Thomas Maxwell

Thomas Maxwell (February 16, 1792 – November 4, 1864) was an attorney and politician, serving for one term from 1829 to 1831 as a U.S. Representative from New York, as well as in county and state offices. Early life and education Thomas Maxwell was born on February 16, 1792, at Tioga Point (now Athens), Bradford County, Pennsylvania. His father, Guy Maxwell, was an Indian trader and was adopted by the Seneca (Iroquois) in the same year. The senior Maxwell moved his family to Elmira (then Newtown Point), New York, in 1796. In 1804, he was adopted by the Seneca people, given the name He-je-no, meaning "the brave boy". War of 1812 During the War of 1812, Guy Maxwell was appointed quartermaster of a regiment of Cavalry attached to the brigade of General Vincent Mathews. After the war he served as clerk of Tioga County, New York from 1819 to 1829.