Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-05-30
DEATH. OF MA YOR MA1EIELD.

DEATH. OF MA YOR MAXFIELD.
Though not surprise to the public, the an
nouuccment of the death of Mayor Maxfield
which we are compelled to make this morn
ing, will create general sorrow throughout
the city. He has fought the grim monster
with bravery and persistency which has
undoubtedly prolonged his life. Consump-
ton had marked him for its victim before
his removal to Minnesota, and though he was
active and energetic in public affairs from
the commencement of his residence in St.
Paul up to few days before his death,
he would, if in full health, have been called
to wider sphere than the local field which
he SO ably filed in this city. His death is
public loss, for without disparaging others,
it is simple truth to say that the city never
had his superior as an executive officer.
In his personal relations his friends were
only limited by his acquaintance. 70 say
that he was beloved is to coldly express the
feeling entertained for him by all who had
the pleasure of knowing him. His memory
will long be cherished by the citizens of st.
Paul, and the most fitting encomiums will
be the expressions of sorrow which this an
nouncement will bring to the lips of all our
citizens.
James II. Maxfeld was native Of Ohio,
having been born in Norwich, twelve miles
from GAINESVILLE, March 9TH, 1927. He was
consequently little over ffty-one years of
age at the time of his death. After attend
ing school in his native town until he was
twelve years old, he went to Concord Col
lege (Presbyterian), where he graduated at
the age of seventeen years. Upon leaving
college lie took the management of his
father store at Norwich his father having a
contract at the time for building section of
the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. In 1849 he was
married to Miss Mary Motto, and year
he resided for seven years, during which
period he served one term in the Legislature.
He then removed to Detroit where he resided
until 1860, from which point he returned to
Ohio, locating at Cleveland. He again re-
sumed business with his father, engaging in
the tobacco trade, under the firm name of L.
Maxfeld & Son. In the fall of 1864 he came
to st. Paul, with party of thirteen other
gentlemen, in search of health, his lungs
giving him, at the time, great deal of
trouble. After six weeks stay in St. Paul
he returned to Cleveland much benefited
in health, but finding that he was rapidly
losing what he had gained in st. Paul, he
decided to remove here permanently, a reso-
luton which he put into immediate execu-
ton. He accordingly purchased a residence
on the corner of St. Peter street and Sum-
NIT avenue, and brought his family hither.
Though his health did not permit of his en-
gaging in active business, his sterling quail
ties soon attracted attention, and upon Mr..
VIM. Markoe's resignation of the Third
Ward aldermanship in November, 1867, Mr..
Maxfeld was unanimously elected to
fill the vacancy. On the 14th Of April,
1868, he was unanimously elected President
of the Council, which position he held until
April, 1869, when no was elected Mayor,
After serving one year as Mayor he was not
connected with the city government for one
year, but in April, 1871, he was again elected
Alderman from the Third Ward, without
opposition. He remained in the Coun-
Gil continuously during 1871, 1872,
'7s and IA, being president of the council
during the entire period, there being no op
position to him whatever. On the 18th OF
December, 1874, he was again elected Mayor,
having no opposition. He served under that
election from January LIST, 1875, for two
years, and in 1877 was again elected for an
other two years term, and if he had lived he
would have remained in the Mayoralty until
May, 1879.
He was one of a family of twelve children,
all of whom are now dead except sister,
Mrs. P. X. Wiser, Of Mankato, and broth
or, L. H. Maxfeld, of this city. He leaves
besides a wife, two daughters and son.
One of his daughters is Mrs. G. E. Brett, OF
Mankato, and the other Miss Louisa, of this
city. His son, w. t. Maxfeld, is a resident
of St. Paul, and in business with his uncle.
In all of his public positions he discharged
his duty with the utmost fidelity to the inter
ests OF the city. When convinced that he
was right, no pressure would swerve him
from what he believed to be his line of duty
During all his long illness he has carefully
watched the city affairs, and given directions
in minute details that would hardly be sup
posed to attract the attention of dying
man. His late message to the Council
was generally understood to be his
last public utterance, but it gave no evidence
of the surrender which he knew must come
in a few days, at the best.
No man ever faced death more calmly, OF
more bravely. He had enjoyed life, in spite
of infrm health, more than most men who
never have sick day. In an interview
with the writer some four weeks
ago, he talked of his approaching death
as calmly as though he was talking of an
other. He expressed neither fear or anxiety
but was simply 'sready." And SO, sitting fo1
weeks in the shadow of death, no calmly
awaited the end. 1t came at last, and as the
busy, busting world was closing it's labor.
yesterday, the spirit of James L. Maxfeld
candy, peacefully. gently, passed into the be
yond.
JUDGE COX,s CHARGE.