Olavus O, Donhowe (1863-1934)

DONHOWE, HJORTH

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/29/2024 at 20:48:45

From Story City Herald January 3, 1935 (page 1)

OLAVUS DONHOWE DIED IN OAK PARK

Well Known Former Story City Merchant Succumbed to Heart Failure

Olavus O. Donhowe died at his home in Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago, last Saturday. Death came as a result of a sudden attack of valvular heart disease, his sickness being of very brief duration.

Funeral service was held at the home in Oak Park Monday afternoon, following which the body was brought to Story City and a service held in the St. Petri church New Year's day afternoon, at which Rev. Scarvie officiated. Interment was made in the local cemetery. The surviving wife and only son, Alonzo, accompanied the body here.

Mr. Donhowe was born May 28, 1863, in Clinton county, being thus 71 1/2 years old at the time of his death. He came to Story county with his parents, who settled on a farm south of Story City. For three years he attended Decorah college and then finished at Cornell, where he obtained his B.A. and M.A. degrees. In 1886-87 he was superintendent of the Holstein schools, going from there to become principal of the St. Ansgar seminary for two years.

On Sept. 4, 1888, he was married to Mary B. Hjorth. He then entered the mercantile business with his father-in-law, Mr. Hjorth, which he continued from 1889 to 1904.

In March of 1890 he opened a general store in Story City, with his brother John as manager. Later he opened two dry goods stores here at different dates, and also conducted stores in Clarinda and at Dodge City, Kan., before going to Chicago. During the last eight years he let a retired life, devoting himself to reading and study, for which he had always had a great liking.

He is survived by his wife and son, and also by three brothers--Nels and Peter of this place and John of Eagle Grove--and one sister, Mrs. Sam Johnson of this place--all of whom were present at the funeral here, as were also Arthur and Orlin Donhowe of Des Moines and many other relatives and friends.