Born in Indiana. Enlisted in the 99th Indiana Infantry at Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. Mustered in as a Private in Company F. After the Grand Review on 24 May 1865, mustered out at Washington, DC. Served under the names William Maxson and Edward Maxson. He was a member of Luther C. Ladd Post No. 17 of Puyallup, Pierce County, Washington. Admitted to the Washington State Soldiers Home at Orting, Pierce County, Washington on 28 Jun 1911. Sometime after leaving the Soldiers Home, he was admitted to the Washington State Veterans Home at Retsil, Kitsap County, Washington on 5 May 1923. Died in the Veterans Home Hospital at Retsil, Washington.