The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-11-21

low as closely as possible the
wishes Of his illustrious patient,
who was cherished as a warm
friend Of the Sawyers.
Mrs. Harding had always insisted
that only the most meagre informa-
ton be given out as to her health
and the experience at the White
House during her serious attack
OF 1929, at which time the family
could not so easily control press
statements, fingered in her memory
as siege she did not wish repeated
in the later illness that all who
knew her realized might very prob
ably result fatally.
1t was also Mrs. Harding's posi-
tive refusal to permit consultation
that prevented Doctor Sawyer from
bringing outside specialists into the
case, although he ventured her dis
pleasure by calling Doctor j. G.
Wood, an abdominal specialist after
Mrs. Harding had developed a
menacing mass in the upper part
of the abdomen.
This, It was feared, might prove
to be cancer of the liver, but in.
asmuch as the heart condition
rendered any sort of operation out
OF the question. the diagnosis was
not positive.
At the time OF Doctor Woods
visit, however, an effort was made
TO effect drainage in the event the
contents Of the formation might
be liquid. Aspiration was resort.
ed to without any results and the
patient was not capable OF endur.
ing any further disturbance
With the death Of Mrs. Florence
King Harding, the nation witnesses
the passing of one of the most popu.
lar mistresses Of the White House
in history. During the two and a
half years she occupied the Execu-
tive Mansion, the widow of the late
President established herself in the
hearts of all who came in contact
with her In manner that has sci.
dom been equaled. Vivacious, sincere
and, above all, lovable, Mrs. Hard.
ing created profound impression
not only upon the National Capital,
but the country dit large.
Mrs. Harding was born August
10, 1850, at Marion, Ohio, the daugh-
ter of Amos King, prominent bank
err and business man of the little
town, and a direct descendant OF an
old Mennonite Pennsylvania Dutch
family.
In her youth, Mrs. Harding was
not in the most robust health,
and, in striving to keep physically
mt, she developed a passionate
fondness for horses, riding and
driving at every opportunity. Mu-
sic, likewise. attracted her greatly,
and 1t is said she often spent six
and seven hours q day in practice
at the piano.
Obtained q Divorce.
At the age Of twenty, Florence
King married Eugene DeWolfe. a
young native Of Marion. One child
Marshall Eugene-resulted from
this union. This son died about
nine ye1rs ago, leaving two child.
ren--Jean and George.
AS was the custom in those DAYS.
Devote, in company with MANY
of the other youths OF that section
OF Ohio, went West one wear ~
follow the fruit harvest up the
Pacific Coast.
Mrs. Harding heard regularly
from her first husband for a while.
and then he dropped from sight'
being last heard Of in Oregon or
Washington.
For several years she chung to
the hope he would return, but
gradually came to the belief he
had met with death in some man.
ner.
Establishing reasonable ground
for belief that her husband was
dead, she obtained her freedom
from the courts after q perfuactury
proceeding.
Mrs. Harding met Warren a.