Permission granted by Rush County News for use of obituary in its entirety

The LaCrosse Republican

Thursday, April 16, 1925

Front Page Column 2

MAJOR M. W. BOSWELL IS DEAD

In his 89th year, Major. M. W. Boswell, an early settler in this country, and a man who had the respect at all times, of every acquaintance, passed out of. this life to that mysterious realm beyond.  He died Monday morning of, this week, at the old home just northwest of: town.

Martin William Boswell was born near Rocky Mount, Va., July 25, 1836. In 1845 he moved to Charlestown, West Va., On April 1 1861, he enlisted in Co. A 22nd Reg., Virginia Volunteers. He later served in Co. I and also in. the 34th and 36th Regiments.  After the war, in 1867, he located on a farm in Bates county, Missouri. Then he traveled for a couple years with I.. A. Dodge, the great mathematician.  In 1874, December 2nd, he was united in marriage to Clarabell Bearce.  To this union; one child was born, Daisy M.

The family moved to La Crosse in March 1878, living on a farm just one mile north-west of town and there he lived until his death, which occurred at 4 a.m., on April 13, 1925.

Mr. Boswell was left an orphan at an the early ago of 8 years, and because of a cruel guardian, he went to live  with a brother until his enlistmentin the army. He had one brother and three sisters, who all preceded him to the great beyond, his brother being killed in the war, in the first battle he engaged in.

Mr. Boswell served all through the Civil War, receiving five wounds. He  was captured nine days before Lee's surrender, and suffered a great deal at that time with wounds then received.

Fifteen years ago, while helping a neighbor haul feed, Mr. Boswell's team ran away and dragged him, injuring him internally from which he never was able to fully recover.  He departed this life at the age of 88 years, 8 months and 28 days.

He leaves to mourn his death, his faithful wife and daughter, numerous nieces and nephews, and a large number of a friends.

Mr. Boswell was a pioneer of the courageous type, who was sturdy, staunch and true to his convictions, full of grit, and brave, yet kindly and sociable. The poet exemplified his life, when he wrote: "I would build  me a house by the side of the road, and be a friend to man."

Funeral services were held at the First Christian church, yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, conducted by the pastor Rev. J. W. Kennedy.  The Male quartet, consisting of A. D. Kaufmann, A W. Conard, C. C. Conard S and G. H Renberger, sang. Undertaker Pittman in charge. The remains were laid away in the Lacrosse Cemetery.