PAXSON FAMILY:Seventh Generation
the Civil War to the Gilded Age and beyond
compiled and copyright by MJP Grundy, 2002
By this generation the age spread has gotten very large. Known birth dates range from 1816 all the way up to 1889. The most recent one for whom I have a date of death is 1950. So although the Civil War was a defining factor for most of them, it was past history for some. Some were dead before the gilded age and the progressive era. Others were growing up then. So it is a little hard to introduce this generation by saying anything other than that each individual was seven generations from his or her immigrant Paxson ancestor(s), and they all lived at least part of their lives in the nineteenth century.
You can refer to previous generations: the Sixth, or Fifth, or Fourth, or Third, or Second, or First (the Immigrant Generation), or English Ancestors from 1640 to 1682. There is also an alphabetical list of individuals born into a Paxson family that are listed in these web pages, although the seventh generation is not yet complete. For more information about this web site, go to its home page. You can also check out the list of collateral lines that married (sooner or later) into a Paxson line. These are not at all complete.
This seventh generation page has barely been started. There are lots more biographical details to be added, as well as photographs. More serious, there are many, many unverified bits of information. The only reason it is posted so early in its construction process is to appeal to readers for help. If you have information to add to this page, I would be very glad to hear from you via e mail to kwg at cwru.edu. Just substitute the familiar @ for the at.
Because there are gaps in previous generations, none of the individuals here have numbers. They are identified in parentheses by their Paxson/Paxton ancestors. I am doing my best to keep them in the same birth order as previous generations.
I am really dependent on descendants of these Paxsons to help me to make corrections and fill in blanks. Please contact me via e mail to kwg at cwru.edu. Just substitute the familiar @ for the "at".
James G. Paxson, son of Joseph #332 (John5 #125, Joseph4 #49, William3 #20, William2 #9, William1 #2) and his wife Elizabeth Hunter (GALLAHER), was born 7 June 1842. He married on 3 April 1867 Kate V. ROGERS.
James participated in the Civil War, as part of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company E, commanded by Lieuts. John W. Jackson and Joseph Anderson. He took part in the battle of Murfreesborough. While in confinement after the battle, he was detailed to assist the quartermaster in camp. [United States. War Dept., United States. Record and Pension Office., United States. War Records Office., et al., The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. Series 1 - Volume 20, Part II (Washington, D.C.: Govt. Print. Office, 1887), 365, 506.]
In the 1880 US census James and Kate are found in Bristol, Bucks County with three minor daughters and James's uncle, William D. Gallagher. William was a physician, while James was listed as a laborer. [1880 census as given on www.familysearch.org, 3/2005]
James was remembered in his aunt Elizabeth (Knight) Paxson's will, pr. 4 June 1891. [Will abstract very kindly sent to me 5 July 2005 by Lynn Tinsley, from Will Book 25, Page 132.]
Children of James and Kate (Rogers) Paxson (from 1880 census):
i. Elizabeth H. Paxson8, b. ca. 1870;
ii. Margretta Paxson, b. ca. 1872;
iii. Mary B. Paxson, b. ca. 1877;
iv. ?
v. ?
John Paxson, son of Samuel H. Paxson#337 (John5 #125, Joseph4, William3, William2, William1) and his wife Sarah (RICHARDSON) was born 27 March 1841 in Middletown, and died 3 June 1907 in Newtown, both in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He was a physician in Jenkintown, Montgomery County when he married 12 May 1875 Tacie L. LONG of Philadelphia by Friends ceremony in Attleborough. [Medical and Surgical Reporter32:21 (May 22, 1875), p. 420.]
Upon completing his medical education, John resided in Newtown. He does not seem to have transferred his membership to Newtown Meeting.
By 1880, however, John was a medical director living in Jenkintown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania with his wife Tacie. An unrelated man was living with them, 25-year old African-American John FIRMAN. No occupation was listed for him in the census. [1880 census, NA Film No. T9-1159, p. 360C, as transcribed on www.familysearch.org, it gives Tacie's name as "Facy", 3/2005] It may be that John was director at the Jeannes Hospital, but this needs to be checked.
John's obituary is in the Friends Intelligencer, 64:398, indicating his Hicksite orientation. Tacie died in 1928. Her obituary is also in the Friends Intelligencer, in 85:801. They had no children.
William Rodman Paxson, son of Samuel H. Paxson #337 (John5, Joseph4, William3, William2, William1) and his wife Sarah (RICHARDSON) was born in Middletown Township on 16 April 1846, and died there on 15 August 1894. He and his distant cousin from Solebury, Catharine Paxson, married 30 April 1874. She was the daughter of Howard and Mary (Small) Paxson.
In 1880 W. Rodman was living on a farm in Middletown, Bucks County, and gave his occupation as "farm laborer". His wife was called Kate. They had two minor children, and two servants: Marion E. PEOPLES from Ireland, a 50-year old servant, and James SULLIVAN, a 14-year old farm worker born in New Jersey of Irish parents. [1880 census as given on www.familysearch.org, 3/2005]
The picture on the right, taken ca. 1890, shows (from the left) Anna, Catherine, Charles, William Rodman, and Marion.
Children of William Rodman and Catherine (Paxson) Paxson:
i. Charles Small Paxson8, b. 1875; d. 1947; m. 1901 Martha Kelso DUNNING; 4 children.
ii. Anna R. Paxson, b. 2 Nov. 1877; d. 23 Mar. 1923; m. William REEDER; 1 child. She attended George School and later taught school. A photograph of Anna is to the right.
iii. Marion Emeline Paxson, b. 13 Dec. 1879; d. 28 Aug. 1960; m. 30 June 1903 Arthur Paul TOWNSEND; 3 children.
William Paxson, son of Samuel Canby Paxson (William5 #126, Joseph4, William3, William2, William1) and his wife Elizabeth (Drinker) was born 22 November 1832 in New York City, and died 12 May 1893 in Europe. On 16 May 1871 William and Elizabeth M. RODMAN, daughter of Dr. Lewis Rodman of Philadelphia, were married.William "joined another society" and offered his resignation which was accepted by New York Monthly Meeting. He was released from membership in the Religious Society of Friends in March 1854. This is the same year that it was noted his father had a pew in a church in New York City. [Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy, ]
In 1858 William took on an active role in the management of his father's firm, and the name was changed from Allen & Paxson to Samuel C. Paxson, Son & Co. ["Obituary Note", New York Times, 17 May 1853, p. 5.]
William was a member of the Union League Club. He retired from business in about 1891. I am guessing that he then travelled. He died in Carlsbad, Bohemia on 12 May 1893. His body was shipped back to New York where a funeral was held at 10 a.m. on 2 June at St. George's Church on Stuyvesant Square. Interment was in Greenwood. ["Obituary Note", New York Times, 17 May 1853, p. 5; "Died", Ibid., 1 June 1893, p. 5.]
Children of William and Elizabeth M. (Rodman) Paxson: (may be incomplete):i. a daughter, who survived him
Richard C. Paxson, son of Joseph Shoemaker6 (Richard S.5 #130, Joseph4 #49, William3 #20, William2 #9, William1 #2) and his wife Deborah (Iddings) Paxson, was born in 1839, presumbly in Philadelphia. There is a hollow sillhouette of him taken at the age of nine years. He graduated from Haverford College in 1859, at which time he joined his parents in California.Richard died 15 March 1864. I have not yet learned the circumstances. His remains were on board the ship Laurence when it burned at sea on a voyage from San Francisco to New York. [Notes on reverse of hollow silhouette of Joseph S. Paxson, in possession of MPB.] He was apparently unmarried and had no children.
Edward Paxson, son of Richard Jr.6 (Richard S.5 #130, Joseph4 #49, William3 #20, William2 #9, William1 #2) and Mary (Pickering), was born 4th Month 21, 1859, and died 4 Month 7, 1942. He married Elizabeth S__. In the 1880 census Edward was listed as working as a clerk and living with his mother in his uncle's house.
Edward and Elizabeth are buried in the Friends South-Western Burial Ground.
Photo taken 4/25/2009 by MJP Grundy
William Laurence Paxson, the son of Charles Henry6 (Richard S.5 #130, Joseph4 #49, William3 #20, William2 #9, William1 #2) and his wife Ada (Bowen) Paxson. Is there a descendant out there who can give me some information?
Aaron Knight Paxson, the eldest son of Merritt6 (Charles5 #132, Phineas4 #50, William3, William2, William1) and his wife, Hannah Larzalere (KNIGHT) was born in 1848 in New Jersey. He married Lydia ELLISON, who had been born in Delaware.
In 1880 Aaron was a 32-year old farmer in Pencader, New Castle County, Delaware. His wife Lydia was keeping house, son Eugene was at school, and there were four younger children. There were four other people in the household: Jacob B. CAGIER listed as a retired farmer who was 46 years old, and his wife, Hannah B., who was 29 and keeping house. There were also Henry Brown an 11-year old African-American farm laborer, and Martha DUCKNEY, a 15-year old mulatto "Domestic". [1880 census as given on www.familysearch.org, 3/2005]
Children of Aaron K. and Lydia C. (Ellison) Paxson (from the 1880 census, may be incomplete):i. Eugene E. Paxson8, b. ca. 1870 in Del.;
ii. Merritt H. Paxson, b. ca. 1874 in Del.;
iii. C. H. Paxson, b. ca. 1875 in Delaware;
iv. Harold Paxson, b. ca. 1877 in Del.;
iv. Clara W. E. Paxson, b. ca. 1879 in Del.;
Merritt C. Paxson, the second son of Merritt6 (Charles5 #135, Phineas4, William3, William2, William1) and his wife, Hannah Larzalere (KNIGHT), was born in 1853. He married Sally M. COCHRAN.
Charles Paxson, the third son of Merritt6 (Charles5 #135, Phineas4, William3, William2, William1) and his wife Hannah Larzalere (KNIGHT) was born 9 August 1855. He resided as an adult in Sylmar, Delaware.
Charles William Paxson, son of John Hayhurst6 (Charles5 #132, Phineas4, William3, William2, William1) and his wife, Eleanor SHEARER. [Information about him is from Joan Paxson Bodnar, 11m/10/2003.]
Albert Sharon Paxson, the oldest surviving son of Phineas6 (Charles5 #135, Phineas4, William3, William2, William1) and his wife, Rebecca (Tomlinson), was born 5 March 1854 in Salem County, New Jersey, and died sometime after the 1930 census. He married on 30 Deccember 1875 Josephine LaRue BITTING, daughter of John R. and Hannah (BARTINE) Bitting. Mayor STOKELY of Philadelphia performed the ceremony. Josephine was born 27 August 1852.Albert spent a portion of his early years in Middletown, and then later lived in Southampton. He attended public schools and the Friends School in Langhorne. After his marriage, Albert farmed for his father for seven years. Then in 1878 he purchased the 90-acre farm in Southampton that belonged to his grandfather, Amos TOMLINSON. The farm fronted on Brownsville Road and backed up to Albert's father's farm. The house was torn down in 1970 and replaced with the Woodlyn West housing development.[Joan Paxson Bodnar, 11/10/2003; Davis, Hist. of Bucks Co., 3:693.]
In the 1900 federal census Albert S. and Josephine L. were living in Southampton with their four surviving children: William, Mary E., George P., and Wesley. [1900 census as on Ancestry.com.]
Albert S. was elected Sheriff of Bucks County in November of 1905. His opponent was a man named YERKES and the results were, Albert S. Paxson (Republican) 7387; Yerkes (Democrat) 6932. The image to the right is a reproduction of a "Craven and Co. postcard, ca. 1907, shows a man, possibly Sheriff Albert Paxson, standing at the entrance to the guardhouse of the Bucks County Prison." The prison was built in 1884. The massive stone walls and the gate are now part of the James A. Michener Art Museum. [More information on the transformation of the prison to an art museum, is in Lois Anderson, The Pine Street Hotel.]
Albert was a member of the Newtown Lodge F&AM #427 and served as Worshipful Master in 1905. His wife’s father, John R. BITTING, was also a member of this lodge, having been one of the first eight men who were initiated into it on Christmas Eve, 1868. Albert’s brother, Augustus, and Albert's son, William, also were members of the Lodge.
In the 1920 census Albert S. and Josephine L. were still living in Southampton, but their children were grown up and gone out on their own. [1910 census as on Ancestry.com.]
