William Ellison came to Camden around 1856 and started a tinware business. Later in 1864, he started the Stetson & Ellison Canning Co. along with partner George Stetson behind his house at 9 North Main Street. After a fire destroyed the canning company in 1884, he organized Camden’s first fire company, the Camden Rescue Hook & Ladder Co., and served as its first president. It is said that he fought the first fire for Camden in 1885.

Ellison and family