M. C. MAXWELL, (sic, should be M[atthew] G. MAXWELL) the leading photographer of Mount Ayr, is a native of the State of Indiana, born in Howard County, August 15, 1855. When a child of but eighteen months he was brought by his grandparents to Taylor County, Iowa, and, having lost his mother when very young, he was reared in the home of his grandfather, Matthew B. GOLDEN. At an early age he began to show his talent for the art of painting, and at the age of eighteen years began mixing his colors to suit his taste. He began learning photography in Bedford, Iowa, under GOLDSBERRY, a distinguised artist at that place, under whose skillful supervision he perfected himself in the art. In his gallery in Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, he has some very fine specimens, both in photographs and life-size crayon work, and by the work he turns out he has made a success of his business.

Mr. MAXWELL was married in March, 1877, to Miss Delilah A. EVANS, of Taylor County, Iowa, a daughter of Rev. John EVANS (sic, should be William F. EVANS), and to this union have been born three children.

NOTE: Matthew G. MAXWELL died at the age of 84 on November 8, 1939. Delilah America (EVANS) MAXWELL died at the age of 50 years, 1 month and 4 days on October 26, 1911. Matthew and Delilah were interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa.

Matthew and Delilah's three children are Elmer MAXWELL, Maude (MAXWELL) WHISLER, and Bertie (MAXWELL) SCHERER.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 276, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Photograph courtesy of Mount Ayr Depot Museum, submitted by Mike Avitt

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z