Ella Mae’s Sad Beginning

Ella Mae Cauley (4th cousin) was born March 16, 1932. When she was born, her mother, Gladys Land (3rd cousin 1x removed), was 20 years old. Her father, Rube Cauley, was 23 years old. Ella Mae was their first born. 

In April 1934 Gladys gave birth to a baby boy. Sadly, however, the baby passed away from asphyxia within 24 hours of his birth. This might have been the first tragic event in two year old Emma’s life, but it wouldn’t be the last. Less than 18 months later Ella’s mother, Gladys, would be murdered in their South Quarters home. The killer? Rube. 

Rube Cauley killed his wife inside their home with an axe. Maybe it was the realization and guilt of what he had done, but soon after Gladys was killed Rube drank lye and he too was dead. 

Three year old Ella Mae was left without either parent. She was taken in and raised by her grandparents, Glibert Land, Jr. (1st cousin 3x removed) and Adrilla Traylor Land (2nd cousin 2x removed). As a young adult, Ella Mae moved to Detroit, Michigan where she lived near members of the Land family. She soon married a man named Womack. Until her death in 2020, Ella lived in and around the Detroit area. Ella Mae Cauley Womack was 88 years old.