Born in Ohio. A resident of Oxford, Benton County, Indiana when he enlisted in the 15th Indiana Infantry for three years at Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Mustered in as a Corporal in Company D on the same day he enlisted. Promoted to Sergeant on 25 Apr 1862. Promoted to 1st Sergeant on 23 Nov 1862. Severely wounded in right arm on 31 Dec 1862 during the Battle of Stones River, Tennessee. The wound resulted in the amputation of his arm. Commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant on 1 Jan 1863. Mustered on 26 Feb 1863. Commanding Company H since 29 Feb 1864. Mustered out at the expiration of his term of service at Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died in Tacoma, Washington. Pension records spell his first name as "Alvan". Military records spell his last name variously as "Maxion" and "Maxon".