The following is the recollection of Harold W. Paxson about his grandfather, Albert Sharon Paxson:[My thanks to Joan Paxson Bodnar for giving me this reminiscence, 11/10/2003]
My memories of the old Paxson farm was that it was a beehive of activity and lots of fun. My grandfather, in my opinion, was rather stern and strict and I stood in considerable awe of him. Grandmother Paxson was, to me, the tallest, slimmest, person I remember as a small boy. Always some treat of some kind from the pantry or kitchen. Grandfather Paxson was the boss, of that there was no question, and while Grandmother was kind, she also tolerated no nonsense and while I always enjoyed visiting their farm, I preferred to go to my Grandparent Engle’s farm. Mainly, because, I guess, anything went there and you had more freedom to get into trouble and mischief.In later life and after the death of his wife, Albert Sharon Paxson sold his farm and moved into Langhorne to live with his daughter, Mary Emily ["Mamie"] HIBBS, and her husband Norman F. Hibbs. Albert was living with them in the 1930 census. [Ancestry.com] Sometime prior to his death, he developed diabetes and had to have a leg amputated. His disposition seemed to deteriorate along with his health.[Joan Paxson Bodnar, 11/10/2003]
Albert S. Paxson was the Sheriff of Bucks County early in this century and I heard many stories from my father relative to this period. The first automobile used by the Sheriff was during Grandfather’s tenure and although my Dad (Wesley Bitting Paxson) was only in his early teens, he fell heir to the chore of learning to drive it. Since this was the first automobile which the County provided to its Sheriff, the County was less than delighted when they discovered that Albert Sharon’s young son, not a County employee, was driving it. The Sheriff, not one to be detered from his chosen path, made his son, Wesley, his deputy. This would allow him to drive the car without criticism. The next issue was from Wesley when he decided that if he was the Deputy Sheriff, he should have a gun. Sheriff Paxson told him he couldn’t have a gun. “You drive, I’ll shoot ‘em”, was his response.By the time I was born in 1914, my father, Wesley, had owned several cars of his own. In 1921 he bought a Model T Ford roadster for my mother, so we were a two car family from that time on. My own dislike and distrust of horses could be because I was born in the automobile age as far as my parents were concerned. We did have horses on the farm but as we moved into town in 1919, my memories of using a horse for other than pulling a plow or harrow, were only on the occasion when my father used a team and a wagon to move materials to Winchester Avenue, Langhorne, in order to build a garage at our new house.
Aunt Mamie’s stories of Grandfather’s last years were not too kind as to his temper and disposition and seem to agree with my own childhood impressions of him. From her stories, I know, he had a deep interest in his ancestors and had a good knowledge of them.
Children of Albert Sharon and Josephine (Bitting) Paxson: [Joan Paxson Bodnar, 11/10/2003, and Davis, Hist. of Bucks Co., 3:693-4.]i. John Phineas Paxson8, b. 13 Jan. 1877; d. at age 3 days, on 16 Jan. 1877.
ii. William Albert Paxson, called "Willie", b. 18 Sept. 1878; d. 14 Feb. 1956; m. 25 Nov. 1903 Mary A. TAYLOR, daughter of Benjamin Taylor; William joined the Newtown Lodge 6 Dec. 1905 and was a member the rest of his life; he was a fireman; res. Newtown; two children: Clarence O. (b. ca. 1905) and Albert S. (b. ca. 1915). The family of four was living in Morrisville, Bucks County, as enumerated in the 1920 and 1930 census lists. [Ancestry.com]
iii. Mary Emily Paxson, called "Mamie", b. 6 May 1881; d. 8 Apr. 1969; m. 19 Mar. 1902 Norman F. HIBBS; he was b. 26 Mar. 1880, d. 24 May 1964.
iv. George Parker Paxson, b. 30 Oct. 1883; d. 6 June 1931; m. 17 Feb. 1909 Anna Belle BILGER; George was named for the family doctor. They had 2 children: George B (b. ca, 1913) and Edna M. (b. ca. 1918). The 4 of them were living in Langhorne at the time of the 1920 and 1930 censuses. [Ancestry.com]
v. Wesley Bitting Paxson, b. 11 Feb. 1886; d. 21 Dec. 1961; m. 29 May 1912 Mae Flora ENGLE; she was b. 7 May 1886, d. 13 Jan. 1963; had two children: Harold W. (b. ca. 1915) and Ida M. (b. ca. 1917). The 4 of them were listed living in Langhorne in the 1920 and 1930 federal censuses. [Ancestry.com]
vi. Samuel Tomlinson Paxson, called "Sammy", b. 26 Dec. 1886 and d. 29 Sept. 1896.
John Charles Paxson, the fifth child of Phineas6 (Charles5 #132, Phineas4, William3, William2, William1) and his wife, Rebecca (Tomlinson), was born 17 October 1857. He married Sally E. WHITE on Washington's Birthday, 22 February 1883.John E. (sic.) and Sarah E. were living in Northampton Township in the 1920 federal census listing. [Ancestry.com]
Child of John Charles and Sally E. (White) Paxson:
i. Russell N. Paxson8, b. 23 Jan. 1885; d. 1949; m. 20 Oct. 1909 Cora LaRUE; two children: Edgar R. (b. ca. 1917 or 1920) and Leonard L. (b. ca. 1921). Three of them were living in Northampton Township, Bucks Co. in the 1920 census, and all four of them in Langhorne, Middletown Township, in the 1930 census. [Ancestry.com]
Augustus Tomlinson Paxson, the third surviving son and sixth child of Phineas6 (Charles5 #132, Phineas4, William3, William2, William1) and his wife, Rebecca (Tomlinson), was born 21 October 1859 and died on 27 September 1927. He married Emma Elmina WORTHINGTON on Washington's Birthday of 1882, exactly a year before his older brother was married. Emma was a twin, the daughter of Comly and Elizabeth H. Worthington.Augustus was living in Northampton Township, Bucks County, in 1910. [Ancestry.com]
After Emma's death Augustus married Clara SCHARD.
Children of Augustus and Emma E. (Worthington) Paxson:
i. Ethel Paxson8, m. William N. LaRUE, who joined the Newtown Lodge on 4 June 1923); two daughters;
ii. Maud Anna Paxson, b. 1884; d. 8 May 1914 at age 30; bur. at the Reformed Church in Churchville, Bucks Co., Penna.; m. Lafayette Cornell FINNEY, son of Joseph and Sarah Ellen (CORNELL) Finney; no children.
iii. Taylor A. Paxson, b. 23 Oct. 1888; d. 3 Feb. 1963; m. 19 Feb. 1913 Edith TOMLINSON; he joined the Newtown Lodge on 8 Nov. 1916; one daughter;
iv. Phoebe Sims Paxson, b. 4 May 1894; d. 1948 at age 54; bur. in the Reformed Church in Churchville, Bucks Co., Penna.; m. 27 Mar. 1918 Lafayette C. FINNEY, the widower of her older sister. His photograph, courtesy of Jim Finney, is on the right. Lafayette took over his father's mill in Rocksville (Holland), Bucks Co.; in 1889 the name had been changed to Finney's Feed Mill. In 1962 it became the Mill Race restaurant at Holland and Buck Roads. In addition to operating the mill, he and his father and later his son ran a general store across the road, also serving as postmasters for the Holland Post Office in the store. Lafayette was b. 14 June 1883 and d. in 1960. They had 4 children, one of whom d. as an infant. [My thanks to Jim Finney for information on Lafayette and his wives and children; e mails 1/2006; see his Finney line as shown at http://www.angelfire.com/pa3/PhillyFinney/d0/i0000007.html.]
Anthony Burton Paxson, son of John W. Paxson, (Willett #156, Joshua4 William3, William2, William1) and his wife Anna (Burton), was born 26 July 1855 and died 31 July 1894. [Hinshaw2:813] Anthony married Ella W. SILVIS. The marriage, out of unity with Friends, was reported to Race Street Meeting in Philadelphia on 29 January 1889.[Hinshaw2:907]Anthony, called Burt by his family, took over his father's business of foundry supplies, situated on Pier 45, 1021 North Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia. Anthony died at the age of 39 and his remains were buried in section 38, row G, lot #7, on 3 August 1894 in Fair Hill, the cemetery of Green Street Meeting in Philadelphia. Ella was also buried there, on top of Burt, on 9 August 1937. [Fair Hill interment records, sent by the generosity of Richard Biddle, 6m/2006.]
As a widow Ella W. lived at 1422 Mt. Vernon Street in Philadelphia, where she was listed in Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory. [1895 and 1897 editions.]
Children of Anthony Burton and Ella W. (Silvis) Paxson (may be incomplete or out of order): [Hinshaw2:813]
i. Edna Paxson8, the eldest surviving child, b.
ii. Benjamin Paxson8, b. 7 Sept. 1889; lived only an hour, d. 7 Sept. 1889; bur. Fair Hill cemetery in the same grave with Mary B. Paxson, section 13, row G, lot #7. [Fair Hill interment records.]
iii. John W. Paxson,
iv. David W. Paxson, Sr., b. 29 Feb. 1892; bur. 4 Nov. 1952 Fair Hill cemetery, section 60 row G, lot #7 with his father, A. Burton Paxson. [Fair Hill interment records.]
Walter R. Paxson, son of Joshua Willett6, (Charles5 #163, Joshua4, William3, William2, William1) and Agnes (Tyson) Paxson, aka Walter P., was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in 1890. On 20 November 1915 he married Ruth CHANDLEE in Lansdowne, Delaware County, Penna. She was the daughter of Webster and Emily (JACKSON) Chandlee, and had been born in Richmond, Indiana in 1891.
Sometime after 1923 they removed to New York, where they resided in Islip, Long Island. They were members of Westbury Monthly Meeting.
Children of Walter P. and Ruth (Chandlee) Paxson: [from Westbury MM records as transcribed in Hinshaw 3:431-2.]
i. Margaret Chandlee Paxson8, b. in Penna. in 1916; m. __ BEATTY; 5 children.
ii. Miriam Louise Paxson, b. in Penna. 1917;
iii. Richard Chandlee Paxson, b. in Philadelphia County, Penna., 1923; m. __ ROGERS; graduated from George School, class of 1947.
Joshua Tyson7Paxson, son of Charles Sumner6 (Charles5 #163, Joshua4, William3, William2, William1) and Tacy (Lukens) Paxson, was born 4 July 1885, and died 2 September 1949. He married on 19 March 1918 the widow Helen Margaret (BARGER) Searight.
The following information was kindly sent to me by Steve Searight, 1 June 2005:
Helen was born in Edenburg Borough [Edinborough?], Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and was the eldest child of Louis F. Barger and Louise, or Louisa, Page. Louis F. Barger was an attorney at law and was born in Pennsylvania, I believe in Philadelphia, in October 1843. He married Louise M. Page, born in December 1857 in New York, about 1877. Louis and Louise had 3 children: (1) Helen Margaret, (2) Thomas J., and (3) Adele Clark. In 1880, Louis, Louise, Helen, T. J., and Louise's sister, Mary Ida Page (age 19 and single), were living in Edenburg Borough. By 1900, the family had moved to Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio and their son T. J. was dead. I believe that John Searight and Helen met and married in Youngstown. By 1910, Louis and Louise were living in Pittsburgh. At the time of the 1920 census, Louis and Louise were living in Atlantic City, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Sometime between the 1920 census and the 1930 census, Louise died. The 1930 census found Louis living with his daughter, Adele, and her family, Fidelis H. Olaphant and their daughter Jean, in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. It appears that Adele and Fidelis married in 1909 or 1910 and they are shown on the 1910 census living in Niles, Trumbull County, Ohio. By 1920, their daughter Jean had been born (about 1913) and they were living in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. My thought is that either John Clarence Searight and Helen M. Barger Searight moved to Erie or were visiting Helen's sister in Erie where John died.
Helen was the second wife of John Clarence SEARIGHT (born in December 1869 in Beaver County, Pennsylvania). He had marrried first ca. 1897 in Pittsburgh Lisa B. (__). She had died or they were divorced between the 1900 census and 1903 when John married for a second time, Helen M. (Barger). They had two children: Helen and John Louis Searight. In the 1910 census John, Helen, and their two small children were listed in Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio. "John C." Searight was drowned in the Niagara River sometime prior to January 1920. [Information from Steve Searight, e mail 3m/9/2005] Another relative related a family tradition that "Clarence" drowned in Lake Erie. [e mail from Marty Searight, 5/16/2005.]
In the 1930 federal census Joshua T. Paxson was enumerated in Hatborough, Montgomery County living with Helen M., her children Helen Searight (born in 1906) and Louis Searight (born in 1909) and Charles B. (born in 1919). [Federal census, Sheet 4a, as abstracted on www.footnote.com seen 5/28/2009.]
The photograph on the right, and used by kind permission of Marty Searight, shows Charles B. "Charlie" Paxson and his mother, Helen (Searight) Paxson, taken at 221 Mill Road, Hatboro, Pennsylvania, in 1952. The car in the driveway may be the pink cadillac that Charlie once owned.
Child of Joshua Tyson and Helen Margaret (Barger) Searight Paxson:
i. Charles B. Paxson8,Children of John Clarence and Helen M. (Bayer) SEARIGHT:i. Helen L. SEARIGHT , b. 1905; d. 1994;
ii. John Louis SEARIGHT , b. ca. 1909; d. in Abington Hospital in February 1946; m. __ VanDOREN; 2 children.
William Lukens7 Paxson, son of Charles Sumner6, (Charles5 #163, Joshua4, William3, William2, William1) and Tacy (Lukens) Paxson, was born 15 July 1889, and died at "Spring Farm" of a heart attack while planting corn on 21 June 1955. He married Augusta HELMSTETTER on 23 January 1935, in Manhattan, New York. She was born 13 April 1896 and died 4 December 1950.
