During the mid- to late 19th century, members of the Maxwell family gradually emigrated from Washington County, Virginia, to Texas. Thomas and James Maxwell were the first to make the journey in 1854, and were followed by their parents, Wallace Maxwell (1807-1871) and Mary Corry, two years later. Initially moving to San Saba County, the family eventually settled in Travis County near Austin. Maxwell’s youngest brother, Alexander Carson Maxwell (1818-1871) moved with his wife Cynthia Owen and their six children to Fiskville, Texas, in 1871. One of Alexander’s sons, Thomas Owen (1853-1937) began practicing medicine after graduating from Vanderbilt University in 1878. Following his position as assistant physician of the Austin State Hospital from 1891 through 1905, Thomas was appointed superintendent of the Southwest Texas Hospital in San Antonio. Another son of Alexander, F. P. Maxwell (b. 1847) served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War and was present at Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.
Source:
Composed of biographical sketches, correspondence, certificates, and a photograph, the Maxwell Family Papers, 1838-1871, 1932, chronicle the activities of the Maxwell family, including Alexander Carson, Thomas Owen, F. P., and Wallace, among others. Photostats of correspondence concerns familial affairs, biographical sketches discuss various family members and their move to Texas, and a photograph depicts a young couple. Additionally, two certificates relate to Alexander Carson Maxwell’s successful completion of education and his membership as a Mason in Virginia.
This collection is open for research use.
Maxwell Family Papers, 1838-1871, 1932, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
Basic processing and cataloging of this collection was supported with funds from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) for the Briscoe Center’s