Helan Kirts Maxson 1834-1917

MAXSON, HEMINGWAY, MCCANN, BATES, SAINT

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/10/2018 at 08:15:50

29 March 1917 - West Branch Times

Helan Kirts Maxson was born in Harrison county, Ohio, December 8th 1834 and died at his home at Springdale, Ia. March 20th 1917 at the age of 82 years, 3 months and 12 days. He was the son of William and Deliah Maxson, the former of Scotch decent and the latter a native of Virginia. The family came to Muscatine, then called Bloomington, in 1839, landing on Iowa soil after a thirteen days journey from Ohio. After a short time spent in Bloomington the family came to Cedar county and settled on a claim.

In his boyhood days he was very industrious, and a son upon whom his father depended in every occasion. Only a meagre education could be afforded him as schools were not numerous in Iowa in those days. His life was a sober, law-abiding and useful one. He was a deep thinker and fearless in his expression of his views. He loved his fellow-men and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to the needy. For seventy eight years continuously, with the exception of one year, he has been a resident of Cedar county.

He was married, August 18th 1861 to Miss Sarah Hemingway. To this union were born five children: Mrs. Delilah McCann of West Liberty, Jessie H., Argus and Louisa of Devils Lake, N.D.; and Naomi, who died when then years of age. August 18, 1878 the family circle was broken by the death of the wife and mother, who died after an illness of seven years.

On January 4th, 1888, he was again united in marriage, with Mrs. Anna E. Bates, and to them three sons were born: Lafayette, residing on a farm near Springdale; Floyd, who resides in Springdale; Chesley at home. During the last five years he has been in failing health, but the end was hastened by a fall which he encountered only a few days before his death. In the time of his suffering every care possible was given him and the last hours were free from pain.

Besides the widow and children mentioned, three brothers, a sister and a half-sister survive: Jonathan and Thaddeus of Pasadena; Willard of Springdale; Mrs. Lou Saint of Venice, Calif.; and Zona Maxson, who came from California several months ago for a visit with relatives, and who attended the funeral services. A brother, Elza, died several years ago.

The funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, March 22nd, at the Friends church at Springdale conducted by Rev. Laura P. Townsend, pastor of the Friends church at West Branch, assisted by Rev. M. E. Rees, the local Friends pastor, and were largely attended. Interment was made in the Springdale cemetery.