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William Laban Ellis Family
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Ellis
Family Businesses
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William Laban Ellis and Margaret Wilson
Married September 24, 1890 in Saline County, Arkansas
Photo
courtesy of
Nalois Ellis Gresham
William Laban Ellis Family
By Sarah Nalois Ellis Gresham
William Laban Ellis was born in Pulaski County,
Arkansas, on February 6, 1871, the son of James S. Ellis and Nancy
Ann Snodgrass, who had migrated from Alabama and Tennessee before
1860. William Laban married Margaret Allietha Wilson, the daughter
of George W. Wilson and Margaret A. Keaton, on September 24, 1890,
in Saline County, Arkansas. They lived in Pulaski County Arkansas,
where six of their children were born before they moved to Texas.
The journey to Texas was begun in June of 1900 by
William Laban Ellis and his family in two mule-drawn covered wagons
along with his uncle, Robert W. Snodgrass, his wife, and three
children, in a third covered wagon. After three months of travel,
they arrived at Red Bluff in Jackson County, Texas, in early
September of 1900. William Laban bought farm ranch land in Jackson
County, and the family lived there until 1905 when they moved to
Palacios. Three of the children were born at Red Bluff.
The first public school had been opened in
Palacios offering the children a better education. At that time
Palacios had a Southern Pacific Depot, Bayview Hotel, a few
businesses and a few homes. After settling there, William Laban
Ellis took part in much of the early history of the area, being
among the first to establish citrus and fig orchards. He operated
one of the early dairies in the area, making deliveries from a
horse-drawn milk wagon. After operating the dairy business for three
years, he sold out and began truck farming with C. H. Childs,
growing, gathering, packing, and shipping fresh produce to northern
cities.
On January 23, 1908, Margaret Allietha Ellis
died, leaving her husband and ten children ranging in ages from
sixteen years to eighteen months. With the help of the older
children, the father managed to keep his family together.
Ellis
Brothers Mercantile Store - Brothers behind the counter with three
customers - Opened in Palacios in 1909
Photo courtesy of Nalois Ellis Gresham
In 1909, William L. Ellis and his brother, R. M.
Ellis, established Ellis Bros. mercantile store in the first brick
building to be built in Palacios, selling a complete stock of
groceries, fruits, confectionery and produce. Nine homes were built
by William Laban Ellis during the time he lived in Palacios, several
of which were still used as residences in 1984.
William
Laban Ellis and second wife, Selena Gieger
l to r Grace, Lila, Milton Asbin "Buddy", Margaret, Clara,
Beatrice, Donie, Zelphia, James Percy, Selena and William Laban
Photo
courtesy of
Nalois Ellis Gresham
On January 13, 1913, William Laban Ellis married
Selena Elender Gieger of Mt. Pleasant*, Texas, and three children
were born to them, two of which survived. Selena Elender Ellis died
on November 13, 1920, in Pulaski County, Arkansas, where the family
had moved three years prior. *[Mt. Pleasant is the
county seat of Titus County. At the time of Selena's birth, the
community nearest to their home was Goolesboro. After Goolesboro was
bypassed by the railroad, the businesses then moved to Talco.]
William Laban Ellis moved his family back to
Palacios where his older children were living, having married and
established homes of their own. He operated restaurants at various
times and locations over the years, and was well-known for his
especially good barbecue and chili. His recipes and methods were
still used by his children. He was a member of the First Baptist
Church and a Mason. William Laban Ellis died on January 30, 1931,
and was buried in the Palacios Cemetery. Many of the Ellis children
and grandchildren were living in Palacios area in 1984.
Historic Matagorda County, Volume II,
pages 144-145
12 Children and 23 Grandchildren At Ellis
Reunion
At the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Sanders in
Palacios, on Sunday, June 9th, the family of W. L. Ellis, met in a
reunion the first time in sixteen years. A sumptuous lunch was
served under the pecan tree and never was there a happier, finer
group of people gathered on a like occasion. There was present 12
children and 23 grandchildren, and all the sons-in-law, but three.
A family picture was made and a fine time in
general enjoyed by all. The Derrick family were invited guests.
At the close of the meal "A Father's Thoughts"
were read and at request of the children, they are given here as
follows:
Dear Children:
This is the happiest day of my life to have you once more in life
all together, as it has been 16 years since we were all together. We
have been far apart, but my Prayer has ever been with you that you
might keep Faith with the Lord and Trust in Him at all times and my
constant Prayer is that you may keep the Faith in Him with all of
your undertakings. I'm so thankful that every one of you have
acknowledged your faith in Him. I'm so happy to think my children
have acknowledged the Saviour of this World. My honest Prayer is
that my grandchildren may follow in our footsteps and look to Him,
our only Redeemer.
I feel proud of my children. I feel that my
efforts in Life have not been lost. "May God Bless you All" and may
it be the Lord's will that we may all meet again, and above all in
the Greater-Beyond, where we will be contented, never to part, and
where our Loved Ones are waiting for us.
Best wishes to you all,
Father.
Mr. Ellis is rightfully proud of this wonderful
company. May God bless all of them. This family is just the kind of
unit that makes America great. May our land be blessed with many
such grandads and families.
The children present for the occasion were:
Mrs. Prudie Gallaher, Palacios
Mrs. J. P. Ellis, Inez, Texas
Mrs. E. E. Hill, Citrus Grove, Tex
Mrs. L. O. Hill, Lamkin, Texas
Mrs. Clair Fagel, Atlanta, Ga.
Mrs. D. N. Tate, Palacios
Mr. M. A. Ellis, Cleveland, Texas
Mrs. T. A. Morris, Anniston, Ala.
Mrs. C. D. Sanders, Palacios
Mrs. L. C. Smith, Cleveland
Miss Nalois Ellis, Palacios
Master W. L. Ellis, Palacios
J. A. Derrick
W. L. Ellis had the pleasure this past week of
the "Home Coming" of his twelve children, and twenty-three
grand-children. While the "grown-ups" or the ten older children of
Mr. Ellis are married and living in their various homes in Texas and
other states, the two younger children are still with him in
Palacios, also two married daughters and their families reside here.
The "Home Coming" stands as a beautiful tribute of paternal
affection to Mr. Ellis from his children and their families.
Palacios Beacon, June 13, 1929
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Ellis Family Holds Reunion
The descendants of the late William L. Ellis, Sr. gathered July 31
at the Mopac House in Collegeport for a family reunion. Of his
twelve children, seven daughters and one son remain and were present
along with 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 15
great-great-grandchildren, spouses and guests totaling 84 in
attendance.
In 1900, Ellis brought his family from Arkansas to texas traveling
in a mule-drawn covered wagons. One daughter at the reunion still
recalls making this journey as a small girl, especially fording
creeks and rivers because there were few bridges. After settling in
Palacios, ellis took part in much of the early history of this are,
being among the first to establish citrus and fig orchards. He
operated one of the early dairies in the Palacios are, making
deliveries from a horse-drawn milk wagon. From his successful truck
farm, he packed and shipped fresh produce from the area. In 1909, he
and R. M. Ellis established Ellis Brothers mercantile store in the
first brick building built in Palacios, selling “a complete and
fresh stock of groceries, fruits, confectionery and produce,” as
advertised in the Palacios Beacon that year.
