W. J. MAXWELL

MAXWELL, CLARK, MITCHELL

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 12/17/2008 at 04:08:34

Ringgold Record, 1892

IN MEMORIAM.

Died, at the residence of his son W. J. MAXWELL, near Mt. Ayr, Iowa, John MAXWELL, aged 92 years 9 month and 28 days. Mr. MAXWELL was born at the close of the last century, December 24th 1799 near Londonderry, Ireland. He was of genuine Scotch Irish extraction, and had the marked characteristics of that hardy class of people. He was strong, active, and had been "temperate in all things", and hence he reached a "green old age," attained by but few of the human race. He spent his youth and early manhood near the old home, and followed the caprenter trade, and farmed, as opportunity offered. He early united with the Presbyterian church of Mt. Ayr since 1873. In 1833 he was married to Miss Margaret CLARK, who died early, leaving him four children, of whom two are now living. In 1843 he married Miss Martha MITCHELL, who still survives him. The fruit of this marriage, was seven children, four boys and three girls, all now alive, save one. He left Ireland in 1866, and settled in Warren county, Ill. In 1873, he came with his family to Ringgold county. Here he has lived a quiet godly life. Being "full of days and years" and somewhat "encompassed with the infirmities" incident to age, he has been in a large measure withdrawn from society and business, yet if possible, he was always in the house of God, and ever a devout worshipper. His implicit unquestioning faith in God, and his word was remarkable. Doubt, seemed to have no place in his mind. The doctrines of the Gospel, stood out in his apprehension, as clear as crystal, and his heart responded readily to the call of God. He took God at his work, and received and rested on Christ alone for salvation as he is offered in the Gospel.

All forms of skepticism seemed foreign to his nature, and an undoubting faith had become resasonable, and natural. Much of this happy trend of life was no doubt due to his early training but it had grown into a life habit. He daily read the word of God, and his soul fed on its truths and hence, spiritually, he was "fat and flourishing." He retained the full possession of his faculties to the last, and no friend was more real in him than the "Good Shepherd." Of him we can say that "he was a good man full of faith and of the Hold Ghost." The funeral took place from the United Presbyterian church, Mt. Ayr, October 25, 1892, and was conducted by Rev. J. H. REDFORD. The remains were laid in the South Cemetery [Rose Hill]. Truly has Matthew HENRY said, Those who live piously with God in eye, may die comfortably with heaven in their eye."

NOTE: Martha (MITCHELL), John MAXWELL's second wife, was born on September 19, 1816, and died on November 13, 1899 with interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa. Alexander "Alex" MAXWELL, son of Martha (MITCHELL) and John MAXWELL, was born in 1853, and died in 1928 with interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr. Alexander's only child died in 1882 of diptheria.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, 2008