by Karen Yvonne Hamilton, 2024

BIRTH

Mary Elizabeth Hamilton was born on October 15, 1888 to Richard HAMILTON (1840-1944) and Mary Appolonia WEEKS (1859-1917).

Still researching. Corrections, Additions, and Photos welcomed!

SIBLINGS

  • Walter Joseph Valentine was born on October 31, 1880.
  • Eugene Joseph was born on October 9, 1883, in Monroe, Florida.
  • Nina was born in March 1885 in Monroe, Florida. (Father Richard Hamilton or George Christian?)
  • John Leon was born on December 13, 1885, in Florida.
  • Mary Elizabeth was born on October 15, 1888.
  • Ann Elizabeth was born on August 15, 1893.
  • Mary Agnes was born on November 2, 1895.

*It is unclear if Nina was Richard’s child or the child of Mary’s first husband, George CHRISTIAN.

1st MARRIAGE

She married Henry Short on May 27, 1901, in Key West, Florida. It is said that Henry Short was one of the shooters at the ambush of Edgar J. Watson at Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee in 1910. Many say that Short’s shot was the one that killed Watson.

The true story of the Hamilton family in Peter Matthiessen’s book, Killing Mr. Watson

Henry Short (not verified)


Henry Short was born about January 1869. Parentage unknown at this known. His birth date is inferred here from the only two documents I have found on him as of this date.

Florida Passenger Lists, 1898-1964. Arrival May 1 1931 in Key West from Ft Myers aboard the S. S. Governor Cobb.
1920 United States Federal Census. Monroe County, Flamingo. Divorced boarder in the household of Erskin and Annie Rolle.

2nd MARRIAGE

She then married John Franklin Johnson and they had seven children together.

John Franklin JOHNSON, Mary HAMILTON Johnson, and Roy ACUFF

DEATH

She died on January 15, 1968, in Lee, Florida, at the age of 79, and was buried in North Naples, Florida.

NOTE: If anyone has photos of Mary Hamilton, please share. Thank you.

=======================================================================================

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY FACEBOOK GROUP: Consider joining our group for more on Florida Keys History.

FLORIDA EVERGLADES HISTORY FACEBOOK GROUP: Consider joining our group for more on Florida Everglades History.