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SAMUEL BELL MAXEY
1825 – 1895
Maxey was born at Tompkinsville, Kentucky, March 30, 1825. He graduated in the famous West point class of 1846, and was brevetted for gallantry in the war with Mexico. In 1848 he resigned his commission to study law and in 1857 he moved to Texas, with his father, also an attorney, where they practiced in partnership until the outbreak of the Civil War.
Maxey resigned a seat in the Texas Senate and organized the 9th Texas Infantry with the rank of colonel whereupon the unit joined Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston in Kentucky. He was promoted to brigadier general March 4, 1862, commanding a brigade composed of the 41st Georgia, 24th Mississippi, 9th Texas Infantry regiments along with Eldridge’s Light Battery in Cheatham’s Division. He served in East Tennessee, at Port Hudson, and in the Vicksburg campaign under Gen. Joseph E Johnston. In 1863 Maxey was place in command of Indian Territory. For the effective reorganization of those troops, he participated in the Red River campaign, he was assigned as major general by Gen. Kirby Smith, April 18, 1864. His promotion was not forthcoming from Pres. Jefferson Davis, however.
After the war Gen. Maxey resume his law practice in Paris, Texas, and in 1873 declined appointment to the state bench. Two years later he was elected to the U S Senate, served two terms, but was defeated for re-election in 1887. He died in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, August 16, 1895. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Paris.
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