by Karen Yvonne Hamilton, 2025

Edward Thomas Woodson was born on April 16, 1915, in Key West, Florida, to Leonora “Lela” Knowles (1884-1967) and Thomas Woodson (1884-1964).

Ed Woodson, Claude Freeman, Belle KNOWLES Freeman, Jane Ann HOPKINS Knowles, Jeston V. Woodson, Clarie Lariz.

SIBLINGS

Jeston Von was born on November 10, 1916, in Key West, Florida.

Additional information and/or photos welcomed! Thank you.

Jane Ann HOPKINS Knowles with grandsons Jeston and Ed Woodson in Key West

Jane Rowland’s notes say that Alphred (Tukie) Knowles was given custody of Ed and Jeston after their parents divorced in 1927. 

In 1930, Ed lived with his uncle, aunt, and grandmother (Jane Ann HOPKINS Knowles) at 1116 Seminary St in Key West, Florida.

In 1935, Ed lived with his uncle at 1116 Seminary St in Key West, Florida. Others in the household were nieces and nephews of Tukie Knowles. 

1930s

Ed attended Key West High School from 1931-1935.

1932 Key West High School yearbook
Ed Woodson (front and center) in 1935 at Key West High School.

Ed attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida

The Key West Citizen Friday, January 01, 1937
The Key West Citizen September 9, 1937

Edward Thomas Woodson married Marguerite Brady in Florida on January 8, 1941, when he was 25 years old.

Edward and Marguerite Woodson in 1947, Key West Photo credit Katherine Woodson Bates
The Key West Citizen Thursday, January 09, 1941

Ed enrolled with the draft in 1940. (Click on photo for full view)

In 1950, Ed lived with his wife and son at 1116 Seminary St in Key West, Florida. He worked as a ship rigger in the Navy yard. 

“Ed owned a lumberyard, a hardware store, and a trailer park on Stock Island. Mr. Tom, as he was called by members of the family, was a very nice man and well liked in Key West. He was friendly, loved to joke, and was a good friend to people.” – Research notes of Jane Garcia Rowland

NOTE: Ed’s son, Ed Woodson, does not recall his father being called “Mr. Tom.” I leave the quote here as a personal memory of Jane’s.

The Key West Citizen Friday, January 08, 1954
Edward Woodson Sr at Woodson’s Hardware Store on Stock Island in the 1980s. Photo credit Katherine Woodson Bates
Edward Woodson Sr in the early 1980s with grandchild, Katherine. Photo credit Katherine Woodson Bates
Marguerite BRADY Woodson

Edward Thomas Woodson died on January 29, 1990, in Key West, Florida, when he was 74 years old.

SOURCES

U.S. School Yearbooks 1880-2012 Key West High School 1935; 1930 United States Federal Census; 1935 Florida State Census, 1867-1945; 1950 United States Federal Census; Florida Death Index 1877-1998; Florida Marriage Collection 1822-1875 and 1927-2001 Florida Department of Health Certificate 1750, Volume 596; U.S. World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947

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