Website by: David L. Welch

Welcome to the Colonel Norman J. Maxwell On-line Museum of Heirlooms, Artifacts and Historic Places!

This website is devoted to Colonel Norman J. Maxwell, a Civil War Union Veteran of the Army of the Potomac, 9th Corps, 100th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, "The Roundheads" .  He entered the Roundheads as a Sergeant in Company E, Commanded that company as a Captain for much of the war and left promoted as a Colonel. For gallantry at the Battle of Fort Stedman, he was brevetted a Brigadier General.   When he died at the age of almost 95 in 1929, most of the soldiers he fought and camped with were long gone, and so he died, largely unnoticed for the service he had so honorably performed.    In May of 1996, he was recognized again by the Mercer County Historical Society and Western Pennsylvania Civil War Reenactor's Society in a Memorial Day Rededication Ceremony in the Tradition of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and Masonic Society.

GAR Membership Badge/Medal

Colonel Maxwell's Membership Badge to Post-Civil War Union Veterans Organization, The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.).  Unique Serial Number on Badge Edge is #W9507.  Thanks to Bill Morris, Senior Vice Department Commander and David F. Wallace, Past Department Commander, State of Michigan, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War for Help in this Identification.

---David L. Welch Collection

Mollus Membership Badge/Medal

Colonel Maxwell's  Membership Badge to the Post-Civil War Union Veteran Commissioned Officer Organization, The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS). Thanks to Bill Morris, Senior Vice Department Commander and David F. Wallace, Past Department Commander, State of Michigan, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War for Help in this Identification.

---David L. Welch Collection

PA Division Encampment Badge/Medal-N.G.P #1

This Colonel Maxwell Badge/Medal was awarded to him at a Post-Civil War Pennsylvania Division Encampment in Lewistown, PA, July 18-25, 1896, stamped with the letters N.G.P. (National Guard Pennsylvania?) on the ribbon.  Thanks to Bill Morris, Senior Vice Department Commander and David F. Wallace, Past Department Commander, State of Michigan, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War for Help in this Identification.

3 Generation Welch/Maxwell Portrait (Circa 1913)

Col. Maxwell seated 2nd from right side between his daughter Flora and his youngest grandson, George M. Welch (hand on his chin). George M. Welch, who died in 1978 was my (David L. Welch's) grandfather. George M. Welch's father, Charles H. Welch married Col. Maxwell's only child, Flora. Standing l to r: Harriet Welch Hines, Norman Bascom Welch, Jane Maude Welch Glenn, Edgar Cunningham Welch, Edith Welch, Homer Maxwell Welch, and Helen Welch Slough. Seated l to r: Charles H. Welch, Elizabeth Cunningham Welch (granddaughter of Pine Grove/Grove City, PA pioneer Valentine Cunningham), George M. Welch, Col. Norman J. Maxwell and Flora Maxwell Welch.

--Welch Family Collection

Rifle Captured from Confederates

1859 Sharps Rifle previously owned by William G. Gavin, author and historian of the 100th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment. The Confederate rifle was captured on James Island, South Carolina by Lt. Maxwell on June 2, 1862 prior to Battle of Secessionville in South Carolina. Rifle stock has "Lieut N. Maxwell" carved with pen knife. The rifle  recently became part of the collection of Lewis Leigh, Jr, ESQ.  Mr. Gavin kindly offered the rifle to the Welch Family as part of a courtesy "right of first refusal", knowing that the rifle was a family heirloom.  Unfortunately, even the low-end, fair market value of the rifle was too valuable to be purchased by the family at this time.

--Mr. Lewis Leigh, Jr, ESQ Collection

PA Division Encampment Badge/Medal-N.G.P. #2

This Colonel Maxwell Badge/Medal was awarded to him at a Post-Civil War Pennsylvania Division Encampment in Lewistown, PA, July 18-25, 1896, stamped with the letters N.G.P. (National Guard Pennsylvania?) on the medal.

