Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1914-08-13

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three daughters were grouped near
by. Until she became unconscious
Mrs. Wilson frequently nodded to one
or the other and smiled cheerfully.
During the day Mrs. Wilson spoke to
Doctor Greyson about the president,
whose health she thought more about
than she did of her own.
Voices Old Devotion.
Promise me-" she whispered, faint
ly. that II go you will take care Of
my husband"
II was the same touch of devo-
ton which she had so many times re-
peated-her constant anxiety having
been that the president might not
worry about her or be disturbed In his
official tasks.
BY one o'clock Mrs. Wilson began
to sink rapidly. She could still rec
ognize those about her, however. and
looked cheerfully toward them with
the same sweet smile that will lingey
long in the memory Of the many who
knew her. II was a characteristic ex.
preston OF sweetness which officials
and their families, as we'll as people
in the slums whom she had befriend.
ed and learned to love.
At two O'Clock Mrs. Wilson was
still conscious, but her strength had
almost departed, and few minutes
later she sank into the sleep of uncon-
seriousness from which she never
woke.
Did Not Speak Again.
For three hours, the president and
his three daughters gazed longingly
into her eyes in the hope that she
might speak to them again, but she
could not. The sun was casting its
long shadows from the Potomac to
the south grounds coloring the foun-
tains, gardens and elms.
There was a hushed stiffness in
the upper apartments. All eyes were
truned toward the southwest corner
Of the house.
Just at the hour Of Eve death came.
The president and his daughters were
In tears. Secretary Tumulty walked
slowly to the executive Offices, his
head bowed. Quietly he announced to
the correspondents that the end had
come.
Members of the cabinet, Justices of
the Supreme court. members Of the
diplomatic corps, telepho3ed their con-
dolences and sent cards. From many
humble homes came flowers, as Mrs.
Wilson had made many friends in the
slums and city generally. In her en-
deavor to help the friendless and pow
erty-stricken.
Was Southerner by Birth.
Mrs. Woodrow Wilson was born in
Savannah, Ga, the daughter OF Rev.
Samuel Edward and Mrs. Margaret
Jane Arson. Her maiden name was
Ellen Louise Arson. She was educated
by her parents and was graduated
from Shorter college In Rome, Ca Her
father was the pastor of the Presby-
terrain church in Rome.
Early in life she had given promis
ing indications of artistic ability, and
she went to New York city and studied
at the Art Students league, where her
work attracted attention and admira-
ton.
In 1885 Thomas Woodrow Wilson,
then a young lawyer, and long a
friend of the Axsons, went to New
York and took Miss Arson back South
with him. They were married in the
parsonage of the Independent Presby-
terrain church at Savannah, where
Mrs. Wilson was born.
Mrs. Wilson was never socially in
clined. The Wilson's always have lived
simply, without flourish. Mrs. Wilson
insisted, after she became the first
lady in the land, that it was possible
for her to dress IN keeping with the
high position which she held on $1,000
year. She always designed her own
dresses and those of her three daugh-
tiers.
Kept Up Her Painting.
During all of her married life Mrs.
Wilson found time to continue at her
painting. She designed the famous gar
dens which surrounded the presidents
residence at Princeton and furnished
plans for the house itself But mostly
she painted landscapes.
She had a studio fitted up in the
attic of the White House and often
worked these. Two Of Mrs. Wilson's
recent paintings, AN Old Wagon
Road" and Near Princeton, N. j."
were hung in the Vanderbilt gallery
during the last academy exhibit and
received praise from the country's
leading art critics. Her canvasses are
in the Art institute, Chicago, in New
York, Philadelphia and Indianapolis.
But while always attracted toward
art, philanthropy was her hobby.
Shortly after going TO Washington
Mrs. Wilson began study of condi-
lions in the poorer districts. Slum-
ming parties were conducted and II
was not long before q change for the
better became evident.
Mrs. Wilson was a member Of many
clubs and societies but always denied
she was "clubwoman." In all civic
movements she took an active part,
being president Of the woman's de-
partment OF the National Civic asso-
citation.
Reared in q religious atmosphere.
Mrs. Wilson was always intensely re-
ligious.
Perhaps the most striking example
Of Mrs Wilson's simplicity and dis
like for society and social functions
was the abandoning OF the inaugural
ball and other semi-public affairs which
had been considered part of the obli-
cations of presidents wife.
Some Club Suggestions.