Capt. Benj. W. Maxwell
Capt. Benj. W. Maxwell was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Nov. 27, 1817. When he was seventeen years old his parents moved to Sidney. On Jan. 5, 1843, he married Miss Mary Jane Shaw. They had two children, Almira Jane, born Dec. 4, 1844; died Feb. 2, 1860; and Samuel W., born May 15, 1848. Mr. Maxwell enlisted in the 134th Ohio May 2, 1864, under Col. Armstrong. He was mustered in at Columbus, and was discharged Sept. 1, 1864. He entered the old State militia in 1838, was elected Captain of the 1st Regiment in 1841, and in 1842 was elected Lieut. Colonel, which rank he held until the militia was disbanded by act of General Assembly. He also became a captain of home guards in 1863. He has served as trustee, but declined other oflices which were within his reach. He was President of the German American Bank a number of years, but at length refused to longer serve. During his whole life he has been engaged in milling operations, which he has conducted on an extensive scale and in a successful manner.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883