William Maxwell, though little is known of his personal history, is
believed to have been born in Ireland, and brought to New Jersey in his
early life. He entered the colonial service in 1758, serving through
the French and Indian War, and as colonel of one of the New Jersey
regiments, took part in the disastrous campaign of 1776 in Canada. On
the 23d of October of that year he was commissioned brigadier-general.
He was with Schuyler on Lake Champlain, and later was attached to the
main army under Washington. In August, 1779, he joined Sullivan’s
expedition against the Indians, but soon after the action at
Springfield, he sent in his resignation, which was accepted by Congress
on the 25th of July, 1780. Washington said of him, “I believe him to be
an honest man, a warm friend to his country, and firmly attached to its
interests.” He died on the 12th of November, 1798.