William was a lifelong member of Horsham Monthly Meeting, while Augusta was a member of the local Christian Science church. William graduated from George School, in Bucks County, in 1909, then attended the University of Michigan to study law. But he practiced law for less than a year, in Trenton, New Jersey. While there, in October 1912, the family barn burned to the ground. William returned home to the farm at the outset of World War I. His father and grandfather had farmed it previously, and his son would live there as the fourth generation. [Letters from William L. Paxson II, 6/15/2003, ]
William was 48 when his son was born. In 1941 Augusta had a stroke. She died nine years later. William hired a couple to help farm and do the housework. In June 1955, as he was approaching his 66th birthday, William sold all the farm but four acres surrounding the house. Less than one week later, while planting corn with his son, he suffered a hear attack and died.
Child of William Lukens and Augusta (Helmstetter) Paxson:
i. William Lukens8 Paxson II
John Paxson7, son of Thomas6 (Joshua5 #174, Thomas4 #67, Thomas3 #22, William2, William1) and his first wife Ann (BUNTING), was born in 1844, and died in 1879. He and Mary JENKS were married on 10 September 1872. [My thanks to Donna Goodwin, e mail Oct. 14, 2009, for information she got from William A. Collins, used by permission.]
He was named as the "infant son" of Thomas, and bequeathed $100 by his great uncle John Paxson, whose will was signed 29 June 1846. [Bucks Co. will file #10079.]
John and Mary lived in Philadelphia. He was an engineer, working on the railroad. He was killed in a railroad accident on 5 March 1879. Their son had died a little less than nine months earlier, so Mary was left a childless widow. In the 1880 she was listed in her father's house in Buckingham, Bucks County, as a 33 year old widow. Joseph W. and Christianna R. Jenks were listed as wheelwright and house keeper; Mary had no occupation listed. [1880 census as transcribed on FamilySearch, NA film no. T9-1106, page 159C.]
Child of John and Mary (Jenks) Paxson:
i. Lloyd Paxson8, b. 26 Sept. 1873; d. 19 June 1878, age 4 years.
James B. Paxson7, son of Thomas6 (Joshua5 #174, Thomas4 #67, Thomas3 #22, William2, William1) and his first wife Ann (BUNTING) was born 2 February 1850 and died 17 May 1891. He and Phebe R. DARRAH were married on 27 January 1875. [From the Ancestry.com files of William A. Collins, used by permission.]
James A. Paxson and his wife Phebe D. Paxson, both age 30 were enumerated in the 1880 federal census for Middletown Township, Bucks County. James was farming, Phebe was keeping house. There were no others in their household. [1880 census as transcribed on FamilySearch, NA film no. T9-1106, page 369A.]
James died on 17 May 1891 "at the age of 41 of Typhoid Pneumonia following La Grippe".
Children of James and Phebe (Darrah) Paxson:
i. Franklin S. Paxson8, b. 1 Mar. 1878; d. 21 July 1878.
ii. Irene Paxson, b. 4 Nov. 1882;
William E. Paxson7, son of Thomas6 (Joshua5 #174, Thomas4 #67, Thomas3 #22, William2, William1) and his second wife Mary (ETTINGER), was born 10 February 1863. In the 1880 census William was enumerated as a 17-year old teenager engaged in farm work, living with his parents. [1880 census for Middletown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Family History Library Film 1255106, Page Number 369A]
Henry Bright7 Paxton, "Harry", son of Bright Rupert6 (Joseph5 #203, Jonas4 #86, James3 #30, William Jr.2, James1) and Emmeline (Barton) Paxton, was born 14 August 1838 in Catawissa, Columbia County, Pennsylvania. He died 26 December 1926 in Rockledge, Florida. Henry married 26 December 1867 in Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Frances Heilman KOONS, the daughter of Philip and Mary Ann. She was born 6 August 1839 and died 17 September 1928 in Rockledge, Florida.During the Civil War "Harry B." mustered in to Company H, Fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserves at Camp Tennally in Northumberland County, on 21 June 1861 as a 22 year old Corporal. He was described as fair complexion, dark eyes, light hair, and 6'1" tall. He was a tanner in Lycoming County. Harry was promoted to 2nd Lt. on 16 January 1862, then to 1st Lt. on 21 September 1862, and finally to Captain on 13 April 1863. He was mustered out on 11 June 1864. [ card file for Harry B. Paxton, 1-685, on www.digitalarchives.state.pa.us, as seen 8/31/2006. Histories include: Sypher, J. R. History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps: A Complete Record of the Organization, and of the Different Companies, Regiments, and Brigades ( Lancaster, Pa.: Elias Barr & Co., 1865); and Sypher, J. R. History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps: A Complete Record of the Organization, and of the Different Companies, Regiments, and Brigades (Heritage Books. Reprint of 1865 Original. ISBN# 1556134983). But so far I have not found a history of their 5th Regiment. ] They saw action at Fredericksburg in December, 1862.
In 1880 the federal census noted that "H. B." was a collector of canal tolls in Wrightsville, York County, Pennsylvania. His wife, "F. K." was two years younger, keeping house and caring for their two young sons. [1880 census as given on www.familysearch.org, 3/2005]
Later the family moved to the Indian River section of Florida where Henry was a fruit grower.
Children of Henry Bright and Frances Heilman (Koons) Paxton:
i. Joseph Townsend Paxton d. in infancy.
ii. Bright Rupert Paxton, b. 20 Oct. 1869;
iii. Philip Koons Paxton, b. 18 June 1872;
Charles Rupert7 Paxton, "Charlie", son of Bright Rupert6 (Joseph5, Jonas4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and Emmeline (Barton) Paxton, was born 5 May 1840 in Catawissa, Columbia County, Pennsylvania. He died 14 June 1914 in Sawtelle, California. He married on the 30th of May 1866 Josephine Frances "Fanny" WOOD. They had no children.
During the Civil War Charles was a member of Company H in the Fifth Pennsylvania Reserves. He mustered in on 21 June 1861 as a private at Camp Tennally in Northumberland County. His older brother Harry was mustered in the same day. Charles was a 21 year old machinist living in Columbia County. He is described as having a dark complexion, dark eyes, brown hair, and was 5'9" tall. He was promoted to Sgt. at some unknown date. Charles was wounded in the Battle at Lacy House on 6 May 1864, and discharged 11 June 1864. [Card file for Charles Paxton, 1-686, on www.digitalarchives.state.pa.us, as seen 8/31/2006.] He received a bullet wound in his arm, and the bullet remained in his arm causing him much trouble in later years.
In 1876 Charlie and his wife came east from their home in Kansas to visit his parents and brother Harry in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania. Then they went on to Philadelphia and visited the Centennial Fair in Fairmount Park. While visiting his brother John Barton, he consulted a physician who advised him the bullet could not be removed without damage to his arm.
Sometime between 1876 and 1881 the marriage broke up. Charlie went to New Mexico. In time he was joined there by his brother Leonard and sister May. Charlie became a miner, and had a mine near Paxton Spring, about eight or nine miles from Grants. Since 1950, when uranium was discovered, Grants has been involved with mining that radioactive substance. Before that, it was a center of carrot farming. Grants is just off of I-40, west of Albuquerque.
In about 1912 Charlie's health deteriorated and he went to live with his brother Leonard and and Leonard's wife Stella. Charlie had a stroke the following year, and Leonard and a friend who was a Ford agent, drove him to the Soldiers' Home in Sawtelle. Laura Paxton, his neice, visited him there weekly until his death on 14 June 1914. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles. His parents, and brothers Edward and George are also buried there. [From a write-up by Edith Paxton Rich, sent to me by HREII.]
John Barton7 Paxton, son of Bright Rupert6 (Joseph5, Jonas4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and Emmeline (Barton) Paxton, was born 3 March 1842 in Catawissa, and died 14 March 1913 in Philadelphia. He married first on 5 September 1867 in West Chester Sue Jones PRICE, the daughter of Dr. James Bonsall and his second wife Anne (JONES) Price. Sue was born 12 May 1843 and died 20 June 1868 shortly after the birth and death of their unnamed infant. John married secondly on 15 November 1877, Anne Jones Price, the neice of his first wife, and the daughter of Lucius Duncan and Anna Maria (HAINES) Price. They were married at the residence of John Townsend Haines in West Chester. Anne was born 10 March 1856 in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and died 13 February 1921 in Philadelphia.
John was educated in local schools and the Millville Boarding School, where he displayed an unusual aptitude for geometry and mathematics. He took up the study of mechanics and had considerable ability in working out practical devices in machinery.
When the Civil War broke out John mustered in as a private in Company H, Fifth Regiment, Pennsyslvania Reserves, on 12 September 1861 at Harrisburg. He was 20 years old. His older brothers, Harry and Charlie had already mustered in. John was wounded in the leg at Fredericksburg in December, 1862, was captured, and confined for several months in the notorious Libby Prison. He was eventually exchanged and sent north, where owing to his injury, he was discharged on 15 December 1863, "on acc't of wounds received in action". [ card file for John B. Paxton, 1-687, on www.digitalarchives.state.pa.us, as seen 8/31/2006. His physical description is not filled in on this card, and some of the other hand-written data is illegible.] His Army Discharge Papers (which I have not seen) describe him as "five feet nine inches high, light complexion, blue eyes and sandy hair." He became active in Grand Army Post No. 191, Pennsylvania Reserves, frequently attending their reunions and encampments. I believe that this ceremonial dress sword belonged to John.
John moved to Philadelphia to take up business as a Master Mechanic, opening an office in 1868 in partnership with C. C. JENKINS. Then he worked on his own, and finally in partnership with Ellis I. O'NEILL he founded the firm of Paxton and O'Neill for manufacturing the machinery he had invented for knitting stockings. His patent was for machinery to knit "full-round" stockings. The firm was at 129 Bread, in Philadelphia. [Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory, 1895-1899.] Later John bought out O'Neill and went into partnership with his eldest son, Joseph Townsend Paxton. When young Joseph died in 1910 John took his brother-in-law, Joseph Townsend PRICE into partnership under the name of Paxton, Price and O'Neill. The firm was sold sometime before the death of Price on 2 December 1924.John was a Mason, quite active as a young man in Excelsior Lodge No. 491. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Kensington Degree, Lodge No. 2, from which he received an engrossed Testimonial in recognition of his services as High Priest for the term ending 9 January 1875. Note that Friends had advices against being members of secret societies, but I have found no evidence that John was a member of the Religious Society of Friends.
From 1868 to 1878 John lived with his mother-in-law Anne Jones Price and his first wife Sue, at 1014 Parrish Street, Philadelphia. It was a typical three-story brick row house, purchased by his brother-in-law Joseph B. TOWNSEND on 13 June 1850. When John married for the second time he took his new bride to live at 526 North 38th Street (originally number 438). The 1880 census (taken June 11) lists him there as a 38 year old machinist with his wife Anne, 24 years old, keeping house, and a one-year old daughter, "Susan". In June 1880 he purchased from Charles F. HALL a residence at 331 Saunders Avenue, in West Philadelphia. He was living there as listed in the 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898 and 1899 Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory.
On 8 June 1900 John B. and Anne J. were enumerated at 331 Saunders Avenue by the federal census taker. John was listed as a 58 year old machinist, Anne as a 44 year old who had borne 8 children, of whom 7 survived. Living with them were their children: Sue P, 21, at school; Joseph T., 18, a machinist; Ada T.; Emma B., 14; John B., 11; James P., 8; and Charles R., 3. All but Joseph and Charles were in school. [1900 US census, Philadelphia, 5th Ward, Enumeration District 549, sheet 10B, lines 69-77; image seen on Ancestry.com, 1/25/2007.]
The snapshot of the family caught by the 1910 census on 331 Saunders Avenue enumerated a family of seven, with a live-in servant. John Barton was listed as a machinist, as was his 20 year old son John B., Jr. Both Adeline T. (26) and Emmaline B. (24) were listed as school teachers in a public school. I was unable to decifer the occupation of
18 year old James P., while youngest son, Charles R., age 13, was merely at home. Anne was listed as 54 years old, having borne eight children of whom six survived. [1910 US census, Philadelphia, 24th Ward, Enumeration District 499, roll T624_1397, page 10A, lines 29-36, taken 23 April 1910; image seen on Ancestry.com, 1/25/2007.]
John died at 331 Saunders Avenue on 14 March 1913.
The 1920 census, taken 17 January, found Anne still at 331 Saunders, but the Wards had been reorganized. She was listed as a 62 year old widow living with her son Charles R., age 22, a vacuum cleaner salesman. [1920 US census, Philadelphia, 24th Ward, Enumeration District 713, sheet 8B, lines 62-63; image seen on Ancestry.com, 1/25/2007.]
The year before she died Anne signed a quilt block for her eldest daughter's quilt. Her daughter's block was dated 26 June 1920. Anne died 13 February 1921 at 645 North 63th Street, Philadelphia, the home of her daughter Ada LINVILL.
