Josiah H. Maxwell (1898)

HOLIDAY, KNUDSON, MAXWELL

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 8/28/2007 at 08:10:43

Earlham Library Obituary Collection
Earlham, Iowa
January 1898

Josiah H. Maxwell was 46 years of age. He was born near Salem in this state and attained his manhood there in his early home. While a resident of Henry county he was married to Lizzie Holiday, but was left a widower in April 1884. About three years afterward he was united in marriage with Louisa Knudson, and soon after they came to Earlham where they have since made their home.

Having been converted in 1885 he was made to feel the duty and responsibility of a Christian life. He believed that true religion should be manifest in ones daily life and conduct, and those who best knew him, bear testimony to his upright and honorable dealings, as well as to his generous and sympathetic remembrance of those in need or in distress.

During his illness his suffering was very great and his mind was not often clear, but in lucid intervals he expressed the keen appreciation of his family which marked his conduct in health.

He often called names of brother and sisters, and the evening before his death he tenderly inquired of his wife who was at his bedside, about the welfare of the children, but soon after became unconscious, remaining so until the peaceful closing of his life in the early morning.

He leaves to the tender regard of his friends and the more tender care of the Father a loving wife and the two children, Charles Erich and Lizzie, aged eight and seven years respectively.

In the early morning of January 15th, tired nature ceased to act, the spirit took its flight and one of this vicinity’s best citizens was no more. The entire community was shocked for only a few short days had passed since Mr. Maxwell walked our streets in apparently good health.

He with his family have spent several years in and about Earlham and by his sunny disposition, his kind and cheering words and acts had won many many friends who mourn his loss. We cannot understand why such a life as the one just closed should be so suddenly cut off but the strong hand of destiny rules and although hidden from our view there is an all wise purpose above all and the bright light here extinguished will shine the brighter on another shore placed there to beckon his loved ones home.

The funeral services were held at the Friends church, Monday at 10:30 a.m. Rev. H. E. McGrew conducting the services. The services were very impressive and were attended by a very large audience many going away, it being impossible to get in to the church.
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The Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, January 19, 1898
Page 5

J. F. Maxwell, a prominent citizen of Earlham, died the first of this week, after an illness of but three days. The funeral was held last Monday, at the Friends church. Among the relatives present was ex-Gov. Lewellyn, of Kansas, who was a brother-in-law of the deceased.
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Winterset Reporter
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, January 20, 1898
Page 8

Earlham

J. H. Maxwell died at his home January 15th. Funeral at the Friends church Monday at 10:30 and was laid to rest in the Earlham Cemetery.

Gravesite
 

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