Artist, Writer spent Summers Near Brevard

Some of Verner's pencil sketches were made into postcards depicting
mid-20th century Charleston from its streets.

Elizabeth O'Neill Verner was a well-known artist and writer, as well as a popular lecturer.  She was awarded honorary degrees "for her artistic and literary achievements that have enriched the cultural heritage" by both the University of North Carolina and the University of South Carolina. 

Born Elizabeth O'Neill in Charleston, South Carolina in 1883 she studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.  In 1907 she married Pettigrew Verner.  The Verner family had a strong connection to Transylvania County.  They had purchased property south of Brevard in 1890 where the family spent much of each summer. 

As a wife and mother of two children her art work consisted mainly of oil painting.  After learning etching in 1922 she began producing more works.  When Pettigrew Verner died in 1925 she became a professional artist and created a large body of etchings.  Later she made drypoint plates and worked with pastels.

Verner was also an accomplished writer.  Her first book, "Prints and Impressions of Charleston" published in 1939 featured etchings from 1925 through the 1930s.  This volume, as well as Mrs. Verner's other two books are in the North Carolina reference collection at the Transylvania County Library.  "Mellowed by Time" explores life in Charleston and includes 16 pencil sketches.  "Other Places" includes drawings and prints from after World War II and an autobiographical essay showing Verner's travels and life beyond the Carolinas.

As her career grew, Verner, her children, and later grandchildren would continue to spend several months each summer at their mountain home.  This, she claimed, "is the only place I can rest."  She spend many hours designing and working on the property's landscaping.  Verner's descendants still maintain the family's mountain home outside of Brevard.

Verner's talents were in great demand for commissions as well.  Her artwork has been displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Boston Art Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and many other institutions.  In addition, Elizabeth Verner was a leading force and founding member of the Preservation Society of Charleston.  Elizabeth Verner died on April 17, 1979 in Charleston.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library.  Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs.  For more information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-3151 X242.