Notable Lewis Countians
Edwin Maxwell
1825–1903
A Weston-born attorney who served as West Virginia attorney general, Supreme Court justice, legislator, and gubernatorial candidate. Maxwell was born in Weston and began the legal career that carried him into the new state's highest offices.
Lewis County connection
Maxwell was born in Weston and began the legal career that carried him into the new state's highest offices.
The West Virginia State Capitol, used here as a context image for a career in state government.
Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, LC-DIG-highsm-31695 · Public domain; no known restrictions on publication
Lewis County connection
Maxwell was born in Weston and began the legal career that carried him into the new state's highest offices.
Career and public significance
A Weston-born attorney who served as West Virginia attorney general, Supreme Court justice, legislator, and gubernatorial candidate.
His work belongs to the first decades in which West Virginia built its own courts, statutes, and statewide political institutions.
Reading the record carefully
A useful biography distinguishes his judicial record from later partisan campaigns and from other prominent members of the Maxwell family.
Life and legacy
Timeline
1825
Born in Weston.
1866–1868
Serves as West Virginia attorney general.
1867–1872
Serves on the state Supreme Court of Appeals.
1903
Dies in Harrison County.
Sources and further reading
How this profile was documented
- Supreme Court historical roster
West Virginia Archives and History
Starting source for biographical dates, offices, achievements, and the Lewis County connection.
- Edwin Maxwell
West Virginia Judiciary
Starting source for biographical dates, offices, achievements, and the Lewis County connection.
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