Olive May (Smith) Lawson (1912)

LAWSON, MORGAN, SMITH

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 9/9/2010 at 11:15:00

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, April 17, 1912
Page 5

Obituary

On last Sunday, was held the funeral of Mrs. J. A. Lawson, who died at Rocky Ford, Colorado, Wednesday, April 10th. Her maiden name was Olive May Smith, daughter of Mrs. S. V. Smith and sister of J. E. Smith and W. F. Smith of this city, another sister, Mrs. Hattie Morgan, lives in California.

She was born in Walnut township, this county, June 8, 1867. Her parents belonged to that numerous Smith family, who were pioneers of the Ebeneezer community, remarkable for its religious and social influence on the early history of our county, and which is still perpetuated by a celebration that occurs annually where the Ebeneezer church formerly stood.

When a child she came with the family to Winterset, she was a model daughter and pupil of the Winterset public schools, early revealing a genius for music and painting in both of which accomplishments she excelled. She will be greatfully remembered by lovers of sacred music in both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches. She was called on to paint a large sized portrait of Gen. Sheridan, to be used at the memorial services of that distinguished soldier; that portrait still adorns the walls of the Grand Army Post rooms to remind visitors of the galiant services of the soldier and the skill of the young artist.

During the time her husband was attending the medical school in Philadelphia, Mrs. Lawson attended the Academy of Fine Arts of the same city and about one year ago she was unanimously elected to a fellowship in that renowned institute.

She was brought up in the Methodist church, but when she married Dr. Lawson in 1892, she with her husband united with the Presbyterian church. She resembled her mother in her passionate fondness of out door scenery and was of a distinctively pious and poetic mind. Her elder brother says “she was always the most religious member of the family”. On account of her failing health the Lawson’s moved to Colorado in 1901, and while the change did not restore her health, it was the means of prolonging her life.

The funeral services were held at the residence of J. E. Smith, Rev. A. A. Walburn officiating, assisted by Rev. J. S. Corkey.

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