At the reunion, family ties were renewed with the sharing of
treasured old photographs and family lineage charts recalling
memories and stores of the past.
Ellis had been well known locally for his especially good barbecue
and chili and his recipes and methods are still used by his
children. Carrying on the Ellis family tradition, W. L. Ellis, Jr.
prepared delicious barbequed beef for the buffet dinner.
The eight remaining children attending were: Zelphia E. Hill of West
Columbia; Donie E. Williams, Beatrice E. Sanders. Margaret E. Tate of
Palacios: Lila E. Morris of Selma, AL; Grace E. Smith of
Collegeport; Nalois E. Gresham of Cleveland; and William L. Ellis.
Jr. of Collegeport.
Those
children no longer living, some of whom were represented by their
families are: Prudence E. Gallaher (Collegeport). James P. Ellis Sr.
(San Marcos), Clara E. Gerlach (Fulton) and Milton A. Ellis
(Collegeport).
Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great - grandchildren,
spouses and guests in attendance were: Johnny and Joan Ellis and
Alex Tupi of Alvin; Kevin Horner, Pat, Gary, Jason, Vanessa and Josh
Horner of Austin; Ethel Williams, Tommy, Pat, Alta and Tommie Ellis
of Bay City; Milas, Barbara. Lori, Jeff and Will Day of Center
Point; Dr. Bill Tate, Jr., Suzanne and Ramsey of Channelview; Marie
Ellis Lewis, Cathy, Jason and Kristy Hill of Cleveland; Jesse,
Carolyn and Will Ellis, Rosalie N. Ellis of Collegeport; Carol,
Philip and Laura Mintz, Clara Mae Kuehm, Sara C. Morris, Doug
Sanders, Norma and Lawrence Smith, James A. Tate, Terry, Rae,
Jonathan and Trinity Tate, all of Houston; Charlie, Peggy, Charles
and Jauni Pittman of Matagorda; Lee and James P. Ellis, Jr. of New
Braunfels; Andrea and Brent Ellis, Margaret McElrath, Helen and
James Murphy, Billie, Richard and Dick Sander. Patti and Justin
Brune. Larri, Edward, Meagan and Maslin Gillett, all of Palacios;
Frances and Bill Tate of Pasadena: Rona, Richard, David and Roy
Wells of Pearland; Letha and Ray Wilborn of Pilot, VA; Tommy A.
Morris of Selma, AL; Mary Frances and Mike Semingson of San Antonio;
Luia Mae, W.T. and F. Shane Blackwell of West Columbia.
Palacios Beacon, August 11, 1982
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William Laban Ellis
William Laban Ellis was born Feb. 6, 1871, at
Little Rock, Ark., and died in the hospital at Bay City, Friday,
Jan. 30, 1931.
On September 25, 1890, he was married to Miss
Margarette Wilson, who preceded him in death in 1908. To this union
were born ten children, all of whom are living.
Mr. Ellis, with his family, moved to Edna,
Jackson County, Texas, Nov. 2, 1900, where he lived until 1904, when
he moved to Palacios, and had a part in much of the early history of
this city, being among the first to plant citrus and fig orchards.
On Jan. 13, 1913, he was married to Miss Ellender
Gieger, of Mt. Pleasant*, Texas, and to this union three children
were born, two survive, Naloise and W. L., Jr. In 1919 he was again
bereft of his companion by death, and on June 5, 1930 married Miss
Lillian Holden of San Antonio, who survives him. *[Mt.
Pleasant is the county seat of Titus County. At the time of Selena's
birth, the community nearest to their home was Goolesboro. After
Goolesboro was bypassed by the railroad, the businesses then moved
to Talco.]
The deceased became a member of the Baptist
Church in early childhood and placed his membership in the First
Baptist Church soon after moving to Palacios and was ever a
consistent and faithful member.
Funeral services were held at the First Baptist
Church Sunday afternoon, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Carroll R.
Ray. Remains were interred in the Palacios cemetery in charge of the
I. O. O. F. Lodge, of which he was an enthusiastic member.
Besides the wife and children, he is survived by
his aged mother, two half brothers three half sisters and 23 grand
children.
Palacios Beacon, February 5, 1931
Margaret Allietha Wilson Ellis
November 4, 1873 - January 23, 1908
Gun Discharged by Child's Dress
Death Ensued Thursday Night.
Palacios, Tex., Jan. 26.--Mrs. William Ellis
of Cashus [Cash's] Creek, near Palacios, was accidentally shot
last Thursday. A shotgun which some one had used had been placed
near a door. Mrs. Ellis told her sixteen-year-old daughter to
pick the gun up and put it away, but to be very careful. In
picking up the gun it caught in the child's dress, discharging
it. The load of shot lodged in Mrs. Ellis' leg and shattered the
bone very badly, also tearing several fingers off her hand. Drs.
Elliott, Dubose and Wagoner [Wagner] were immediately summoned,
but medical assistance was of no avail. she died Thursday night.
She leaves a husband and ten children.
Laredo Weekly Times, February 2, 1908
Obituary courtesy of Lynne Hammonds
Mr. Ellis' marker photo courtesy of Renee Huff
Mrs. Ellis' marker photo courtesy of Mary Sexton
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Mr. and Mrs. Victor Gallaher Honored On
Golden Wedding Anniversary
Approximately 150 friends and relatives of
Mr. and Mrs. Victor Gallaher attended the Open House given
Sunday afternoon in the W. L. Ellis home in Collegeport honoring
them on their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary.
The gold and white theme was predominate in
the floral decorations. The buffet held an arrangement of yellow
snapdragons, yellow and white daisies flanked with gold and
white candles. An arrangement of gold chrysanthemums graced the
server. The table laid with hand drawn linen cloth, was centered
with a three-tiered wedding cake topped with a silver haired
bride and groom.
Mrs. Gene Smith of Cleveland, assisted by
Mrs. T. A. Morris of Selma, Ala., presided at the Silver Coffee
Service.
Miss Rena [Rona] Gresham of Cleveland assisted by
Mrs. Roy Williams of Bay City, presided at the punch bowl and
Mrs. J. D. Lewis, Jr. of Houston assisted by Mrs. J. Sewell
Lawson of Bay City served the cake.
Members of the House Party were: Mr. and Mrs.
J. P. Ellis, San Marcos; Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Morris, Selma, Ala.;
Mrs. L. O. Hill, Fulton; Mr. and Mrs. Gene Smith and Pat; Mrs.
Roy Gresham and Rona, Cleveland; Mrs. Clara Barnes; Mr. and Mrs.
John P. Ellis; Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Lewis, Jr. and children; Mr.
and Mrs. W. B. Powell and children; Mrs. E. E. Christopher and
E. E. Smith of Houston; Mrs. Nelson Blackwell, Alvin; Mr. and
Mrs. W. C. Smith, Kathi, Randy, and Bob, Humble; Mr. and Mrs. J.
