Robert Maxwell

As printed in 1887

OBKRT MAXWELL, deceased. The virtues of mankind are usually spoken of by ministers who preach the funeral sermon of Xigisonie worthy member of their congregation. But how soon they are forgotten. To enshrine this sketch upon an historic page forever holds in remembrance a man who, during his life, was noted not only for the strictest business integrity, but also for great personal and social worth.

Robert Maxwell was born in Brooke County, Va., Jan. 16, 1792. Before this time, no correct history of the family can be given. His parents, Thomas and Jane (Meeks) Maxwell, had ten children, of whom Thomas was the eldest son. Nancy was the first born, and became the wife of Samuel Crossen, who later moved to Nortliern Indiana, and both died there; they were the p.parents of several children. Henry married Esther Orr, who bore several children, and is referred to in the sketch of Cajtt. Thomas Maxwell. James wedded, and his wife bore him four children. John became the husband of Jane Orr, sister of Henry- Max well's wife; they became residents of this county about 1842. and reared a large family, several of whom are still residents of the county, and Thomas, their son, is a noted physician (jf Kcokuiv. Samuel also married, and has several children; this family remained in Ohio. Elizabeth married Eli Fisher; Rev. (Jeorge Fislier, their son, is resident pastor of the Seceder Church at Washington; they became residents of Southeastern Kansas. Walter, who married Hannah Hawthorne, came to Iowa and died in this county"; they had several children. Thom.as remained in Ohio and married Eliza Sweeney, who had children. Ruchel M., the j'youngest daughter, remained single, and resides in Washington, this county.

The parents of Robert Maxwell moved to Harrison County, Ohio, in l.sOd. settling near Cadiz. His father secured lands in the wildwood at that time, built a log cabin, and began clearing up a farm and making a home, which for many years was a prosperous and happy one. His death occurred before that of his wife, and his remains were interred upon his own land. Robert was twenty years of age when the War of 1812 began. He enlisted under Capt. Joseph Holmes, in Gen. Harrison's brigade. The inclement weather and exposure brought on sickness, for which he was discharged in the spring of 1813. He returned home, and Dec. 29, 1814, his marriage to Martha Ann Crossen was celebrated. She was born May 24, 1796, near Wilmington, N. J., of Irish parents, of whom no history can be obtained. Robert leased a piece of land near the paternal homestead, and they began in earnest to care out for themselves a fortune. They had nothing but pluck and energy to begin with, and after farming on rented land for several years, he purchased land near the old homestead, where the family resided until their removal to this county in 1848. Robert was a noted hunter and an unerring shot. He even after coming to this county often indulged in his favorite sport, and it was well known that when his gun was discharged, game in plenty filled his larger. He never neglected his business for sport; on the contrary, he was indefatigable in labor, and as his years increased his lands were added to, and he sold two nicely improved farms in Ohio. Their children were all born in Ohio. Two died in that State, while nine came to Iowa — William, Thomas, Robert, Samuel, Martha A., John W., Elizabeth R., Nancy and Walter J. The marriages of these child'u arc mentioned in the sketch of Walter J. Maxwell, to which the attention of the reader is called. John C. (.'armen now owns the land purchased first by Robert Maxwell after coming to this county. As his prosperity was continuous, he became wealthy, and at the time of his death, which occurred Aug. 25, 1875, he owned a half-section of land, and had aided largely his children, who were all engaged in farming and who have each grown well-to-do during their business life.

At the ripe old age of eighty-three, this old hero passed away. Without pain his last days were spent. The life that he had lived was worthy of emulation. A Christian from principle, he became a member of the Seceder Church about 1815, and when the United Presbyterian Church was organized in 1858, he became a member, and none more revered its doctrines nor lived more fully up to its teachings. Politically, he was neutral in no measure. Decided, firm in his convictions of right, Robert Maxwell was known as a stanch Whig, and was one of the first to espouse the principles of the Republican party upon its organization, and his last Presidential vote was for U. S. Grant in 1872. He died as he had lived, respected alike by both old and young. His wife survived him six years. She was a tender and loving mother, a faithful wife and a devoted Christian. Her death occurred July 25, 1881, at the advanced age of eighty-six..Side by side, in the old cemetery at Crawfordsville, lie the remains of those worthy people. United in life, in thought, sentiment and faith, their lives were full of peace, and discord to them was unknown. They left nine children and 106 grand and great-grandchildren.

As an addenda to this and to still further complete the family history, we give a few words regarding the family of John W. Maxwell. He is the fifth son in age of the children, was born July 4, 1830, and was a young man of eighteen years when coming with his father in 1848 to this county. In February, 1858, his wedding with Miss martha W. George, daughter of Jacob and Martha (Cantwell) George, was celebrated. Her parents came from Hicliland County, Ohio, to this county in 1853, but none of their name are present residents. Her brother. Rev. Thomas Cantwell George, is Professor of Natural Science in the University of the Pacific at San Jose, Cal., with which for ten years he has been connected. Eight children were born to John W. and Martha Maxwell: Robert C, deceased; Jacob G., Ina L.; Howard M., deceased; Etta A., Clyde M.; Carl A., deceased, and Ollie B. Jacob G. is the husband of Emma M. Anderson, and is a resident of this township; they have one daughter, Lena M.

The married life of John and Mrs. Maxwell was fraught with much happiness. She was a lady possessing great kindness of heart, of fine education and sterling social qualities. Her death occurred Dec. 7, 1877. In the autumn of 1880, Mrs. Rebecca (Daugherty) Stiles became his second wife. She was the mother of three children by her first husband: George T., Arthur D. and Ellen D. Her husband, Moses Stiles, was for a number of years a commercial salesman, and for some time prior to his death was engaged in the mercantile business for himself, at Keota. To the household of John W. Maxwell, want has ever been a stranger. Inheriting from his sire correct business habits, he has accumulated a competency, although a comparatively young man. His broad acres are well stocked, and his fields yield abundant harvests. To none more than the Maxwells does this township do honor.

As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Washington County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and (1887). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.