Seymour Ellis (1897-1977) was born in Christian County, KY to Bob and Sammie (Pettis) Ellis. Bob worked as a farmer. By 1910, his father had passed away, and Seymour, with his mother and sister Estella, was living in Louisville. He was 13 years old working as a newsboy and his mother was cleaning houses. In 1920, Seymour and his sister were still living together as their mother died two years before. Seymour was a porter for a bakery and Estella was cleaning houses. Between 1920 and 1921, he married Minnie A. Alexander (1896-1977), the daughter of John and Tillie (Duncan) Alexander. John worked as a porter and janitor while Tillie was a laundress. Minnie was one of five daughters. Seymour and Minnie had four children: Kenneth, Lois, Phyllis, and Donald. The family attended the Broadway Temple AME Zion Church, 1300 W. Broadway. Seymour worked as a waiter and a maitre d’ in Louisville restaurants. Minnie died on February 20, 1977. She was buried in Section A, Range 20, Lot 36, Grave 6 of Eastern Cemetery. Seymour died on March 18, 1977. He was buried in Grave 5 next to Minnie. They share a headstone. The photos of Seymour and Minnie are from Keith Winstead.
