Margaret Maxwell Humphrey (b?, d?): Margaret Maxwell was probably Norman's older sister
and had already married Glenn Humphrey by the 1850 census. Norman J. Maxwell, the author's great great grandfather, was born on March 13, 1834 on
a farm in Plain Grove township, Lawrence County, in western Pennsylvania. His parents were
William and Nancy (Waddell) Maxwell of Lawrence County where their parents were pioneers.
Norman's grandfather and grandmother were James Maxwell and Nancy (Braden?) Maxwell , who
had entered some land in eastern Pennsylvania. Plaingrove South cemetery records indicate James
Maxwell was born in 1773 and died on February 10, 1852. Next to him is Nancy, born 1766 and died
in 1817. His great grandfather, name unknown, was born in Scotland. His father William was a
farmer by occupation and his property was located on the eastern edge of Plaingrove Township.
William's sister Sarah, who was approximately 6 to 10 years younger (depending on whether the
1850 or 1860 census was correct), lived on the family homestead as well. William died in 1851, aged
about 50 years old. His mother Nancy died around 1866. Based on the 1850 census from North Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County, Norman had three
brothers and three sisters. Two of the brothers and two of the sisters were younger while one brother
and one sister were older. An additional two sisters not shown on the census records were
discovered courtesy of Mr. Oscar Paden and Mrs. Evelyn Maxwell Paden. Mrs. Paden is a
descendant of Colonel Maxwell's brother Robert. Her grandfather Marion Dewitt Maxwell was
Colonel Maxwell's nephew.
Margaret Maxwell Humphrey (b?, d?): Margaret Maxwell was probably Norman's older sister
and had already married Glenn Humphrey by the 1850 census.
Robert Maxwell (b. July 1, 1830, d. 1881): Robert Maxwell was the eldest sibling and
inherited the land of his father William. The 1872 History of Lawrence County/ 1873 Atlas of
Lawrence County showed Robert Maxwell's land as 218 acres. The 1860 census of Plaingrove
Township shows his occupation was a farmer, his personal value was $1,500 and his land value was
$6,000. For this time period, he was probably considered quite wealthy. The 1860 census shows
his household had his wife Rebecca (McCune) aged 27, a daughter Catherine aged 5, a son Marion
(DeWitt) aged 2, a daughter Nancy aged 4 months, his mother Nancy, aged 57, his brother George
(a farm laborer) aged 19, his sister Ellen (Melissa) aged 11, his sister Mary (a servant) aged 25, and
his aunt Sarah, aged 53.
The 1870 census shows his personal estate increased to $1,500 and his land value at $19,000.
No wife is shown in the 1870 census. The author presumes she died in childbirth or of some illness.
His youngest sister Ellen Melissa was shown as aged 21, his son Marion DeWitt as aged 12, a
daughter Nancy O. as aged 10, and a daughter Mary, aged 7.
The 1880 census shows that Robert was 49 years old, and had remarried to a Maggie
(Downs), aged 36. Marrion D.(DeWitt) was 22 years old, Olive N. (Nancy) was 20 years old, and
his daughter Mary E was 17 years old. Two more children were reported: John L., aged 7 and
Matilda J, aged 6. According to Mr. Edward Maxwell of Pasco Washington, a descendant of
Marrion DeWitt (his grandfather), Robert was killed (date?) after being kicked by a horse. Additional
information on descendants of Marrion DeWitt (Norman's are discussed at a later time.
Mary Maxwell (b. 1833? d. ?): Nothing is known to date by the author about Mary Maxwell.
She is shown as being two years older than Norman in the 1850 census record. Because the 1860
census was in her young adult years, she likely was already married and had taken on her husband's
surname. According to information from the Padens of Grove City, PA she married a man named
James Shaw.
Nancy Maxwell (b. August 27, 1835, d. ?): Nothing more is known by the author of
Norman's sister Nancy. Anna Maxwell (b. 1837?, d. ?): As above, nothing is known about this sister,
she is shown as one year younger than Norman in the 1850 census. Like Mary, she was likely
married at the time of 1860 census. According to information from the Padens of Grove City, PA
she married a man named William Offut.
George Maxwell (b. August 13, 1841, d. January 19, 1901): The 1850 census shows him as
9 years old. Nothing is known about his childhood except that he was a farm laborer on his brother
Robert's farm in 1860 (aged 19) before the Civil War. The following narrative is from a biographical
sketch taken from the History of Butler County written in the late 1800s.
In 1861, George enlisted in
Company E of 100th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment
(the "Roundheads"). George made rank of Sergeant and served until the close of the war. He
participated in the following engagements: James Island, where he was slightly wounded, Second
Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Jackson, Knoxville, the
Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House, where he was wounded on May 12, 1864 by a gun shot
to the right knee. He was sent to a field hospital, then to Grosvenor Hospital, Alexandria, Virginia,
thence to McClellan Hospital, Philadelphia, where he remained until August 28, 1865, on which date
he was honorably discharged from the service.
In 1866, Mr. Maxwell located at Centreville, Butler County, PA where he engaged in the
purchase of livestock for the eastern market, which business he has followed up to the present. He
is a man of commendable public enterprise, and was one of the first citizens of the community to offer
his means and influence towards obtaining the State Normal School, at Centreville. He was one of
the original stockholders of that institution, served on the building committee, and has been president
of the board of trustees since it's organization.
Few men of his locality have done more for the material prosperity of the community than the
subject of this sketch. He is a leading Republican, and is a prominent member of O.G. Bingham Post,
Number 305, G.A.R. of Slippery Rock.
The author introduces at this point that Norman served in
Company E with the Roundheads
as well. A detailed discussion of Norman's service is presented in a later section. George and
Norman were in a reunion of surviving members of Company E on October 15, 1884 in Plaingrove,
PA. The author has a computer reenhanced reunion photograph and text. This reunion photograph
was enhanced by Mr. Michael Reznor of Volant, PA. George's obituary from the Tuesday, January
22, 1901 edition of the "New Castle News" indicated he died in Cambridge Springs. This obituary
stated that his wise counsels, and uncompromising support of the faculty in all matters of discipline
and instruction, made strong hands of all who had such duties to perform. As the official head of the
board of trustees, he wisely conducted the financial and other business relations of the school.
George is buried in Slippery Rock Cemetery off Route 108 east of Slippery Rock. He is buried with
his niece (Robert's daughter), Mary E. Maxwell (b. 1862, d. 1941) and his youngest sister, Ellen
Melissa (b. May 15, 1849, d. June 20, 1909).