Children of John Barton and his first wife Sue Jones (Price) Paxton:
i. unnamed infant, b. and d. June 1868.Children of John Barton and his second wife Anne Jones (Price) Paxton:ii. Sue Price8 Paxton, b. 28 Sept. 1878 in Philadelphia; d. 10 May 1972 in Lansdowne, Penna.; m. 26 June 1909 Franklin D. EDMUNDS. She joined Race Street Meeting 19 July 1899. [Hinshaw 2:907.] Attended Normal School and taught gymnastics in Warren, Penna. 1908-09. An autograph quilt was made for her in the summer of 1920. Her block is to the right.iii. Joseph Townsend Paxton, b. 23 Aug. 1880 in Philadelphia; d. suddenly on 22 Jan. 1910 while on company business in Durham, N. C.; m. Nettie __.[HREII notes.]
iv. Jacob P[rice?] Paxton, b. 8 Dec. 1881 in Philadelphia; d. 6 Apr. 1882 in Philadelphia.
v. Adaline Townsend Paxton, b. 26 June 1883 in Philadelphia; d. 14 Nov. 1983 in Bryn Mawr, Penna.; m. 30 June 1910 in Philadelphia Walker Eachus LINVILL, certified public accountant. He was the son of Aquilla James and Sarah Trego (EACHUS) Linville, b. 12 Mar. 1884; d. 8 Aug. 1949 in Wynnewood, Penna. He shortened his name from Linville to Linvill at or around the time of his marriage. Ada joined Race St. Mtg. by application 15 Nov. 1905. They had 2 children. The Linvills' quilt block is to the right.
vi. Emmeline Barton Paxton, b. 1 Nov. 1885 in Philadelphia; d. 6 Mar. 1943 in Ambler, Pa.; unmarried. She joined Race St. Meeting by application 15 Nov. 1905.
vii. John Barton Paxton, b. 5 Apr. 1889 in Philadelphia; d. in the early 1960s in Wagoner, Ariz.; m. 27 Sept. 1916 in Prescott, Ariz., Henrietta KATZMAR of Auburn, N.Y. The quilt squares ("H. K. Paxton" and "J. B. Paxton") are from an autograph quilt prepared for John's eldest sister, Sue.
viii. James Price Paxton, b. 1 Dec. 1891 in Philadelphia; d. before 1971; m. 8 Sept. 1917 in Auburn, N.Y. Alice Virginia STUPP. She was b. 10 June 18__, the daughter of Joseph Boslet and Annie Elizabeth (Duckett) Stupp; moved to Abington, then to Port Washington, N.Y.; Henry R Edmunds II remembers him as friendly, easy, tall and thin; 1 son, Robert Mann Paxton.
ix. Charles Rupert Paxton, b. 10 Oct. 1895 in Philadelphia; d. 13 Oct. 1895 in Philadelphia.
x. Charles Rupert Paxton, b. 20 Sept. 1896 in Philadelphia; d. 9 Aug. 1979 in Camden, NJ; m. 22 Sept. 1923 in Philadelphia Elizabeth Shaw BLAIR. The quilt square ("Charles Rupert Paxton") is from an autograph quilt prepared for Charles's oldest sister, Sue.
Joseph7 Paxton, son of Bright Rupert6 (Joseph5, Jonas4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and Emmeline (Barton) Paxton, was born 17 March 1846 in Catawissa, Columbia County, Pennsylvania; he died 14 January 1919 in Rockledge, Florida. Joseph married on 14 December 1879 Anne Leland HATCH, daughter of Andrew Leland and Mary Virginia (HOGSETT). Annie was born 4 February 1862 and died 24 Dececember 1940 in Rockledge.
Before his marriage he lived in Catawissa and was a corresponding member of the Prison Society, working for penal reform. [Journal of the Prison Society vol. 7 (Jan. 1, 1868), p. 99.]
Joseph was a fruit grower in Brevard County, Florida. In the 1880 census he was 33 years old living with his 18 year old wife, "Annie". [1880 census as given on www.familysearch.org, 3/2005] He seems to have been the pioneer in his family to move to the citrus growing region of Florida.
The children of Joseph and Anne Leland (Hatch) Paxton:
i. Leonard Rupert Paxton8, b. 30 Dec. 1880 in Rockledge, Fla.; m. 5 Feb. 1914 Etta Mae BARNES; no children.
ii. Mary Virginia Paxton, b. 20 Oct. 1887 in Fla.; m. 14 Dec. 1912 Ruan Milton REMBERT; no children.
iii. Joseph Leland Paxton, b. 21 Nov. 1894 in Rockledge;
Edward7 Paxton, son of Bright Rupert6 (Joseph5, Jonas4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and Emmeline (Barton) Paxton, was born 12 April 1851 in Catawissa, Pennsylvania, and died 20 December 1928 in Kennett, California. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles. Edward was unmarried.
In 1880 Edward was employed as a laborer, living at home in Franklin Township, Lycoming County, Pennsyslvania. [1880 census as given on www.familysearch.org, 3/2005]
Leonard Rupert7 Paxton, son of Bright Rupert6 (Joseph5, Jonas4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and Emmeline (Barton) Paxton, was born 3 August 1855 in Lairdsville, Pennsylvania. He died 19 April 1935 in Rivera, California. Leonard married 17 November 1885 in California, Stella RAWSON, the daughter of Richard and Laura (BRUCE). Stella was born 11 April 1858 in Hiram, Ohio. She died 16 August 1936 in Rivera, California. [Newspaper transcribed by HREII, The Sun, 11/17/1885 reported: "In Calif. on Tuesday last Leonard R. Paxton, of Atlantic & Pacific Railway was married to Miss Stella Rawson."]
In 1880 Leonard was living in a boarding house in Manhattan, working as a printer. [1880 census as given on www.familysearch.org, 3/2005]
Leonard followed his interest in printing in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. But by January 1881 he returned home with impaired health. The doctor advised him to go to a warmer climate, so he headed to New Mexico where his brother Charlie was living. Leonard got a job as assistant to an Indian trader. [From a write-up by Edith Paxton Rich, given to me by HREII.]
After their marriage in 1885, Leonard and Stella went to Los Angeles for a week's honeymoon, then went on to San Francisco where they visited Leonard's cousins, Senator and Mrs. Charles MACLAY. They decided to stay, and Leonard found a job in a store owned by Griswold and Maclay. When Henry Griswold died in 1887, Leonard moved his young family to Los Angeles where he worked for the Los Angeles County court. He ended up working at least a quarter century in the county clerk's office.
"Lenod" and Stella were enumerated in Downey Township, Los Angeles County on 6 June 1900 for the federal census. He was listed as a 44 year old farmer with 42 year old wife Stella. Her father had been born in England and her mother in New York. With them were three children, all born in California: Laura E., Clara B., and Bright R. The two girls were in school. [1900 census for Los Angeles, Calif., roll T623_91, Enumeration District 105, sheet 3A, lines 10-14, image seen on Ancestry.com, 1/25/2007.]
There is a family story that ca. 1917-1919, some Native Americans came to the Southwest Museum in Los Angeles to demonstrate weaving and other aspects of their culture. Leonard and Stella went to see them, and Leonard remembered them. They invited the Indians to spend a day at the family's ranch near Rivera (now Pico Rivera), where they enjoyed picking oranges and picnicing. After a homecooked dinner they returned to Los Angeles bearing "sacred abalone shells." [From a write-up by Edith Paxton Rich, given to me by HREII.]
The children of Leonard Rupert and Stella (Rawson) Paxton:
i. Laura Emmeline Paxton, b. 24 Aug. 1886 in San Fernando, Calif.;
ii. Clara Emily Barton Paxton, b. 14 Mar. 1888 in San Fernando, Calif.; d. 7 June 1974 in Camarillo, Calif.; m(1) Goodwin HILL; m(2) Myron HOCKENBERRY; m(3) 27 May 1913 Frank Curt MILLER (he was b. 1 Jan. 1888 in Phoenix, AZ, d. 27 Mar. 1941 in Downey, Calif.); 2 children.
iii. Bright Rupert Paxton, 26 Aug. 1891 in Los Angeles, Calif.; m. 14 June 1923 Jane BARKER; he was a photographer; 1 daughter.
iv. Bruce Paxton, b. 11 Aug. 1898; d. 17 or 22 Aug. 1898.
v. Edith Bruce Paxton, b. 30 Jan. 1901 in Rivera, Calif.; d. 14 June 1990 in Fullerton, Calif.; m. 11 June 1927 Verner Guy RICH, DDS. He was b. 8 Sept. 1901 in Okla.; d. 17 Dec. 1982 in Fullerton, Calif.; 2 children.
George Scott7 Paxton, son of Bright Rupert6 (Joseph5, Jonas4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and Emmeline (Barton) Paxton, was born 1 March 1859 in Lairdsville. He died 4 April 1912 in Los Angeles, and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles. George was unmarried.
In 1880 he was 21 and employed as a printer, still living at home in Franklin Township, Lycoming County, Pennsyslvania.[1880 census as given on www.familysearch.org, 3/2005]
Alexis R. Paxton, son of Joseph Rupert6 (Joseph5 #203 (Jonas4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) purchased 160.48 acres of land on 15 October 1884 in Tallahassee, Florida. His name was written "Alex S." [US Bureau of Land management, "Florida Pre-1908 Homestead &Cash Entry Patents", doc. #1659. 1 S 1/2 SW Tallahassee No 14 (S) 22(E) 28; and 2 S 1/2 SE Tallahassee No 14 (S) 22 (E) 28. "The patentee was the first owner of property after the initial survey. Once the patent was issued, the land became private property and was then sold with a deed. The townships, the six-mile-square land blocks which were the original divisions of land from the federal land grants, were then divided into 36 one-mile squares. The township numbering was the north-south numbering, starting from the center line. The range numbering was the east-west numbering, starting from the center line. The section is the one-mile-square portion (approximately 640 acres) of a township. That was was also generally divided into 36 equal squares (each of which might be divided another 36 times)." Florida Land Records [database on-line] General Land Office Automated Records Project, 1993.]
Alexis became a career army officer. In the 1887-1890 Directory for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Alexis was listed at 443 Market St., where he worked at a recruiting office. He was a Lieutenant. [Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Directories, 1887-90, from Ancestry.com, seen 9/14/2006.]
In the 1920 US federal census, Alexis was enumerated in Novato, Marin County, California. He was single, 70 years old, living in his own home, with Theresa Kaffauld, age 43 and Hildgarde Kaffauld, age 12. [1920 Census; Place: Novato, Marin, California; Roll: T625_120; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 84; Image: 615, as seen on Ancestry.com, 9/14/2006.]
In the 1930 US federal census, Alexis was again enumerated in Novato, Marin County, California. He was now 80 years old, still living with Theresa Kaufhold, age 53 and Hildegarde Kaufhold, age 22. [1930; 1930 Census, Place: Novato, Marin, California; Roll: 177; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 4; Image: 45.0, as seen on Ancestry.com, 9/14/2006.] I suspect that the spelling in 1930 was more accurate than in 1920, but that is just a guess.
Aaron Paxson, son of Aaron6, Jr. (Amos5 #208, James4 #87, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and his first wife Susannah WALL, was born 17 March 1820. He married Elizabeth MASON (b. ca. 1821). [My tanks to Dianna Privette for this data.]
Aaron's farm was valued at $3,380.00 in the 1850 census. Aaron's grandmother Cynthia (BEAL) Paxson, age 76, lived with them. [From the 1850 census FHC film #444,676 p. 450, District 206 Beaver Creek, taken 13 Sept. 1850. My thanks to Dianna Privette for sending this to me, 1m/7/2005.]
The federal census taken 11 July 1860 listed Aaron "Paxton" as a 40 year old farmer with a farm valued at $2,500 and personal property valued at $800. His wife Elizabeth was 39. Their children were Ann M. (16), John W. (15), Alvilda (9), Joseph (7), Nancy (6), Julia (4) and Almira (1/2). The oldest five were in school. All were born in Ohio. [The 1860 US census for Beaver Creek, p. 100. My thanks to Vanessa Stephan for sending me a photocopy of the schedule, 7m/10/2006.]
In the 1870 census, Aaron's last name was spelled Paxson. Curiously, the value of real estate ($4,200) and personal property ($1,800) was entered on Sarah J. Paxson's line. She was 45, five years younger than Aaron, engaged in "Keeping House", and was born in Ohio. It looks like Elizabeth had died, and this was a second marriage. Also in the household was ten-year old Chas. F. Elsworth (?), born in Illinois. There were also Aaron's children: Joseph (17, "Works on Farm"), Nancy (15), Julia A. (13), Alvira D. (9), and Rosa R. (8) all "at Home". Charles and the four girls attended school. [The 1870 US census for Beaver Creek Township, p. 37, taken on 13 July 1870. My thanks to Vanessa Stephan for sending me a photocopy of the schedule, 7m/10/2006.]
Ten years later the family was again enumerated for the federal census on 18 June 1880 in Beaver Creek. Aaron was 60, a farmer. Sarah was 55 and keeping house. Son Joseph was 27 and listed as engaged in "farm labor", while daughter Rosa Ellie was "at Home". Also living in the home was Lemuel JAMESON, 21 year old "hired hand" engaged in "farm labor". [I am indebted to Vanessa Stephan for sending me a photocopy of the US census schedule for Beaver Creek Township, p. 29/208, on 7m/10/2006.]
