by Karen Yvonne Hamilton, 2025

Ellen Kathleen HAMILTON was born on April 27, 1908, in Key West, Florida, to Eugene Joseph ‘King Gene’ HAMILTON (1883-1966) and Rebecca Elizabeth JOHNSON (1887-1947).

NOTE: In my research, I’ve found Ellen’s middle name spelled both ways (Kathleen, Cathleen). The majority of documents spell it Kathleen.

Additional information and/or photos welcomed! Thank you.

Baby Ellen with her parents and big brother, William.

SIBLINGS

MARRIAGE

Ellen Kathleen HAMILTON married William Joseph Weeks in Florida on October 3, 1933, when she was 25 years old.

NOTE: The only information I have found thus far on William Joseph Weeks is his draft card.

Additional information and/or photos welcomed! Thank you.

CHILDREN

  • William J was born on July 13, 1934, in Key West, Florida
  • Lucille Marie was born on October 28, 1935.
  • Larry L. was born in 1937.
  • Kathleen Marie was born on December 2, 1940, in Everglades City, Florida.

RESIDENCES

In 1910, Ellen lived with her parents and siblings on Wood Key in the Ten Thousand Islands (Everglades). 

1910 census, Wood Key, Florida Everglades region
Ellen with her big brother, William “Buddy” Hamilton
Ellen with her big brother, William “Buddy” Hamilton (playing the fiddle)

In 1920, she lived with her parents and siblings, William, Rosalee, Nellie, Eugene Jr., Ethel, and Irene in Flamingo . Also living in their household as boarders at that time were Alfred JOHNSON and John JORDAN. Living nearby were Nellie’s grandfather, Robert (Richard) HAMILTON, Walter HAMILTON & family, Henry SHORT, George STILLWELL, William BETHEL & family, and Joseph JOHNSON.

1920 census Eugene Hamilton and family, Flamingo, Florida

In 1930, Ellen lived at Poinciana Point in the Everglades with her parents and siblings. Living nearby were her grandfather, Robert (Richard) HAMILTON, her uncles, George HAMILTON & family, Walter HAMILTON & family, and William HAMILTON, his wife, Florinda GOMES Hamilton and their two sons. Close by on Lostmans River lived her uncle Leon HAMILTON & family, her uncle Salvador GOMES & family, Wallace REWIS & family, John MATHIS, Betton MARIE, and Horace MURRAY & family. The family of Charles WHIDDEN lived close by on Morman Key.

1930 census Poinciana Point, Everglades region

Ancestry .com’s transcription of the 1935 census erroneously lists James Stocker as Ellen’s father. There is no error on the census itself however. Ellen is clearly listed as the daughter of Eugene & Rebecca Hamilton. 

1935 census HAMILTON FAMILY

In 1940, Ellen lived with her husband and children near Marathon, Florida.

1940 census

Ellen Kathleen HAMILTON Weeks died on November 21, 1963, in Tice, Florida, when she was 55 years old. She was laid to rest in Fort Myers Cemetery in Fort Myers, Florida.

SOURCES

1910 United States Federal Census; 1920 United States Federal Census; 1930 United States Federal Census; 1940 United States Federal Census; U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; Key West City Directory 1923; Florida Marriage Collection, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001

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.