My Genealogy Hound

W. C. Ellis, of the drug firm of Ellis & Lee, at Mountain Grove, Wright Co., Mo., was born in that county and State in 1857, and is the son of John and Arabella (Lee) Ellis. John Ellis was born in Tennessee, and came to Missouri when a young man. He first located in Wright County, and then moved to Arkansas, about 1861. He died in the Confederate army. Mrs. Arabella (Lee) Ellis is still living, and is a resident of Wright County. She is a sister of J. A. Lee, a member of the firm of Ellis & Lee. She became the mother of ten children. The paternal grandfather was a native of Tennessee, and immigrated to Wright County, Mo., where he passed the remainder of his days. The maternal grandfather was also a native of Tennessee, but moved to Missouri. W. C. Ellis grew to manhood in his native county, and was educated at Mountain Grove Academy. In 1876 he began as clerk in a dry goods store, and there remained until August, 1881, when he helped organize the firm of Ellis & Lee. He was married January 15, 1882, to Miss Lizzie Stephens, who was born in Texas County, Mo., in 1857. She was a student at Mountain Grove Academy for about three years, and later became a teacher in the public schools of Texas and Wright Counties. She acquired a good education and is a lady of much personal culture. The result of this union was the birth of five children: Fridda, Tommie, Lyle W. and two infants. Mr. Ellis is a member of the I. O. O. F., is a Democrat in politics, and is a prominent, enterprising citizen. Mrs. Ellis died September 17, 1888.