Children of Aaron and Elizabeth (__) Paxson from the federal censuses (may be incomplete):
i. Anna Paxson, or Ann M., b. ca. 1844; m. David LOE; at least one daughter, Martha Paxton Loe who m. Johnathan H. ALTER. [My thanks to Dianna Privette for this information.]
ii. John W. Paxson, b. ca. 1846
iii. Mary E. Paxson, b. ca. 1849.
iv. Alvilda Paxson, b. ca. 1851;
v. Joseph Paxson, b. ca. 1853;
vi. Nancy Paxson, b. ca. 1854; m. Abraham GARST; in 1880 census Nancy, Abraham, and their daughter Rettie, lived with Nancy's grandfather Aaron and step grandmother Hannah (__) Paxson.
vii. Julia A. Paxson, b. ca. 1856
viii. Alvira D. Paxson, b. ca. 1860;
ix. Rosa E. Paxson, b. ca. 1862;
Isaac Paxson, son of Aaron6, Jr. (Amos5 #208, James4 #87, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and his first wife Susannah WALL, was born ca. 1818 or 1820. He married Margaret (__) ca. 1843. [From the 1850 census FHC film #444,676 p. 461, District 206 Beaver Creek, taken 14 Sept. 1850. I am grateful to Dianna Privette for sending this to me, 1m/7/2005.]
Isaac and his family were enumerated on 30 July in Wheatville, Richland Township, Miami County, Indiana for the 1870 federal census. He was a 50 year old farmer with personal property valued at $500. There was only one neighbor who had a value listed for his real estate on that entire page. Margaret was 53 and "Keeping House", while James, age 22 was a farm laborer and Alvilda J. was 12 and attending school. The enumerator seems to have been pretty sloppy. Isaac and Margaret are checked to have been married within the year, and Margaret is listed as "Cannot write". [The 1870 US census for Richland Township, Indiana, p. 46. My thanks to Vanessa Stephan for sending me a photocopy of the schedule, 7m/10/2006.]
Children of Isaac and Margaret (__) Paxson: (may be incomplete)
i. Mary E. Paxson, b. ca. 1844.
ii. James A. Paxson, b. ca. 1848 in Ohio.
iii. Alvilda J. Paxson, b. ca. 1858 in Indiana.
Ezeriah Paxson, son of Aaron6, Jr. (Amos5 #208, James4 #87, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and his first wife Susannah WALL, was born 1 January 1823. He married Susannah DELLINGER. In various public documents his name is often spelled Ezra.
"Ezariah Paxton" and his wife Susannah and daughter Eliza J. were enumerated on 21 August 1850 in the federal census in Bethel Township, Miami County, Ohio. [Photocopy of 1850 census schedule, District No. 104, page 146, kindly sent to me by Vanessa Stephan, 7m/12/2006.]
At some point in the next ten years Ezeriah and his family moved to Beaver Creek Township. The 1860 federal census for Beaver Creek Township, Greene County, Ohio, taken on 12 July, lists "Azeriah Paxton", a 38-year old farmer. No value is given for his real estate, leading me to wonder if he was renting or leasing his farm? His personal estate was valued at $400. Living with Ezeriah were his wife Susannah, age 31, and their children: Aaron age 9, Harvey age 8, Martin age 5 (those three boys were attending school), and "Lavina" age 3 and John age 1 year. All the children had been born in Ohio. [Photocopy of census schedule, page 11 [115], kindly sent to me by Vanessa Stephan, 7m/8/2006.]
Ezeriah had died by 1880 when his widow "Susann Paxton" was enumerated in the federal census living with her daughter Catherine and son-in-law Isaac STEWART. [Photocopy of the federal census schedule, 18 June 1880, page 29/208, kindly sent to me by Vanessa Stephan, 7m/11/2006.]
Children of Ezeriah and Susannah (Dellinger) Paxson: [The first two children were listed on a One World Tree entry at Ancestry, but were not given in the 1860 census. Perhaps they had died young? I have no other corroboration for them. The remaining ten children and their birth dates were generously given to me by Vanessa, e mail 7m/8/2006. ]
i. William Armstrong Paxson8, b. 14 July 1848; d. before 2/1916; not listed in the 1860 census with the rest of his family.
ii. Eliza Jane Paxson, b. 4 Aug. 1849; d. before 2/1916; not included with the family in the 1860 census.
iii. Aaron B. Paxson, b. 26 May 1851; d. 5 Feb. 1916; m. Sarah C. NULL on 2 Oct. 1873; 10 children; listed as age 9 in the 1860 census;
iv. Harvey N. Paxson, b. 2 Feb. 1853, age 8 in the 1860 census; d. before 2/1916 when his older brother Aaron died;
v. Martin M. Paxson, b. 7 Feb. 1855, age 5 in the 1860 census; living in Alexandria, Ohio in Feb. 1916;
vi. Lavina Catherine Paxson, b. 22 Feb. 1857, age 3 in the 1860 census; d. before 2/1916; m. Isaac STEWART; they were enumerated in the 1880 census in Beaver Creek Township
vii. John C. Paxson, b. 16 Jan. 1859, age 1 in the 1860 census; living in Portland, Ind. Feb. 1916;
viii. Benjamin Franklin Paxson, b. 3 Apr. 1861;
ix. Sarah Belle Paxson, b. 21 June 1863; m. __ FUNDENBURG; lived in a farm near her parents in 1880 as a "hired girl" for Daniel HARNY and his son Jonathan, Jonathan's wife Eve, and their children ages 9 and 12; res. Xenia, Oh. in Feb. 1916;
x. Ellen Emma Paxson, b. 19 Dec. 1865; m. __STEWART; res. in Fairfield, Oh. in Feb. 1916;
xi. Samuel Paxson, b. 19 Oct. 1867; d. before 2/1916;
xii. Hirem Elton Paxson, b. 21 Feb. 1870; d. before 2/1916;
John Paxson, son of Aaron6, Jr. (Amos5 #208, James4 #87, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Hannah, was born 22 February 1829 in Greene County, Ohio. [This information from Vanessa, who got it from Kay Walton; e mail 7m/3/2006).] He married Louisa A. (__). They lived on the farm next door to John's parents, valued at $1,000. [From the 1850 census FHC film #444,676 p. 449, District 206 Beaver Creek, taken 13 Sept. 1850. I am grateful to Dianna Privette for sending this to me, 1m/7/2005.]
John "Paxon" was listed in the 1870 federal census on 16 June in Silver Creek Township, Greene County, as a 42 year old farmer with real estate valued at $6,500 and personal property listed at $1,200. His wife Louisa was a year older, and five children were living at home. Alpha, age 19, was a sewing machine agent; Louisa, age 17 "helps mother"; John (15), Patience (12) and Charles (6) were attending school. All were born in Ohio. [The 1870 US census for Silver Creek Township, p. 42. My thanks to Vanessa Stephan for sending me a photocopy of the schedule, 7m/10/2006.]
John and Louisa were enumerated again in Silver Creek on 7-8 June 1880. If I deciphered the numbers correctly, they both are listed as only 50 years old, John a farmer and Louisa keeping house. John and his mother were born in Ohio, his father in Pennsylvania. Louisa and her parents were born in Ohio. Three children still lived at home. John W. (25, "Works on farm"), Patience (20 with no occupation listed), and Charles (15, attending school but also working on the farm). [My thanks to Vanessa Stephan for sending me a photocopy of the 1880 US census schedule for Silver Creek Township, p. 1/350, 7m/10/2006. Also available as transcribed on familysearch, NA Film Number T9-1019, p. 350C, seen 7m/4/2005.]
Children of John and Louisa (__) Paxson (from the 1870 census, may be incomplete):
i. William Alpha Paxson, b. 6 July 1850, and died 16 Jan. 1933; m. Becky RANKIN.
ii. Louisa Paxson, b. ca. 1853;
iii. John Paxson, b. ca. 1855; living at home working on the farm in June 1880 census;
iv. Patience Paxson, b. ca. 1858; living at home, unemployed in June 1880 census;
v. Charles Paxson, b. ca. 1864; living at home working on the farm in the June 1880 federal census;
William Thomas Paxton, son of Amos Clossen6, Jr. (Amos5 #208, James4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Nancy Bowser, was born in Ohio on 28 September 1828. He is buried in Montour Cemetery, Iowa, having died 29 March 1899. On 2 January 1855 William married Frances "Fannie" Elizabeth WISK. She was born 10 May 1835in Marietta, Hamilton County, Ohio, and died 21 July 1910 in Scattee Mills, Oregon, where she was buried two days later. [I am grateful for the information on this family, from Mary Louise Giles, 2005.]
In the 1860 census for Indian Village Township, Butlerville P. O., there were three Paxton families in a row. The individuals are only identified by their initials. So "T Paxton" was a 31 year old farmer, born in Ohio, with real estate valued at $970. and personal property worth $175. His wife F[annie] was 25. Living with them were A[mos] C. age 5, N[ancy] B[ell] age 3, and C[hrista] J[ane] age 1 year. The other two farms belonged to his father Amos and his brother Francis. [Census schedule image, pages 887-8, lines 38-40, 1-2, seen on Iowa GenWeb page, http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ia/tama/census/1860/0887.gif and 0888.gif, 11/19/2007.]
William was a farmer, in Tama County, Iowa, where he was enumerated in 1880 as Thomas Paxton. He was listed as a 51 year old farmer living with his wife Francis E., age 44, who was "keeping house". Their children were given as Jennie, age 21, "at home", Oscar, 19, a farmer; Melissa, 17 at home; Delbert, 13 at school; Charlottie, 11, also at school; and two sons, Calah age 5 and Alva age 4. Also living with the family at that time was Lizie A. GOW, a 19 year old non-related teacher. She had been born in Iowa of German parents. [1880 census image on Ancestry.com, NA film #T9-0365, page 499B, seen 11/20/2007.] These names and ages don't quite compute with the list of children given below.
I am unclear if William Thomas deliberately changed the spelling of his name from Paxson to Paxton, or if this is the work of a recorder. Children of William Thomas and Frances Elizabeth (Wisk) Paxton;
i. Amos C. Paxson, b. 23 Sept. 1855 in Ohio; d. 7 Aug. 1919; m. 12 Dec. 1882 Elizabeth DONNIEBRINK,
ii. Nancy Bell Paxson, b. 11 Feb. 1857 in Iowa;
iii. Christa Jane Paxson, twin b. 2 Aug. 1860 in Iowa;
iv. James Oscar Paxson, b. twin 2 Aug. 1860; as he was not mentioned in the 1860 census, the assumption is he d.y. However, there was an Oscar listed in the 1880 census. More research is needed.
v. Melissa Helen Paxson, b. 26 Jan. 1863;
vi. Albert Dexter Paxson, b. 29 Apr. 1863 (this seems unlikely in view of his older sister's birth 3 months earlier); d. 5 Sept. 1877; unmarried.
vii. Delbert L. Paxson, b. 28 Dec. 1867;
viii. Charlotte M. Paxson, b. 20 Feb. 1869;
ix. Myron Paxson, b. 16 Feb. 1871; d. 4 Aug. 1871.
x. Vinna C. Paxson, b. 8 May 1872; d. 27 May 1872.
xi. Celia M. Paxson, b. 5 Aug. 1874;
xii. Alva Emanuel, b. 8 Feb. 1876;
xiii. Millie Grace Paxson, b. 24 May 1881;
John Samuel Paxson7, son of Amos Clossen6, Jr. (Amos5 #208, James4 #87, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Nancy Bowser. John married in 1854 Keziah ST. JOHN, the daughter of Joseph and Margaretta (SCHRACK) St. John, and sister of Clarissa who married John's brother Frank.
John died before 1880, when his widow was enumerated for the federal census. Keziah was listed as a 46 year old widow, born in Ohio, now "keeping house". Four children lived with her in Johnstown, Cumberland County, Illinois. They were given as Oliver, age 21, born in Indiana, working on a farm; Horace, age 14, born in Illinois, also working on a farm; Lucy M., age nine, and James, age seven, both born in Kansas but not listed as attending school. [US census for 1880, NA film # T9-0183, p. 484B, seen on FamilySearch 11/19/2007.
Children of John Samuel and Keziah (St. John) Paxson:[as given in the 1880 census; may be incomplete]:
i. Oliver Paxson, b. ca. 1859 in Indiana;
ii. Horace Paxson, b. ca. 1866 in Illinois;
iii. Lucy M. Paxson, b. ca. 1871 in Kansas;
iv. James Paxson, b. ca. 1873 in Kansas;
Francis Marion7 Paxson, son of Amos Clossen6, Jr. (Amos5 #208, James4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Nancy Bowser, was born 25 July 1831 in Warren County, Ohio, and died 26 June 1904. "Frank" was buried two days later in Montour Cemetery where many other family members were buried. Frank married in 1854 Clarissa ST. JOHN, the daughter of Joseph and Margaretta (SCHRACK) St. John, Clarissa was born 25 November 1837 and died 26 May 1923, buried two days later in the same cemetery as her husband. [I am grateful for the information on this family, from Mary Louise Giles, 2005.] Clarissa was the sister of Keziah who married Frank's older brother John Samuel.