 On the reverse is an image of a  lone sentry or picket soldier with an artillery piece on his right and a camp tent on his left.

   Thanks to Bill Morris, Senior Vice Department Commander and David F. Wallace, Past Department Commander, State of Michigan, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War for Help in this Identification.

Officer's Belt Buckle

U.S. Government Issue Officer's Belt Buckle worn by Col. Maxwell during the Civil War

  --David L. Welch Collection

Daughter's of Union Veterans Badge

Pre-1892

Likely presented to Col. Maxwell's daughter Flora Maxwell; Thanks to Col. Robert D. Pollack USAF for providing this information previously unknown to the owner.

Union Officer Carte de Visite (CDV) Portrait

Col. Norman J. Maxwell Portrait taken at the time of the Civil War, Photo courtesy of USAMHI, Carlisle Barracks, Penn.  From William G. Gavin's "History of the Roundheads"

---Roger Hunt Collection

Portrait of Col. Norman J. Maxwell in Uniform

Col. Norman J. Maxwell Portrait taken around the turn-of-the century in uniform; USAMHI, Carlisle Barracks, Penn

--David L. Welch Collection

Soldiers and Sailors Home Officers Portrait

Gathering of the Officers at the Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, PA likely around 1906. Col. N.J. Maxwell is standing 2nd from left.  Seated to the left is a gentleman who strikes a resemblance to Col. Daniel Leasure, Father of the Roundheads and 9th Corps. Brigade Commander.  However, as the photo is not labeled, and the death date for Col. Leasure is not know n by the web author, the man with the thick white sideburns and mustache may be someone else!

Elderly Gentleman Portrait

Col. Norman J. Maxwell Portrait taken around 1915, USAMHI, Carlisle Barracks, PA

What a magnificent mustache!

1996 Memorial Day Re-dedication Ceremony Gravestone

Col. Norman J. Maxwell Memorial Day 1996 Rededication  Ceremony Gravestone.   Dedicated by Mr. Tim Bennett of Mercer County Historical Society and Western Penn Civil War Reenactors Society. Woodland Cemetery, Grove City, PA 

Officer Battle Sword

Photograph of Colonel Maxwell's Sword used in Memorial Rededication Ceremony (sword is believed to have been a battle sword based on its lack of ornamentation)

---David C. Welch Collection

Maxwell Homestead-circa 1900

Photograph of the Maxwell/Kind Homestead (link to "Kindland" Homepage) in Lawrence Co. PA taken at the turn of the 19th/20thcentury.  House was built in 1832, two years before Norman J. Maxwell was born. The homestead was sold several years ago by the Maxwell family to the "Kind" family.

Maxwell (Kind) Homestead- 1996

Photograph of the Maxwell Homestead in Plaingrove Township, Lawrence Co. PA taken in May, 1996. House was built in 1832, two years before Norman J. Maxwell was born. The homestead was sold in 1970 by the Maxwell family to the "Kind" family.   Great Great Grandson David L. Welch on porch step with grin

Artwork of the Maxwell/Kind Homestead by Jody Kind's mother.

War Orders Trunk

So the family story goes: This trunk apparently was used to carry important orders during battle and apparently during some battle when the Roundheads were in "Ebb" instead of "Flow" the trunk was left behind with the lock cut so that the Confederates could not use it.  The trunk was possibly attached to a wagon at the time and not easily separated...When the Roundheads regained the lost ground, The trunk was rescued by Col. Maxwell as a souvenir.

 --Don Johnson Collection

Post-war Image of The Colonel's Wife, Elizabeth Adeline Campbell

This family heirloom portrait in a beautiful oval mahogany frame shows the striking and somewhat haunting image of Col. Maxwell's wife Elizabeth Adeline, who died in 1906, 23 years before the Colonel passed on.