Sewell Lawson and Peggy, Bay City; Mr. and Mrs. Harris Jones and
George Alice, Corpus Christi.
Also Mr. L. L. DeCombe, brother-in-law of Mr.
Gallaher, Warrensburg, Mo; Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Sanders; Mr. and
Mrs. Richard Sanders; Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Sanders, Dicky,
Billy Ruth and Mary Helen; Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Ellis and son,
Douglas; Miss Sue Ramsey of Palacios; Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Tate,
Mr. D. B. Tate, Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Smith, Larri, Cullen and
Patti; Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Ellis, Jesse, Gilbert, Jerry and
Tommy, Collegeport.
Matagorda County Tribune, May 14, 1959
Mrs. P. M. Gallaher
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 8,
at 2 p. m. in the First Baptist Church for Prudence Mae Gallaher,
who passed away Thursday, November 6, in Wagner General Hospital
after a brief illness. The Rev. E. J. Mills and Rev. Rayford Harris
conducted the services. Interment was in the Palacios Cemetery.
A daughter of William L. and Margaret Allietha
Ellis, she was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on August 12, 1891.
She attended Palacios High School, also the Baptist College of
Palacios. On May 3, 1909, she was united in marriage to Victor H.
Gallaher, who preceded her in death on October 10 of this year.
She is survived by eight sisters and three
brothers, Mrs. Zelphia Hill and Mrs. L. C. Smith of Collegeport,
Mrs. L. O. Hill, Mrs. Damon Gerlach and Mrs. D. N. Tate of Fulton;
Mrs. C. D. Sanders of Palacios, Mrs. T. A. Morris of Selma, Ala.,
Mrs. Roy K. Gresham of Cleveland, Texas; J. P. Ellis of San Marcos,
M. A. and W. L. Ellis of Collegeport
Palacios Beacon, November 13, 1969
Photo courtesy of Renee Huff
Victor Gallaher
December 9, 1879 - October 10, 1969
Funeral services were held Saturday, October 11,
at 2 p. m. in the First Baptist Church for Victor Gallaher, who
passed away Friday, October 10, in Wagner General Hospital after a
brief illness. Rev. E. J. Mills and Rev. Rayford Harris conducted
the service. Masonic services were conducted at the graveside in the
Palacios Cemetery by members of Palacios Lodge No. 990 A. F. & A. M.
with his nephew Dr. James P. Ellis, Jr. of New Braunfels presiding.
He was born in Warrensburg, Mo. on December 9,
1879, a son of John A. and Katherine Elizabeth Gallaher. He
graduated from Washington University of St. Louis and Law School in
Lebanon, Tenn. He was admitted to the bar in 1903. He served as
county attorney for four years and was re-elected to a second term,
but resigned to come to Texas in 1908 and settled in Palacios where
he owned and operated a department store. He met and married Miss
Prudence Ellis in 1909.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Victor Gallaher
of Collegeport; eight sisters-in-law, Mrs. Zelphia Hill, Mrs. L. C.
Smith of Collegeport, Mrs. Donnie Hill, Mrs. Damon Gerlach, and Mrs.
D. N. Tate of Fulton; Mrs. C. D. Sanders of Palacios; Mrs. T. A.
Morris of Selma, Ala. and Mrs. Roy E. Gresham of Cleveland, Texas;
four brothers-in-law, J. P. Ellis of San Marcos, M. A. and W. L.
Ellis of Collegeport and L. L. DeCombs of Warrensburg, Mo.
Palacios Beacon, October 16, 1969
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Photo courtesy of Renee Huff
At left Victor
Gallaher c 1900
Photo courtesy of Find A Grave Volunteer Heather L
#48452816 |
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ELLIS – LAW
Mr.
J. P. Ellis, son of Mr. W. L. Ellis, and Miss Katherine Law,
daughter of Judge A. H. Law, were married Sunday evening at the home
of the bride’s parents just north of the city, only relatives of the
families being present. Rev. M. M. Wolf, president of Palacios
Academy officiated. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are popular and well known
young people of Palacios, and have a large circle of friends in the
city who join with the Beacon in hearty congratulations and
well wishes.
Palacios Beacon,
April 18, 1913
Collegeport News
Mrs. L. C. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Gallaher,
Mrs. Lila Morris, Mrs. Margaret Tate, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Ellis were
in San Marcos during the Easter holidays to attend the 50th wedding
anniversary of Mrs. Smith's sister [brother], Mr. and Mrs. J. P.
Ellis, who honored with a reception Sunday afternoon from 2:30 until
5 at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Buck Paine.
Palacios Beacon, April 18, 1963
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Zelphia A. Hill
April 10, 1894 - April 17, 1986
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Earl Edwin Hill
August 4, 1890 - March 31, 1937 |
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Married April 10, 1912 in
Palacios, Matagorda County, Texas |
Photo courtesy of Renee Huff
Zelphia H. Hill
Funeral services for Zelphia A. Hill, 92, were
held April 19 at 2 p. m. at the First Baptist Church of Palacios
with Rev. John L. Shepherd and Rev. James T. Gross officiating.
Interment followed at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Hill, the daughter of Laban and Allietha
Wilson Ellis, was born April 10, 1894 in Maumell, Arkansas and died
April 17, 1986 at Bellville. She was a former resident of
Collegeport, affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Palacios
and a member of Palacios Eastern Star.
She was married to Earl Edwin Hill on April 10,
1912 and to this union were born four daughters.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl
Edwin Hill and one daughter, Dorothy Wanda Moorehead.
Survivors include daughters, Lula Mae Blackwell
of Bellville, Earlene H. Pyles and son-in-law Lowell of Woodleaf, N.
C., and Allietha Wilborn and son-in-law Ray of Pilot, Virginia;
sisters, Donie Williams and Margaret Tate of Palacios, Beatrice
Sanders of Houston, Lila Morris of Selma, Alabama, Grace Smith of
Collegeport, and Nalois Grisham of Cleveland TX; one brother, W. L.
Ellis of Collegeport; eight grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren;
14 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Jesse Lee Ellis, Sr., Tommy D.
Ellis, Ray Wilborn, David Hawkins, Richard Sanders, Lawrence Smith,
Jr., Bill Tate and Verral Hill.
Palacios Beacon, date unknown
Photo courtesy of Renee Huff
Earl Edwin Hill
Earl Edwin Hill, born August 4, 1891, died at his
home in this city, March 31, 1937, age 45 years, 7 months and 27
days. He was born in Jones County, Texas, but when six years of age
his parents moved to Matagorda County, which was his home the
greater part of his life. On April 10, 1912, he was married to
Zelphia Ann Ellis and to this union was born four daughters, Mrs. W.
T. Blackwell, of Angleton, Earlene, Allietha and Wanda of the home.
Besides the wife and daughters, the deceased is survived by one
grandson, William Daniel Blackwell, his father S. J. Hilll of this
city; five brothers, N. L. Hill, Citrus Grove, G. J. Hill, Richmond;
L. E. Hill, of Palacios; C. B. Hill, of DeQuincy, La.; R. S. Hill,
of San Antonio, and three sisters, Mrs. M. A. White, of Kingsville;
Mrs. Harris Jones, Collegeport, and Mrs. Ray Horn of Bay City, all
of whom were here for the funeral services except C.R., who had
visited him the week previous.
