From the Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Story County, Iowa (1890)

J. W. Maxwell, of the well-known general mercantile firm of Baldwin & Maxwell, at Maxwell, and Iowa Centre, Iowa, was born in Miamisburg, Ohio, April 2, 1834, and in the State of his birth made his home, receiving his education, until 1864, when he determined to come to Story County, Iowa, and has since been a member of the above-named firm, an account of which will be found in another part of this volume.

Mr. Maxwell, while on his way west, resided for a short time in La Fayette, Ind. And he was there united in marriage, in 1857, to Miss Ettie Pifer, a native of that place.

In his political views Mr. Maxwell has always been an ardent Republican, and for two terms ably represented Story County on the board of supervisors, and for over fifteen years was a member of the board of school trustees of Indian Creek Township, being largely instrumental in building up and perfecting the school system of the same. To him the rising generation is largely indebted for the large and convenient school buildings at Maxwell and Iowa Centre.

Upon coming to Story County, he first located at Iowa Centre, but subsequently removed to Maxwell, where he is now living. In 1867 he became a member of Nevada Lodge No. 99, A. F. & A. M., and 3 X 3 Chapter, and now belongs to St. Aldermar Commandery of Marshalltown, El Kher Shrine at Cedar Rapids, and De Molay Consistory at Lyons, Iowa.

Mr. Maxwell is one of the most potent factors in the business growth and prosperity of Story County, and since his identification with it as a businessman, no one can justly claim greater credit for the increase of trade in a mercantile way. Bringing to bear many years of experience and thorough business habits, he has made his house one of the most substantial and reliable in this section of the country, and in fact he is known as one of the best business men in the State.

Socially, he is a member of Lodge No. 63, of the I. O. O. F., at Maxwell, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.