Ethel J Cole

     Ethel was born in December 1890 at Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. She was the daughter of Rufus Cole and Nettie Caroline Snodgrass. Ethel married Clarence Bower, son of George H. Bower, in 1909 at Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. Her married name was Bower. 18 April 1910, Ethel and her husband Clarence were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at 446 Ohio Street, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. Enumerated in this household were Clarence Bowers [23 Kansas] & his wife: Ethel [19 Kansas]. They had been married one year, and Clarence was working as a clerk.¹ 12 January 1920, the U.S. Federal Census listed Ethel and her husband, Clarence, in the household of her mother and his father at 717 E. McKinley Street, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. Enumerated in this household were George H. Bower [65 Ohio], his wife: Nettie [52 Illinois], Clarence [30 Kansas], daughter-in-law: Ethel [28 Kansas] & grand daughter: Geraldine [6 Arizona]. George was listed as a house carpenter.² Ethel's husband, Clarence, died before March 1930, leaving her a widow. Ethel married 2nd Jessie C Bruce before 6 April 1930. Her married name was Bruce. 7 April 1930, Ethel was listed on the U.S. Federal Census at 2302 5th Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California. Enumerated in this household were Ethel J. Bruce [35 Kansas - married], her daughter: Geraldine E. Bower [16 Arizona], her mother: Nettie C. Bower [60 Illinois] & her niece: Ethel C. Cole [20 Kansas]. She is renting their home for $25.00. Her niece, Ethel is working as a stenographer for an investment firm.³ 15 April 1940, Ethel and her husband Jessie were listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Pueblo, Pueblo County, Colorado. Enumerated in this household were Jessie Bruce [ 55 Missouri] & his wife; Ethel J. [51 Kansas]. They both completed 8th grade. They owned their home valued at $1525.00. Jessie works at a cemetery.⁴