Showcasing our Amazing Artifacts III

A Fading Tapestry Recalls Elegant Lady

An enigmatic tapestry on the museum’s north wall often attracts comments from visitors, but until lately, not much has been known about it. Don Marsh, a member of the Clay County Historical Society and frequent docent, did some research, and more came from Chery Carr Holtman, for years the museum’s trustee.

It turns out that the lady was, Lucy Conway, the daughter of merchant / grocer James G. and America Conway from Kentucky, was born near Smithville in 1867.  She lived in Liberty most of her life – at 133 N. Water Street.  The 1940 census shows her as “head of household,” living with a brother (Bob) and a sister (Ailene).

Lucy died on Christmas Day in 1949.  According to her obituary in the Kansas City Times, Lucy never married and was known for “conducting classes in china decorating in Smithville and Liberty.”  The obituary also stated that she had two sisters survived: “Mrs. Aileen C. Benjamin of the home and Mrs. W. R. Hardin, Liberty.”  She is buried in Liberty’s Fairview Cemetery.

The unique tapestry is one of several artworks on display

featuring prominent Liberty residents.  

Visit soon to see them and many other unique artifacts.