Rev. W. B. Maxson, of Stephentown, N. Y., and nephew of Eld. William B. Maxson, finished his life of usefulness at Utica, Wisconsin, March 17th, 1876. He was born at Stephentown, July 24th, 1816. At the age of ten years, he professed religion, and was baptized by Eld. Wm. Satterlee. He was one of the number of students that entered DeRuyter Institute when its first term opened. Like many others, he hailed that day with rejoicing, as it promised deliverance from former embarrassments, under which Sabbath-keepers were held, in their unequal advantages for mental culture. With him, more than one hundred young ladies and gentlemen went joyfully at the hard work that should elevate to the highest standard the Sabbath-keeping church. The influence of that opportunity energized him for a life of usefulness, although he was compelled to leave school before all his ambitions were realized. He married a sister of Eld. S. Carpenter, and after her death he married a Miss Palmer, who survives his death. In both these relations he was eminently fortunate. In April, 1854, he located in Walworth, Wis., and in October united with the Walworth church. He remained about fifteen years there, universally respected and beloved as a citizen, holding important trusts in the gift of the people. As a business man, his conduct was without reproach. Four years after his settlement in Walworth, he was ordained a deacon in the church. In all the labors of the church, in its business and devotional meetings, he bore a prominent part; as also in the Sabbath-school. He was a good Bible student, and his exercises in the social meetings and the Sabbath-school were replete with instruction.
On the 28th of August, 1869, he was ordained as an evangelist, and soon after move to Jasper county, Mo., though he was strongly urged to remain as pastor of the church. During his residence of five years and a half in Missouri, he buried two children. One was a son of twenty-six years, and the other a daughter of eight years. These afflictions bore heavily upon him, breaking up his plans and hopes in life. In 1875, he returned to Wisconsin, to devote himself to the work of the ministry. A visit in the east among old friends, followed by attendance at the last session of the Conference, after an isolation for nearly six years, while sources of great joy to him served to bind him closely to the denomination and its progressive work. He settled as pastor of the Christiana (Wis.) church, and devoted his energies to his work. That work was cut short within six months, and terminated March 17th, by his death. In anticipation of this event, he carefully made all arrangements, selecting the writer of this notice to preach his funeral sermon, and write his obituary notice. A funeral service was held with the church where he died, and Eld. V. Hull improved the occasion with an appropriate sermon. His remains were taken to Walworth for burial, and the Sabbath following, according to his request, and by the urgent desire of his friends, another sermon was preached. This was followed by very appropriate remarks by the pastor, Eld. L. E. Livermore.
While Bro. Maxson's life has been one of great faithfulness and usefulness as a Christian, it has not been free from disappointments and sorrows. A wife and eight children have preceded him to the grave. Few men have lived more respected, and died more regretted. The blessings of many follow him to his rest. J. Bailey.