In the 1860 census for Indian Village Township, Butlerville P. O., there were three Paxton families in a row. The individuals are only identified by their initials. "F Paxton" was a 28 year old farmer, born in Ohio, with real estate valued at $970. and personal property worth $200. His wife C[larissa] was 22. Living with them were G[eorge] W[ashington]. age 5, and M[argaret] J[ane] age 5 months, The other two farms belonged to his father Amos and his older brother Thomas.[Census schedule image, pages 887-8, lines 38-40, 1-2, seen on Iowa GenWeb page, http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ia/tama/census/1860/0887.gif and 0888.gif, 11/19/2007.] I am unclear if Frank and his family deliberately changed the spelling of his name from Paxson to Paxton, or if this is the work of a recorder.
The family was enumerated in the 1880 federal census in Indian Village, Tama County, Iowa. Francis Paxton was a 48 year old farmer with his wife Clarissa, 43, keeping house. Eight children were living with them: George W. (25), farmer; Augusta A. (20) and Estella A. (17) with no occupation listed; Andrew J. (14) and William F. (12) listed as farmers; Ella V. (8 and John M. (6) at school; and Bessie L., age 2. [1880 census, NA Film # T9-0365, p. 499B, as transcribed on FamilySearch.org, seen 11/19/2007.]
Children of Francis Marion and Clarissa (St. John) Paxton:
i. George Washington Paxson, b. 5 Apr. 1855 in Ohio (or in Iowa according to the 1860 census); d. 11 Oct. 1912; m. 23 Mar. 1887 Minnie Nellie POWERS; 8 children.
ii. Margaret Jane Paxson, b. 4 Mar. 1858 in Iowa; d. Dec. 1930; m. __ CROWLEY;
iii. Augusta Ann Paxson, b. 2 Feb. 1860; d. 6 Dec. 1943; m. 14 June 1916 Samuel "Duffy" DeFRANCE (he was b. 23 May 1858, son of Hawkins Boone and Harriet (Ranck) De France II; d. 4 Nov. 1948, bur. 6 Nov. Turner Cem.); he also m. Sarah SWONLON.
iv. Estella Annette Paxson, b. 26 Jan. 1863; d. 9 Mar. 1942; m. Albert KENT (son of Moses and Dolly CBY Kent); 4 children: Bessie Keziah Kent (b. 1888, d. 1968, m. 1909 Gustav Godfried GREENBECK); Ivy Kent (m. Paul RICHARDSON); Jay Kent (m. Edna CHAMBERS); and Verle Kent (m. Grace HOYT).
v. Andrew J. Paxson, b. 1866; d. 1921; unmarried.
vi. William Franklin Paxson, b. 1868; d. 1945;
vii. Ella Kina Paxson, b. 1872; d. of influenza 1884.
viii. Johnie N. Paxson, b. 1874; d. of influenza 1884.
ix. Bessie Paxson, b. 1878; d. of influenza 1884.
x. Rhonda Paxson, b. 1881; d. 1959; m. __ DWIGGANS;
xi. Charles Joseph Paxson, b. 1887; d. 1952;
William Patterson Paxson, son of Stephen6 (#209 Joseph5, James4, James3 #30, William Jr.2 #16, James1 #3) and his wife Sarah (Pryor) Paxson was born 3 September 1837, and died 10 March 1896. There is some question as to William middle name: was it Patterson or Pryor? Whatever his name, he married Harriet Missouri SWING. Harriet was born 6 October 1843, the daughter of Shadrach Dial and Mary Amanda (SIKES) Swing. Harriet died 14 June 1881.
At the age of 15 William began accompanying his father on his missionary trips in Illinois and Missouri, "planting" Sunday Schools, organizing county and district conventions, and travelling east to raise money. When William and his brother had completed the local school in 1861, his parents moved so they could attend college in Jacksonville, Illinois. His father opened a depository of books for the Sunday-School Union in town, so that during the disruptions of the Civil War orders could be filled more expeditiously. [Drury, A Fruitful Life, 113-5, 133, 156.]
William was an ordained Presbyterian minister. He followed in his father's footsteps, serving as Superintendent of missions of the Sunday School Union for the Southwest.
Children of William Patterson and Harriet Missouri (Swing) Paxson:[Information on William and his daughter Hallie from Ed Haering's web page, http://my.voyager.net/~ehaering/efaman2.htm, as of 5/31/2005. Information on the three younger children from Grey Brogdon, e mail 1m/9/2008.]
i. Hallie Paxson, b. 7 Mar. 1865; d. 20 July 1940; m. William Calvert WINSBOROUGH (he was b. 2 Aug. 1864; d. 25 Aug. 1953), the son of Dr. Joseph William (1832-1912) and Martha (COLBERT) (1840-1904) Winsborough. They had a daughter, Martha Winsborough, b. 25 Jan. 1894; d. 18 Jan. 1979; m. Archibald Hunt DAVIS II.
ii. Fred Paxson, b. 1869;
iii. William D. Paxson, called "Will", b. 1871; m(1) Sofie PERRY; m(2) 1898 Jeannette (Carr). In the 1920 census for Hughes Co., Okla., William and his second wife, Jeannette, provided a home for Will's brother Fred L. and aunt Anna L. Paxton. Nearby lived his son Calvin and wife Mary Paxton. Sofie was the daughter of Calvin C. PERRY, a Choctaw Indian who owned much of the land around present day Calvin, Oklahoma. The city of Calvin is named him, who gave the land along the river to build the site of the present day city. The locals wanted to call the city Perry but because there was already a city by that name they settled on Calvin as appropriate. Will Paxton had a large cattle and horse ranch at Blue Ridge Ranch 5 miles south of Calvin. There was a Blue Ridge Church and School located near by and the Blue Ridge Cemetery across the road where many the family are buried. Will had a large two story white farm house with a wrap-around porch near the old Church and cemetery. Will and Sophie had four children who are enrolled as Choctaws:
iv. John Paxson, b. 1875;
Frederick Paxson, the son of Stephen6 (#209 Joseph5, James4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Sarah (Pryor) Paxson, was a lawyer in St. Louis.
Corey Paxson, the son of Stephen6 (#209 Joseph5, James4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Sarah (Pryor) Paxson was born ca. 1853 in Illinois. He married Kate __. Corey was presumably named for A. W. COREY, then Superintendent of Missions in the Valley of the Mississippi, who was instructed to hire Stephen Paxson if, upon inquiry, he should be found to be suitable for the job. This started Corey's father on his lifetime work as Sunday school missionary. [Drury, A fruitful life, 48.]
In the 1880 federal census's Second Enumeration for St. Louis, Corey was 27, employed in a book store (probably the American Sunday-School Union Book Depository), living with his wife Kate. She was 28, "keeping house", born in Kentucky of Kentucky-born parents. [1880 census on familysearch.org, transcribed from NA Film No. T9-0732, p. 382A (seen 7m/12/2005).] It is likely that they had recently married, because in the First Enumeration that year they were living with Corey's parents. They don't seem to have had any children at that time. [1880 census on familysearch.org, transcribed from NA Film No. T9-0734, p. 494C (seen 7m/12/2005).]
Corey was an an evangelist, like his father and older brother. Later he worked as assistant to Dr. Pentecost, in Brooklyn, New York.
Alfred Allen Paxson, the son of Stephen6 (#209 Joseph5, James4, James3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Sarah (Pryor) Paxson was born 10 December 1844 in Winchester, Scott County, Illinois. He married on 8 October 1873 Julia L. HART, the daughter of H. E. Hart.Children of Alfred Allen and Julia L. (Hart) Paxson: [http://genealogyinstlouis.accessgenealogy.com/fc/pafg69.htm as seen 7/12m/2005).]
i. Nellie Paxson,
ii. Harry Paxson,
iii. Pryor Paxson,
iv. Ruth Paxson,
William Lippincott7 Paxson, son of Timothy6 (Joseph5, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Martha Lippincott, was born 18 November 1836 in West Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and died 15 March 1927 in his home, the same house in which he was born, on the Lincoln Highway in West Sadsbury Township, Chester County, PA. [lnformation, other than the 1880 census, on William and his wives and children has been kindly given to me by Cindy Grossholz, who found it in the sources that will be given at the end of each paragraph. Chester and Delaware Counties, 429.]
As a young man William's sister Phebe Ann lived with him. They are there in the 1860 census. There is a small glimpse of them in the diary entry of William Lippincott Rakestraw, their mother's cousin. On Sunday, 23 September 1860, Rakestraw noted, "Wm. & Ann Maria Lippincott and Wm. & Phebe Ann Paxson were here, & Wm. & Lydia Jackson". [My thanks to Nancy H. Plumley, who owns W. L. Rakestraw's diaries, for sharing this entry with me. Xerox copy of the diary page sent 3/31/2006.] Phebe Ann later married Isaac Jackson; I do not know his relationship to William and Lydia.
At the age of 33, William married first Rebecca KLING on 19 January 1869. She was born about 1849 in Intercourse, Lancaster County, PA, the daughter of David and Mary (__) Kling. Rebecca died in 1874 at the age of 25 years. William then married Hannah WILSON on 21 February 1878. She was born 13 November 1840, the daughter of Joshua and Hannah (__) Wilson of East Fallowfield Township, Chester County.[Chester and Delaware Counties, 429.]
In the 1880 William and his second wife were enumerated in West Sadsbury Township, Chester County. He was a farmer, she was keeping house. William's son John C. was nine years old, Hannah's baby, "Ren" was ten months old. Also in the household were Hannah McKiel, a 19-year old white servant, and Alfread Steel [sic], a nineteen-year old African-American farmer. Both were born in Pennsylvania of Pennsylvania-born parents. [1880 census as given on www.familysearch.org, 3/2005]
William owned a 137 acre farm on which he raised stock and dairy cows. He also dealt in real estate. He was asked to settle a number of estates and to serve as guardian for various orphans. He served as school director for thirty consecutive years.[Chester and Delaware Counties, 429.]William was a member of the Hicksite branch of the Religious Society of Friends.[Chester and Delaware Counties, 429.]
Details of his life can be gleaned from his obituary published in the Daily Local News 16 March 1927:
William Lippincott Paxson, the oldest resident of West Sadsbury Township, and oldest School Director in Chester County died at his home on the Lincoln Highway, in West Sadsbury Township, yesterday, after an illness of ten days. He was 90 years old and enjoyed perfect health up until being taken ill ten days ago. He was a son of the late Timothy and Martha Lippincott Paxson and was born November 18, 1836.His funeral, held on March 19, does not sound like a usual memorial service in the manner of Friends. The following report is from the Daily Local News of 21 March 1927:
The deceased died in the same house in which he was born. His entire life was spent on the farm which was the old Paxson homestead. The house in which he was born and died was built by his father a year before his birth.
He was a member of Sadsbury Grange, 1085, and the oldest member of Coatesville Y. M. C. A. and was a School Director of West Sadsbury township since 18_7, with the exception of on[e] year in 1886. He had been secretary of the Board fifty years up until the time of his death.
Mr. Paxson received his education in the public schools. He attended Ercildoun Academy, in 1852 under Prof. Richard Darlington; attended a private school at Fellowship, N. J. in 1853 and in 1854 and 1855 he attended Greenwood Dell School, under Jonathan Gause. He taught school one year at Old Moscow [Chester County]. After one year's teaching he took farming as his life work.
The deceased was twice married. His first wife was Rebecca Kling, of Intercourse, Lancaster County. His widow, Hanna Wilson Paxson, now 86 years old, was the daughter of Joshua and Hanna Wilson, of East Fallowfield. Two children, Benjamin, unmarried, and Mareenha, wife of Harvey D. Schnader, live at home. Another son, Joseph, died in infancy. All of the children were of his second marriage.
Mr. Paxson was the last of his family. A sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Moore, died at Chatham two months ago today, in the 86th year of her age. Mr. Paxson attended her funeral. There is also one first cousin, John Cooper, formerly of Parkesburg living at Streator, Ill. He is hale and hearty at the age of 96 years.[Newspaper Clipping File at Chester County Historical Society obituary found in the Daily Local News 16 March 1927.]Mr. Paxson's FuneralHannah was given a surprise 90th birthday party which was reported in the Daily Local News on 24 November 1930:
Funeral services were held for William L. Paxson, aged 90 years, on Saturday at his home on the Lincoln Highway, with a large attendance of relatives and friends present. The body rested in a beautiful mahogany casket about which were arranged floral tributes, which included designs from the public schools at the Swan and Moscow, in recognition of his fifty-four years' service as West Sadsbury township, more than fifty of which he served as secretary of the Board, an office which he had held [cannot read some of the words] flowers from the Sadsbury Grange, relatives and friends. Speakers included Rev. Albert E. Stuart, Upper Octorara; Rev. Thomas R. McDowell, Lincoln; Francis Brinton, of Old Sadsbury Friends Meeting, and Ella T. Brinton of the Friends read the Scriptures.
