James Murray Maxson was a son of Silas and Margaret E. Whitford Maxson. He was a grandson of Deacon Edward Whitford and of Deacon Holly Maxson. He was the last one of six children born into the home of his parents. He was born at Rodman, N. Y., May 24, 1857.
Murray came from a family who have been vitally and actively connected with the work of higher education. A sister, Inez, was for a time a teacher in the normal department of Alfred University. A brother, S. Whitford, was connected with the teacher training department of the Department of Education of New York State. Two nephews, William Maxson of Yonkers, N. Y., and Holly, of West New York, N. J., are prominent educators in their respective states.
Murray secured his education in the country schools and at Hungerford Collegiate Institute. For some years he taught in the district schools in his neighborhood.
Being more inclined to a business career he entered the employment of the Handy Package Dye Company. In 1882 he went to Chicago to establish and manage a branch agency for that company. In 1884 he returned to Adams Center, N. Y., and formed a partnership in a general store with Horace Green. In 1886 he left the store and went to the old homestead to care for his aging father and mother. Upon the death of his father he returned to Chicago and became a partner in the Ordway Heating Company. In 1896 he took over the Ordway Tailoring Company which he continued until the time of the World War.
When a boy, Murray became interested in the Christian life and was baptized by Rev. Asa B. Prentice and welcomed into the fellowship of the Seventh Day Baptist Church of Adams Center. On his removal to Chicago he transferred his membership to the church of his faith in that city. It is of more than passing importance to know that he was of direct descent from Rev. John Maxson, fourth pastor of the Newport Seventh Day Baptist Church.
"Uncle Murray", as he was affectionately known and called by the brethren of the church and by a large circle of friends, was a staunch practical Christian who faithfully tried to exemplify in his daily life the teachings of his Lord. He was a lover of the Bible and a loyal supporter of the church and Christian activities. In all the varying experiences of his church in Chicago he always held true and was a tower of strength in the midst of the small group. For years he served on the transportation committee of the General Conference and helpfully assisted many travelers passing through Chicago in securing favorable transportation on the railroads.
On Sabbath Day, May 18, 1907, after having been called by his church to serve in an official capacity, he was ordained to the office of deacon. The council was composed of delegates representing the churches of Milton, Milton Junction, Walworth, Farina and West Hallock.
On May 1, 1884, he was married to Mary Elizabeth Ordway, daughter of Ira J. Ordway. These thirty-seven years they have lived and worked side by side, strong in the strength of the love and faith of each for the other. Their home has been a veritable oasis of welcome and hospitality to many friends passing through or temporarily residing in the city.
After an illness which extended over months, a malady which ultimately demanded an operation, he passed away April 25, 1922. Mrs. Maxson survives him.
On Thursday night, April 27, at his late home, a tender farewell service was held, conducted by his pastor, Rev. George E. Fifield. The profusion of beautiful flowers and the large group of friends were eloquent expressions of the affection his friends bore him and the keen sense of their loss.
The remains were brought to Milton and on the following Friday afternoon a memorial service was held in the Seventh Day Baptist church in which Rev. S. H. Babcock and Pastors Van Horn and Jordan had part. Interment was in the cemetery at Milton. H. N. J.
