Seoilure “Rex” Ellerson, Sr. was the fourth child born to James Wesley and Mary “Minnie” Williams Ellison on January 6th, 1897 in Brownsville, TN. He moved to Dorina, MO, Cleveland, OH, Benton Harbor, MI, and resided there until his death. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and racing with his children.

In 1910 Seoilure, Sr. was 12 years old. William Howard Taft just replaced Theodore Roosevelt as president. According to a 1940s U.S Census record Seoilure, Sr. was 43 years old and worked as a laborer in Charleston Missouri where he may have worked in agriculture. His education level was 4th grade and for many Americans, working began at a young age.

Seoilure, Sr. made roughly $13.33 a month or $160 annually working 30 hours a week.  Adjusting this pay for the inflation that has happened in America, that is about $3,508 in 2023.

He rented his home on rear Elm Street. Four dollars ($4.00) of his monthly income went towards his rent. About $1.15 of his paycheck likely went towards groceries such as milk, butter, and eggs. A loaf of bread in 1940 cost roughly eight to 10 cents.

Seoilure, Sr. along with 24 million others were required to sign up for the draft in World War I. He registered at his local Haywood County recruiting office.