The road to the present has included many a twist and turn for Cabool resident Brad Ellsworth.
In his lifetime spent in part on America’s West Coast and in part in its Heartland, Ellsworth has had occupations in several contrasting fields including farming, the judicial system and religion. Last year, he put into words a recap of his uncommon journey through life and the result is a book, “Country Farmer, Country Lawyer, Country Priest, Country Judge” that was published in December.
“Things come to you,” Ellsworth said, “and a few years ago I thought, ‘I need to write a book.’ ”
Growing up on a dairy farm in the northern California town of Grass Valley, Ellsworth enjoyed showing cattle and being involved with FFA. He later attended the University of California – Davis (where he met his wife, Jean) before earning a law degree in San Francisco and beginning practicing as a lawyer in the early 1970s.
Ellsworth and his wife moved to Cabool in 1980 when he took a job as executive secretary of the American Milking Shorthorn Society. He also opened a law office in Cabool, and went on to be Texas County prosecuting attorney – first being appointed when the existing PA died in 1989, and then being elected to another term a couple of years later.
Ellsworth’s judicial experience peaked when he was elected Texas County associate circuit judge in 2002 – defeating his opponent by less than 40 votes.
“They called me ‘Landslide Ellsworth,’ ” he said.
Ellsworth held the position until 2009.
“The state of Missouri says you must vacate your position at age 70, so they kicked me out screaming and hollering,” he said. “But that was the highlight of my judicial experience, and I really enjoyed it. A lot of work and some bad times, but in all, very rewarding.”
Ellsworth, 76, also became an Episcopal priest in the mid-1990s and still serves at a church in Mountain Grove. He said some people questioned his simultaneous status as attorney, judge and priest.
“They would say ‘that’s an oxymoron – how can you be an attorney and a priest?’” Ellsworth said.
But balancing the seemingly opposing lines of work wasn’t difficult to the man doing the balancing.
“I don’t think it was very hard at all,” Ellsworth said. “Some people perceived it as a problem or kidded me about it, but if you follow what Jesus told us to do and follow your heart, it’s not a problem. I tried to do the right thing and treat people as you would want to be treated – the old golden rule.”
Ellsworth said his book combines a chronological look at the various stages of his life along with glimpses of specific occurrences, moments and feelings.
“I tried to be pretty honest about the whole thing and point out where I screwed up and where I had success,” he said. “There are a few things I think are a bit humorous, too, but I suppose that’s for other people to judge.”
The book (which is dedicated to Jean Ellsworth, as is documented in its early pages) wasn’t written in standard order.
“I wrote chapter 10 first,” Ellsworth said. “It’s about a problem I had when I was showing cattle in California. Then I pieced the rest together. “Initially it was something I thought I would do for the family, but as I got into it, I thought ‘this is kind of fun.’ ”
Ellsworth said he likes hearing reactions from people who have read his book.
“I’ve heard a few people say things like, ‘I really enjoyed it, and I thought you did some good things even though you’re pretty crazy,’ ” he said. “I enjoy that immensely.”
Ellsworth once had a herd of 60 shorthorn cattle on his property in Cabool and still has four head. He also still serves as city lawyer for Cabool and Licking.
“People ask how long I’m going to do that,” he said. “I say, ‘I don’t know, but I enjoy it and they pay me.’ ”
Copies of Ellsworth’s book can be obtained by calling him at 417-962-4341. All money collected from book sales will be given to the Cabool Senior Center.
“I’m a very fortunate person,” Ellsworth said. “I had wonderful parents and a wonderful wife and family and I love it here in Missouri – most people here don’t realize what a beautiful state this is. I had the opportunity in life to do things I wanted to do, and I’ve just been blessed.
“If I were to die tomorrow, I’d say ‘well, I did the best I could.’ ”
To get a copy of Brad Ellsworth’s book, call him at 417-962-4341.
If I were to die tomorrow, I’d say ‘well, I did the best I could.’ ”