The Ellis Family
Elizabeth Ellis
Joshua Clifford Ellis (1884 - 1957), his wife, Inez (1889 - 1977), and their six children moved into the house located at 808 Emory Street in Oxford in 1920. All their children grew up there and Mr. and Mrs. Ellis lived there the rest of their lives. Mr. Ellis was a farmer and an accomplished carpenter. They maintained a large vegetable garden and kept dairy cows, the products from which were shared with neighbors and anyone needing a helping hand.
Mr. Ellis built numerous homes in Oxford and Newton County, among them, the first brick home constructed in Oxford. He also served on the Oxford City Council for many years.
Inez Ellis was a beloved Oxford matriarch to the students of Oxford College as well as to her children. During World War II, the dean of Emory at Oxford asked her to open a sandwich shop next to the campus where students could socialize, enjoy food, and play pool. She had never worked outside the home, but with all four of her sons away in military service, she decided she could use the diversion. She quickly became known as “Mother Ellis” to the students. In addition to managing “The Huddle” sandwich shop, she was always ready to mend clothes, give advice, and offer encouragement to all the students. To show their love and respect for her, the students dedicated their 1950 yearbook to her.
All of the Ellis sons became master builders. Wales (1914 - 1964) managed a construction business; Jack (1919 – 1990) worked in tile and concrete, Leland (“Judge”) (1912 - 1964) was an expert carpenter, and Charles (1921 - 1983) designed custom moldings. All four were also volunteer firemen.
Charles’s wife, Elizabeth Hollingsworth Ellis (1914 - 2013) was active in her community, working in retail shops on the Covington Square for over 60 years. She was known as an incomparable decorator, cook, and hostess, often entertaining at their home on Emory Street. She put her skills to work for Allen Memorial United Methodist Church, where she was deeply involved with homecoming events, barbeques, and other hospitality festivities. She was also an active member of the Amitie Club.
Mr. Ellis built numerous homes in Oxford and Newton County, among them, the first brick home constructed in Oxford. He also served on the Oxford City Council for many years.
Inez Ellis was a beloved Oxford matriarch to the students of Oxford College as well as to her children. During World War II, the dean of Emory at Oxford asked her to open a sandwich shop next to the campus where students could socialize, enjoy food, and play pool. She had never worked outside the home, but with all four of her sons away in military service, she decided she could use the diversion. She quickly became known as “Mother Ellis” to the students. In addition to managing “The Huddle” sandwich shop, she was always ready to mend clothes, give advice, and offer encouragement to all the students. To show their love and respect for her, the students dedicated their 1950 yearbook to her.
All of the Ellis sons became master builders. Wales (1914 - 1964) managed a construction business; Jack (1919 – 1990) worked in tile and concrete, Leland (“Judge”) (1912 - 1964) was an expert carpenter, and Charles (1921 - 1983) designed custom moldings. All four were also volunteer firemen.
Charles’s wife, Elizabeth Hollingsworth Ellis (1914 - 2013) was active in her community, working in retail shops on the Covington Square for over 60 years. She was known as an incomparable decorator, cook, and hostess, often entertaining at their home on Emory Street. She put her skills to work for Allen Memorial United Methodist Church, where she was deeply involved with homecoming events, barbeques, and other hospitality festivities. She was also an active member of the Amitie Club.
