William Robert Oxley (1856-1930)

OXLEY, HILTON, OTTO, CULVER, RICHARDS

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/16/2005 at 13:19:29

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, September 4, 1930, page 1, column _. "W. R. OXLEY - William Robert Oxley, son of John and Eliza Oxley, was born December 31, 1856, in Maryland, and departed this life from his home in Maxwell, Iowa, August 27, 1930, at the age of 73 years, 7 months and 27 days. He was one of a family of eleven children, three sisters and four brothers of whom have preceded him to the other world. His parents removed to Illinois when he was still a baby, and when he was ten years old they came to Iowa, where 63 years of his life has been lived in and around Maxwell. He was united in marriage to Samantha Jane Hilton, in October, 1876. Two children were born into their home, both of whom with the wife and mother preceded him to the other world. He was again united in marriage to Mrs. Jennie Culver on September 6, 1901. One child, Annie, was born to this union and brightened their home for six short years until she was called to the home above. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Jennie Oxley, one step daughter, Mrs. Ralph Otto, of Adams, Minn.; two step sons, Carl Culver, of Norfolk, Neb., and Homer Culver, of Winfred, S. D.; three step grandchildren, Nita, Roscoe and Maxie Richards, who have made their home with them since being bereft of their parents, twelve years ago. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. T. T. Hilton of Cambridge, and two brothers, John C. Oxley, of Maxwell, and Chas. G. Oxley, of Cedar Rapids, besides a host of nieces and nephews and cousins. He was a member of the Methodist Protestant church at Peoria, where he superintended the Sunday school of the church for years. Mr. Oxley was initiated into Social Lodge, No. 463, I. O. O. F., at Maxwell, January 9, 1901, at the age of 42. He creditably filled the various offices in the lodge and eventually was made a Past Grand in 1905, a recognition worthily bestowed. He was also a member of Jeptha Rebekah Lodge, No. 187, of Maxwell, and was at one time a member of the encampment, severing his membership with that branch at the time the consolidation was effected with Ames and Nevada. At the time of his death he was a member in good standing in both the subordinate and Rebekah lodges, having always been a faithful member of both and seldom missing a meeting unless prevented by illness. He was also the possessor of a veteran's jewel awarded him by the brethren of his lodge soon after the conclusion of his 25 years of membership. The funeral service was held at the home on Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Eben A. Thomas, of the Methodist church. Burial was in the Maxwell cemetery. Six of his nephews, C. M. Oxley, Irving Spooner, Earl Spooner, Marion Spooner, Geo. Spooner and C. G. Vasey, were his pall bearers. Members of Social Lodge, No. 463, I. O. O. F., conducted the ritualistic services of that order at the grave. Card of Thanks - We wish to express our grateful appreciation and thanks to our friends and neighbors for the many acts of kindness bestowed and for the sympathy manifested to us during the sickness and death of our beloved husband and father, W. R. Oxley. - Mrs. Jennie Oxley and family."

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library Des Moines, Iowa GRAVE MARKER INSCRIPTIONS INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP, INC. CITY OF MAXWELL STORY COUNTY, IOWA VOL. IX Pages 447-528. Page 454, row 4, #1 W R OXLEY 1857 - 1930. #2 Annie E. dau of W R & J E Oxley.