Ellison, Nathalia Bertie “Nettie” Jones (1897-1979) | Sealaska Heritage Institute Archives

Nathalia Bertie “Nettie” Jones Ellison (1897*-1979) was a Tsimshian Indian of the Eagle clan and born at Metlakatla, Alaska. She was the youngest of three children and the only daughter of Cornelius Carrasco of Chile and Maggie Bolton of Metlakatla, B.C. Canada. Nettie spent time growing up in the village of Wrangell, Alaska but resided in Ketchikan throughout her adult life.

Nettie married Paul Young Jones a Haida in Ketchikan in 1917. He was the son of George Frank Jones of Canada and Fanny Jones of Angoon. He belonged to the Killer whale clan. Paul was born in Kasaan in 1892. He worked as a laborer at a boat shop. They had seven children together; five daughters Pauline, Irene, Geraldine Ernestine “Babe” and Maxine and two sons Frank and Harold. Paul Jones died in 1937.

Nettie remarried a Thomas Ellison sometime after the 1942 BIA census when Nettie recorded head of household status. Her brother Joe Carrasco was recorded as living in her home in various censuses. Nettie resided on East Street in Ketchikan. This area of town was known for being the Indian side of town. Throughout her residency in Ketchikan Nettie was an active member of Alaska Native Sisterhood. Nettie Ellison passed away December 14^th 1979. She is buried in Bayview Cemetery at Ketchikan.

* Sources vary on Nettie’s date of birth, ranging from 1894-1899.