by Karen Yvonne Hamilton, 2026

Frank Butler Key was born on June 12, 1903, in Key West, Florida, to Thomas Key (1866–1925) and Emma JOHNSON (1869–1947). He married Irene Elizabeth HAMILTON on April 26, 1930, in Monroe, Florida. They had three children during their marriage. He died on February 23, 1982, in Key West Florida at the age of 78, and was buried there.

Actively researching. Any corrections/additions and photos would be much appreciated.

Thomas Key and Emma Johnson were both from the Bahamas.

They are related to to the Albury and Curry families.

BIRTH

Frank Butler Key was born on June 12, 1903, in Key West, Florida, to Thomas Key (1866–1925) and Emma JOHNSON (1869–1947).

SIBLINGS

  • Flossie Geneva (1888-1977) was born on October 24 1888 in Key West, Florida 
  • Harold “Jakie” (1890-1971)  was born on February 19 1890 in Key West, Florida
  • Charles (1895-1976) was born on November 20 1895 in Key West, Florida 
  • Clarence (1897-1973) was born on May 22 1897 in Key West, Florida 
  • George (1900-1960) was born on November 21 1900 in Key West, Florida 
  • William Atwood (1905–1986) was born on February 26, 1905, in Key West, Florida
  • Frederick (1908–1993) was born on August 12, 1908, in Key West, Florida
  • Arnold (1911–1970) was born on November 20, 1911, in Key West, Florida

MARRIAGE

Frank Butler Key married Irene Elizabeth Hamilton in Monroe, Florida, on April 26, 1930, when he was 26 years old.

Frank Key and Irene Hamilton marriage certificate 1930

CHILDREN

  • Betty E (1931–2008) was born on September 3, 1931, in Key West, Florida.
  • Franklin (1931–1989) was born on September 3, 1931, in Key West, Florida.
  • Albert Lee (1933–1977) was born on December 9, 1933, in Key West, Florida.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

According to Frank’s World War II Draft card in 1942, he was 5’6” with blue eyes and brown hair.

U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 for Frank Key

RESIDENCES

In 1910, Frank lived with his parents and siblings at 806 Ashe St in Key West, Fl. His father, Thomas Key, was a sponger and fisherman.

1910 U.S. Census, Florida

In 1927, Frank lived with his mother, Emma, and brothers Fred and George at 806 Ashe St in Key West. Frank was a laborer and George was a driver.

1927 Key West, Florida, City Directory

In 1930, Frank lived with his mother and brothers at 806 Ashe St in Key West. Frank worked as a deck hand on a ferry boat. His brother, George was a chauffeur. 

1930 U.S. Census, Florida

In 1935, Frank and his wife, Irene HAMILTON, lived at 826 Olivia St in Key West with their sons Frank Jr and Albert. Living nearby at 824 Olivia were his in-laws, the Hamilton family.

1935 U.S. Census, Florida

In 1940, Frank and Irene lived with their children at 806 Ashe St with Frank’s mother, Emma and his step-father, Otis Kemp. 

1940 U.S. Census, Florida

In 1942, Frank still lived at 806 Ashe St and worked for worked for Ronald Construction Company.

U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 for Frank Key

In 1950, Frank and Irene lived at 1105 Petronia St in Key West with their son and daughter. Frank worked in construction.

1950 U.S. Census, Florida

LOSSES

  • His father Thomas passed away on November 27, 1925, in Key West, Florida, at the age of 59.His brother George died on May 13, 1960, in Key West, Florida, when Frank Butler was 56 years old.
  • His half-brother Arnold (1911–1970) died in 1970 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when Frank Butler was 67 years old.
  • His brother Harold “Jakie” died on August 9, 1971, in Key West, Florida, when Frank Butler was 68 years old.
  • His brother Clarence died on August 27, 1973, in Key West, Florida, when Frank Butler was 70 years old.
  • His brother Charles died on April 29, 1976, in Key West, Florida, when Frank Butler was 72 years old.
  • His half-sister Flossie Geneva died on February 15, 1977, in Key West, Florida, when Frank Butler was 73 years old.
  • His son Albert Lee passed away on December 31, 1977, in Monroe, Florida, at the age of 44.

DEATH

Frank Butler Key died on February 23, 1982, in Key West, Florida, when he was 78 years old. He was laid to rest in the Key West Cemetery.

SOURCES

1910 United States Federal Census; 1930 United States Federal Census; 1940 United States Federal Census; 1950 United States Federal Census; Ancestry Family Trees; Florida Death Index, 1877-1998; Florida Marriage Collection, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001; Florida State Census, 1867-1945; Florida, County Marriage Records, 1823-1982; Florida, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800’s-current; Social Security Death Index; U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989; U.S. Public Records Index, Volume 2; U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current; U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007

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