Now thats a theory I hadnt considered before. We have a number of Maxwells unaccounted for in the early 1850 period onwards. Dont think they include your one though as ours originated in NZ and were half Maori. Although I suspect they were educated in Australia (NSW) and passed themselves of as Europeons from a tropical Island. As to the numerous wives and children...that is a problem which has been paramount within our own branch for many generations Its caused many problems especially for the offspring whos fathers and in some instances, Mothers, have literally disappeared into thin air....a Maxwell trait perhaps...Good luck with your search