully practiced his profession in Bergen County. He rapidly came into prominence as an able lawyer, and by his untiring energy, industry, and careful preparation has won many notable victories. His practice takes him into all the courts, and has constantly increased, giving him a high standing at the bar and, locally, the position of a leader.

He is an ardent and active Democrat, but has never sought nor accepted political office, preferring to devote his whole time to his profession. He is always ready, however, to bear a loyal citizen's part in public and party affairs, takes a deep interest in all worthy movements affecting the community, and does not hesitate to condemn selfish motives or unworthy schemes. He is especially prominent in military circles, having been Captain of Company L, Second Regiment, N. G. N. J., since 1893, when lie was unanimously elected to that office. Under his management and discipline that company has gained a remarkable degree of efficiency. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and of almost all the leading societies and organizations of Rutherford, including the Masonic order, the Royal Arcanum, the Legion of Honor, and the Union Club.