John Maxwell (b. 1844?, d. ?): The 1850 census shows John as 6 years old. No specific
information about John is known.
Eleanor Melissa (b. May 15, 1849, d. June 20, 1909): The 1850 census record shows
Eleanor as 1 year old. The 1860 and 1870 census records show Eleanor lived on the Maxwell estate
with her oldest brother Robert and worked as a servant. Her cemetery record listing as Eleanor
Melissa Maxwell indicates she never married. As stated previously, she is buried with her brother
George and her niece Mary E. Maxwell.
A biography on Norman from the 1909 History of Mercer County states that he obtained a
good common school education in the country schools, but on account of his father's death (1851),
had to begin life's battle for himself at an early age. When about 18 years of age (1853?), he went
to Mercer County to learn the carriage-making trade, with a cousin, who died within a year, thus
changing young Norman Maxwell's plans for life. He then turned to agricultural implement-making,
working in a factory in this industry for a period of 5 years, after which he went to North Liberty,
Pennsylvania. There he remained at the same kind of work, until the Civil War broke out in 1861.
On December 21, 1858, Norman married Elizabeth Adeline Campbell, a seamstress from Plaingrove
Township.
A biography of Elizabeth Adeline's father Benjamin Campbell was obtained from the History
of Butler County. He was a farmer born in 1809 in Plaingrove, Lawrence County, moved to Mercer
County until 1850 and then moved to Slippery Rock Township in Butler County. He married Nancy
Craig, a daughter of William Craig of Mercer County. She died on June 21, 1893, the mother of 10
children, viz: James, deceased; Josephine, wife of James Clark; Elizabeth Adeline, wife of Col.
Norman J. Maxwell; Jane, wife of C.S. Grace; Milton, who enlisted in Company E, 100th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was killed at Spotsylvania Court House; Agnes, widow of Newell
Glenn; Ellen, wife of G.W. Wood; Martha; Mark, and William. Benjamin Campbell was an elder in
the Presbyterian Church of Centreville, and in politics, he was a supporter of the Republican party.
Elizabeth Adeline's grandfather and grandmother were Samuel and Mary (Graham) Campbell. Her
grandfather was born in Londonderry, Ireland, immigrated to America prior to the Revolution, and
while working at the blacksmith's trade near Baltimore, Maryland, joined Washington's Army and
served throughout the Revolution. About 1796 he entered 400 acres of land in Plaingrove Township,
upon which he settled and spent the remaining years of his life. His children were Alexander; James;
William; Mark; Samuel; Sarah, who married Andrew Turk; Jane, who married Daniel McMillan, and
Benjamin.
Approximately one year later, Norman J. and Elizabeth Adeline had their first and only child,
Flora E. Maxwell. Flora was born December 20, 1859. Two years later their lives would change on
the outset of the Civil War. In 1860 or early 1861, Norman joined the Slippery Rock Volunteers, a
local militia. The 1872 History/1873 Atlas of Lawrence County describes the "Slippery Rock
Volunteers" as following:
The uniform of the "Slippery Rock Volunteers" was a yellow linen hunting shirt, trimmed with
red fringe; red leggings, a citizen's hat with a white plume. Each man furnished his own uniform and
his own rifle, with which weapon the men were armed. William Stoughton was probably the first
captain of this company, and Samuel Riddle also held the position for a time. After their name was
changed to the "Washington Guards", they also changed their uniform to blue pants and coat, red
sash, and cloth cap with a white plume. They had four gatherings annually: drill May 4th, review,
May 12, and drill July 4th and September 10th. This company contained about one hundred men, and
entered the service in 1861 with nearly that strength. And under the following officers, viz: Captain,
Samuel Bentley; First Lieutenant, Andrew Nelson; Second Lieutenant, Norman Maxwell. They
joined the One Hundredth or "Roundhead" regiment, and were mustered into the service as Company
E of that body, and before the close of the war saw much severe service.
The following section on Norman, The Civil War Years 1861-1865, is the most extensive
section of this biography because of the information available from William G. Gavin's book,
"Campaigning with the Roundheads, The History of the Hundredth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer
Infantry Regiment in the American Civil War 1861-1865.", Morningside Press, 1989 (website
http//:www.morningsidebooks.com). The summary and description of specific battles and campaigns
draw on Gavin's fine history. Other primary sources include National Archive records, the U.S.
Army Military History Institute in Carlisle Barracks, PA; the 1872 Lawrence County History/1873
Lawrence County Atlas, and other miscellaneous sources of information that will be mentioned at the
time of reference.
Daniel Leasure, a physician from New Castle, Lawrence County is credited with organizing
and commanding the "Roundheads" after seeing an advertisement in a Pittsburgh newspaper dated
April 15, 1861. Fort Sumter had been attacked on April 12, 1861 and President Lincoln was calling
for 75,000 troops to be assembled from the state's militias. The following is a discussion on how the
name "Roundheads" came to be. Western Pennsylvania, particularly Mercer and Lawrence counties,
had been settled by predominantly Scotch-Irish immigrants, primarily of Presbyterian faith. These
were largely descendants of the supporters of the Scottish National Covenant of 1638. They also
apparently felt some allegiance to Cromwell and his followers, the Roundheads, so named by the
Cavaliers during the English Civil War of 1660. The degree of allegiance of the" Covenanters" to
Cromwell is unknown, and also is somewhat suspect.
Company E, was organized from men in the Harlansburg and Plain Grove Areas, just east of
New Castle, In Lawrence County. The official mustering began August 29, 1861 in Harrisburg, PA
with Company E taking the oath of allegiance on August 31, 1861. Both Norman and George his
younger brother were mustered in August 31, 1861. A few days after mustering in, Norman was
promoted to 2nd sergeant and in October of 1861 was promoted to 2nd lieutenant. After initial drill
and encampment at Kalorama Heights in Washington D.C. in September of 1861, the Roundheads
shipped off for Annapolis, MD by train on October 10, 1861. After arriving in Annapolis on October
12, they readied for transport to Port Royal Island, SC and left October 19th aboard the steamer
"Ocean Queen".
1862 Southern Coast Operations
Their mission was to assist in a strategic blow to the Confederate supply ports on the southern
coast line, specifically to attack and occupy Port Royal Sound. The mission was led by Brigadier
General Thomas W. Sherman. The Roundheads played a significant role in taking Hilton Head.
They spent the remainder of Fall 1861 and Winter 1862 in South Carolina for fortification purposes.
On February 15, 1862, Norman Maxwell was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
William G. Gavin proudly owns a rifle that was Norman Maxwell's, a Sharps New Model
1859 rifle. The rifle has the inscription "Captured at James Island, South Carolina, June 2nd 1862".