For many years Mr. Hill was engaged in rice
farming near Citrus Grove and also conducted a store at
Simpsonville. A few years ago he was forced to give up the farm life
due to ill health and moved to Palacios, which he had continued to
make his home, except nine months spent in West Texas.
In early life he became a member of the Baptist
Church.
Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon
from the First Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. L. M. Chapman.
Burial was made in the Palacios Cemetery under the direction of the
Palacios Funeral Home.
Relatives here for the funeral included, Raymond
Hill Houghten, Beeville,; Mrs. and Mrs. L. C. Smith, Cleveland; Mr.
and Mrs. M. A. Ellis and family, Goose Creek; Mr. and Mrs. J. P.
Ellis and family, Luling; Mr. and Mrs. Buck Payne, Freeport; Mr. and
Mrs. Nelson Blackwell, Huntsville.
Palacios Beacon, June 13, 1940
Photo courtesy of Renee Huff
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Luther Orr and Donie
Ellis Hill Family History
Photo courtesy of Renee Huff
HILL – ELLIS
Mr.
Luther Hill, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Hill and Miss
Donnie Edna Ellis, daughter of Mr. W. L. Ellis, both of
this city, were married at 6:30 o’clock Tuesday evening
at the home of the bride’s father. The ceremony was
performed by Rev. J. W. Israel, pastor of the Baptist
church, in the presence of the relatives and a few
immediate friends. The young couple are well known and
popular among a large number of our citizens, who extend
congratulations, and wish them long years of happiness
and prosperity. Mr. and Mrs. Hill will make their home
in the city of their choice, that is Palacios.
Palacios Beacon, December 20, 1920 |
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Williams
Funeral services for Donie Ellis Hill Williams,
94, of Palacios will be held 11 a. m. Friday at the First
Presbyterian Church in Palacios with the Rev. W. S. "Doug" Blantn
officiating . Burial will follow at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Williams was born Sept. 17, 1895, to William
L. and Margaret Wilson Ellis in Little Rock, Ark., and died Sept.
12, 1990, at her home.
A longtime resident of Palacios, she was a member
of the First Presbyterian Church in Palacios, the Order of the
Eastern Star and the Wednesday Club.
Survivors include a daughter, Margaret Lawson
McElrath of Palacios; a son, Eldon L. Hill of Austin; five sisters,
Beatrice Sanders of Houston, Margaret Tate and Grace Smith of
Palacios, Lila Morris of Selma, Ala., and Nalois Gresham of
Cleveland, Texas; a brother, W. L. Ellis of Collegeport; two
grandchildren, Peggy Lawson Pittman of Palacios and Jane Hill Cook
of Dallas; five great-grandchildren, Charles Luther Pittman of
Wharton, Sissy Pittman of Austin, Joshua Bell and colin and Caton
Cook, all of Dallas.
Pallbearers are Claire "Bill" Lynn, Robert A.
Fiorini, Fred Huitt, Robert Montgomery, Richard Sanders and Leonard
Lamar.
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian
Church of Palacios or a favorite charity.
Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral
Home, Palacios.
Daily Tribune, September 12 or 13, 1990
Photo courtesy of Renee Huff
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Luther Orr Hill
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Luther Orr Hill,
born June 15, 1888 in Jones County, Texas, passed away
April 9, at Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, at 3 a. m.
Funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian Church
in Rockport at 10 a. m. Saturday, April 11. There will
also be a funeral service at the Palacios Funeral Home
at 3 p. m. Saturday April 11. Rev Ward, pastor of the
Presbyterian Church, Rockport, officiating. Interment
will be in the Palacios Cemetery, under direction of
Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.
Mr. Hill is
survived by his wife, Mrs. L. O. Hill of Rockport; one
daughter, Mrs. J. Sewell Lawson of Bay City; one son,
Leldon [Eldon] L. Hill of Austin; three sisters, Mrs. M.
A. White, Kingsville, Mrs. Harris Jones, Rockport, R. L.
Horn, Bay City; four brothers, W. L., Palacios, G. J.,
Pearland, C. B., St. Louis, Mo., and R. S. Hill of San
Antonio.
Newspaper and date
unknown
Luther Orr Hill
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Caller-Times
News Service
FULTON--Luther Orr Hill, 69, of Fulton, died in a local
hospital at 3:30 a.m. today from injuries received in an
automobile accident Monday at 9:30 a. m., between
Ingleside and Gregory. Hill, a retired rice farmer, was
a resident of Fulton six years.
Survivors include
his wife, Donie Edna, of Fulton; one daughter, Mrs.
Margaret Edna Lawson, of Bay City; one son, Eldon
Luther, of Austin; three sisters, Mrs. Nora White, of
Kingsville, Mrs. G. H. Jones, of Fulton, and Mrs. Mary
Jane Horne, of Bay City; four brothers, Lawrence of
Palacios, George, of Pearland, Gene, of St. Louis, and
Bob of San Antonio, and two grandchildren.
Funeral services
will be held at 10 a. m. tomorrow at Rockport
Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Arrot Ward of
Rockport officiating. Burial will be in the Palacios
Cemetery at 3 p.m. Saturday with with Cage-Mills Funeral
Home in charge.
Corpus Christi
Caller-Times, April 9, 1959
Photo courtesy of Renee Huff
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Photo courtesy of Renee Huff
C. D. Sanders
Family
C. D. Sanders was born on November
14, 1889, near Bogota in north Texas to Lewis and
"Maggie" Sanders. They named their seventh child and
fourth son with initials--no one knew why. In 1894 the
family moved to Wharton County, and in 1905, to the
Markham area where they farmed rice. In 1908, they
bought 103 acres of land north of Palacios, and built
their home there. One day C. D. was plowing for William
Laban Ellis, and Mr. Ellis told his eleven year old
daughter, Beatie, to take Mr. Sanders a drink. Little
did they know that five years later, on December 1,
1913, they would be married. C. D. and Beatie had three
children: Helen Irene (b August 25, 1916); Richard Ellis
(b. July 4, 1918) and Clara Mae (November 24, 1921).
In 1920, C. D. and family moved to
Dunbar on the river at "Lone Tree." The summer before
Clara was born in 1921, the family had taken the buggy
to Citrus Grove to buy groceries. As they started home,
Beatie discovered the medicine was missing. While Beatie
held the reins, C. D. walked back to the store. The
young mare got her bridle off and started running, but
by pulling on the reins of the mule, Beatie managed to
turn the buggy across the ditch. However, Richard fell
into the ditch with a broken bag of sugar. Helen was
under the upside down buggy; and Beatie was thrown out
and received a broken ankle. Dr. Wager made a cast for
her ankle from an apple box--this was Beatie's only
"road" accident in her eighty-six years.
