Olmsted, Helen 1880-1909

OLMSTED, POWELL

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 9/22/2020 at 14:46:12

Helen Olmsted, daughter of Irving and Nellie Olmsted, was born near Monona, Clayton County, Iowa, June 28, 1880, and died at her home in Powhattan, Brown Co., Kansas, May 12, 1909.

She was one of a family of five children; two brothers, Myron at the age of 29 years, and Willard 2 years old, having preceeded her.

Those surviving her are both parents, one brother and one sister, Bert C. Olmsted of Deer Creek, Okla., and Mrs. Marvin A. Powell, of Powhattan, Kansas.

Four years ago she united with the M.E. church at Adrian, Mo. and two years later united with the M.E. church at Powhattan by letter and remained a faithful member until the time of her death.

She obtained her early education in the common schools but later on attended the Monona High school and at the age of 17 attended the University at Fayette, Iowa, for 6 months. At this time her health failed her and she was compelled to give up school for a while. As soon as her health would permit she again resumed her studies and at the age of 18 years was granted a certificate to teach. She taught the same school two terms and was compelled by ill health to give up again.

From that time on she has grown slowly worse in spite of all that medical skill and loving hands could do for her. Two years ago that dread disease, consumption, fastened itself upon her and about five weeks ago she began to fail very rapidly and at 11 o'clock p.m., May 12th, the life light went out to shine upon that brighter shore. She had been a great sufferer but bore it with patience and for weeks had known she could not live, but said she was not afraid to die.

The funeral services were held at the M.E. church, conducted by Rev. W.E. Dull. The remains were laid to rest in the Powhattan cemetery.

~Monona Leader, Thursday, May 27, 1909

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This brief news article may be of interest, shared by Cindy (Maust) Smith:

Mr. L.D. [sic] Olmsted and daughter Helen drove to Waukon, Friday, Helen will teach the school in the Land neighborhood, this winter. This is Helen's first school, and she will do her best of course. Here's good luck. ~Monona Leader, September 9, 1899, Monona, Iowa, Page 5