Haxtun Harvest, Haxtun, Colorado, September 9, 1931

AGED PIONEER DIES ON WAY TO CHURCH
A.M. Axelson Succumbs to Heart Attack After More Than 45 Years Continuous Residence in the Haxtun District, Sunday

A.M. Axelson, 78, one of the earliest settlers in the Haxtun country, died suddenly last Sunday morning while on his way to attend church services. He had not been in good health for several years, and a short time ago was confined to his home for several weeks by a heart attack from which he later rallied. He had just left the house last Sunday morning and when within a few feet of the street, a neighbor lady, Mrs. Davis, who happened to be looking out of the window of her home, next door to the north, saw him falter and fall. She and her husband and others who happened to be passing, went to his assistance immediately and carried him back into the house.

Dr. McKnight, who had passed the home just a few minutes before was called back, but the stricken man was dead when the doctor arrived.

Mr. Axelson first settled in the Haxtun district in 1885. At that time this section of the state was very sparsely settled. He was married a year later to Lottie A. Johnson and they made their home six and a half miles southeast of the present town of Haxtun.

He was a very public spirited man and was actively identified with the development of Haxtun and Phillips County for more than 46 years. He was especially interested in crop development and devoted a great deal of time to a study of crops best adapted to this climate and soil.

Few men in Phillips County have been as instrumental in the upbuilding and development of this section of the state over so long a period of time.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Radford Funeral Home and from the Elim Lutheran Church. The funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Stromquist of Greeley, former pastor of the Haxtun church, who read the following obituary.

A.M. Axelson was born at Ostergotland, Sweden, in the year 1853. In 1869 he immigrated to America and first settled at Andover, Illinois where he made his home until the year 1878 when he moved to Bertrand, Nebraska.

In the year 1885 he moved to Haxtun, Colorado where he has since resided. In 1886 he was united in marriage with Lottie A. Johnson. This union was blessed with eight children, seven of whom survive, one having died in infancy.

Mr. Axelson was one of the pioneers of the Haxtun district. He was very public spirited and always interested in the improvement and upbuilding of the community. No question concerning the progress or betterment of Haxtun and community escaped his attention, whether material, social or spiritual.

As a neighbor he was very sociable, hospitable and accommodating. Of a kind, genial disposition visitors in his home always received a friendly welcome.

He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church of which he has been an active member all of his lifetime. He was very faithful to his church, both in attendance and in support. His interest was not only local; it extended to conference and Synod as well. It was a very common thing to meet him at the annual conference and Synodical meetings.

He died very suddenly September 6, 1931, while on his way to church, at the age of 77 years, 9 months and 29 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Lottie, three sons, Gust, George and Carl; four daughters, Effie, Louise, Mabel and Ella; two sons-in-law, three daughters-in-law and 12 grandchildren. There are also two brothers and two sisters and other relatives and friends.