John Oxley (1828-1899)

OXLEY

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/22/2011 at 22:33:23

From Story County Watchman January 20, 1899

Maxwell.

This city was thron into a state of excitement Sunday when it was heralded about John Oxley, sr, an aged and much respected citizen, had committed suicide. He was found in his barn where had succeeded in hanging himself. The old gentleman left the house about 10 a. m. and at 3 p. m. his body was found in the condition indicated. The cause of the suicide is, of course, a mystery, but it is believed that despondency is the real cause of the rash act. The funeral took place on Tuesday at 12 o'clock in the M. E. church and was largely attended. Rev. Howe preached a very able sermon. The choir furnished very appropriate music. Revs. Wykoff and Ferguson assisted the pastor in the service. The remains were deposited in the Peoria cemetery. Mr. O. was of a very religious turn of mind, a faithful attendant at church, and a close reader of the Bible. He was a model man in the community and one who will be much missed.