The pall bearers were all of his seven nephews, With Clayton K. Paxson preceding the casket, the active bearers were: David T. Paxson, Sadsburyville; William H. Paxson, Harry A. Paxson, Parkesburg; Elwood L. Moore and William P. Moore, Chatham; and Joseph P. Jackson, Kelton.
Mr. Paxson was a member of the Ercildoun Reunion Association, and a birthday member of Old Sadsbury Friends' Meeting. His body was laid to rest in its ancient burial ground.[http://www.pa-roots.com/~chester/daily_local_news.htm]SURPRISED ON 90TH BIRTHDAY
Mrs. Hannah W. Paxson was delightfully surprised at her home near Black Horse, on Thursday evening, when seventy-six relatives and friends called to spend a happy evening, the affair was arranged by her daughter, Mrs. Harvey D. Schnader, of the same home.
Mrs. Paxson had expected some guests for her two only surviving sisters-in-law, Mrs. Mary A. Paxson, of Parkesburg, and Mrs. Mary H. Wilson, of Doe Run, were supper guests. She was completely surprised, however, when all the others came too. The folks brought her many pretty gifts, and helped to enjoy the big birthday cake with its ninety pink candles, the other refreshments, the cards and social intercourse.
Mrs. Paxson was a daughter of the late Joshua and Hannah Wilson, of East Fallowfield, and is the last of a once large family. Her husband, the late William L. Paxson, died three years ago, when past ninety years of age, all of their half century of their married life having been spent upon the farm which is still her home. Mrs. Paxson retains her excellent eyesight and hearing, helps with housework, does the family ironing, sews, and her only physical ailment is a stiffened knee caused by several falls, but even this did not deter her from baking the bread for the family and five pies the day after the party.
Those present were: Mrs. Hannah W. Paxson, Mrs. Mary A. Paxson, Parkesburg; Mrs. Mary H. Wilson, Doe Run; Mr. and Mrs. Harvey D. Schnader, [her son] Benjamin Paxson, Black Horse; Mr. and Mrs. C. K. Paxson, Mr. and Mrs. D. T. Paxson and son, Horace M. Paxson, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Paxson, Miss Rachel Paxson, Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Paxson and sons, Harry Chalfant Paxson and James Paxson; Mr. and Mrs. Ferree C. Grossman and children, Ferree Jr. and Martha Grossman, Miss Cora C. Grossman, all of the Parkesburg vicinity; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Schnader, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Schnader, Robert and Helen Schnader, Doe Run; Edward Bonsall and three grandchildren, Brandywine Manor; Mrs. Seal, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Glick and grandson, Arthur Powers, West Sadsbury; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bonsall, Kirkwood; Mrs. Brown and three daughters, Christiana; Mr. and Mrs. George Jackson, Doe Run; Mr. and Mrs. George T. Bonsall, Mrs. William Noble, Sadsburyville; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Laughead, Parkesburg; Mr. and Mrs. John Robinson, West Caln; Mrs. Violet Blair, Sadsburyville; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jackson, Kelton; Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Moore, Chatham; Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Peachey, Ethel, Albert, Mary and Ruth Peachey, Mrs. Emanuel Mast, Omar and Marvin Mast, Black Horse; Mrs. Elam Stolzfus, Anna Elizabeth Stolzfus, Atglen; Miss Clara Ash, Coatesville; Wm. Usner, West Caln, and others.Child of William Lippincott and his first wife Rebecca (Kling) Paxson: [from the 1880 census.]
i. John C. Paxson8Children of William Lippincott and his second wife Hannah (Wilson) Paxson:[Names and birth dates from Chester and Delaware Counties, 429; additional information from Suzanne P. Lamborn, The Paxson Family (Morgantown, Pa.: Masthof Press, 2008), 33.]
ii. Benjamin8 Paxson, born 1879; d. in Coatesville; he was a farmer in Sadsbury;
iii. Joseph Paxson, born 23 July 1881; d. 13 Aug. 1885, and buried in Sadsbury Meeting Cemetery.
iv. Mareenha Paxson, born 1884; d. 6 July 1962, aged 78; m. Harvey D. SCHNADER, a farmer in Londonderry Township who had worked for Mareenha's brother Benjamin in Sadsbury.
Joseph Clayton7 Paxson, son of Timothy6 #212 (Joseph5, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Martha Lippincott, was born 14 February 1844 in West Sadsbury Township, and died 31 August 1922 while working in a potato field at the home of his son, William H. Paxson, West Sadsbury Township, Chester County, PA. He married Mary Ann KLING 11 February 1875. She was born 8 November 1847 near Intercourse, Lancaster County, PA, the daughter of David and Mary Ann (HARSH) Kling. She died about December 1938 at home of her daughter. The Paxsons lived on High Street, Atglen. [fn: The information (excepting the 1880 census or where otherwise noted) on Joseph and Mary and their children has been kindly given to me by Cindy Grossholz, who found it in the sources that will be given at the end of each paragraph. Chester and Delaware Counties, 429; obituary found in the Daily Local News 2 September 1922.]
Joseph began his schooling in local schools, then attended Chestnut Hill Academy in Lancaster County, and Fountain Hill Academy in Chester County. [Suzanne P. Lamborn, The Paxson Family (Morgantown, Pa.: Masthof Press, 2008), 34.]
In 1880 the US census listed Joseph as a 36-year old farmer living in West Sadsbury Township, Chester County, with his wife Mary Ann. She was 32 years old, keeping house. They had a four-year old son, Clayton, and a five-month year old son, William H. Also in the household was a 16-year old white youth, Robert McNeil, listed as a "farmer", born in Pennsylvania of Pennsylvania-born parents. [1880 census as given on www.familysearch.org, Family History Library Film 1255114; NA Film Number T9-1114; Page Number 50A3/2005.]
Joseph was a Republican in politics, and held the office of supervisor for some years, as well as other local offices.[Chester and Delaware Counties, 429.] A more nuanced account written by Suzanne Lamborn, says that Joseph was a Whig at first, when he held public office, then later became a Republican. He was also a member of the Grange..[Lamborn, The Paxson Family, 34.]
Joseph owned "two valuable farms with good buildings", with a total of 170 acres of "rich land". He had 25 head of cattle and 20 dairy cows. It was noted that everything "about his places is neat and thrifty in appearance."[Chester and Delaware Counties, 429.]
We get a glimpse of rural Chester County life in the early years of the twentieth century from a summary of an 1908 diary of a "hired man": "in the spring and summer of that year he was working 3 or 4 days a week for Joseph Paxson. He did all sorts of repairs to doors and shutters, fixed the garden fence along the pike (which is what he always called Rt.30), helped cut and drop potatoes, slacked lime and fixed the little barn. The first mention of working there is April 24, 1908 and the last is August 13." [The diarist was the grandfather of Nancy H. Plumley, who owns several family diaries. My thanks to her for sharing this information with me. E mail 4m/3/2006.]
His obituary from the Daily Local News of 1 September 1922 supplies more information:
While working in the potato patch, Joseph C. Paxson, of Atglen, dropped dead at noon yesterday at the home of his son, William H. Paxson, at the latter's farm on the Lincoln Highway between Parkesburg and the Black Horse. With him at the time were his son and the latter's little daughter, Rachel. When the father fell they brought him to the house in the car and called Dr. W. A. Murphy who pronounced the patient dead, death being due to a stroke (unknown word) apoplexy, and an inquest was considered unnecessary.The Daily Local News of 5 September 1922 reported on his funeral:
Mr. Paxson was aged 78 years 6 months and 17 days. He was born and reared upon the adjoining farm now owned by his brother. His father was born in the year 1800 upon the farm where Mr. Paxson died yesterday, and which he farmed until five years ago, when he retired and moved to Atglen. He was a life long member of Sadsbury Friends' Meeting at Christiana. Surviving him are his widow and five children. They are Clayton K. Paxson, West Caln; David T. Paxson, Paige's Mill; Harry A. Paxson, Parkesburg; William H. Paxson, Lincoln Highway, and Mary A. Grossman, near Upper Octorara. There are also living a sister and a brother; Mrs. Elizabeth Moore, Londonderry, and William L. Paxson, Lincoln Highway. There are also six grandchildren. [Daily Local News of 1 September 1922, newspaper clipping file at the Chester County Historical Society]The funeral of Joseph C. Paxson, who dropped dead in a potato field at the home of his son, William H. Paxson, Lincoln Highway, was held from his late home yesterday, with a large concourse of people paying a last tribute to a venerable resident. Caroline J. Worth, of West Chester, spoke words of peace and comfort, and Rev. J. S. Balderston, pastor of the Glen Run Baptist Church, also spoke. A single rose lay across the bier. Bearers were nephews: George W. Lukens, Toughkenamon; Joseph B. Jackson, Elkton, Pa.; William Moore and Elwood Moore, Chatham; Benjamin Paxson and Harvey Schnader, Lincoln Highway. Interment was made in Sadsbury Friends' burying ground, Atglen. [Daily Local News of 5 September 1922, newspaper clipping file at the Chester County Historical Society]Mary lived for 16 more years, dying in 1938:Mrs. Mary Ann PaxsonChildren of Joseph C. and Mary (Kling) Paxson:[Chester and Delaware Counties, 429, and various newspaper clippings from the file at the Chester County Historical Society]
Mrs. Mary Ann (Kling) Paxson, widow of Joseph C. Paxson, who died in 1922, passed away at 1:30 o'clock on Sunday morning at the home of Mrs. Ferree C. Grossman, near Sadsburyville, in her 92nd year. Mrs. Paxson sustained a fall in her room in August, when she fractured the main bone in her right leg below the hip and had been confined to bed since. Although the bone had knit she suffered the effects of general shock. While she fell ill on Saturday night, she seemed to rally and her death came unexpectedly.
Mrs. Paxson was born Nov. 8, 1847, near Intercourse, Lancaster County, being the elder daughter of the late David and Mary Kling, of well known Lancaster County lineage. When she was about 16 years old her father purchased the farm now owned by the Misses Meredith on the Lincoln Highway near Black Horse, moving to Chester County and after her marriage to Mr. Paxson in 1875, the farm was purchased by her husband and they resided there until Mr. Paxson's death. In recent years she had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ferree Grossman.
Early in life Mrs. Paxson joined the United Brethren Church at Intercourse, but after her marriage she attended the meetings of the Society of Friends at Old Sadsbury, of which her husband was a birthright member. During the days when Moscow Sunday School flourished upon the Lincoln Highway, she took an active interest in its Sunday School work.
Her sister preceded her in death many years ago and she was the last of her generation. Surviving her are four sons: Clayton K. Paxson, Coatesville; David T. Paxson, Paist's Mill; Harry A. Paxson and William Paxson, Parkersburg; and one daughter, Mary R., wife of Ferree C. Grossman, Lincoln Highway, west of Sadsburyville, with whom she resided. Six grandsons, two granddaughters and one great-grandson, David Paxson, 2nd, son of Mr. and Mrs. Horace M. Paxson, of Parkersburg.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment in the Sadsbury Friends burying ground near Christiana. [Parkesburg Post of 1 December 1938, newspaper clipping file at the Chester County Historical Society.]i. Clayton K. Paxson8, b. 2 Nov. 1875; d. 21 Oct. 1948 in Chester County, Pa.; m. 1898 Lucy "Louie" McPherson. She was b. ca. 1876 in West Caln Township, near Sadsburyville, Chester County, PA, and d. Sept. 1938 Lancaster County, PA.
ii. David T. Paxson, b. 20 Oct. 1877; d. 27 Sept. 1939; m. Mary McPHERSON; had a son, Horace M. Paxson.
iii. William H. Paxson, b. 3 Jan. 1880; d. Oct. 1973 in Riverview, Hillsborough Co., Fla. [Social Security Death Index[an error occurred while processing this directive]]; m. Florence BAILEY (d. 1955); 3 children.
iv. Harry Andrews Paxson, 6 Feb. 1882; d. 31 Dec. 1962 at his home, Parkesburg, Chester County, Pennsylvania; m. 24 June 1914 Helen CHALFONT; 2 sons.
v. Mary Rebecca Paxson, b. 4 Mar. 1888; married Ferree C. GROSSMAN on 20 March 1912 at the home of the bride's parents, near the Black Horse, Chester County, Penna.: "The ceremony was performed by Rev. Thomas Kerr, pastor of Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, and was attended by only the two immediate families. The bride and groom were recipients of many handsome presents besides the good wishes of their many friends for a long and happy journey on the sea of matrimonial bliss. After their return from a short wedding tour they will reside at the home of Mr. Grossman's mother, where the groom is engaged in farming." [Daily Local News of March 1912, newspaper clipping file at the Chester County Historical Society] They had two children, Ferree Grossman, Jr. and Martha Grossman.
Elizabeth Lippincott Paxson7, daughter of Timothy6 #212 (Joseph5 #212, Joseph4, Thomas, William Jr.2, James1) and Martha LIPPINCOTT Paxson, was born in 1842 and died in 1928. She married Levi Pownell MOORE on 12 March 1868 at Sadsbury. He was the son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth W. (Ely) Moore, born 27 March 1840, and died in 1898.
