unknown Waverly paper
Death of G M Maxwell
An Unexpected and Sorrowful Event
Mr Maxwell spent the major part of his life at New Berlin, where he became a successful stock dealer and farmer. He was a man of strong personality, and in his business dealings formed the acquaintance and lasting friendship of a large circle of the leading business men of Central Illinois. With him his word was as sacred as the law; to violate a contract was a crime to him. He was a sunny mature, always looking at the bright side of life; his soul was filled with all that tends to ennoble manhood; his heart was large and always open to those less fortunate than himself. As a husband and father, he was ideal; as a friend, he was true as steel, and as a business man, he was above reproach.
About twenty-seven years ago himself and wife united with the Baptist church at Old Berlin, then under the pastorate of the late Elder Perry Bennett. This membership he retained to his death, and by his demise the church loses a consistent member and generous benefactor.
About ten years ago Mr Maxwell gave up active work and moved from New Berlin to Springfield, where he lived seven years, and then went to Kansas City, Mo, where he resided until last November when, his health having become somewhat impaired, himself and wife returned to Illinois to spend the winter with relatives in this city and New Berlin, hoping the change might prove beneficial. It was not until about five weeks ago that alarming symptoms made their appearance. Although life was to him a beautiful panorama, and the ties of relationship and friendship many, he submitted to the inevitable without a murmur, and it can truly be said that he was ready when the dread summons came. He retained consciousness to the last moment.
In addition to his wife and two children, two brothers and one sister survive him--William Maxwell, of New Berlin; Anthony Maxwell of Portland, Ore., and Mrs Julia Smith, of Humboldt, Kan.; also a half brother living in Texas.
Funeral services were held at the residence of his niece, Mrs J H Goldsmith, at 1 pm Friday, conducted by Rev J M Titterington of the Baptist church assisted by the Rev J Foxworthy of the M E church, after which interment was made in East cemetery, in the presence of a large number of sorrowing relatives and friends. The pall-bearers were: JD Batty, Edwin Batty, JC Deatherage and WW Brian, of this city, and George G Huffaker and Richard Maxwell, nephews of deceased, of New Berlin.
Transcribed and Submitted by: Rhonda Deatherage