In 1923, the family moved just
north of Palacios so the children could begin their
education. All attended East Bay School and were
graduated from Palacios High School.
On Thanksgiving day of 1925, C. D.
lost his right hand in an accident in his rice field.
Since there were no hospitals in Palacios or Bay City,
Dr. J. R. Wagner, with the help of Dr. Demmit and Mrs.
Moffet, performed surgery with a dining room table leaf
slipped between the mattress and springs. In 1926, C. D.
brought five acres of land with a four room house at
what was later known as Sanders Street. They added to
the house over the years, and C. D. and Beatie reared
their family there. They were known for their satsuma
orange orchard and for their dog, Jack, who guarded the
orchard. C. D. drove a school bus for eleven years
without an accident. He also carried the mail from
Palacios to Blessing to meet the midnight train, and
farmed small areas.
C. D. and Beatie's daughter,
Helen, taught school at Cedar Lane, Prairie Center and
Palacios. She married James Murphy on October 17, 1941,
and they had two daughters, Patricia Helen and Sue
Ellen. James died on September 2, 1982 and was buried in
the Sanders plot of the Palacios Cemetery.
Clara Sanders worked in Houston
after she was graduated from High School. She married
Robert Kuehm on February 22, 1939, and had Barbara Joan,
Linda Ruth, and Robert Charles.
C. D. died on April 30, 1962, and
was buried in the Sanders plot of the Palacios Cemetery.
He was a deacon in the First Baptist Church and was
remembered as a friend to all. At his funeral the
Reverend L. W. Crouch read the shortened scripture ". .
. and he was a good man."
Historic Matagorda County,
Volume II, pages 455-456
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SANDERS
Funeral services for Beatrice Barbara
Ellis Sanders, 100, of Palacios will be at 11 a.m.
today, May 7 at the First Baptist Church of Palacios
with Rev. Hollas Hoffman and Rev. Joe Ramsey
officiating. Interment will be at the Palacios Cemetery.
Sanders died May 5 at The Legacy in
Bay City. She was born Jan. 14, 1898 in Pulaski, Ark. to
the late William Laban and Margaret Wilson Ellis. When
she was two years old, her family came to Texas in a
covered wagon. Beatrice married C. D. Sanders on Dec.
21, 1913 in Todd, Texas. She joined the First Baptist
Church of Palacios at the age of 11, where she is
lovingly remembered as a wonderful Sunday School teacher
and willing worker. Along with her sisters, she was an
Eastern Star and a member of the Wayside Club. She
served the community through the sewing rooms and
canning kitchens during the depression and the war.
At her husband’s side, they farmed
and later ran a gas station and store on Hwy 35. After
his death, she worked for K. Wolens Store in Palacios. A
renowned cook and seamstress; her talents were many,
leaving her family and friends heirlooms to treasure.
She is survived by a daughter and
son-in-law, Clara and Robert Kuehm of Houston; a son,
Richard Ellis Sanders of Palacios; a sister, Nalois
Grisham of Conroe; a brother, W. L. Ellis, Jr. and wife
Rosalie of Collegeport; eight grandchildren; 11
great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
She was preceded in death by her
husband, C. D. Sanders; daughter, Helen Sanders Murphy;
nine brothers and sisters; and one great grandchild.
Pallbearers are her great grandsons.
Special thanks to her family of
friends at The Legacy for their care and kindness.
Contributions may be made to the
First Baptist Church of Palacios or the Eden Alternative
Fund at The Legacy in Bay City.
Arrangements are with Palacios
Funeral Home.
The Daily Tribune, May 7, 1998
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Resident celebrates her 100th
birthday at the Legacy
Beatrice Sanders was 100 years old on
January 14, 1998. She was born in Arkansas in 1898 to
the Ellis family. Parents Aletha and William Laban Ellis
had ten children, then her Mother died. Later her Dad
remarried and they had two more children.
The family of 12 brothers and sisters
moved in a covered wagon to Red Bluff, then to Palacios
in 1900. Beatrice has lived in this area ever since.
Beatrice married C. D. Sanders and
they raised three children. The oldest daughter, Helen
Murphy is deceased. Sander’s son, Richard and daughter,
Clara, with husband Bob Kuehm were in attendance for the
birthday celebration held at the Legacy.
Her family shared a beautiful
birthday cake with her many friends and residents. After
blowing out the candles, facility director presented
birthday congratulation certificates that were sent to
Beatrice from President Clinton and Governor Bush. Many
more birthday cards were on display in her room.
Beatrice had 8 grandchildren, 13
great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren due next month. Beatrice was active
in Eastern Star and a member at First Baptist Church
since 1907.
She taught Sunday School classes for
many years. She loved to work in the garden, and was a
seamstress.
“There was a Sewing Room in Palacios,
where she sewed for the public during the Depression,”
her daughter said.
Beatrice lived with her daughter and
son-in-law for 13 years. “We had a small garden, and if
my rows weren’t straight, she’d get a hoe and go
straighten them,” Bob said. “She was always a busy
lady.”
The Daily Tribune, January 18,
1998
Photos courtesy of Renee Huff
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Final Rites Are Slated
Wednesday Afternoon For
C. D. Sanders,
72
Funeral services for C.
D. Sanders were held at 3 p. m. Wednesday,
May 2, in the First Baptist Church with
Rayford Harris and Rev. L. W. Crouch
conducting the service. Interment was in the
Palacios Cemetery.
A long time resident of
Palacios, he was born November 18, 1899, a
son of L. G. and Margaret Ewing Sanders in
Bogota, Texas.
An active member and
deacon of the First Baptist Church, Mr.
Sanders died Monday night, April 30, in
Wagner General Hospital.
His survivors include his
wife, Mrs. Beatrice Barbara Sanders of
Palacios, two daughters, Mrs. Helen Murphy
of Nashville, Tenn. And Mrs. Clara Mae Kuehm
of Houston and one son, Richard Sanders of
Palacios.
Palacios Beacon,
May 3, 1962
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Mrs. Clara Gerlach
Funeral services for Mrs. Clara Ellis Gerlach
were held at 10 a. m. Friday, November 27, in St. Peter’s Episcopal
Church in Rockport with the Rev. Lester G. Hill officiating.
Graveside services were held at the Palacios Cemetery at 2:30 Friday
afternoon.
Daughter of the late William L. and Margaret
Allietha Wilson Ellis, she had been a resident of Fulton for many
years. She was a member of the Episcopal Church and Order of the
Eastern Star. She passed away in the Spahn Hospital in Corpus
Christi Wednesday, November 25.
She is survived by her husband, Damon C. Gerlach
of Fulton; seven sisters, Mrs. Zelphia Hill and Mrs. L. C. Smith of
Collegeport; Mrs. L. O. Hill and Mrs. D. N. Tate of Fulton, Mrs. C.
D. Sanders of Palacios; Mrs. T. A. Morris of Selma, Alabama and Mrs.
Roy K. Gresham of Cleveland, Texas; three brothers, J. P. Ellis of
San Marcos; W. L. and M. A. Ellis of Collegeport.
