The family by this name has been familiar in Jefferson county almost from its organization as the Maxeys came early, multiplied fast and became in time one of the most widely distributed connections in this part of Illinois. They were mostly identified with agricultural pursuits and contributed much toward the progressive agriculture for which Illinois is famous. The name is synonymous with thrift and solidity, enterprise and growth, good citizenship, public spirit and success in all the affairs of life. The work of those who bear this honored name and the blood relationship resulting from numerous intermarriages have made the Maxey connection one of the most influential in the county and few branches of public business have escaped their activities.

James H. MAXEY, one of the younger generation in this popular pioneer family, has well sustained the traditions with his name. His father, James C. MAXEY, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, owns a fine farm in Shiloh township and has devoted his life to agriculture.

James H. Maxey was born on this Jefferson county farm on the 26th day of May, 1865 and was reared in the manner best fitted to equip young men for success in life. His early education was obtained in Webber township, supplemented by the practical knowledge derived from work on the farm and association with those engaged in this important pursuit.

In 1886 just after reaching his majority, Mr. MAXEY came to Mount Vernon and entered the employment of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company, as assistant storekeeper of their shops. He retained this position two years, giving entire satisfaction to his employers but at the end of this time decided to engage in farming, for which he had a natural inclination. After spending a year on the farm in Shiloh township he removed to another in McClellan township, where he made his home for another year. Abandoning agriculture for the time being he took up his abode in Mount Vernon, and spent twelve months as agent for the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. The next twelve years were spent in the produce and ice business which he prosecuted with success and profit.

In 1904 he became secretary-treasurer and manager of the Mount Vernon Ice & Storage Company, a corporation doing an extensive local business and of which he has held the active management up to the present time. The company has an annual business of five thousand tons of ice and also does a large storage business.

Mr. Maxey is also the local manager for the Standard Oil Company and has held this position for fifteen years. He has displayed fine business judgment in directing the affairs of this great corporation and shown himself to be possessed of exceptional talent for administration and organization. His activities, however, are by no means confined to the management of the companies with which he is connected at Mount Vernon.

He owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in McClellan township and one somewhat smaller in Mount Vernon township to the management of which he gives sufficient time to see that they are conducted on progressive and profitable lines. He thoroughly understands farming and takes much pleasure in his active connection with the agricultural interests of the county.

Mr. MAXEY served two years as a Democratic member of the City Council from the First ward, and held the office of Tax Collector for one year. Mr. MAXEY belongs to three branches of Masonry, the Blue Lodge, of which he is past master, the Chapter and Commandery. He also holds membership in the order of Modern Woodmen.

On October 3, 1888, Mr. MAXEY married Miss Mary, daughter of the late Willis A. KELLER, by whom he has had two children, Lester and Helen. The former, who is now nineteen years old and a youth of great promise Is a student of the Illinois State University. Those who know him best predict that he will sustain the best traditions of his family and realize the fondest hopes of his father.

Mr. and Mrs. MAXEY are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of which he has been financial secretary for a number of years. No residents of Mount Vernon enjoy higher esteem than they, and they are welcome in the most select of the city's social circles.

SOURCE: WALL'S HISTORY OF JEFFERSON CO - 1909
SUBMITTED BY: Misty Flannigan
Dec 15, 1997