At their home three miles west of Nortonville, Kansas, March 1, 1886, Ina Belle in the 18th year of her age. Also on March 16, 1886, J. Clyde in the thirteenth year of his age. These were the children of Russel and Hannah Maxson. Still the work of death went on and on April 7, 1886, the father, Russel Maxson, died, aged 51 years, 3 months and 4 days. The obituary of Ina appeared in the Recorder of March 25th. Being the only daughter except a very young sister among a large family of boys, she was a great help and comfort to that household. It was difficult to bear up under so severe a stroke. But in two weeks after Ina's death this promising boy Clyde was taken. He was much more useful than boys ordinarily are at his age. The parents, toiling along in life's work, and feeling the weight of rearing a large family, they looked to this boy with a good deal of encouragement, accomplishing a good deal in a manly way; but alas, earthly hopes vanish! The father, Bro. Russel, was sick but five days. The care, the anxiety, and the grief of the past weeks placed him in such a condition of body and mind that he soon yielded after the dread disease fastened itself upon him. Russel Maxson, son of Russel Maxson was born in Preston, Chenango Co., N. Y., where he grew to manhood. Favored with true-hearted Christian parents, he received a religious culture and an education which caused him to be a worthy member of the church and a good and useful citizen. Some twenty years ago he married Miss Hannah Babcock, of Rhode Island, who still survives him. Together they endured severe new country hardships in Minnesota, and in Cowley county, Kansas. About twelve years ago they settled on the farm which has since been their home. During his sickness his suffering was severe, but his mind was calm and clear to the very last. He attended to business so as to make everything as easy for his family as possible. He gave his children farewell counsel while strength yet remained. He bade his wife an affectionate farewell, said good-bye to his friends, and then quietly passed away.
In early life Bro. Maxson became a Christian. He was a member of the Nortonville Seventh-day Baptist Church, lived a Christian and died a Christian. He leaves a wife and six children who mourn this great loss. Thanks be to God for the religion which sustained Bro. Maxson in the hour of death, and which sustains the bereaved wife and mother. S. R. W.