Palacios Beacon, date unknown
Photos courtesy of Renee Huff
Damon C. Gerlach
Funeral services for Damon Chester Gerlach were
held at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 2 p. m Wednesday, January 31,
with the Rev. George S. Parrigin and the Rev. James Abernathy
officiating. Masonic graveside services were held in the Palacios
Cemetery.
Born May 9, 1905, in Columbus, Ohio, he was a
resident of Fulton for many years. He was married to the former
Clara Ellis, who preceded him in death on November 25, 1970. He
passed away January 2, in Kerrville, Texas.
Newspaper and date unknown
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Margaret Allietha Tate
Funeral
arrangements for Margaret Allietha Tate, 91, of Palacios, are
scheduled for 2 p. m. today at First Baptist Church in Palacios with
the Rev. Hollas Hoffman officiating. Burial will be in Palacios
Cemetery.
Mrs. Tate
was born Nov. 4, 1901 in Edna to William Laban and Margaret Allietha
Wilson Ellis and died Aug. 29, 1993 in Wagner General Hospital in
Palacios.
She was a
member of First Baptist Church, a long-time resident of Palacios, a
member of the Order of the Eastern Star, serving in various
capacities and a member of the Wednesday Club.
Survivors
include: two sons, James A. Tate of Pagosa Springs, Colo. and George
W. Tate of Houston; four sisters, Grace Smith of Palacios, Lila
Morris of Ala., Nalois Gresham of Cleveland, Texas and Beatrice
Sanders of Houston; a brother, W. L. Ellis of Collegeport, numerous
nieces and nephews, four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was
preceded in death by her husband, D. N. Tate; a son, D. N. Tate,
Jr.; a grandson, Dr. George W. Tate Jr.; a great-granddaughter,
Samantha Tate and a daughter-in-law, Mary Tate.
Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City.
Daily Tribune, August 30, 1993
Delton Niell Tate
Funeral services for Delton Niell Tate were held
at the First Baptist Church Monday, July 19, at 4 p. m. with Rev. J.
C. Miner and Rev. Boyce Latua officiating. Interment was in Palacios
Cemetery.
A former resident of Palacios, he had lived in
Fulton, Texas, for several years. He was born January 15, 1894, in
Waxahachie, Texas, a son of Robert and Mary E. London Tate. He
passed away Saturday July 17, in St. Luke's Hospital in Houston.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret A. Tate of
Fulton; two sons, James A. Tate of Houston and G. W. "Bill" Tate of
Pasadena; two brothers, Robert Tate of Kansas City, Mo. and Gene
Tate of Houston, and five grandchildren.
Palacios Beacon, date unknown
Photos courtesy of Renee Huff
Mary Rankin Tate
Funeral
services for Mary Rankin Tate of Houston were held at 2 p. m.
Saturday, June 5, at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with the
Rev. George S. Parrigan of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in
Houston officiating. Burial was in the Palacios Cemetery.
She was
born August 30, 1924 in New York, N. Y. and died June 3 in
Southeast Memorial Hospital in Houston.
Survivors
include her husband, James A. Tate of Houston; mother-in-law,
Mrs. D. N. Tate of Collegeport; daughter-in-law, Raye Tate; two
sons, Tommy N. and Terry F. Tate, all of Houston; two brothers,
Mitchell Rankin of Belle Chase, La. and John Joseph Rankin of
Baltimore, MD; one nephews, John Joseph Rankin of Houston and
one uncle, John Joseph Fenton of Astoria Long Island, N. Y.
Palacios Beacon, June 10, 1976
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Photos courtesy of Renee Huff
Milton Ausbin Ellis
Funeral services for Milton Ausbin Ellis, who
passed away at his home in Collegeport, Saturday, July 19 at the
First Baptist Church in Palacios with Rev. Clarence Yates
officiating. Interment was in the Palacios Cemetery.
Born March 5, 1903 in Red Bluff, Jackson County,
Texas, he was the son of William Laban Ellis and Margaret Alletha
Wilson Ellis. A retired rice farmer and rancher, he had been a
resident of Collegeport for 21 years.
He is survived by his wife, Florence Mizell Ellis
of Collegeport; three daughters, Mrs. Walter V. Dowell of Port
Lavaca, Mrs. J. D. Lewis of Cleveland, Texas, Mrs. W. W. Warren of
Austin; one son, Mitchell Douglas Ellis of Dallas; seven sisters,
Mrs. Zelphia Hill, Mrs. Margaret Tate, Mrs. Grace Smith of
Collegeport, Mrs. Floyd Williams of Fulton, Mrs. Beatrice Sanders of
Palacios, Mrs. Lila Morris of Selma, Ala., Mrs. LaLois [Nalois]
Gresham of Cleveland, Texas; two brothers, James Percy Ellis of San
Marcos, and William L. Ellis of Collegeport; 12 grandchildren and
eight great grandchildren.
Newspaper and date unknown
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Lila Minta Ellis Morris
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Lila Ellis Morris, Grace Morris Smith &
Margaret Ellis Tate
Photo from Collegeport Mopac House Foundation courtesy of Tom Morris
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Grace Irene
Smith
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| Grace Irene Smith
was born May 19, 1906, in Palacios, Texas and died
November 14, 1995, at the Rosewood Hospital in Houston,
Texas. Services were held at the First Baptist Church of
Palacios and graveside services were held November 16,
1995, by her minister, Rev. Hollis Hoffman and the
members of the Palacios Eastern Star and the Masonic
Lodge. Survivors include a
son, Lawrence C. Smith, Jr. and his wife, Norma; three
sisters, Betrice Sanders of Palacios, Lila Morris of
Selma, Ala. and Nalois Gresham of Cleveland, Texas; a
brother, W. L. Ellis and his wife, Rosalie of
Collegeport, Texas; grandchildren, Kathi Smith Kennedy
of Conroe, Texas, William Robert Smith of Conroe, Mark
G. Smith of Conroe, Mark G. Smith of Waco, Larri Smith
Armond of Alexandria, La., Patti Smith Brune of Bay
City, Lawrence C. Smith III of Palacios, Norman and
Andrew Smith of Houston, Douglas and Donna Sanders Smith
of Houston, Pat Smith of Kingwood, Kay Smith of Austin
and Wren Smith of Cleveland; 25 great-grandchildren and
four great-great-grandchildren.
Grace Smith was preceded in death
by her husband, Lawrence C. Smith Sr. and two sons,
William C. "Bill" Smith who was married to Barbara
Hegwood Smith and Victor Eugene Smith, married to Alice
Wren Smith (deceased) all of Cleveland and one grandson,
Randall C. Smith of Conroe.
Grace Irene Smith, native of
Palacios, was a longtime member of the First Baptist
Church in Palacios, a member of the Eastern Star and a
former Grand Worthy Matron. She was the daughter of
William Laban Ellis, an early member of the Palacios
Masonic Lodge, and Margaret Alletha Wilson. Mrs. Smith
was a member of the V. F. W. Auxiliary, a former member
of the Woman's Club and served as post mistress at
Collegeport for many years. She was always active in
community service as well as her church and she also
reared three of her grandchildren, Larri, Patti and
Cullen. She was a grand lady to all of us who loved her.
