Number 14 is unique in the Square in having the same family own and live there throughout the nineteenth century. And they're a very interesting family. Wellwood Maxwell came down from Dumfries in Scotland, and went into business initially with James Maury, the first U.S. Consul to Liverpool ( sewing the seeds for a lot of future transatlantic connections). Soon after he set up in business with his brother Alexander, and shortly after that was joined by younger brother George, who became the first ever recorded occupant of 14 Abercromby Square in the couple of years before 1832.
It isn't the easiest thing to trace exactly who was who in this family in Liverpool, as, like many others, they had an annoying habit of naming sons after fathers, grandfathers, uncles etc, and all being involved in similar trades, but W.A & G Maxwell became very successful and rich, partly due to their early interest in the cabal that set up the Liverpool to Manchester Railway, and subsequent investment in the technology across the UK and abroad. George's second son took after his father not only in trade, but in taking a house on the square ( number 1 Bedford Street), and his eldest, Wellwood, inherited number 14 but also worked his way into a very senior position as President of Liverpool's American Chamber of Commerce, signing the letter of condolence and sympathy at the assassination of Lincoln. It should be noted this doesn't necessarily betray any political leanings, the Vice President and fellow signatory was Confederate supporter James Spence. This is where I have to note a very strong 'I think', as the censuses and similar names confuse the hell out of matters, and I need to do some detailed digging before I can be certain. Here's the problem. The president named could have been any one of three merchants named 'Wellwood Maxwell'...
George's father (Wellwood) died in 1867, apparently in Scotland. A Wellwood Maxwell ( I think George's son) also died in 1867, in Liverpool, leaving behind sons named, naturally, Wellwood and George. George also had a brother called Wellwood. Anyway... by 1871 the family was still thriving, with George's daughter-in-law Elizabeth the main householder at 14 Abercromby Square, with six young children and nine servants. Thomas and his wife Margaret were still at number 1 Bedford Street South.
Goes to prove just how tricky it is to accurately trace people, even those who are rich and have seemingly unusual names. I haven't got to a detailed study of the Maxwell's yet, this is just an overview, but its coming...
ps I should note that this is twice I've posted unverified details recently. But this is deliberate as that's what a blog is for... the process. I want to be able to hold my hands up and show you where I go wrong as well as where I'm right from the beginning. Rest assured nothing will appear in the final written version without being properly confirmed!