He was then a Lieutenant and has cut "Lt. N. Maxwell" into the stock with a pen knife. Mr. Gavin
believes the gun belonged to a member of the 24th South Carolina as they occupied the battery on
the Stono River when the regiment landed there on June 2, prior to the fiasco at Secessionville, June
16th. According to Mr. Gavin, Colonel Maxwell did some sporterizing of the rifle after the war and
probably used it as a deer rifle. William Gavin has restored the rifle to it's original condition.
The Roundheads first taste of battle came on June 3, 1862 in a skirmish at the Legare
Plantation on James Island, South Carolina as part of a series of attacks on Charleston defenses. The
Roundheads first major battle action was on June 16, 1862 on James Island where they attacked a
confederate battery (Battery Lamar) that was a threat to Union-secured fortifications on the coast.
It is here where the Roundheads made a frontal assault on the heavily fortified Battery Lamar known
as the Battle of Secessionville. George Maxwell, Norman's brother is reported to have been wounded
on James Island. The assault was suicidal in strategy according to the Brigade Commander, Colonel
Leasure, but was ordered by higher command. Battery Lamar was situated on a hill on a
peninsula-like piece of land between swamps. Attempts at flanking the battery were thwarted because
of difficult mobility through the swamp. The Roundheads had no choice but to make a frontal attack.
The battle took it's toll on the Roundheads with 13 killed and mortally wounded.
This battle essentially ended the Roundheads service on the south coast and they were off to
Virginia in July of 1862. On July 29, 1862 the Roundheads received their first state colors finished
by the Horstmann Brothers. It was officially presented to the Roundheads by Brigadier General
Isaac. Stevens.
Battle of Second Manassas or Second Bull Run
Their next major Battle was Second Manassas or 2nd Battle of Bull Run on August 29, 1862.
Though this battle was another confederate rout over the Union army, the Roundheads fought
bravely. It was in this battle that Norman was wounded in the neck. Leasure's brigade which
consisted of the 100th Pennsylvania and 46th New York regiments attacked the Confederate defense
line on the unfinished railroad. Following this battle the Roundheads were hobbled with 27 members
of the regiment killed and mortally wounded. 117 others were wounded. Only in the Battle of
Spotsylvania, later in the war did the Roundheads sustain more casualties. The attack made by
General Phil Kearny never had a chance of success. It, like many of the federal assaults that
afternoon, was made against a strong enemy position and was completely uncoordinated and
unsupported. This marked the second time the Roundheads were defeated in a frontal assault. On
both occassions, Secessionville and Manassas, only about half of the regiment participated in the
attacks. However, Company E fought in both of these battles.
The Roundheads fought another major battle in the area immediately after 2nd Manassas with
the Battle of Chantilly on September 1, 1862. Another seven Roundheads died that day but the
Confederates were foiled in a flanking march against Pope's retreating forces. The Roundheads, with
General Steven's men, rebuffed Lee and Jackson's efforts to deal the Federal Army a severe blow.
Although the Northerners abandoned the field early the next day, their efforts had been successful in
stopping the enemy move. By September 3, 1862, the Federal Army of Virginia and the veteran
Army of the Potomac had withdrawn in the defenses of Washington, marking the end of Pope's
Virginia Campaign. The Roundheads next action was in Maryland when the two great armies
clashed in the Battles South Mountain and Antietam September 14, and 17, 1862, only two weeks
after their brutal affair at 2nd Manassas and Chantilly.
Battle of South Mountain and Antietam
The Battle of South Mountain was a victory for Orlando Willcox's men. Welsh's Brigade, with
the Roundheads, attacked a strong Confederate line at Fox's Gap and were successful in driving the
enemy from the field. The assault was made over difficult terrain, requiring an advance over steep
uphill country. With the seizure of the South Mountain passes, the Confederates were forced to
retreat and concentrate at Sharpsburg. Here Lee was in a poor position and might have been dealt
a mortal blow by a determined Union commander rather than George McClellan.
The Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862 proved to be the single-most bloodiest day
in the Civil War. The Roundheads were assigned as skirmishers for Welsh's Brigade, and succeeded
in driving the Confederates before them into the outskirts of the village of Sharpsburg. The arrival
of A.P. Hill's Confederates forced the withdrawal of the entire Ninth Corps back to the Antietam.
It was a close call for Lee, for a further advance by the Ninth Corps into Sharpsburg would have put
the Army of Northern Virginia in a serious predicament, endangering it's line of retreat to the
Potomac. Because the 100th Pennsylvania regiment was assigned as skirmishers rather than as part
of an assaulting brigade, it was fortunately not as severe a battle for them compared to other
regiments. Only two men were killed or mortally wounded in this battle.
Forty-two years after the battle though, on September 17, 1904, the little village of
Sharpsburg was filled with Pennsylvanians in a dedication ceremony for monuments erected of the
13 Pennsylvania regiments that fought on that battlefield that day. The statue of the Roundheads is
called "Challenge", and shows the private soldier shortly after a severe engagement, assigned to
picket duty, while his comrades try to secure the much needed rest. In the cool of the night, he
hasthrown his cap to the ground and hearing footsteps (whether friend or foe he knows not) he stands
at "ready" and challenges those approaching-a moment of tense anxiety met with the courage of the
young American volunteer. The statue is bronze and was molded by artist W. Clark Noble. The
statue is impressive, 17 feet 4 inches tall and lays in the path where the Roundheads, acting as brigade
skirmishers advanced upon Sharpsburg during the afternoon of September 17, 1862. It is the only
known monument dedicated solely to the Roundheads and lists the 24 battles and engagements in
which the regiment was engaged.
The Roundheads got much needed rest the Fall of 1862 but were in action again at the Battle
of Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862. Here they were fighting for the 9th Army Corps under the
new commander of the Army of the Potomac, General Ambrose Burnside. Though they occupied
a position in the center of the battlefield, they were not involved with the heavy fighting on December
13th. However, if Burnside's poorly planned attack on December 14th had been made, there is little
doubt that the regiment would have received a costly setback in it's attack against the Confederate
line at the base of Marye's Heights. The Roundheads were in position, that early morning of
December 14th, ready to move. Fortunately, the assault was never ordered.
U.S. Archive Military records indicate that he was absent from his company December 1862
through February 1863 to serve in the ambulance corps. There is little doubt that he tended to many
of the union soldiers that were slaughtered in the Battle of Fredericksburg. On February 15, 1863
Norman was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. U.S. Archive Military records indicate that he was still
absent from muster roll records in March 1863. At this time he was Chief of the Ambulance Corps
for the 1st Division of the 9th Army Corps. On April 24, 1863 he was promoted to Captain and was
commanding Company E after Captain Bentley resigned. This promotion occurred at Camp Dick
Robinson near Milldale, Mississippi.
