John Oxley Sr. (1829-1899)

OXLEY, ZINKINS, LAMB, SPOONER, HILTON, KING

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/16/2005 at 08:41:01

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, January 19, 1899, page 5, column 3. "D. G. Mills, coroner, McCallsburg, was called Monday in the case of John Oxley, and the verdict of the jury empanelled was that he came to his death by his own hand by hanging. The lifeless body was found suspended by a rope from a rafter in their barn about 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon. What caused this devout and highly esteemed man to commit the rash act is unknown."

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, January 26, 1899. "OBITUARY - A sorrowful gloom was cast over the entire community when the untimely death of John Oxley Sr., quickly spread from house to house last Sunday afternoon. Only the evening before he had attended the first meeting of the revival series, and enjoyed the services very much, and about four o'clock Sunday afternoon, January 15, 1899, he was found cold in death. Mr. Oxley has always held the highest respect of all who knew him and his sad death came as a crushing blow. He will be greatly missed in the home circle, among a score of friends and in the church, of which he was a most exemplary and faithful member: always ready with a word of testimony and encouragement and his place was seldom vacant. The funeral services were held Tuesday noon at the M. E. church conducted by Rev. W. E. Howe; Rom. 13-12. He was assisted by Rev's. Ferguson and Wycoff, and all that was mortal of Mr. Oxley was taken to Peoria for interment. The pall bearers were Messrs. Jesse Wood, John Hall, Miles Pearson, Jas. Olinger, J. G. Kopf and D. Shope. A large crowd of relatives and sympathizing friends were in attendance. Among those present from out of town we note, Rev. C. G. Oxley, of Granada, Minn. Mrs. Sarah Hilton, of Cambridge; Wm. Vasey, Thos. Bromley and Chas. Took, of Collins, the latter two named gentlemen having came from England at the same time with Mr. Oxley. A good man has gone to his reward. John Oxley was born in Yorkshire, England, April 23, 1829, where he grew to manhood and was united in marriage with Eliza Zinkins, July 26, 1849. In 1854, the came to America, landing in Philadelphia on the 5th of April. After making their home in Maryland for two and one half years, they came to Illinois, residing there ten years. Coming to Iowa, they settled on their farm near Peoria, Iowa, where he resided until he came to Maxwell in 1892, which palace has since been his home. Of his first marriage there were born eleven children, five of whom have preceded him to the spirit world. The living children are: W. R. and J. C. Oxley, of this place, Rev. C. G. Oxley, of Granada, Minn., Mrs. Ann Lamb, Dixon, Wyo.; Mrs. Mary Spooner, Elkhart, Iowa, Mrs. Sarah Hilton, Cambridge, Iowa. On the 9th of April, 1890, Mr. Oxley was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary K. King, who survives him. Mr. Oxley was converted in Illinois, in 1865, united with the M. E. church of which he remained a faithful member until coming to Peoria, Iowa, when he united with the M. P. church in 1871. Coming to Maxwell in 1892, his membership was placed with the M. E. church, where he retained his membership until transferred from the church militant to the church triumphant. CARD OF THANKS - We desire to extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the friends and neighbors who so kindly aided us with their sympathy and help during our recent great trial and bereavement. May heaven's richest blessing rest upon you. Mrs. Oxley and family."

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, January 26, 1899, page 1, column 2. "NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS - PEORIA CITY -….The gloom that over spread Maxwell in the sad and sudden death of Uncle John Oxley, over shadowed this place as well. Many hearts were made sad to know that such a good man's life should end in such a tragic manner. He was a good citizen for many years in this vicinity. An earnest Christian has gone to his reward and his works will follow him. Death in any form is the king of terrors and a terror to Kings, as it is no respecter of persons - from the palace to the hovel, he say, "Set thy house in order for thou shall die and not live.""

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library, Des Moines, Iowa, POLK COUNTY, IOWA, CEMETERIES, WASHINGTON TWP., Peoria Cemetery, page 13, "Oxley, John, 4/23/1823 - 1/15/1899, Sec CS, Tier 4, Row 7."