Daily Tribune, November 29,
1995
Photos courtesy of Renee Huff
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Lawrence C. Smith
Lawrence Cullen Smith, a resident of Collegeport
for 22 years, died Monday, July 19, in a nursing home in Wharton
after a lingering illness.
Funeral services were held at 1 p. m. Tuesday,
July 20, at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Mills and Rev.
Maxwell officiating. Interment was in Palacios Cemetery.
Son of E. C. and Naomi Atkinson Smith, he was
born June 26, 1900 in Spurger, Texas.
Survivors include his wife, Grace Smith of
Collegeport; three sons, William C. and Victor E. of Cleveland,
Texas, and L. C. Smith, Jr. of Houston; one sister, Mrs. E. E.
Christopher of Conroe; four brothers, Edwin T. Smith of Houston; C.
E. Smith of Baytown, E. E. and T. F. Smith of Conroe, fourteen
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Palacios Beacon, date unknown
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Selena Elender Gieger Ellis
May 16, 1883 - November 13, 1920
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Married William Laban Ellis on
January 13, 1913
at her home near Talco, Titus County, Texas |
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Sarah Nalois Ellis Gresham
June 11, 1915 - February 3, 2013 |
Nalois Ellis Gresham, 97,
passed away on Sunday, February 3,
2013. She is preceded in death by her
parents, Laban and Elender (Gieger)
Ellis; her beloved husband, Roy Kimble
Gresham; siblings, Prudence M., James
P., Zelphia A., Donie E., Beatrice B.,
Clara V., Margaret A., Milton A., Lila
M., Grace I., William L. (W. L.) and
Woodrow W. Nalois is survived by her
daughters, Rona E. Wells and husband,
Richard, Carol L. Mintz and husband,
Philip; grandchildren, David M. Wells
and wife, Rachel, Roy K. Wells, and
wife, Tandi, Laura E. Carter and
husband, James; great grandchildren,
Caleb, Claire, Lila, Inez, and Kaylin;
and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews,
and friends.
Nalois was born in Todd, Texas on June
11, 1915 and grew up in Palacios, Texas,
Little Rock, Arkansas and Atlanta,
Georgia. She and her husband, Roy, were
long-time residents of Cleveland, Texas
Nalois was an avid genealogist and
family historian. She had a sharp mind
and could remember names, numbers and
many obscure facts. Nalois was a
talented homemaker, loved gardening and
truly had a green thumb. She came from a
large family and was very close to all
of her brothers and sisters and loved
them dearly. Nalois was affectionately
known as “GiGi” to her
great-grandchildren and will be forever
remembered for never having an unkind
word to say about anyone. She will be
greatly missed by all that knew and
loved her.
In
lieu of flowers, donations may be made
in Nalois’ honor to the Wycliffe Bible
Translators, P.O. Box 628211, Orlando,
FL 32862-8211, Attn: Account 000300998
(Mark and Kristin Jenkins); the American
Heart Association at
www.heart.org; or the charity of
your choice.
A
visitation for Nalois will be held on
Thursday, February 7, 2013 from 6:00
until 8:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home,
5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581.
The graveside service will take place at
Cleveland Memorial Cemetery in
Cleveland, Texas at 11:00 am on Friday,
February 8, 2013 with Pastor Steve Daily
officiating.
www.claytonfuneralhomes.com
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Photos courtesy of Renee Huff
W. L. Ellis
Funeral services for W. L. Ellis, 80, of
Collegeport, were held June 9, 1999 at the Palacios Cemetery with
the Reverends Andy and Janel Blair officiating.
Mr. Ellis was born Oct. 20, 1918 in Little Rock,
AR to the late William Laban and Selena Elender Gieger Ellis, Sr. He
died June 7, 1999.
Mr. Ellis was a member of the Collegeport First
Presbyterian Church, a resident of Collegeport since 1945 where he
was active in farming and ranching and activities of the community
He is also a member of the Palacios Masonic Lodge #990 A. F. & A. M.
and Palacios VFW Post #2467. The family moved to Palacios in 1920
where Mr. Ellis attended Palacios Schools, continuing his education
in Atlanta, GA in 1935 when he resided with his older sister. During
WWII he served four years in the Texas 36th Division Infantry
European Theater. After the war he came to Collegeport and met
Rosalie Mae Nelson and they were married Oct. 5, 1947 in her home at
Collegeport where they lived and reared their four sons.
He is survived by wife, Rosalie Mae Ellis of
Collegeport; sons and daughters-in-law, Jesse and Carolyn Ellis of
Collegeport, Tommy and Pat Ellis of Palacios, and Jerry and Dollee
Ellis of Bay City; sister, Nalois Gresham of Conroe; sister-in-law,
Ethel Williams of Bay City; 10 grandchildren and 11
great-grandchildren.
Mr. Ellis was preceded in death by his son,
Gilbert Ellis, by sisters Prudence Gallaher, Zelphia Hill, Donie
Williams, Beatrice Sanders, Clara Gerlach, Margaret Tate, Lila
Morris and Grace Smith and by his brothers J. P. Ellis, M. A. Ellis
and infant Woodrow Ellis.
Newspaper and date unknown Photos courtesy of Renee Huff
In Loving Memory
William Laban "W. L." Ellis
October 20, 1918 - June 7, 1999
William Laban Ellis, Jr. was born in Little Rock,
Arkansas on October 20, 1918--the 11th of 12 children. W. L. was
raised by his father and older sisters, as his mother died when he
was two years of age. He graduated from high school in Atlanta,
Georgia where he lived with a sister.
W. L. proudly served his country in the European
Theater in WWII. After the war, W. L. moved to Tin Top, Texas to go
into business with a sister and brother-in-law operating a "Country
Store." Here he met and married Rosalie Nelson. They made their home
in Collegeport and were active in their church and community. They
sponsored the youth of the church in Christian Endeavor for several
years. W. L. worked with the other men of the church in constructing
the present sanctuary when it was determined that the original
building was beyond repair. W. L. crafted the first wooden cross for
the church steeple. Until his health no longer permitted, W. L. was
a tireless worker in the church--serving as a ruling elder,
long-time church treasurer, a leader in the Sunday School program,
and as a teacher of the Men's Sunday School Class. Many recall that
pleasant laid-back style--whether he was working on a maintenance
project at the church or cooking for Men's Sunday School Class
supper.
W. L. Ellis is remembered by all as a man who
loved his church, family and community. He served with enthusiasm,
and endeared all with his sincerity and keen sense of humor. Once,
as he led the singing during Sunday School time, it seemed that
enthusiasm flagged. Between stanzas, he dryly interrupted, "I don't
think everyone found the right page---" and went on to encourage a
more rousing chorus...
On the occasion of the Rev. Lloyd Nixon's
birthday, the church had planned a "surprise" party in his honor.
Much to our chagrin, "Nik" related that he had a funeral service to
officiate following the Morning Worship Service, and they wouldn't
have time to stay. Without hesitation, W. L. interjected--"Rev.
