W. E. Maxwell, was born in Jefferson County, Iowa, December 16, 1854. His father, John Maxwell, was born in Indiana, and his mother, nee Catherine Clover, in Pennsylvania. They were married in Jefferson County, Iowa. Grandfather Maxwell was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. When the subject of this sketch was about ten years of age his parents moved to Lucas County, Iowa, and located northeast od Chariton, where they lived for some time. They are now residents of Chariton. The father has been engaged in farming all his life. They have reared a family of six sons: Albert, who resides in Washington; W. E., the subject of this sketch; I. M., Sumner County, Nebraska; T. H. and E. J. (twins), the former a resident of Creston, Iowa, and the latter of Chariton; and C. G., also at Creston, engaged in the mercantile business with his brother, T. H.

W. E. passed his youth at farm work, and received his education in the public schools of Lucas County. He was married at Council Bluffs, Iowa, September 5, 1878, to Miss S. J. Timberman, a native of Pottawattamie County, Iowa. She received her education in her native county and also in Harrison County, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell have three children: Amy Pearl, Gaylen Cloyd and Ivy Emma.

Mr. Maxwell came to Pottawattamie County in March, 1876. For three years he rented land. In 1879 he purchased eighty acres of wild land, which he improved and sold in 1888. Then he bought his present farm of John Colwell. This land was first improved by Morford & Burggess. It comprises eighty acres, and is under a good state of cultivation. A good frame house has been erected, which is situated on a natural building site, surrounded by a grove and orchard of an acre and a half. Everything about the house and farm shows the enterprise and prosperity of the owner.

Politically Mr. Maxwell is a Republican. He is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a man yet in the prime of life, is frank and cordial in his manner, and is regarded as one of the representative citizens of Center Township.