From April through June of 1863, the Roundheads were on maneuvers through Kentucky.
Though they didn't know it at the time they were inching their way toward Mississippi where they
were to be a part of the Siege of Vicksburg. Though they were not participants in the great battle
of Gettysburg, their involvement in Vicksburg contributed toward a larger strategic victory for the
Union army and, coupled with Gettysburg, marked a turning point in the war. The Roundheads and
the rest of the 9th Army Corps were positioned north and east of the town in a strongly fortified
position awaiting General Joseph E. Johnston's relief attack from the east. Because of their presence,
Johnston was unable to advance beyond Big Black River thus insuring Vicksburg's capture.
The remainder of 1863 the Roundheads and the 9th Army Corps were securing other parts
of Mississippi and Tennessee for the Union Army which was tightening the vise on the Confederate
army's southern operations.
On February 29, 1864, Milton C. Campbell, Norman's wife Elizabeth Adeline Campbell's
younger brother was mustered into Norman's Company E of the Roundheads. There is no doubt that
Norman's influence got him into Company E. It is evident from Norman's military records that he
was recruiting for the regiment in March of 1864 in North Liberty, PA.
Into the Wilderness - The Battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House, May 1864
In April of 1864 the regiment spent time around Annapolis, MD. Toward the end of April
the Roundheads would be marching toward the first of a series of battles in Grant's Virginia campaign
of 1864, the Battle of the Wilderness. Fortunately for Captain Maxwell, he stepped in a hole while
on marching toward the battlefield on the night of May 5, 1864. U.S. Military Archive pension
records gave a detailed picture of what happened that night. The following is a letter written by Dr.
Daniel Leasure (the father of the Roundheads) on October 20th, 1884. At this time Dr. Leasure
was operating a medical practice in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 10th in relation to the case of Norman J. Maxwell whose application
for pension #465.305 is pending, in your office they to state, that on the night of the 5th of May
1864, he was in command of his company (E) on picket duty guarding the fords of the Rappahonack
and before starlight my brigade was ordered to march and that it was reported to me by the
regimental surgeon that Capt. Maxwell had stepped in a hole or in some way hurt his leg or ankle
and asked me what should be done with him as we were evidently about to engage the enemy. I
instructed him to put him in one of the ambulances going to General Hospital at Fredericksburg.
I think he was sent there. When afterwards I saw his ranking officers killed in battle V(?). Dawson
(?), Joe Pentecost Lt. Col. and had a horse I think, I do not remember anything farther concerning
the case that is not set forth.
Another pension file affadavit record on December 5, 1882 by a witness William Taylor discussed the event as well:
....that he (William Taylor) was enlisted in the U.S. service in the Company G of the 100th
Penn. Volunteers: that he was acquainted with the applicant N. J. Maxwell; that while in the service
in 1864he saw him on the morning of May 6 suffering from the result of a fall in the dark during the
march of the previous night: He was seriously ill. In the hurried movement of that morning, there
was notransportation or means of conveying our sick, and he tried to follow our command, which
evidentlyincreased his trouble. His leg was badly sprained and he was injured internally, with pain
in the abdomen which had the character of peretonitis. Near Chancellorsville, he could not go
further, and with some of the disabled men he was left to get on as best he could. I never expected
to see him again. However, he came back to the command before he reached Petersburg although
still suffering from the sprain. I have seen him since at various times, and he still complains of the
hurt received that night, and the last time I saw him (in October last), he walked with difficulty, his
foot and ankle were swollen and congested and in a worse condition than ever before.
And finally, a pension file affadavit record on August 19, 1884 by a witness David M. Lock, another soldier from the Roundheads:
Your affiant further states that he saw the said Maxwell while in command of Co. E Regt.
100 Pa Vol and in the line of his duty when going to the Battle of the Wilderness fall in a rut or hole
on or about May 5th A.D. 1864 and by the fall he sprained his right leg midway between the ankle
and the knee, and that the said Maxwell was unable to go any farther at that time by reason of the
injury received to right leg from said fall.
Seven days later on May 12, 1864 in the Battle of Spotsylvania Norman Maxwell's
brother-in-law Milton C. Campbell was killed. His brother George was wounded in the knee in the
same battle. For the Roundheads as a regiment, this battle was the most costly with 44 men killed
or mortally wounded. Norman was lucky not to have been in this battle for his ancestor's sake. His
company E had 12 killed and 23 wounded, a 50 percent loss. This transcripted diary entry from B.F.
Junkin mentions the wounding of Norman's brother George, and the death of his brother-in-law
Milton.
Thursday, May 12 - Had coffee and started off for the line of battle. Kept up a skirmished fight
through the woods during which Joseph was wounded and Paree killed. About 2 o'clock we were
ordered to make a charge through the woods, but we were soon on a rifle pit and were forced to fall
back with heavy loss to our regiment. Company E lost in wounded and killed 22 during the day.
Killed Paree, Stewart, Hunt, Stewart, Gill, Milton Campbell, W.H. Rodgers,. Wounded Sergeant
Mc________ and Ser. Bentley, Maxwell, Corp. Moore, Stevenson, Privates Rounds, Shaner, _____,
_____, Book, Barber, two Hannahs, Brown, P. Cook, H. Martin, Tomkin. We fell back a short
distance and lay on our arms all night. Had our skirmishes and ordered not to sleep for fear of a
surprise. Rained on us all day and night.
This must have been a difficult time for Norman having lost his brother-in-law, almost losing
his brother, being injured prior to the battle and not being able to lead his company into the battle
which may have prevented some of the heavy losses to his company.
In the Roundheads next major battle, Cold Harbor on June 2, 1864, they were furiously assailed during their withdrawal movement on the Shady Grove Road. Under these circumstances a less experienced brigade might have panicked and fled to the rear. The Roundheads, along with their comrades the 21st Massachusetts and 3rd Maryland, turned and fought off their aggressive attackers and eventually withdrew in safety to the assigned positions. In this engagement, the Roundheads once again suffered heavy casualties. This battle marked the end of Grant's Rapidan campaign. The next battles occurred in and around Petersburg in June and July of 1864.
