His WW I draft registration card, filed 5 June 1917, records Ernest Ellington, age 29, residence Maniton, El Paso Co., Colorado, born 3 Oct 1887 in Owingsville, Kentucky, occupation chauffeur, single.

1900 census of Bath Co., Ky, Owingsville precinct, enumerated 12 June, lists on p. 11A as family #235/237:
Ellington, Mary, 40, b. Nov 1859, widowed, mother of 2 children, 2 living; Ernest, son, 12, b. Oct 1887. Both born Ky Ky Ky.