Obit: McTavish, Maxwell R. (1893 - 1917)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: McTavish

----Source: Granton News (Granton, Clark County, Wis.) 03/23/1917

McTavish, Maxwell R. (3 FEB 1893 - 12 MAR 1917)

Maxwell Raymond McTavish, a Nasonville boy, died at Merrill last Monday, March 12, 1917.  This announcement carried keen sorrow to all at Merrill and awakened the sympathy of the community who for ten days watched the brave battle which he waged against odds in the hope of regaining his former excellent health.  He had chosen for his profession, teaching, and was forced to give up his duties about two weeks ago, when he was taken to the Mead Hospital suffering with an attack of typhoid fever and pneumonia, which resulted in his death at 3:20 o’clock last eve.

In work of teaching Mr. McTavish had given his strength and talent with an unselfish fidelity and earnestness of purpose, marked even in a calling noted for the purpose.  For the two years he has stood before the children and youth of the local high school as an instructor, counselor and guiding friend.  Instrumental in shaping their lives in molding their thoughts, he has left upon all some impress of his own integrity of character and fixedness of purpose and in their regard of him he has received full need of honor.  Besides taking great interest in school and church work in the city, Ray took an ever increasing interest in musical organization, being a vocalist of no unusual talent.  Deceased was born in the town of Rock, Wood Co., Feb. 3, 1893, and received his education there until he grew to manhood.  He was a student at Marshfield High School, then he entered Carroll College where his ability as a vocalist was again demonstrated when he was selected to sing with the Carroll Glee Club.  For two years he has been history teacher and an exceptional one at that.  His mother, Mrs. Kate McTavish, was with the young man when he answered the final summons.  Two brothers and an uncle arrived here, but one brother, Stanley, returned to Chili to make arrangements for the funeral which was set for Thursday, but owing to train being late did not have it until Friday 10 a.m. at Nasonville church.  Services in memory of this honored teacher and friends were held at the H. Fagan residence, Center St., Rev. Wier officiating.  The choir of the Scot Memorial Church, of which deceased was a member, rendered the song service and the faculty members of the local high school, as well as teacher of the city, attended in a body.

The remains were shipped to Chili and taken to his old home.  Rev. J.W. Davies accompanied the remains, and with Rev. Harry Lethian of Wausaukee, preached to a large crowd of sorrowing friends who, in spite of the blizzard that raged Friday, turned out to pay their respects to the dead.

Many beautiful flowers were offered from friends to show the high esteem and respect he was held.  He is survived by parents, one sister, and four brothers.  (Merrill Herald)