Homeplace of George & Katie Maxwell
George & Katie Lee Maxwell built their home in Raeford, NC around the turn of the century. It was here they raised their nine children in this spacious building. The house was sold by George and Katie during the depression, but was purchased by their son in law, Belton J. Jones, to keep things in the family and from there it went to Belton’s sons, Bill and Tom.
George Washington Maxwell and Katie Lee Maxwell are seated. Between them are Naomi and Oscar. Standing behind left to right are William Weldon, Cordelia, Alice Lee, Nancy “Nannie”, and George “Jack”.
(There were no identifications for the individuals on the back of this photo. Estimations have been made based on date of birth and other pictures.)
The Maxwell Home with an inviting front door embellished with “Home Sweet Home”.
Left to Right: Cordelia, Alice, Nannie, Naomi, William Weldon, Katie Lee Maxwell with Oscar standing in front, and James Ernest with “Jack” (likely) standing in front.
(There were no identifications for the individuals on the back of this photo. Estimations have been made based on date of birth and other pictures.)
Our 1989 Visit
During some training down in the Maxton area about 1989, my father ran across family of his mother’s that he was not aware of and discovered that his great grandparent’s home was still standing. A trip was planned to visit with his newly discovered relatives with myself, my sister, and mother along for the adventure. I wish my pre-teen brain had forsight into my future self’s obsession with ancestry, but alas, I did not pay attention to a damn thing said. I can’t even remember who we went to see. However, they provided him (and me down the road), insight to his mother’s past that we weren’t aware of; her being very quiet about her childhood. Below are the pictures that my father took of the Maxwell Homeplace during that trip. Its skeleton couldn’t hide the fact that it was a stately home in it’s time. One could imagine generations spending time on those massive wrap-around porches, but it was in dire need of some TLC. There were renters at the time we visit, but much like the relative we visited, I have no clue who they were. The home was set to be sold in 1999, but the night before sales negotiations were to begin, the home was destroyed by fire. I was not able to suss out if the cause was ever determined.
If you have more information on this home or the family, I would love to hear about it!
