The Search

The possible claimants to the Chiefdom of the name Maxwell will come from these antecedents.

William Maxwell. Described as a Merchant in Bristol England. Probably born in London in the 1720’s. Said to have gone to New York afterwards. Had at least two sons Robert Maxwell and James or James Homer Maxwell

Robert Maxwell, again probably born in London in the 1720’s and supposedly went to Grenada in the West Indies. Was married twice and had issue one who was named Homer Maxwell.

Descendents of James Maxwell of Gribton in Dumfriesshire said to be living in 1697.

Descendents of Robert Maxwell of Blackbelly in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. His son also Robert Maxwell of Blackbelly married to Elisabeth Henry and had William Maxwell, born 21^st May 1755, enlisted in 1795 as a gunner in the 4^th Battalion, Royal Artillery. Was at Quebec with his regiment in 1808. Was heir male to the Baronetcy of Orchardton (this title is still listed as Dormant) in 1786 but probably did not know it. Had a younger brother Robert Maxwell, a seafarer living in reduced circumstances in bridge end of Dumfries in 1805.

Descendents of Robert Maxwell of Blackbelly’s two younger sons, William Maxwell and Mungo Maxwell probably born in the 1720’s.

Omitted from the above are name who’s line are probably impossible to trace. They are: two sons of John Maxwell, 6^th Lord Herries  than must have been born in the early 1600’s, Frederick Maxwell and Alexander Maxwell. And two son’s of William, 5^th Lord Herries, Edward Maxwell and James Maxwell.

If a claimant for the heir-male cannot be found from those named above then the next claimant would probably be Francis Patrick Maxwell (born 1954) who is descended from Edward Maxwell of Lamington via the Maxwell families of Newlaw Balmangan and Breoch.