Thomas J. Maxwell

As printed in 1911

THOMAS MAXWELL.

Among the pioneer settlers of Iowa, now deceased, must be mentioned Thomas Maxwell, who for many years was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Muscatine county. Although more than a decade has elapsed since his demise he is well remembered by those who reside in Orono township, where he made his home for many years and was held in high regard. He was born in Indiana in the month of January, 1832, a son of Elijah and Margaret Maxwell, also natives of Indiana, who came west and settled in Iowa long before the advent of the railroad. Unto them were born five children all of whom, with the exception of one daughter residing in Illinois, have now passed away.

The boyhood and youth of Thomas Maxwell did not differ particularly from that of other boys reared in the country at that period. He attended the district school during its brief sessions, assisted his father in the work of the farm and enjoyed such diversions as were available. He remained a member of his father's household until he had passed his eighteenth birthday, when he engaged in farming for himself for a time and then started a sawmill at what is now Columbus Junction. After operating the mill for several years he withdrew from that occupation to once more become a farmer, with which vocation he continued to be identified during the remainder of his life. He was successful in his pursuits and had acquired sufficient property to retire and live in comfort on the fruits of his early toil five years prior to his death.

Mr. Maxwell was twice married. Unto him and his first wife three children were born, who were as follows: Margaret J., the wife of John Swigle, living in Kansas; Absalom, also a resident of Kansas; and John, who died at the age of eighteen years. On the 18th of October, 1868, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss Mary Boggs, a native of Coshocton county, Ohio, and a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Bonett) Boggs. Mr. Boggs was a native of Virginia but his wife was born in the Buckeye state, where they were married but very soon thereafter they migrated to Iowa and settled on a farm in Muscatine county, where they continued to reside during the remainder of their lives. The father died at the venerable age of seventy-eight years but the mother survived for seven years after his demise, passing away shortly after the seventieth anniversary of her birth. They were the parents of the following children: John, who lives in Muscatine county; Mrs. Maxwell, the widow of our subject; Sarah, residing in Nebraska; Oara, of this county; and one who died in infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell were born the following children: Thomas, born on the 3d of July, 1870, who received a high-school education and is now a resident of this county; Robert, whose birth occurred on the 15th of October, 1875, now living in Louisa county; William, who was born on the 15th of September, 1878, now living on the old homestead; and Cora, born on the 15th of October, 1880, the wife of James Helverson, of this county. The family always attended the Reformed church, in which they hold membership.

Mr. Maxwell was an ardent supporter of the democratic party. He was a public-spirited man and took an active interest in all municipal political issues, serving as trustee in his township for fifteen years, the term of his office clearly demonstrating his satisfactory discharge of its responsibilities. He also served as a school director for many years. He was a man who always gave his support to every measure the passing of which would benefit the community or improve local conditions, and this in itself is sufficient to have impressed his personality on his district too strongly to have it readily erased. He passed away at his home in Conesville on the nth of February, 1903, at the age of seventy-one years. Mrs. Maxwell still survives at the age of sixty-six and continues to reside at the homestead.

As printed in History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time; (1911). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.