Brief biographies of the figurines on display in ... - University Library

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MRS. GEORGE A. LAWRENCE
(Ella Park)
Mrs. Ella Park Lawrence was <strong>the</strong> daughter <strong>of</strong> George
S. and Marie Louise Holmes Park. Her early life was
spent on a farm in Missouri. For several years she attended
Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois, where she
met Mr. George Appleton Lawrence, to whom she was
married in October, 1882. Five children were born to
<strong>the</strong>m, only one <strong>of</strong> whom, Rebecca, wife <strong>of</strong> John M. Lowrie,
<strong>of</strong> New York City, grew to maturity.
Mrs. Lawrence was admitted to
<strong>the</strong> National Society,
Daughters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> American Revolution, in 1901,
and became a charter member <strong>of</strong> Rebecca Parke Chapter,
D. A. R., <strong>of</strong> Galesburg, Illinois. She was <strong>the</strong> fourth
Regent <strong>of</strong> her chapter, and was made State Regent in
1911. When she retired from this <strong>of</strong>fice, she was elected
Honorary State Regent for life.
Mrs. Lawrence worked hard for <strong>the</strong> restoration and
marking <strong>of</strong> Starved Rock; she also carried through <strong>the</strong>
plan for a State Flag for Illinois, and is referred to as
"Mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> Illinois State Flag."
In 1921 a cottage was erected and fully equipped in
Tilloloy, France, by <strong>the</strong> Chicago Chapter, D. A. R., and
dedicated to Mrs. Lawrence. In June, 1922, she was
awarded <strong>the</strong> degree <strong>of</strong> Master <strong>of</strong> Arts by Knox College.
Outside <strong>of</strong> her church and her home, her chief interest
was in patriotic service. She had a fine personality
and expressed it in many ways. She was loyal to home,
to country, and to her God.
Mrs. Lawrence passed away suddenly, after a short
illness, on March 17, 1924.