MRS. SARAH J. MAXFIELD, a prominent lady among the citizens of Barr Township, is known far and wide as a true hearted woman of genial nature and charitable disposition, who willingly takes her part in every movement for the good of the community, and stands unflinchingly for the right, whenever expediency and principle come in conflict. Her womanly character makes her beloved by all who know her, and her intelligence gives to her a strong influence with all.
The father of our subject, Jacob Petefish, was born in Rockingham County, Va., as was also her mother, whose name in girlhood was Elizabeth Price. They emigrated from the Old Dominion to the Prairie State in 1834, and settled in what is now Cass County, where they both died. Their daughter Sarah, was like themselves a native of Rockingham County, Va., and as she was born November 9, 1816, she had reached the age of eighteen years, when she came with her parents to Illinois.
The marriage of Sarah Petefish with Robert H. Maxfield, took place in Cass County, this State, December 17, 1840. Her husband was a son of George and Sarah E. (Thomas) Maxfield, who came from Boone County, Ky., to Illinois, early in the �30s, settling in Greene County. The father died in Barr Township, and the mother passed away while residing in Waverly, Ill.
Robert H. Maxfield was born in Boone County, Ky., March 20, 1810, and came to Illinois early in the �30s. He was a carpenter by trade, which calling he followed in connection with farming. During the later years of his life he devoted his attention exclusively to agriculture. After marriage this couple settled upon the homestead in Barr township, now occupied by the widow, and here this faithful husband died June 15, 1876.
Mrs. Maxfield is the mother of eight children: John W., a farmer in Barr township, who was thrown from a wagon in Scottville Township, and died October 31, 1887, from these injuries; Sarah Elizabeth, who is the wife of Caleb Capps, of whom our readers will find more under that name; James K., who is a Methodist clergyman in Nebraska; Ella P.; Clarissa A., the wife of John Kissick; Robert L., a farmer in Nebraska; Martha Belle, the wife of James M. Pulliam; and Edwin G., a farmer in Nebraska.
The husband of our subject was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his loss was greatly felt by his pastor and brethren as well as by his bereaved family. His widow is identified with the same church and an active laborer in religious work. Mr. Maxfield owned at one time about eight hundred acres upon which he made substantial improvements, and erected excellent buildings.