The Elk Mountain pilot., 1902-01-21
voLNEY FRANKLIN AxTELL.

Volney Franklin Axtell, aged 10 years
and % days, died at his home in Crested
Butte at four o'clock Friday morning,
January II. 1902, from capillary bron-
chitis, superinduced by cold contracted
about week previous. Mr.. Axtell had
been sufferer for several years and he
was not strong enough to Withstand an
attack OF severe illness.
Volney F. Axtell was born Of Ameri-
can parents on Christmas day 1881 at
Canandaigua, N. Y. He emigrated to
Chicago in 1855, where in 1861 he was
married to Miss Jeanette Dayton, of
Buffalo, N. Y. He came to Leadville in
1879, and early in the following year
came to Crested Butte, where he has
since resided. With George Holt and
Howard F. Smith, the former now a
wealthy citizen Of Chicago and the lat
tor prominent manufacturer Of Elk
hart, Ind, he laid out this town during
the same year and at the time Of its in
corporation was elected its first mayor.
He subsequently held many positions Of
public trust and honor, but in no sense
did he ever solicit official emoluments.
During his entire period of residence
here Mr.. Axtell was the strongest pillar
of the U. G. church, in which institution
and its work his wisdom and generosity
were leading features. By his remark
able energy and great business ability
he occupied the position of our loading
citizen and could Justly be called the
father OF the town. His ever indulgent
and sympathetic demeanor brought
those in trouble to him for counsel and
assistance and never was a person turned
away for want OF anything in his power
to bestow. He had breadth Of human
ity which no familiarity with human
suffering could callous, and wealth of
tenderness and sympathy which those
realized best which needed them most.
1t was this noble trait Of character
that endeared him to his legion Of
friends as men are rarely esteemed.
The funeral services were held at the
noon hour Sunday at the U. Q. church,
which was crowded with friends Of the
family OF the deceased. Rev. ]. L. Reads
position was very trying, for, like the
writer and others, in the death Of Mr.. |
Axtell he lost ono Of his dearest friends,
but he found words to deliver touch
ing eulogy and inspiring sermon, during
which he recounted the high value Of
the life gone out, and urged a spirit OF
rejoicing. rather than OF mourning, when
one we love, who is full OF days and full
of grace, sets like sun behind the hori-
zon OF life. The choir rendered several
selections which enhanced the solemnity
Of the occasion, but added to the com
fort Of the pastors words to the bereaved
ones. The floral offerings were profuse
and were beautiful emblems OF regard.
Escorted by the entire assemblage, the
body was taken to the depot and placed
upon the regular train for Gunnison,
where interment was made. A largo
party Of Crested Butte people accom-
panied the cortege to be present at the
final ceremonies.
A widow and two daughters Mira G.
I. Lawrence, OF this city, and Mrs. 8. P.
Spencer, OF Gunnison, survive to mourn /
q devoted husband and loving father.
It is little that can be said to tighten
the burden of grief resting upon these
dear ones, but what degree Of comfort
there is in human sympathy will be
poured out to them in unstinted meas
ure. The loss il community loss as
we'll as individual, for when strong and
useful life is lost to the town, the town
shares in the loss.
Why weep 70 then for him, who having won
Tho bound of mans appointed years, at last,
Life's blessing all enjoyed, life's labors done,
Serenely to his final rest has past;
While tho soft momory OF his virtues yet
LinRors, like twilight huss, when the bright
sun is set r.