--Don Johnson Collection

Gavel used in Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, PA

(Carved from Wood out of a Commodore Perry Flagship)

Photograph of gavel used by Col. Norman J. Maxwell while Adjutant and then Commander at the Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, PA.    Several years ago, Max Glenn, cousin of the web author, stated that the gavel was carved out of a piece of  wood from one of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's Flagships like the U.S. Brig Niagra Moored on the Erie Bayfront.  Could it be from this same ship? 

Daughter Flora with a Childhood Friend

Photograph of Flora Maxwell (right), Col. Norman J. Maxwell's only child with friend/cousin? Edith Kinder.  Photo taken circa 1869/1870 based on apparent age of around 10 years old. Edith (with doll) appears to be around 6 years old.

--Welch Family Collection

Tinytype of daughter Flora Maxwell at age 2, circa 1861

So the family story goes, Col. Maxwell carried this tintype photograph (circa 1861) of his only child, daughter Flora (b 1859) throughout the war in his breast pocket.

---Dr. Charles W. Welch Collection

Civil War Compass?

Masonic Pendant (monogrammed on back) and GAR uniform button

These items were found by my nephew Sam Nowak in a notions box that my father had that was handed down to him by his father George Welch, Col. N. J. Maxwell's youngest grandson.

Monogrammed Masonic Pendant

On the back side of the pendant is the monogrammed "Col. N.J.M"

Full-length, Informal Newspaper Portrait of Col. Maxwell in his Last Years

Full length photograph of Col. Norman J. Maxwell in his later years, likely taken in Grove City, PA in the early to mid 1920s. A tall man for his time, he stood 6 feet tall.

    -- Bruce Glenn Family Collection

Col. Maxwell's 45-Star American Flag with his Oldest Surviving Descendant, Max Glenn

45-Star Flag that was presented to Col. Norman J. Maxwell at the Soldier's and Sailors Home and would have been the same type flag flown during the Spanish-American War.

Max Glenn, here pictured in 1998 at the age of 91 was the oldest surviving descendant (great grandson) of and named in honor of Col. Norman J. Maxwell.  Max, of the websmith's father's generation was the caretaker of many Col. Maxwell heirlooms as he was the one who had the biggest interest in his great grandpa Colonel of his generation.  His son Bruce and cousin David L. Welch (the websmith) have since become the caretakers of many of the heirlooms in this era.  Though not able to attend, Max was a major contributor for the Granite Stone presented at the 1996 Memorial Day Re-dedication Ceremony in Grove City, PA because of his proud connection to his heritage.

Elegant "Recognition of Service" Certificate Dedicated by Soldiers and Sailors Home Board of Trustees in 1906 to Col. N.J. Maxwell

(from the "Recognition of Service Scrapbook/Album presented to the Col. in 1906)

Board of Trustees, Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, PA presentation certificate of "Recognition of Service", April 25, 26, 1906

--David L. Welch Collection

July 22. 1867 Promotion Letter from U.S. War Dept. promoting Col. N.J. Maxwell to Brevet Brigadier General

June 15, 1868 Promotion Letter from U.S. President Andrew Johnson confirming promotion of Col. N.J. Maxwell to Brevet Brigadier General

Original June 15, 1868 Letter from  U.S. President Andrew Johnson to newly promoted Brevet Brigadier General Norman J. Maxwell, effective April 18, 1865,  for "gallant and meritorious service during the war".  This document was found inside the Dedication Scrapbook from The Soldiers and Sailors Home  Board of Trustees, Erie, PA around 1906, the year he retired from military service and went back to Grove City, PA.  The scrapbook is currently in the possession of George's grandson, David L. Welch.

Military Promotion Certificate, Military Service Recognition

Elegant Promotion Certificate, Dedication Scrapbook from Soldiers and Sailors Home Board of Trustees, Erie, PA to Col. N.J. Maxwell in his later years around 1906, the year he retired from military service and returned to Grove City, PA.   The book is currently in the possession of George's grandson, David L. Welch.

Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, PA Board of Trustees Scrapbook Album Artwork

GAR Badge

Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, PA Board of Trustees Scrapbook Album Artwork

Stacked Arms

Crossed Sabers

Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, PA Board of Trustees Scrapbook Album Artwork

Mollus Badge

Col. N. J. Maxwell's July 24, 1865 Discharge Papers from the Union Army

Col. Norman J. Maxwell's Original July 24, 1865 Discharge Papers from the Union Army.   This document was found inside the Dedication Scrapbook from The Soldiers and Sailors Home  Board of Trustees, Erie, PA around 1906, the year he retired from military service and went back to Grove City, PA.   The scrapbook is currently in the possession of George's grandson, David L. Welch.

Portrait from Soldiers and Sailors Home

Photograph of Col. Norman J. Maxwell Inside Board of Trustees, Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, PA presentation album/scrapbook for "Recognition of Service", 1906

(from Col. Norman J. Maxwell scrapbook/album)

Maxwell & Offutt's Variety Store Advertisement from Memorial Day 1883 Grove City Newspaper

This was an amazing discovery and is on extended loan to the web author along with other extensive materials in Bruce Glenn's possession.  Grove City had just recently changed it's name from Pine Grove, was incorporated and had it's first mayor/burgess Bascom Rayen Welch (web author's great great grandfather) in office.  There is a misprint or worn away letter "d" at the bottom where goo s should read "goods"

Wife Adeline's Watch Movement (Elgin)

The movement of Elizabeth Adeline Maxwell's pocket watch.  Another item from grandson George M. Welch's collection of notions

Wife Adeline's Watch Movement (Elgin) Back

Col.  Norman J. Maxwell Gravesite, Woodland Cemetery, Grove City, PA

This gravesite photo was taken during the winter of 1996 prior to the Memorial Day Ceremony in honor of the Colonel. 

-- Photo by Tim Bennett

Short Biography of Col. Norman J. Maxwell by David L. Welch, Published Website by Eric Davis

CDVs of a Sister and Brother-in-Law or Vice Versa?

Tintype of a Brother or Brother-in-law?

Tintype of who is believed to be Col. Maxwell's Aunt Sarah Father William's Sister

Two Civil War Images of Wife Elizabeth Campbell

CDV

Civil War era CDV image of George Humphrey, Col. Maxwell's nephew and son of sister Margaret Humphrey plus 2nd tintype that looks like George?

Photograph of Col. Maxwell's nephew George Humphrey (about 4 -5 years old), son of Margaret Humphrey, Col. Maxwell's older sister, from Col. Maxwell Photoalbum

CDV of Indian/Pakistani Servant Boy from Maxwell Homestead?

CDV image of what must be an Indian or Pakistani servant boy.  Note native dress and small Buddha statue on table.  This photograph from Col. Maxwell's photoalbum is significant in that it supports the notion that the Maxwell clan owned a wealthy farm of 1,000 acres in Plaingrove and were well enough off to have hired help. Maxwell homestead in Plaingrove, Lawrence Co. PA

Civil War Image of Hon. John Campbell, a judge relative of Col. Maxwell's wife Elizabeth Adeline

Post -Civil War era image of Hon. John Campbell, a court judge based on the writing on the back of the image.  John Campbell would be a nephew of Col. Maxwell's wife Elizabeth Adeline.  From Col. Maxwell Photoalbum.

Civil War Era CDV image of Col. Maxwell's Mother? and Father? Older Brother?

Post-war Images of Two Unidentified Young Men - Nephews?

Colorized portrait of Marion Dewitt Maxwell, Col. Maxwell's Nephew (Older brother Robert's son)

Marion Dewitt Maxwell was killed in a horrible train crossing accident in the early 1900s when he and another man were struck while in a horse and buggy.

Maxwell Gravesite as posted on www.findagrave.com by Gregory Speciale.

Great, great grandson David L. Welch's colorized version of Union Officer Carte de Visite Portrait (completed during one particular evening when the artist had way too much time on  his hands