From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)

Elllis was born a slave in Anderson County about 1846 and remained a slave into adulthood. President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Since Kentucky refrained from secession, the slaves within its borders remained in bondage. Late in the war, however, The government called for the enlistment of colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom. In great numbers, slaves threw down the tools of forced labor, and walked away from the fields to the nearest enlistment point.

Ellis therefore made his way to Camp Nelson to enlist, and on September. 28, 1864 and became a private in Company A of the 6th U.S. Colored Cavalry Regiment. At this time he testifies he was born in Anderson County about 1846.
 
In December 1864 the 6th Colored Cavalry Regiment was part of Stoneman's Raid into southwestern Virginia and on December 17-18, 1864 was engaged in the Battle of Marion, during which  the Confederate lead mines were captured. The were also part of the December 20-21 confrontation when the Federals captured and destroyed the salt works after the 2nd Battle of Saltville.

After returning from the Stoneman Campaign, the regiment was detailed at various posts throughout Kentucky, seeing duty at Camp Nelson, Paducah, Camp Wild Cat, Danville, New Haven, Catlettsburg, Covington, and Louisville.

On December 6 the regiment was transferred to duty in Arkansas, posted at Helena and DeVall's Bluff until April 15, 1866, when it is mustered from the service.

Following the Civil War, it was necessary to maintain a military presence in the local area, and a militia was enrolled and active between 1865-1869. According to the Anderson County Clerk's Office, James Ellis was a member of that militia.