Ellen Goodrich Priest Papers

Ellen Goodrich Priest was born in Tennessee on September 28, 1894 to Daniel Hillman and Sallie (Hancock). She was educated at the Middle Tennessee State Teachers College, the George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, and at the University of California. On June 16, 1960, she married Charles Priest in Waverly, Tennessee. Although they were married in Tennessee, they spent their lives in Nevada. Both sons, Charles Jr. (born April 24, 1921) and Daniel Hillman Goodrich Priest (born July 2, 1923), were born in Carson City.

With revolutionary ancestors on both sides of her family, Priest was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and served as the State Regent for Nevada. As well as being active in the DAR, she also was active in the Nevada Federation of Women’s Clubs, serving for four years as the chairman of its Department of Literature and as the president of the Second District, Nevada Federation of Women’s Clubs from 1930-1932; the Eastern Start; American Legion Auxiliary; and the Leisure Hour Club.