James T. Maxfield (March 7, 1827 – May 29, 1878) was an American politician who served as the 16th mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota, from 1869 to 1870 and the 19th mayor of Saint Paul from 1875 to 1878.
Early life
Maxfield was born in Norwich, Ohio, on March 7, 1827; he attended school there until the age of 12 and lived there until the age of 23, when he went to Goshen, Indiana, where he resided for eight years. He later moved to Detroit, then Cleveland, before becoming a resident of Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1864.
Career
Maxfield served as a member of the Indiana General Assembly from 1852 to 1853.
Maxfield served as the 16th mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota, from 1869 to 1870. He subsequently served as the 19th mayor of Saint Paul from 1875 to 1878. In total, Maxfield was elected to three terms as mayor.[1]
During his first term as mayor, Maxfield crusaded for the closure of disorderly houses and saloons on Sundays after his administration received a petition signed by over 1,000 residents. The annual salary of the chief of police was also increased to $1,200 during Maxfield's first term.[2]
During a latter term as mayor, Maxfield suggested the immediate establishment of a municipal court. During the latter part of his last term, Maxfield became seriously ill and William Dawson served as acting mayor. Dawson was subsequently elected to his own term as mayor following the expiration of Maxfield's term.[3]
Personal life and death
Maxfield was married to Mary Motte, with whom he had three children.
Maxfield died at the age of 51 in Saint Paul, Minnesota on May 29, 1878.[4] He became the first mayor of Saint Paul to die in office.[5]
References
- ^ Williams, John Fletcher (1876). A History of the City of Saint Paul, and of the County of Ramsey, Minnesota. p. 450.
- ^ "St. Paul Is Incorporated". Saint Paul Police Historical Society. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
- ^ "History of the Police Department". Saint Paul Police Historical Society. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
- ^ "Matthewson to Maxson". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
- ^ The Mayors of St. Paul, 1850-1940. 1940. p. 35.
