Benton Co., AR - Biographies - John L. Maxwell

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John L. Maxwell, M. D., of Bentonville, Ark., is a native of Jessamine 
County, Ky., born in 1833, son of Dr. Joseph L. and Sinal N. (Roman) 
Maxwell, and grandson of John Maxwell, who was a native of Scotland 
and who at an early date immigrated to the United States. He, John, 
went to Kentucky with a Mr. Patterson, and they erected the first 
house where Lexington now stands. Here John Maxwell died, in 1811. His 
son, Joseph L. Maxwell, was the only son, and was born in Lexington, 
Ky., about 1801. He was a graduate in both the literary and medical 
departments of the Transylvania University, at Lexington, Ky., 
graduating as an M. D. in 1821. He practiced in the town of his birth 
for a number of years, and afterward moved to Nicholasville, where he 
resided for a few years. In 1842 he immigrated to Independence, 
Jackson Co., Mo., and in 1844 moved to Cass County, Mo. He was a 
soldier in the Mexican War, and enlisted as assistant surgeon in Col. 
Ralls' regiment, Price's division, and was in service two years, or 
until the close of the war. He died in 1864 in Independence. He was a 
physician who stood in the front ranks of his profession, and was one 
of the highest Masons in the State of Missouri. His wife, Sinai N. 
Roman, was born in Fayette County, Ky., in 1805, is of German 
nativity, and is now living, a resident of Kansas City, Mo. She is the 
mother of nine children, five of whom are now living: Mary S., William 
R., Sarah, Dr. John L. and Joseph H. Dr. John L. Maxwell received his 
literary education at Chapel Hill College, Mo., and at the age of 
tweNty years he commenced the study of his chosen profession. In 1853 
Dr. J. L. Maxwell entered the medical department of the St. Louis 
University, now St. Louis Medical College, and in the spring of 1855 
graduated as an M. D. He soon after located in Bates County, Mo,, and 
entered upon the practice of his profession at Johnstown, but soon 
afterward went to Butler, the county seat. He remained here until the 
breaking out of the war. and part of the time he edited the Western 
Times, In 1856 he married Miss Alzira C. Simpson, daughter of James M. 
Simpson, of Harrisonville, Mo., and a native of the Indian Territory, 
born 1835. To them were born nine children, seven of whom are living: 
Richard L., Joseph S., William R., Elizabeth A., Robert M., Sinai I. 
and Charles L. When the war cloud spread over the nation Dr. Maxwell 
gave up his local work and entered the Confederate army as surgeon. He 
enlisted in 1861 in Col. T. B. Cummings' regiment, Price's division, 
was in the battle of Dry Wood, and in many severe skirmishes, among 
them Carthage and Springfield. He was then moved south, but became 
sick and was not able for active service. He, however, purchased stock 
for the army, and rendered other effective. service. When peace was 
declared he surrendered at McKinncy, Tex. After the war the Doctor 
located in Kansas City, established a drug store, and here practiced 
medicine. In 1871 he moved to Bentonville, Ark., where he has since 
resided, but on account of poor health, has not been actively engaged 
in his profession. Dr. Maxwell has a beautiful home, and is the owner 
of 120 acres of land adjoining the city of Bentonville. He has been 
engaged in business in Chicago, Ill., for the past few years, and 
spends a considerable portion of his time there. He is a 
Prohibitionist in his political views, and is a good citizen of the 
county.