Joseph Eli Olson (1889-1937)

OLSON, ROBINSON, RYAN, GOGERTY, WHITE, CORD

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/16/2023 at 21:13:58

From The Nevada Evening Journal May 7, 1937 (page 1)

Former Story County Man Died at Leavenworth, Kan.

Joseph E. Olson, 46, World War veteran and son of a pioneer family of the Cambridge neighborhood died at the federal hospital at Leavenworth, Kansas, May 3, 1937 and was buried at the National cemetery at Wadsworth, Kansas.

The story of his life as read at the funeral service, which was attended by his brother Wm. A. Olson, former Nevada Man, and now a resident of Washington, D. C. follows:

"Joseph Eli Olson was born October 3, 1889 on a farm near Cambridge, Iowa, where his early childhood was spent as one of a large family. The many happy gatherings around the long family table there were the source of memories which helped to fill the long hours of his last illness.

"After attending the elementary schools he was a student at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa and later Northwestern University after which he tasted life's adventure as a school teacher and athletic coach in various states, teaching a school housed in a sod shack in Montana, schools at Armour, South Dakota, Huxley, Iowa, and Saylor's private school at Spokane, Washington.

"He was one of our first to enlist in the world war, his army enlistment covering more than two years--from April 16, 1917 to April 17, 1919. Upon being discharged he spent several months recuperating with a brother, Albert, a Methodist minister at Hot Springs, South Dakota, where he met Ines Robinson whom he later married.

"On June 15, 1920 he entered government service as executive clerk at the Veteran's Administration facility at Hot Springs, South Dakota and continued as Chief Clerk in the Quartermaster's department and as Deputy Supply Officer until December 1, 1932, when he was transferred to this facility as Assistant Supply officer.

"Joseph Eli Olson and Ines Anita Robinson were married at Hot Springs, South Dakota December 19, 1920 by Chaplain Arza Jones. To this union was born on January 22, 1922 a boy, Merwin Albert and on December 8, 1923, a girl Betty Lee. This family has known the treasure of a love and understanding from a father and husband whose first thought was of them in every way.

"Preceding him in death are his father and mother, two sisters, Belle and Mary and two brothers Albert and Budd.

"With us here today feeling this loss are a sister, Mrs. Ella Ryan, from Des Moines, a brother Wm. A. Olson from Washington, D. C. and nieces, Mrs. R. A. Gogerty from Zearing, Iowa, Mrs. D. D. White from Des Moines and Mrs. Thos. Cord from Des Moines. Two brothers James K. of Big Stone City, South Dakota and Oliver M. of Wheaton, Illinois and a half-brother Arthur A., and other relatives are unable to be here.

"Joe leaves a host of friends, not the least of these are those who cared so tenderly for him over at the hospital.

"His death on May 3, 1937, followed a sickness of about six months. Burial was in the National cemetery at Wadsworth, Kansas.

Quoting from The Black Hills Engineer under "date of April, 1936, Mr. Joe Olson...has already attained some fame as a writer of stories of adventure for boys, in which line of literary work he specializes and excels. His contributions in this field are readily accepted by the "Youth's Companion, Boy's World" and similar publications, and have, on more than one occasion brought forth flattering comment. Mr. Olson, with true modesty, disclaims special talent for writing, but his work speaks for itself and will no doubt become more generally known and recognized as time goes on."