1882 -1967
Born in Kansas City February 3rd, 1882, when parents did winter break between homesteading endeavors northeast of Dodge City (actual location of homestead is at the Mule Head Santa Fe trail marker. GPS: 37°50'58.0"N 99°36'17.4"W )
I taught school a term or two in the country at age 16 till I was old enough to teach at the Second and Third Ward Schools in Dodge City. You see, coming from an un-graded country school, I had an advantage over town children, when we moved into town. I was put in a grade ahead of my age.
I went to Teachers College in Emporia. Kansas and held a lifetime teachers certificate. In 1911, I stopped teaching and learned telegraphy in the Santa Fe dispatcher's office. In 1912, I took the job as manager of the Western Union at Pratt, Kansas. I resigned in November to help Father close his Probate office and went to Florida with the Folks. In 1913, I was manager of the Western Union in Council Grove, Kansas, for a few months again taking time off to go to Florida. And so on til 1917. I managed the Postal Cable Company from September 16, 1913 until they made it a commissioned office September 29. 1939. After that I worked as a telegraph operator until they sold out to Western Union November 6, 1943.
I married Fred Kesler September 2, 1931. He died November 3, 1942 and he is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery. He was a watchmaker, engraver and jeweler and left his shop to me. I already knew something of the business, from running it during his long sick spells so I then went to Kansas City to school to become a watch repairer. I owned and operated the Watch Hospital at 108 W, Chestnut in Dodge City until Feb. 22, 1951. I worked on the same block almost 33 years between the Postal and the Watch Hospital. I moved to 1209 Second Street February 22, 1951 the same house that my family moved to in 1896.
On June 23, 1946, I married Clarence Canaday he is an expert leather worker and saddle repairer. In his younger days he was a shoemaker, and operated a steam engine for 18 years. He is also a plumber and carpenter. He was born in Begard, MO Oct. 12, 1889. He came to Kansas in 1905.
I was an infant to the Dodge City area and lived on a Homestead. My Father became a Judge and I remember Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp and others.
I ran the Telegraph office, Watch & Clock repair, and owned houses & farms around the area.
Ella at 108 W, Chestnut office in Dodge City
Worked there 33 years until Feb. 22, 1951.
I hope that you find my Daily Writings interesting.