Diaries of Sir John Maxwell

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Diaries of Sir John Maxwell, relating to his career as a Colonial Administrator in the Gold Coast.

Dates

Creation: 1909-1930

Extent

5 boxes (22 volumes)

Language of Materials

English

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MSS.Afr.s.2133].

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Full range of shelfmarks:

MSS.Afr.s.2133

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 3190

Additional Description

Biographical / Historical

Sir John Maxwell, CMG (1921) Kt (1930), was born on the 6 September 1875 at Maxwelltown, Kirkcudbright, Scotland and educated at Dumfries Academy. He served articles as a solicitor with Walker & Sharpe, Maxwelltown, Dumfries, studied law at Glasgow University (1896-1898) and qualified as a Solicitor in 1899.

On entering the Colonial Administrative Service, Maxwell was posted to the Gold Coast (now Ghana) where he served as: Assistant District Commissioner (1902); Travelling Commissioner (1905); Provincial Commissioner (1907); Commissioner for the Eastern Province (1909); Commissioner for the Western Province (1911); Colonial Secretary and Governor's Deputy (1916); Deputy Chief Commissioner (1921); Secretary for Native Affairs (1923); Acting Governor (twice); Acting Colonial Secretary; Attorney-General and Solicitor-General.

Sir Maxwell retired in 1930 and died on the 31 March 1946. Compiled with reference to Who Was Who (volume IV).