Born: 1906 (Cananea Sonora, Mexico)
Died: 1991
Biography:
Florence May Hawley Ellis, also known as Florence Hawley Senter, was a renowned anthropologist and a pioneer in the field of dendrochronology. Born on September 17, 1906, in Cananea Sonora, Mexico, Hawley’s early exposure to archaeology came from her father, who was a chief chemist for a copper mine. After the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution in 1913, her family relocated to Miami, Arizona, where she continued to develop her passion for studying ancient ruins in the southwestern United States.
Hawley’s significant contributions to the field of dendrochronology began in the mid-20th century. She conducted extensive archaeological and ethnographic research in the Southwestern United States, examining samples from various archaeological sites. Hawley also delved into the relatively unexplored realm of tree-ring dating in eastern North America, further expanding the knowledge and understanding of this innovative dating technique.
Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her career, Hawley persevered in her research and left an indelible mark on her field. As a woman in a predominantly male-dominated field, she encountered discrimination; however, her unwavering determination and passion allowed her to overcome these obstacles. Hawley became a role model for aspiring anthropologists, inspiring both her students and women in academia to push boundaries and strive for excellence.
Throughout her career, Hawley’s teaching prowess earned her high regard and admiration. She joined the University of Arizona as a teacher in 1929, where she was introduced to dendrochronology by A. E. Douglass. Hawley’s skillful mentoring and encouragement elevated the careers of numerous professional anthropologists and students, making her one of the most influential teachers in her field in the United States.
In 1936, Hawley married archaeologist Donovan Senter, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Andrea, into the world. However, the marriage ultimately ended in divorce. In 1950, she married historian Bruce Ellis, and they remained together until his passing in 1985.
Even after her retirement in 1971, Hawley continued to make substantial contributions to the field of anthropology. She remained active in field research, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to her work until her death in 1991. Hawley’s determination was evident, as she even returned to the field to supervise excavations after recovering from a broken hip.
Hawley broke new ground in her research by developing and employing innovative techniques such as chemical analysis, dendrochronology, ethnohistory, and Ethnoarchaeology. Her groundbreaking methods contributed significantly to the understanding of prehistory and the history of various archaeological sites.
Education played a pivotal role in shaping Hawley’s exceptional career. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona in 1927, majoring in English and minoring in anthropology. The following year, she earned her Master’s degree in anthropology. Hawley went on to complete her Ph.D. in anthropology at the University of Chicago. Her dissertation focused on the dated prehistory of Chetro Ketl, utilizing the new techniques of dendrochronology and stratigraphic dating to gain deeper insights into the site’s history.
Florence M. Hawley’s contributions to anthropology, particularly in the field of dendrochronology, cannot be overstated. Her tenacity, passion, and groundbreaking research have left an enduring legacy, inspiring generations of anthropologists to follow in her footsteps and push the boundaries of knowledge.