Tragedy at the Petersburg Crater, July 30, 1864
The Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864 was a failure in the Union command's management of the events following the explosion of the mine under the confederate lines. The Roundheads were heavily involved in the attack which resulted in heavy losses. In Gavin's book he discusses an excerpt from an article, "The Mine Explosion", written by Lt. John W. Morrison, Company E that gives an eery glimpse of a feeling that the officers in the Roundheads were uncomfortable with the impending attack on the Crater.
"In the bombproof of Company E, there assembled that night (July 29), Captain Oliver and
Lieutenant Hammond of Company B, Lieutenant Montgomery of Company K, Captain Maxwell and
Lieutenant Morrison of Company E. The nature of the movement was conjectured and for some
minutes freely discussed; then a silence, tense in the extreme broken occasionally by the bursting of
a shell prevailed. This was finally broken by one of the group saying he had a presentiment that he
would be hit on the morrow, that he had thus far escaped without a serious hurt but felt in mind and
body, he would no longer be immune from injury. This led to a personal interchange of thought on
the subject of presentiments, each in turn giving his views thereon, coupled with a belief as to his
chances in the battle. This belief was to be fulfilled or mercifully shattered ere the close of another
day. The result justified the majority of the group in its belief of the subject they had discussed. Of
their number, Captain Oliver was killed, Captain Maxwell was slightly wounded. Lieutenants
Montgomery and Morrison were the last officers of our Regiment to leave the crater, reaching our
lines without serious injury - the latter being struck by a spent musket ball in the leg, within a few feet
of our trenches."
This article paints a clear picture of the Roundheads maneuvers in this battle. It is apparent
that they were heavily engaged in and around the Crater. Confusion reigned and the regiment was
apparently separated into two sections. They were in the thick of the fight from start to finish. Many
of the wounded were taken prisoner by the Confederates.
Private Hamilton Dunlap penned this in his diary on August 1, 1864, two days after the battle.
"Our Regiment (the Roundheads) lost 66 killed, wounded and prisoners. Company K lost seven.
Lieut. Richard Craven was killed, Corporal T. Kelty was wounded and died. W. Johnson was
wounded seriously in the arm and side. And Gilfillan was wounded slighlty in the face - that is all of
Company K. George Leasure was wounded and taken prisoner. Captain Oliver of Company B was
killed. Captain Maxwell was wounded in the foot. That is all I know at present."
The following excerpt from Gavin's book gives an indication that Norman Maxwell was soon
going to become an integral part of the leadership of the Roundheads. Captain Joe Pentecost had
finally been promoted to Lt. Colonel on October 16 and was regimental commander of the
Roundheads while Captain Norman J. Maxwell, Company E, was second in command. Maxwell's
promotion to Major was confirmed later in December (December 11, 1864). Norman Maxwell's
selection was a wise one, for he had been with the Roundheads since August 1861 and had been
promoted Sergeant prior to being commissioned in 1862. The wisdom of this choice would be
proven at Ford Stedman the following March.
The Union Retaking of Fort Stedman, March 25, 1865
This significant battle which took place near the end of the war contains more detailed
information regarding Colonel Maxwell's involvement than any other in the war. Colonel Maxwell's
bravery and heroics in this battle were instrumental in his being brevetted a Brigadier General.
Robert E. Lee was in a state of final desperation. Petersburg was virtually surrounded by Union
Troops. General Lee saw Fort Stedman as a weak link on the Union front lines to the east of
Petersburg and had his General John B. Gordon attack the Fort as a last gasp attempt to loosen the
noose around Petersburg. U.S. Grant's troops around Petersburg were soon to join Sherman's troops
which had just finished a march of devastation across Georgia. General Joe Johnston was on the
retreat from Sherman's march and Lee saw an attack on a weak point of the line as not only an escape
route from Grant's noose but also as a way to join up with Johnston's forces and repulse Sherman
before Grant could react. Gordon was ordered to organize a select group of Confederates and make
a daring nighttime attack (rare during the war) on the Fort scheduled for March 25, 1865.
These excerpts from Gavin's book give a good description of Fort Stedman and the ensuing
battles: Fort Stedman was situated on Hare's Hill, two miles from the middle of Petersburg. At this
point where the Union entrenchments crossed the Prince George Courthouse Road. Originally Fort
Stedman had been part of the Southern defense line captured June 16, by the Second Corps. The fort
was named for a Union colonel, Griffin A. Stedman, of Connecticut, who was mortally wounded on
August 5, 1864, in heavy fighting here.
Fort Stedman occupied the main eminence on a ridge just west of Harrison's Creek. On it's
immediate left was Battery XI, a small redoubt for two artillery pieces. An entrenched line to the left
connected it with Battery XII, a square redoubt mounting four Coehorn mortars. On the left of
Battery XII on high ground approximately 650 yards from Fort Stedman was Fort Haskell, one of
the prime strong points on this sector of the Federal line.
Fort Haskell had six guns plus a number of mortars emplaced within it's walls. Between the
opposing lines lay Poor's Creek which had been partially dammed, thus creating a pond in front of
Battery XI.
Fort Stedman was projected as a salient toward the enemy lines. It was a comparatively small
work without bastions, covering about three-fourths of an acre of ground. In the fort and around it,
in rear, was a grove of large shade trees which had not been cut away. Because the fort had not been
well constructed, it had been weakened by frosts and storms and the parapets were somewhat
lowered by settling during the past six months. Its proximity to the enemy prevented even the
slightest attempt at repairs except at night. Any effort at serious maintenance work during daylight
hours had proven futile because of the intense enemy fire. Surrounding the fort was a small infantry
trench. The front of the work was obstructed by abatis and other minor obstacles. To the right of
Stedman was Battery X with four guns. It was close enough to be considered a part of Fort Stedman.
About 900 yards to the north was Battery 9. The Confederate line was only 200 yards to the west
at Colquitt's Salient. The opposing pickets at one point were only 205 feet apart. One Confederate
wrote, " the lines are so close that you can almost see the whites of the Yankees eyes.
The Roundheads were part of the IX Army Corps under Orlando B. Wilcox. They were part
of the first division, and held the line around Fort Haskell. When the battle ensued, the Confederates
overwhelmed Fort Stedman and surrounding batteries. Fort Haskell became the focal point of battle
after Stedman was taken but the Roundheads and other regiments in the 3rd Division held. Colonel
Joseph Pentecost who was in command of the Roundheads at the beginning of the battle was mortally
wounded in Fort Haskell and Major Maxwell took over command as there were no other senior
officers left.
Full details of casualties have already been forwarded.
