OLMSTED, Earl Newton 1854-1939

OLMSTED, GARDNER

Posted By: Cheryl Leech (email)
Date: 5/4/2004 at 18:45:44

E.N. Olmsted, 84
Dies Tuesday
Funeral Today

One of New Hampton’s
Oldest Citizens and Most
Successful Businessmen.
Active for Over 68 Years

E.N. Olmsted, notable citizen and businessman of New Hampton, passed away at his residence on North Chestnut Avenue Tuesday morning April 4, at 3:30 o’clock. He had not been well for many months. Recently he submitted to an operation in the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. However the cause of death is given as coronary sclerosis, a form of heart disease. Had Mr. Olmsted lived until July 28 he would have been 85 years of age.

The deceased was the only son of Dr. E.H. and Eunice Olmsted and was born at Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, July 28, 1854. When a small child he lived at West Union with his parents, later at Fredericksburg and from there they came to New Hampton where he had resided 68 years at the time of his death.

He received his education in the best schools and colleges of his day, the public schools, the Bradford Academy and the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk. For these many years he has been a registered pharmacist and an active druggist in New Hampton. He and his partner, H. W. Gardner, have successfully conducted such a business in New Hampton for more than half a century.

In 1875 Mr. Olmsted was married to Hattie S. Gardner, eldest daughter of the late W.D. and Harriet Gardner of this city, and a sister to his partner in business. They have one son, Harry O. Olmsted (correction: Harry H. Olmsted) of Waterloo.

Mrs. Olmsted and their son remain to mourn. He also leaves two grandchildren, Harriet Margaret Olmsted and Russell Olmsted, of Waterloo. Beside these he leaves his partner of a life-time business, H. W. Gardner, and other relatives and so many friends. Throughout his life he has enjoyed the business confidence of two generations and more.

By honesty and strict application to his affairs he has been a success in the way of the world and enjoyed the confidence and high esteem of many people. His nearly 85 years of life were mostly active, even down to 1939, and he drove his own car down to his place of business almost to the last month. His mental faculties never failed him. He took the world as it came and was kindly disposed toward his fellowmen, never expressing a criticism or unkind word about anyone.

For many years he was identified as a stockholder and director of the State Bank and shouldered more than his share of losses.

For two terms he was treasurer of Chickasaw County and all through life identified himself with the democratic party.

Mr. Olmsted’s life was a notable career, and there are many who mourn, because he cannot be among us still longer.

To his wife and life companion of 64 years, to his son and grandchildren, to his partner, and to other relatives and close friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

His funeral will be held this Thursday afternoon at 3 o’clock from Perry’s Funeral Home and will be conducted by his pastor and friend, Reverend W. D. Spiker, of the Congregational church. Arthur Boettcher and Louise Wittenburg will sing. Burial will be at Graceland cemetery with his parents and so many friends. His pallbearers will be Harry Friend, John Howard, W.J. David, R. B. Sheakley, Don Iverson and John Mueller.

The business places in New Hampton will close from 3 to 4 o’clock out of respect to its oldest active businessman.