Ernie Banks

Banks in 1982, photo by Prphotos.com

Birth Name: Ernest Banks

Date of Birth: January 30, 1931

Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas, U.S.

Date of Death: January 23, 2015

Place of Death: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Ethnicity: African-American

Ernie Banks, nicknamed “Mr. Cub” and “Mr. Sunshine,” was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop and first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, between 1953 and 1971.

Ernie was the son of Essie Vanessa (Durden) and Eddie Lee Banks. He was married to Liz Ellzey, until his death. He had three children with his former wife Eloyce Johnson; and a daughter with Liz.

Ernie’s paternal grandfather was named Samuel/Sam Edgar/A. Banks. Sam was born in Georgia.

Ernie’s paternal grandmother was named Frances McCoy. Frances was born in Virginia.

Ernie’s maternal grandfather was Derry/Darry Durden (the son of Curtis Durden and Lucinda Bayliss). Derry was born in Louisiana. Curtis was the son of Moore Durden and Mariah/Majiah. Lucinda was the daughter of Amos Bayliss and Adaline.

Ernie’s maternal grandmother was Julie/Julia Ann Harden (the daughter of Jordan Harden and Lydia Ann Price). Julie was born in Louisiana.

Ernie was a second cousin of footballer player O. J. Simpson. Their maternal grandfathers were siblings.

Sources: 

Obituary of Ernie Banks –

Eddie’s father on the 1910 U.S. Census –

Death record of Ernie’s father –

Ernie’s mother on the 1920 U.S. Census –

Genealogies of Ernie’s maternal grandfather, Derry/Darry Durden (through Derry’s brother) –

Ernie’s maternal grandfather, Derry/Darry Durden, on the 1880 U.S. Census –