The following report (no. 152) made by Major Maxwell on March 27, 1865 from the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion summarizes the retaking of Fort Stedman:
Hdqrs. ONE HUNDREDTH PENNSYLVANIA VET. VOLS.,
March 27, 1865 SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this regiment on the
25th instant: Immediately upon ascertaining that the enemy were in possession of Fort Stedman, Colonel
Pentecost ordered a skirmish line to be thrown from the mortar battery immediately [on] our right
(Battery 11) across the field to our (then) right. This line, supported by one company, succeeded
for a few minutes in stopping the enemy's advance, but being pressed by a heavy line of battle were
compelled to retire. Perceiving that it was useless to attempt to hold our line of works, three
companies were ordered to occupy a part of the old works immediately in our rear, and the
remainder of the regiment directed to rally in Fort Haskell. While superintending the movement to
Fort Haskell Colonel Pentecost was mortally wounded. When the rebels occupied our camp, the
part of the regiment in the fort and the detached companies opened fire upon them, and, in common
with the other troops, succeeded in driving them out. The line was almost immediately reoccupied,
and with the men at my command I pressed on to Fort Stedman. Color Sergt. Charles Oliver planted his colors on Fort Stedman while it was still occupied
by a portion of the enemy. The following is a list of colors captured, with the names of their
captors: Colors Fifth Virginia Infantry, captured by Capt. John L. Johnson, Company D; Colors
First Virginia Infantry, captured by Private Joseph B. Chambers, Company F; Colors thirty-first
Georgia Infantry, captured by Color-Sergt. Charles Oliver, Company M; rebel staff and part of
color and national camp color staff, captured by Corpl. M.D. Dewire, Company A. A large number of prisoners were captured by the regiment, but I have no means of knowing how many. All of the officers and men who came under my notice behaved so well that I cannot mention particular instances of bravery. Very Respectfully, your obedient servant,
N. J. Maxwell,
Major, Commanding Regiment
Captain CLARKE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General Private J.B. Chambers and Color Sergt. Charles Oliver were awarded Congressional Medals
of Honor for their accomplishment. Gavin states in his book that Norman Maxwell was certainly
deserving of the medal for the way he organized and lead the retaking of Fort Stedman. Gavin points
out that the history books portrayal on the battle are biased in giving most of the credit for the
retaking of the fort to Brigadier General John A. Hartranft who commanded the third division.
Though Hartranft's men (the entire 3rd Division) did capture three Confederate colors, seven rebel
flags were captured by Willcox's men. The Roundheads alone captured four of these. General
Orlando Wilcox in his March 29, 1865 General Orders No. 8, mentions the following, ".....To some
of your number, officers and men of the Third Maryland and One hundredth Pennsylvania, seems to
be justly due the praise of being the first to reenter the captured fort. The flag of the One hundredth
Pennsylvania (carried by Charles Oliver) was the first planted on the ramparts (emphasis added).
In Willcox's official report written on April 2nd he says:
"Major Maxwell, One Hundredth Pennsylvania, with the skirmishers of the regiment, under
Captains Johnson and Book, and those of the Third Maryland, under Captain Carter, immediately
started along the trenches toward Stedman, capturing a large number of prisoners in the bomb-proofs
from Battery 12 to Battery 10.
"The first Union colors planted on the recaptured fort were planted there by Sergeant Oliver,
One Hundredth Pennsylvania, who captured a stand of rebel colors, at the same point and at the same
time with his own hands.
Gavin further discusses that after the last enemy charge was repulsed against Fort Haskell,
Major Maxwell concluded it was time to advance after them along the Federal line leading to Fort
Stedman. The Major [George M. Randall] of the 14th N.Y. Heavy Artillery, who had become
separated from his command, made the remark that he "would go along with Maxwell and his men."
Captain Carter, 3rd Maryland wrote:
"We sent some men to stop the firing, but becoming impatient at the delay, we concluded to
advance through the fire, which fortunately did not hit a man. They failed to hit the enemy first as
there were few dead and wounded rebels anywhere, except in the camp of the 100th where the only
hard fighting took place, and of which, I believe, Captain Book killed at least half a dozen. "Soon
after the advance of the 100th Pa., Major Maxwell leading and the 3rd Maryland accompanying...
ended with the placing of the colours of the 100th Pa. Upon Fort Stedman, that Regiment moved
along the works while the 3rd Maryland passed along toward the gate of the Fort. "Just as were
about to enter, I looked to the left and saw Major Maxwell and the colour bearer (Sergeant Charles
Oliver) mounting the parapet of the Fort. Not to be left behind, I ran past several of the rebel
officers, who ordered me to surrender and mounting a heavy bomb proof, demanded the surrender
of the Fort, at the same time pointing to the colours of the 100th Pa, and the men who were crowding
over the works. The rebels in great numbers through up their hands, onlya few sought to regain their
lines. "The 100th took prisoners of all that remained and captured several stands of colours. This
ended the Fort Stedman affair with the Roundheads in possession, and although they did not have a
Cromwell to lead them, they had an Oliver' carrying their flag to victory." Captain Carter added that
it was fully one half hour after these events before General Hartranft was seen coming up the road
to Fort Stedman. He goes on to say that Hartranft was not competent to judge which regiment first
entered the fort, because he was not there at that time.
Here is Charles Oliver's account of the recapture of the fort:
".... about this time Major Maxwell came to me and said he was going to recapture Fort
Stedman. I laughed at the idea, but told him to go ahead, if he could risk it, I could. I was in the lead
with my colors, and I believe was the first blue coat in the Fort. Captain Book was next, and I think
will stand by me in this as he stood by my flag all through the fight. "I captured two rebel Colonels,
both of Georgia Regiments and two stands of colors. The officers were taken care of by Captain
Book and the colors I turned over to General Willcox, for which I received a medal (Congressional
Medal of Honor) and a Brevet Captain's commission from the War Department.
James P. Sankey, Company K wrote, " When Charlie Oliver went up to one of the color
bearers (rebel) he told him he would relieve him of the flag. The color bearer said, I guess not'.
Charlie, who had a gun in his hand at the time said, "The hell you won't!" and coolly picked up the
flag."
Gavin closes by saying ... "Fort Stedman was a decisive Confederate defeat. It also was the
last battle of the war for the Roundheads. Despite their rather heavy casualties, they had won a
substantial victory and closed out their combat record in an excellent manner. Two Congressional
Medals of Honor were won, and there should have been at least two or three more, especially for
others who captured flags. Major Norman Maxwell was certainly deserving. He had, on his own
initiative, organized and led the move to recapture Fort Stedman. He braved mounting the parapet
with Sergeant Charlie Oliver.
