Sarah Ann Switzer Maxwell 1834-1912

MAXWELL, SWITZER, BILLINGS, SMITH

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/12/2010 at 00:02:16

A Pioneer Gone
The dread Reaper calls us once again to chronicle the death of another of the early settlers of our city.

Sarah Ann Switzer was born October 17th, 1834, near St. Louis, Missouri, where she lived with her parents. When only eleven years of age she was called with the entire family to mourn the departure of the father to the other world. This great loss brought large burdens upon the mother and each of the children had to assume their share of the load. During these days of hardship and toil occasioned by the early privations, she helped her mother in every way. In 1841 the family moved from the home place to Wisconsin. They carried all their possessions in wagons and by this slow and tedious means they came to live in Grant county, Wis. Here they abode until 1865. In the year 1846 she was united in marriage to Abraham Maxwell, and took up their abode near the home place. To this union eight children were born, for of whom have preceded her on the journey. The call of government was heard by him and he answered the summons of Abraham Lincoln and entered the service in 1862 where he served faithfully for three years. During this period of enforced absence from home the burden rested on the shoulders of the deceased to maintain and educate the children as it was possible. In this she showed a mother’s devotion and untiring love. As soon as the husband returned from the service of his country they sold all their belongings and moved to LaCrescent, Minn., where they purchased a home. In 1880 they moved to LaCrosse, Wis., where they engaged in the hotel business for ten years. Then they sold out their interest and made their last move to this city in 1890 and here they continued to live a happy and retired life, until death called the husband five years ago. Since the death of her husband, the deceased has lived with her son, William Maxwell. Three daughters also remain to mourn the loss of a good mother and faithful helper: Mrs. D. C. Maxwell, Montana, Mrs. Hattie Billings, Ottawa, Canada, and Mrs. Jennie Smith, London, England. There are three grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren left to mourn their loss.

She was early instructed in the Christian truth and found the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and friend. During her later years she spoke often of the love of God and His faithful promises. She was consecrated to Him and daily sought to serve Him in the spirit of a true disciple. For many years she has been a faithful and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To her will undoubtedly be said by the Master His precious words of commendation: “Well don, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

After a lingering illness of eight weeks, the deceased passed away without a struggle on Wednesday afternoon, Marcy 13th. The funeral was held at the home on Friday at 2:30 by Rev. J. G. Whitfield. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, March 20, 1912)