[page 176] - George Maxwell, a prominent and enterprising agriculturist residing on section 10, Grant township, is now serving for the second term in the office of township trustee. His birth occurred in County Donegal, Ireland, in August, 1849, his parents being George and Martha (Shaw) Maxwell, who spent their entire lives on the Emerald Isle. Wishing to take advantage of the excellent opportunities which he had heard might be enjoyed in the new world, George Maxwell of this review set sail for the United States in June, 1869, and after landing in this country made his way at once to Page county, Iowa. Here he first worked as a farm hand for three years and on the expiration of that period rented a tract of land, in the operation of which he was successfully engaged for four years.

On the 5th of December, 1875, Mr Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss Julia C. Porter, of Grant township, Page county. Subsequent to his marriage he farmed his wife's property of one hundred and sixty acres and since that time has accumulated extensive landed holdings, being now the owner of three quarter sections of valuable and productive farming land. His success is all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it has come entirely as the result of his own untiring and well directed labor, for when he arrived in this country his cash capital amounted to but one English sovereign. Placing his dependence upon the substantial qualities of industry and perseverence, he has steadily worked his way upward until he is today numbered among the prosperous and representative citizens of Page county.

Unto Mr and Mrs Maxwell have been born six children, four of whom still survive, namely: George W., at home; Thomas W., who follows farming in grant township; and Isabelle and Alice, who are also yet under [page 177] the parental roof. Those deceased are Sarah C. and John, who died in infancy.

Mr Maxwell is a republican in his political views and is now serving for the second term as township trustee, while for many years he had been a member of the school board. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, and though he started out in life empty-handed he has gradually advanced toward the goal of prosperity, caste or class. His steady progress has resulted from the able use of his innate talents and powers and of the opportunities with which he has been surrounded, and his life record proves that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously. He has now made his home in Page county for four decases and is well known and highly esteemed within its borders, having won the kindly regard and friendship of all with whom he has been associated.