"Major Maxwell, now in command of the Roundheads, could have justifiably elected to
remain in the sector assigned the 100th Pennsylvania after the Confederates withdrew to Fort
Stedman. Maxwell did not receive a Medal of Honor, but he did receive a well deserved promotion
to colonel which was later followed by advancement to the rank of Brevet Brigadier General. He
would return home to Pennsylvania as a general!"
Though minor compared to the Battle of Fort Stedman, the Roundheads would see their final
action on March 29th, 1965 at night. A confederate artillery barrage was made on the Union Line
but no actual infantry attack was ever made by the Confederates. In Gavin's book, he describes
Private Silas Stevenson's account of the event, ".... At 10:30 pm, musketry opened from Stedman and
all along the line, caused by an alarm. Fort Morton opened in all directions. Companies B and G
were immediately sent into Fort Haskell and Company K was ordered by Colonel Maxwell to cover
B's front. The firing continued until 2 am on the 30th."
Major Maxwell filed this report (No. 166) on April 9, 1965 as recorded in the Official Records:
Hdqtrs, 100th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers,
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of this command from the
29th ultimo to 9th instant:
April 9, 1865 Immediately on the opening of the action of the 29th ultimo, two companies, B and G, were
sent into Fort Haskell, as per orders from brigade headquarters. On the 1st instant a detail from
the regiment was ordered to report to Captain Carter for the purpose of charging the works of the
enemy on Cemetery Hill. Four companies, A, F, D, and H, under command of Capt. Charles
Wilson, were held in readiness to support the assault of Captain Carter. The regiment was engaged
in no other active operations.Full details of casualties, captures of colors, &c., have already been sent you.
N.J. Maxwell,
Major, Commanding 100th Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Captain CLARKE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General The End of the War
As Gavin mentions, It was about midnight on April 2, 1865 when Southern deserters came
into the picket lines of the Roundheads and the 3rd Brigade and reported the Confederate evacuation
of Petersburg. The last Confederates hiding in the deserted homes of the wealthy came out and
surrendered and the celebration began. On April 3rd, the Roundheads received marching orders and
trekked through Petersburg, over Appomattox River, and north along the Richmond Stage and
Chesterfield Roads. The brigade halted at Violet Bank, an old Virginia Plantation house, which had
long been occupied by General Lee. There were two pianos in the house, and they were put to good
use by happy soldiers who conducted several impromtu concerts for the enjoyment of all. Brigade
headquarters were established at the Manor House. During the brief stay, details were sent out to
roundup any remaining Confederate stragglers in the woods and other hiding places nearby. The
Roundheads were along the Southside Railroad at Wilson's Station on the day of the surrender, April
9, 1865, but did not learn of the surrender until April 10, by a dispatch from Grant's headquarters.
Following Lincoln's assassination on April 14, the Roundheads and the rest of the 9th Corps were
sent to Washington to insure peace and tranquility in the Capitol. On April 18, while camped at the
Hobbs House in Virginia, Norman Maxwell was promoted from Major to Colonel.
The final big event during active duty for Colonel Maxwell and his Roundhead regiment was
the Grand Review in Washington on May 23, 1865. The Roundheads, 468 strong, participated with
the Ninth Corps and was in line of march with their First Division, near the front of the Ninth Corps
in the parade. General Napoleon McLaughlen led the brigade, and Colonel Norman J. Maxwell
marched at the head of the regiment.
On July 5, 1865, the Roundheads were ordered to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where they
remained in camp during the mustering our process. The regiment was finally mustered out on July
24, 1865 and the men immediately departed for western Pennsylvania and home!
Military records from the U.S. Military Archives indicate that on October 9, 1867, Colonel
Maxwell was appointed Brigadier General by Brevet for "gallant and meritorious services during the
war". The appointment was to date from April 18, 1865, the day he was promoted to Colonel!
The 1909 History of Mercer County's biographical profile on Colonel Norman J. Maxwell records:
"He was mustered out of service with his regiment, July 24, 1865, having served four years.
He very naturally found a place among the members of the Grand Army of the Republic, when that
organization was perfected. He is also a member of the Loyal Legion, serving some eight years as
adjutant and four years as commander of the Soldier's Home at Erie, Pennsylvania. His military
career was all in one regiment and all promotions made by reason of true merit. "In 1866 he went
to Grove City, where he located and has since resided and has been engaged in mercantile pursuits,
continuing the same about twenty years. He is active in Masonry, and is now a Master Mason. In
his church relations the Colonel is a member of the Presbyterian church. He was married in 1858 to
Elizabeth A. Campbell, who died October 2, 1906. One daughter, Flora E., wife of Charles Welch,
of Grove City has been born to the Colonel and wife."
His obituary in the Grove City Newspaper, Tuesday, January 15, 1929 is transcribed below:
Col. N. J. Maxwell, Commander of
Famous Roundhead Regiment, Dies
After Short Illness, at Home Here
Death Claims Well Known Local Man in His 94th Year
Rose from Private to Brigadier-Gen During Civil War
Death summoned Grove City's oldest resident and most highly regarded citizen at 6 a.m.
Sunday, when Col. Norman J. Maxwell succombed to a week's illness of influenza at the age of 94
years and ten months. Colonel Maxwell was commander of the famous Roundhead Regiment during
the War of the Rebellion, and was for years Grove City's most colorful figure and highly esteemed
citizen.
Colonel Maxwell had made his home for the past three years with his daughter, Mrs. G.(typo,
should have been C.')H. Welch, on West Main Street. He celebrated his 94th birthday on March 14,
1928 in the best of health. During the past summer and fall months, his rugged constitution weakened
under the weight of years, and he was unable to combat the illness with which he was taken one week
ago.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Marion Craig Post, and the Masonic
fraternity. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. C. H. Welch, eight grandchildren (author's
grandfather youngest of the grandchildren), and thirteen great grandchildren (author's father the
youngest of the great grandchildren). Funeral services were held from the home of his daughter,
West Main Street, this afternoon, at 2:00 o'clock, in charge of Rev. C. H. Williamson, D.D.
Internment was made in Woodlawn Cemetary.
Col. Norman J. Maxwell was born March 14, 1843 (original typo) on the old Maxwell
homestead in Plain Grove Township, Lawrence County, his parents being William and Nancy
Maxwell. His boyhood days were spent on the farm in the summer and attending district school in
the winter months. When 17 years of age he went to Mercer to learn the wagon and carriage maker's
trade living in that place five years, when he located to North Liberty and began business for himself.
In 1853 he married Miss E. A. Campbell, daughter of Mr. Benjamin Campbell, of Slippery Rock
Township, Butler County. They are the parents of one daughter, Mrs. Flora E., wife of C.H. Welsh
(incorrectly spelled in original) of this place.
