OLMSTED, Hattie S. (Gardner) 1855-1944

OLMSTED, GARDNER

Posted By: Cheryl Leech (email)
Date: 5/4/2004 at 18:53:59

Mrs. Hattie Olmsted

Hattie S. Gardner eldest daughter of Weston D. and Harriet N. Gardner was born at Grinnell, Iowa on April 13, 1855. She with her parents, two brothers and one sister, came to New Hampton in 1865 to make their home.

New Hampton has been her home for nearly 80 years, except for the past two years, when, because of failing health, she has been under the loving care of her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Olmsted of Waterloo, Iowa. She suffered a stroke on Monday, May 15, which confined her to her bed. The following Monday she passed quietly away after rounding out over eighty-nine years of living in which she has seen many changes and tremendous developments.

On July 28, 1875 Hattie Gardner was united in marriage with Earl Newton Olmsted. To this home further happiness came with advent of a son, Harry. In 1877 Mr. Olmsted entered the drug business in New Hampton, in which he continued to his death on April 4, 1939.

Mrs. Olmsted was an active member of the First Congregational Church of New Hampton, of which her parents were charter members. She was an accomplished musician, and gave freely of her talent in service to the church, as soprano soloist and also as organist. She was active in Ladies Aid and even in these latter years, when unable to attend, maintained her financial interest in the church and was interested in its activities. In personal ways she was always a loyal and generous friend, and will be missed by many.

Those who remain to mourn her loss include her son Harry and his wife and their two children, Russell W., now serving his country in the Army Air Corps and Harriet M. Olmsted, all of Waterloo; and a brother, Mr. H. W. Gardner of New Hampton.

A great many friends unite in extending their sympathy today to these relatives along with their appreciation of the fine character of Mrs. Olmsted. A poem entitled “Growing Older”, found among her papers, form a fitting tribute to her long and fruitful life.