Ella Lucy Hales

Ella Lucy Knowlton was the oldest child of Edward and Abigail Knowlton. She was born in Goshen County, Massachusetts, on November 9, 1851. When three years old she came with her parents to Linn County, Iowa, where she grew to womanhood. She obtained her early education in the county and the Marion High School. She was a graduate of the Lyons College, but due to poor health was unable to finish at the Oberlin College. She was a great lover of music, being a graduate of two musical conservatories.

She taught school for a good many years, being one of the first teachers in Dawes County, Nebraska. She was a direct descendant of John Alden, who came over on the Mayflower, and from that date the record of the family has been kept. She sent in the last record of her three great grandchildren. She was also proud to tell that there had always been some of their folks in all the wars, her last being her great nephew.

She was teaching in Butler County, Nebr., where she met William S. Hales, and they were married at David City, Neb., March 9, 1884. One year later they came to Western Nebraska, where they located on a homestead. At the time they filed it was Sioux County, But it wasn't long until it was divided and they were in Dawes, the line being in sight of the house. There she endured the hardships of pioneer life, such as Indian scares, drought and grasshopper. She was always of good courage, always saying things will turn out all right. To their union was born four children---three sons and one daughter. Her parents and a brother preceded her a good many years ago.

She has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. M.L. Townsend, since the death of her husband, December 18, 1926. She passed away November 23, 1936. She leaves to mourn her passing, one daughter, Laura L. Townsend of Lusk, Wyo.; two sons, Lee C., of Ardmore, and Earl H., of Harrison; twelve grandchildren, three nephews and many other relatives.

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