“Mrs. M.C. Nelson at 95

Death claims pioneer Olathe woman Monday

To Olathe in covered wagon drawn by yoke of oxen in 1850-Almost bought a farm on Grand Ave., Kansas City of Olathe

“With the passing of Mrs. M. C. Nelson (Mary Catherine Alger) Monday, September 24, 1928 at the age of 95, one of the most interesting characters of early Olathe history is gone.

“Mary Catherine Alger, daughter of William and Mary Alger, was born in Hamilton, Indiana, September 22, 1833. When she was two years of age the family moved to Oxford, Ohio. They came to Kansas in 1859 in a covered wagon drawn by oxen and settled just two miles west of Olathe.

“While passing through Kansas City, before reaching Olathe, they were asked to settle on what is now Grand Avenue, but instead came on to Johnson County.

“She was married to John Montgomery Nelson in 1859 and to this union three children were born…

“Having been in the millinery business with her mother in Ohio, she opened Olathe’s first millinery store on the west side of the square in 1862… After a few years Mrs. J. L. Pettyjohn joined her in business with a line of dressmaking, which they continued for several years, and she built the building about 1875 now occupied by Livermore and Hacket. She was in the millinery business for 45 years.

“At the age of 16 she united with the Presbyterian Church and at the time of her death was the only charter member of the original 18 who organized the First Presbyterian Church of Olathe on October 1, 1865, making her a member 79 years.

“The first Bible used in the Olathe church was her own private Bible which was used until a large one was purchased. This bible was found when the church was moved from the old frame building just north of Weirick’s garage, to one on Kansas Avenue, and was returned to her and is now among her effects.

“At the time of Quantril’s raid a horse belonging to her was hitched along the public square and was taken by one of the herd, Sam Clifton, and presented to Quantril who rode it as his mount and pronounced it his best mount ever.

“In the early days, the women were called upon to care for the dead and Mrs. Nelson helped to prepare for burial Mrs. Beckwith, the first woman (and first person) laid in the Olathe cemetery, and the one who presented to the city of Olathe the ground for the cemetery.

“Throughout all her wide and varied experiences which a life of 95 years unfolded, “Aunt Kate” maintained a cheerful attitude an unusually good disposition. Her sprightly step and bright smile will be greatly missed. Her life was one of loving service to her family and fellowmen.”

Olathe Mirror, September 25, 1928