MARIS, John E.
Source: Kingman Star 7 June 1912 edition --
A deep gloom was cast over all Kingman and Parke County when the life of John E. Maris passed on to the better world in the great change called, about 4 o'clock last Monday afternoon after a lingering illness of cancer of the lower bowels. For several days the grief-stricken family had been gathered about the bedside of their loved one to await the final summons as the physicians had informed them that it would not be long.
John E. Maris was a noble christian soldier and had a legion of friends whose heads were bowed in soorrow when the sad news of his death reched their hearing. He was a good citizen, a kind neighbor and an honest dealer. He was twice in the meat business at his place, the last time selling out on account of ill health. The following obituary which is a splendid biography Mr. maris' life has been handed in for publication: John E. Maris was born near Annapolis, Indiana June 11, 1850 and departed this life June 3, 1912; age 61 years 11 months and 23 days.
His boyhood days were spent in an near Annapolis where he received his common school education. His academic training, however, was taken in the Bloomingdale Academy.
Brother Maris was converted during a series of meetings conducted by Billie Smith when only a boy of 15. He united with the Methodist Episcopal church at that early age and continued an active member of the same throughout his entire life.
On Oct 61, 1871 he was married to Miss Mary Swaim. To this union were born 3 children: Frank Maris, Mrs. John Sowers, and Mrs. Nereus McDaniel, all of whom survive him and are residents of this community. The second year he rented a farm and the two launched out on their own resources to fight the battle of life together. For six years they labored thus and were happy to realize at the end of this t ime that they were able to purchase for themselves a farm and home. He was an energetic farmer and at that work proved to be very successful. For the last 25 years in addition to farming he has been engaged in buying and shipping stock. In all his business dealings his great aim was to live and let live, and in maintining this motto he practiced the principle of honesty.
Brother Maris was a devoted husband and a loving father. He was no more thoughtful of his family's physical comforts and needs thatn their souls' welfare. Though all his life subjected to physical ailments he maintained a high state of physical ambition and spiritual attainment. His soul's delight was centered in making those about him happy. THe last six months of his life was spent as a constant sufferer, but in the midst of his severest pain he never complained and never failed to show his appreciation for any little service rendered him. For some time Brother mrais prayed God to spare his life that he might be with his family as their comfort and protector, but when he realized that he could not stay he was very willing to trust them to God's good care.
He regretted ever so much to leave his faithful wife and loved ones but like a true Christian soldier he most heroically siad, "Not my will but thine be done." More than a week before his death he called his pastor to this beside and there in the presence of his pastor and friends he prayed most earnestly to God to bless and care for his wife and family after he was gone. He exacted a promise from each of his children to live for Christ and do His bidding. After prayer he repeatedly told us that it was well with his soul. For months the best medical serivce and most careful attention of loving hands was rendered him but in spite of medical skill and loving care his earthly body was overcome by disease and his soul took its flight. While his spirit waited back to God his wife, children and one brother stood by. They will always mourn his death but they are not alone in their sorrow. The whole community feels very distinctly the loss it must sustain. Funeral services were conducted form the ME Church by the pastor, Rev. RV Johnson assisted by Rev JM McHargue of Perrysville at 10 o'clock Wednesday - interment was made in Harveysburg cemetery. -- kbz