In the year 1861, he was engaged in the quiet occupation of a carriage wood worker in the
village of North Liberty, and was one of the first to volunteer as a member of Capt. Bentley's
company, composed mainly of young men of Liberty Township, Mercer Co., and Plain Grove and
Scott Townships, Lawrence Co. This company afterwards became Co. E., 100th Regiment, P.V.V.,
--- the famous Roundhead Regiment of the Ninth Army Corps.
The company soon had their complement of 100 men enlisted and engaged in drill every few
weeks until August, 1861, they were mustered into the United States service at Harrisburg, where
the company and regimental organizations were effected. The company officers soon discovered the
soldierly qualities of Mr. Maxwell, and he was soon promoted to second sergeant of the company.
In the meantime the regiment had gone to the front, and a vacancy occurring in the company's
officers, he was elected by his comrades as second lieutenant, February 15, 1862. Promotion to the
captaincy in April of the same year, and the young soldier now commanded the company in which
he had enlisted as a private.
The hard fought battles of 1864 in which the Roundheads were engaged killed and wounded
many of the field officers of the regiment in October. Still further promotions to the Colonel
followed in April, 1865, and the young volunteer now a war bronzed veteran, was commander of one
of the most famous regiments in the United States service.
For gallant conspicuous services at the Battle of Fort Steadman, April 25, 1865 (incorrect,
actually March 25, 1865), he was brevetted a brigadier general, but he preferred to be known simply
as the colonel of the Roundheads. The regiment was discharged July 24, 1865, after nearly four
years of active service, and the colonel and his soldiers again resumed their peaceful vocations which
war had interrupted.
Col. Maxwell removed with his family to Grove City in 1866 and engaged in the mercantile
business for a period of 12 years. In 1896, he was appointed as adjutant and commander of the
Soldiers and Sailors Home at Erie. He spent 12 years at Erie, 3 years of which he served as
commander. On Account of family health he resigned and returned to Grove City where he resided
until his death.
May 30, 1996 Memorial Rededication Ceremony
On May 30, 1996, Mr. Tim Bennett, President of the Western Pennsylvania Civil War
Re-enactor's Society and member of Mercer County Historical Society organized a memorial
rededication ceremony at Woodland Cemetary, in Grove City, PA. The society (with donations) paid
for a handsome Vermont granite stone that describes his military accomplishments. As Mr. Bennett
put it, most, if not all of Colonel Maxwell's soldiers or peers had passed away before he died in 1929.
Because of this, there were not many people left to understand the sacrifices that the Civil War soldier
made nor of the heroics Colonel Maxwell made to be honored with the paid rank of "Colonel" and
the honorary rank of Brevet Brigadier General! Because of this, Mr. Bennett, the WPCWRS and
MCHS purchased this stone and conducted this ceremony so current and future generations of
people from Grove City and Mercer County would remember his service. The author was fortunate
and honored to speak at the ceremony after Mr. Gavin and on behalf of all of Colonel Maxwell's
descendants, many of which attended the ceremony. Following the ceremony, there was a fine
reception a the Masonic Hall with a table set up to display many artifacts and heirlooms relating to
Colonel Maxwell.
Other information about Colonel Maxwell was gleaned from local newspapers and Mercer
County Historical Society at the time of the ceremony. Colonel Maxwell opened up a mercantile
business known as "Maxwell and Offut General Merchandise" on Broad Street. The name
"Offut"may have been his brother-in-law William Offutt who married Colonel Maxwell's sister Anne
Elizabeth. Norman also served two terms as mayor of Grove City, in 1894 and again in 1908.
A note from the author, David L. Welch:
My mother Marilyn Rose (Adcock) Welch and father, W. Laurence Welch have a family photo
heirloom of three generations. In the photo taken sometime around maybe 1913 to 1914, Colonel
Maxwell is seated at a table looking at a book or some other item. Looking over his shoulder is the
author's grandfather George McNees Welch in his youth, probably around 14 or 15 years old and the
youngest of Colonel Maxwell's grandchildren. Seated or standing around the table are all of the
Charles H. Welch (my great grandfather) family including Flora Maxwell Welch (my great
grandmother), the Colonel's daughter, Charles H. Welch her husband, and their children, Harriet
Welch Hines, Edgar Welch, Maude Welch Glenn, Edith E. Welch, Homer Welch, Helen Welch
Slough, and Norman B. Welch. Also seated is Elizabeth Cunningham Welch, Charles' mother. My
father, though he was only 2 - years old when Colonel Maxwell died, says he remembers him as being
a tall thin figure with a shock of white hair. As he was 5' 11 - " tall he probably made an impression.
When I was a child, probably 5 or 6 years old, I remember going to visit my grandparents in
Oil City, PA and admiring a pegboard in the kitchen with many antique artifacts and trinkets. One
of the objects of interest to me were Colonel Maxwell's war medals and belt buckle which were
handsomely displayed on a blue velvet-like fabric attached to wood and mounted, If I remember
correctly to the pegboard. I have since inherited those medals and was the beginning of my interest
in Colonel Maxwell's life and service.
One of the coincidences that made the memorial rededication ceremony and reception special
was discovering that Mr. William G. Gavin, the regimental historian, grew up in Oil City, PA where
my father grew up. My father graduated from Oil City High School in 1944 while Mr. Gavin
graduated from there two years earlier, in 1942. My grandfather George Welch taught history and
was the principal at Innis Street Elementary School. As it turns out, Mr. Gavin remembers first
getting a taste of history and the Civil War from my grandfather in elementary school!
Heirlooms and Artifacts:
In addition to his Civil War medals and belt buckle, many other heirlooms and artifacts
pertaining to Colonel Norman J. Maxwell have survived the test of time and remained in the family.
Some of these include original photographs of Norman from the early 1900s, an oval photograph of
his wife Elizabeth Campbell taken around the time of the Civil War, a tin-type photograph of his
daughter Flora from 1861 when she was two years old, a photograph of his daughter Flora when she
was around 12 years old, a Civil War battle sword, an 18th century gavel from the Soldiers and
Sailors home in Erie, PA, a 45' star American flag that flew over the Soldiers and Sailor's home, a
foldup canvas camp stool from the Civil War, and a small wooden trunk that carried important
documents/orders and was attached to a support wagon. The wooden trunk has the lock cut off
which as the story goes was accomplished during a battle where the Roundheads had apparently lost
ground. When the Roundheads regained ground (as they apparently often did), the trunk was now
useless for carrying orders and was saved by Colonel Maxwell as a souvenir.
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