It has been deeply regretted by the writer that notwithstanding the report of a committee to express the sense of the Pennsylvania Presbytery relative to the death of his dear brother, the Rev. L. Axtell, stands on record in the Minutes of last spring's meeting, a notice of which was published in the papers of the Church, also a short obituary notice by the Rev. W.F. Silvius, and our Presbytery was represented in the General Assembly at Sedalia, Mo., his name does not appear in the committee's report on deceased ministers, but his address is still given in the directory at Coal Center, Pa. He is not there, but was called away from his toils below to his reward in the celestial city, on March 23, 1886. These facts have induced the following: The Rev. Luther Axtell was the son of Luther and Nancy Axtell, and was the third of a line of four successive Luther Axtells, himself having a son called by that name. He was born December 11, 1820, in Washington county, Pa., and was raised on the same farm. His father was a ruling elder in the Amity congregation of the Presbyterian Church for many years previous to his death, and his mother an acceptable member of the same congregation for seventy-one years. He had his moral training in the Presbyterian Church, under the ministration of the Rev. Cephas Dodd, in the most orderly community we have ever known, and was taught religious obligations in childhood at his mother's knee. Consequently, a good moral character was established at a very early age, and which was never tarnished. He made profession of religion at the memorable camp-meeting held in Milliken's sugar camp, on Ten Mile Creek, near the place where the Pleasant Hill Church is located, in the fall of 1831. He was then in his eleventh year. He was licensed to preach by the Pennsylvania Presbytery, at the spring meeting of 1845, was married to Sarah Lincoln on April 1, 1847, and was ordained in the month of May following, with E. K. Squier, D.D. He obtained a good English education, but was not a graduate of any institution of learning nor did he have any D's added to his name, but had more than ordinary power in the pulpit. In height he was six feet and four inches, straight and well-proportioned. his speech and preaching were not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but was characterized by great plainness and in demonstration of the Spirit and with power. His native singing talent, with like cultivation, would have compared favorably with that of Bliss or Sankey. His songs, his tears, and his earnestness gave him great power and success in his ministerial work. Sowing in tears, it was his to reap with joy. Having gone on his way in life weeping, bearing forth the seed, he shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing many sheaves with him to shine forever as stars in his crown. While seeking a preparation for the work of the ministry he and the Rev. A. J. Baird were fellow students for a time in the family of the writer, and, notwithstanding the great disparity in their physical stature, their souls were knit together like those of David and Jonathan. Although he had a large physical frame and a strong constitution, he, no doubt, shortened his life by excessive labor and exposure. His health had declined for several years, but he labored as long as he was able. On March 23, 1886, having entered on his sixty-sixth year, and having finished his work, he died in peace. He has left one brother, two sisters, a wife, two sons, and one daughter behind, who also are all waiting all the days of their warfare till their release shall come, and has gone to join with parents, two brothers, six sisters, and one son in the cheerful abodes of celestial glory. Having been for many years a worthy member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, his remains were interred with the honors of that order, in the Coal Center Cemetery, there to sleep till the resurrection morn.
   St. Louis Observer please copy.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, November 11, 1886, page 2]

Deceased Ministers

Luther P. Axtell - Pennsylvania Presbytery

[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1887, page 15]