Nixon, with your "cooperation," I think we would have plenty of
time..." The morning "medication" was quickly followed by the
celebration, and the Nixons were on their way...
W. L. is also remembered for his barbecuing on
Collegeport Day. His BBQ sop, marinade and sauce became the standard
for this community tradition. W. L. was also a charter member of the
Collegeport Area Volunteer Fire Department.
W. L. died at M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston.
Andy and Janell Blair conducted a military graveside service. He was
preceded in death by one son, Gilbert Ellis, and is survived by her
wife Rosalie, and three sons and wives--Jesse & Carolyn, Jerry &
Dollee, and Tommy & Pat Ellis.
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Rosalie Mae Nelson Ellis
October 22, 1917 - March 13, 2006 |
Rosalie Mae Nelson Ellis was born at the Nelson
home on October 22, 1917 to
Roy and
Carrie Belle Nelson.
She died March 13, 2006 in Bay City. She graduated from Collegeport
High School in 1935 and from Southwest Texas State Teacher's College
in 1940.
Rosalie taught a total of 25 years in Richards, Bay City, and
Palacios Schools. She married W. L. Ellis on October 5, 1947 and was
a lifelong member of Matagorda County.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two sons
Gilbert Ellis and
Jerry Ellis.
Survivors include: two sons and three daughters-in-law, Jesse and
Carolyn Ellis of Collegeport, Tommy and Pat Ellis of Palacios; and
Dollee Ellis of Bacliff, Texas; one sister, Ethel Williams of Bay
City; 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, two great, great
grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the First
Presbyterian Church in Palacios with the Revs. Andy and Janell Blair
officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Thomas Holsworth, Mason Holsworth, Russell
Corporon, Buddy Lenz, G. W. Franzen and Fred Law.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Online
condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net.
Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home. 361-972-2012
Bay City Tribune, Published March 15, 2006
Photos courtesy of Renee Huff
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Gilbert & Linda Ellis
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Jerry W.
Ellis
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Gilbert T. Ellis
Funeral services for Gilbert T. Ellis
will be held at 10 a. m. Wednesday, October 31, in the
Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. J. R. Gwin
officiating. Interment will be in the Palacios Cemetery.
Born July 21, 1942, in Brownwood,
Texas, he lived his boyhood days in Collegeport and had
been a resident of Palacios for several years. Parts
manager at H. & H. Chevrolet, he died in a Houston
hospital Monday morning.
A veteran of the Korean War, he was a
member of the Presbyterian Church of Collegeport and the
Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Sue
Ellis of Palacios; parents, W. L. and Rosalie Ellis of
Collegeport; 2 daughters, Mylinda and Kimberly Ellis;
one son, Brent Ellis all of Palacios; three brothers,
Jesse Ellis of Collegeport, Jerry Wayne Ellis of
Pasadena and Tommy Ellis of Bay City.
Palacios Beacon, November 1,
1979
Linda Ellis
Funeral services for Linda Ellis, 55, were held Nov. 26, 2002 at
Palacios Funeral Home. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Ellis was born Nov. 11, 1947 in Palacios to the late Yancy
Campbell and Erma Laxson. She died Nov. 23, 2002 in Victoria.
She is survived by her daughters, Mylinda Guerrero, Kimberley
Ellis and Mary Linda Ellis, all of Palacios; a sister, Elizabeth
Hardin of Port Lavaca; and six grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Ellis; and
sisters Wanda Hardin and Lottie Knipp.
Palacios Beacon, Wednesday, November 27, 2002
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Jerry Ellis
Jerry Ellis, 57, of Houston died August
31, 2002 at Methodist Hospital in Houston.
He was born September 20, 1944 in Brownwood, TX to
William L. and Rosalie Mae Nelson Ellis.
Mr. Ellis was a resident of Houston the past year and a
former longtime resident of Bay City and Collegeport. He
was a member of the Collegeport Presbyterian Church.
On November 16, 1962 he joined the U.S. Navy, and on
December 4, 1964 he received an honorable discharge so
he could donate one of his kidneys to his brother
Gilbert.
Survivors include: wife, Dollee Collier Ellis of
Houston; mother, Rosalie Ellis of Bay City; daughter and
son-in-law, Leisa and Jack McLeod of League City; two
sons and a daughter-in-law, Ritchie Ellis of Houston and
Dee and Dawn Ellis of Texas City; two brothers and
sisters-in-law, Tommy and Pat Ellis of Palacios, and
Jesse and Rebekah McLeod; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, W. L. Ellis,
and his brother, Gilbert Ellis.
Graveside funeral service was held Monday, September 2,
2002, at the Palacios Cemetery with the Rev. Andy Blair
officiating.
Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.
A00014B2002SP04
The Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, Sep 04, 2002
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Jesse Lee Ellis
(September 8, 1940 - January 22, 2016)
Jesse Lee Ellis, Sr. was born September 8, 1940 in Brownwood, TX and
went to be with the Lord January 22, 2016.
In the summer of 1953, Jesse
and his 3 younger brothers came to live in Collegeport, TX with their
loving adoptive parents W. L. and Rosalie Nelson Ellis.
Jesse graduated from
Palacios High School in 1960. After graduation he joined the Navy and
served for 4 years. He then completed a degree in Industrial Arts
Education from Texas A & I in Kingsville, TX. Jesse was an educator,
drilling fluids engineer and owned and operated his own pest control
service.
He is survived by his wife
of 53 years, Carolyn Johnson Ellis; sons Jesse Ellis, Jr. and wife
Sherri of Plainfield, IN and William Ellis and wife Lisa of Corpus
Christi, TX; brother Tommy Ellis and wife Pat of Palacios; sister-in-law
Dollee Ellis of New Braunfels, TX; two grandsons Adrian Ellis of
Indianapolis and Sean Ellis and wife Erika of Little Rock, AK and three
great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by
his parents, brothers Jerry and Gilbert and sister-in-law Linda.
He was a member of First
Presbyterian Church in Collegeport where he served as elder, treasurer
and Sunday School Teacher. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, RV’ing and
playing guitar.
The family will receive
friends and relatives from 3PM until 6PM Monday, January 25, 2016 at the
Palacios Funeral Home. A memorial service will be 2:00 PM Tuesday,
January 26, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church in Palacios with Rev.
Kathy Vineyard officiating. The family invites you to a time of
visitation and refreshment immediately following the service in the
fellowship hall. Honorary pallbearers will be Marty Brewer, Richard
Conger, Russell Corporon, Victor Corporon, G. W. Franzen, Mason
Holsworth, Buddy Lenz and Mark Merck.
Memorial donations may be
directed to: First Presbyterian Church; PO Box 75; Collegeport, TX
77428, Houston Hospice-El Campo; PO Box 1417; El Campo, TX 77437 or The
Heritage Center; PO Box 16; El Campo, TX 77437.
www.taylorbros.net
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Ellis Siblings - 1940 - In front the Mopac House
at Collegeport, Texas
Photo from Collegeport Mopac
House Foundation courtesy of Tom Morris
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