A small tidbit of ancient gossip, found in a letter from Ettie Stern in Iowa to Annie Thorne (1850-1929), dated Feb. 7, 1868, after remarking on someone marrying a much older man, ". . . that does not seem so strange as the prospect of Levi Moore and Libbie Paxson getting married. I thought that was all broke up when I was at your place, has he been paying attention to her ever since?" [My thanks to Nancy H. Plumley, who sent me a xerox copy of the letter, 3m/31/2006.] No further comments to explain why she thought this so strange.
Children of Elizabeth L. (Paxson) and her husband Levi Pownall Moore: [from www.pennock.ws/surnames/fam/fam15203.html.]
i. Howard Moore, b. 21 Nov. 1868; d. May 1869.
ii. Elwood L. Moore, b. 14 Oct. 1870; m. 6 Mar. 1895 Annie W. HOGG;
iii. William Paxson Moore, b. 13 Oct. 1876; d. 1955; m. Sara Mary PUSEY.
Heston7 Paxson, son of Isaiah6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Lydia MENDENHALL, was born in 1819 and died in 1893. He married Margaret BARRETT in Richland County, Ohio. [Suzanne P. Lamborn, The Paxson Family (Morgantown, Pa.: Masthof Press, 2008), 37.]
Heston can be followed through three consecutive federal censuses, 1850, 1860, and 1870. He and Margaret and their children lived in Pennville, Penn Township, Jay County, Indiana. In 1850 he was enumerated as a 29 year old cabinet maker with personal estate valued at $100, and five children: Leah, Lydia, Eleanor, Thomas, and Amanda. [Census taken on 24 Sept. 1850, for Penn Twp., Jay Co., Ind., printed p. 338; dwelling 33, family #33; census schedule seen on Ancestry.com, 9/18/2006.] Ten years later he was a 39 year old grocer with eight children: Lydia H., Ellenor, Thomas, Amanda J., John B., Charles, Henry C., and Frank. [Census taken on 20 July. 1860, for Penn Twp., Jay Co., Ind., printed p. 135; dwelling #960, family #972; census schedule seen on Ancestry.com, 9/18/2006.] In 1870 Heston was a 52 year old shoemaker with personal estate remaining at $100. But his wife Margaret, age 51 and keeping house, had $400 worth of real estate. There were five children: Amanda J., John, Charles M., Henry, and Frank. There were three additional people in the household: 25 year old Elenor SOMERS, 7 year old Cora A. Somers, who might be her daughter, and 1 year old Beecher Paxson who is listed beneath the two Somerses. [Census taken on 6 Aug. 1870, for Penn Twp., Jay Co., Ind., printed p. 28; dwelling 217, family #216; census schedule seen on Ancestry.com, 9/18/2006.] I do not understand why Heston and Margaret aged more than ten years between 1860 and 1870.
Children of Heston Paxson:
i. Leah Paxson8, b. ca. 1837 in Ohio;
ii. Lydia H. Paxson, b. ca. 1843 in Ohio; m. Ed ANDERSON;
iii. Eleanor Paxson, b. ca. 1845 in Ohio, m. __ SUMMERS;
iv. Thomas Paxson, b. ca. 1846 in Ohio;
v. Amanda J. Paxson, b. ca. 1848 in Indiana;
vi. John B. Paxson, b. ca. 1851 in Indiana; m. Arizona A., who was b. in Indiana, her father in Va. and mother in Ind.; in 1870 John B. was a 19 year old plasterer living at home, having attended school in that year; in the 1880 census he was a 28 year old plasterer in in Red Key, Jay Co., Ind. [NA Film Number T9-0287, p. 493A, as transcribed on familysearch, seen 7m/3/2005.]
vii. Charles M. Paxson, b. ca. 1853 in Indiana; in 1870 he was a 16 year old farm laborer living at home, having attended school in that year;
viii. Henry C. Paxson, b. ca. 1856 in Indiana; it is faintly possible (but by no means proved as yet) that he was the Henry C. who was clerk in the U. S. postal dept in Trenton in 1881, boarding in "American House". [Trenton City Directory 1881, as transcribed on the web at trentonhistory.org/Directories/1881dirNZ.htm, seen 8/28/2009.]
ix. Frank Paxson, b. ca. 1860 in Indiana;
William Maud7 Paxson, son of Benjamin Ely6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2, James1 #3) and Jane (ELY) Paxson, was born 1815, and died in 1848. He married Mary IKERD. Both were buried in West Grove Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.
Charles Ely7 Paxson, son of Benjamin Ely6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, William Jr.2, James1) and Jane (ELY) Paxson, was born in 1817. He married Isobel TAYLOR.
Oliver7 Paxson, son of Benjamin Ely6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and Jane (ELY) Paxson, was born in 1824. He married Rebecca DAYHOFF.
George7 Paxson, son of Benjamin Ely6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and Jane (ELY) Paxson, was born 3 June 1835 in Butler Township, Columbiana County, Ohio. He married on 13 November 1856 in Penn Township, Jay County, Indiana, Lydia MENDENHALL, daughter of William and Rebecca (WARD) Mendenhall. She was born 26 December 1832 in Butler Township, Ohio.
George removed to Jay County in 1847 with his father and step-mother. Lydia also came there as a child with her family, and George and Lydia met and married in Jay County. They lived on his father's farm, where he was engaged in "the nursery and small fruit business". In 1947 George and Lydia's grandson Lloyd and his wife Violet were living on the farm. ["The Paxsons", comp. by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank), typescript, 19]
George joined the Wesleyan Methodists in 1848, the United Brethren in 1864, then was a minister among Friends. Eventually he returned to the U.B. church. He supported at times the Republican Party, the Prohibitionists, and the People's Party. [ Cope, Genealogy of the Smedley Family, 876-77.] Lydia became a Methodist in 1850, then in 1864 joined the Brethren.[Suzanne P. Lamborn, The Paxson Family (Morgantown, Pa.: Masthof Press, 2008), 37.]
Children of George and Lydia (Mendenhall) Paxson:["The Paxsons", comp. by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank), typescript, 19-30 (copy sent to me by Tom Irey, 3/2005); Cope, Genealogy of the Smedley Family, 876-77.]
i. William Oliver Paxson, b. 8/1m/1857 (Cope) or 1/8m (Paxson) in Jay Co.; d. 14/6/1922, age 64 yrs., 10mo., 13 days (Cope); m. 6/3m/1881 Mary Ann GARRETT, daughter of Abel and Maria (TRENROD) Garrett. Mary Ann b. 23/9/1862, d. 21/12/1944 age 82 yrs., 2 mo., 26 days. She and William were bur. in IOOF Cemetery, Pennsville, Ind. (Paxson) The whole family were members of the U. B. Church. They had 3 children:a) Rosetta "Rosie" May Paxson, b. 18/10m/1881 in Blackford Co., Ind.; d. 15/9/1944 in Penn Twp.; unmarried;
b) Lester Orvel Paxson, b. 12/9m/1886 in Jay Co.; d. 24/10/1963 in Penn Twp.; m. 17/1/1912 Mary Bethany HARTUP, b. 13/2/1889, d. 19/10/1983; had 8 children;
c) Ethel Loral Paxson, b. 22/4m/1887 or 1888 in Jay Co.; d. 10/2m/1948; m. Ottis CHIPMAN, b. 1883, d. 1972; 2 children.
ii. Sarah Abigail Paxson, b. 24/5m/1860; d. before 1901; m. 11/9m/1881 Ulys C. GARRETT, son of Abel and Maria (TRENROD) Garrett. Ulys b. 20/4/1858, the brother of Mary Ann who married William Oliver Paxson. Members of U. B. Church. As a widow Sarah kept the family together and paid off the farm. Three children:a) Lylian May Garrett, b. 18/9m/1882 in Jay Co.;
b) Charles W. Garrett, b. 15/8m/1885 in Jay Co.;
c) Oliver "Olie P. Garrett, b. 26/7m/1888 in Jay Co.
iii. Aaron Albion Paxson, b. 3/10m/1862 in Jay Co.; d. 19/8m/1864; buried at Pennville.
iv. Walter W. Paxson, b. 5/3m/1866; d. of heart attack while shucking corn shocked in the field, with nephew Dwight Garrett (son of Oliver P. Garrett) in 1926; m(1) 22/9m/1892 Martha "Matty" A. OGAN, daughter of Adam. Members of the U. B. Church, in which he was a class leader and Sabbath School supt. He worked with his father in the nursery business and ran a pumping station on an oil lease. Two children:a) Hazel M. Paxson, b. 16/7m/1893; d. of TB 27/6/1909.
b) Elsy Fay Paxson, b. 18/8m/1895; d. of TB 19/5/1917.
c) Walter Paxson, m(2) 19/6/1913 Laura Laird JAMES, daughter of John and Margaret (Caldwell) James. They had a son.
v. Mattie M. Paxson, b. 15/5m/1870; m. 24/12m/1887 Frank S. KLINE (Cope) or L. CLINE (Paxson), manufacturer of drain tile in Ridertown, Ind. Members of the U. B. Church. He was a Sabbath School supt. Three children:a) Clara [Cope] or Clarel Everett Cline [Paxson], b. 8/3m/1880 in Jay Co.; m(1) 1912 Lulu Iris ARNOLD, one son; m(20 17/7/1915 Fanny May BARNES;
b) Ada Marie Cline, b. 8/10m/1895 in Jay Co.; m(1) Archie DENNINGS, 2 children; m(2) Frank INMAN);
c) John Delbert Cline, b. 8/7m/1907; m1 13/6/1912 Isabel SANDERS, 1 daughter; m(2) Velma LEVEL, 3 sons;
vi. Mary Elizabeth Paxson, b. 23/12m/1872; d. in childhood.
Joseph M.7 Paxson, son of Benjamin Ely6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his second wife Abigail (McNeely) Paxson, was born 23 November 1844 in Columbiana County, Ohio [IGI]. He married 23 November 1869 Delilah B. MANLEY in West Liberty, Jay Co., Indiana. She was born in Athens County, Ohio on 12 July 1850, the daughter of Jeremiah L. and Mary Ann (BECKLER) Manley.["The Paxsons", comp. by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank), typescript, 19-30 (copy sent to me by Tom Irey, 3/2005); Cope, Genealogy of the Smedley Family, 880.] The Manleys "moved from Athens County, Ohio, to Jay County, Ind., in 1851, making the trip in a big wagon, when their oldest child was a little over one year old, remained in Jay County about four years, then went back to Athens County, Ohio, where they remained two years, then again moved back to Indiana, Jay County." Much later Joseph wrote down a few Manley family stories.
Mr. Manley was a cooper, so that occupation came in good play in the new county; he was also somewhat of a shoe maker. On one occasion he had piled in a lot of wood and roots for the morning fire, laid his boots on the wood when they were taken off at night. His wife getting up first to build the fire, piled on the wood and with them both of the boots, not noticing the difference till they were badly burned.
Getting home late one night after a hard day's work for a neighbor some miles away, Mr. Manley lost his way in the woods and was followed by a lot of wolves. Knowing that he was not far from home he called to his wife to make the dog bark. Guided by this he soon got home. Another experience his wife had returning home one evening on foot with her sister-in-law and two children (having been to see her father-in-law, some four miles away), Mrs. Manley saw some wolves in the woods close to the path. Being cool-headed, she picked up one of the children, telling her sister-in-law to pick up the other, said, lets walk a little faster, never telling about the wolves till they reached home. Manley tried farming, then the goods business, finally studied law, in the practice of which he was proving very successful at the time of his death, in Geneva, Adams County, December 6th, 1880, aged 54, leaving a family of six children. [memoir of J. M. Paxson, in Martha C. M. Lynch, comp., Reminiscences Of Adams, Jay And Randolph Counties (Ft. Wayne, Ind.: Lipes, Nelson & Singmaster, ca. 1896) transcribed on the web at http://files.usgwarchives.org/in/jay/history/1896/reminisc/chapterv544gms.txt, seen 6/28/2009.]Years later Joseph wrote of his childhood on the Indiana frontier,
I was always a sickly child. When about two years old I fell in a bucket of water where mother was washing, drowned so they had to fetch me to. Then had the whooping cough, was twice laid down for dead; then the third day ague. Dr. Arthur says he gave me quinine enough to kill a horse, but outlived it all. It seemed to fall to my lot to go for the doctor when any one else was sick. I first went to school at West Grove, then to Balbec, but finally a school house was put up close to us which went by the name of Paxson's school house. . . . [I remember] how myself and sister used to dozen the sheaves; they must be six on a side and laid even. The sickle was only used for down wheat when I was a boy, but will carry a scar on my finger from its use while I live. Have raked wheat after the cradel and bound the end sheaf many a day for 25 cents per day. . . . . We used to haul stove wood to Camden, a distance of three miles. Froze my feet once on the road. We lived on the line of the underground railroad, as it was called. Many times I have seen the darkies going by our house after night to the next station, just north of us, on their road to Canada. [memoir of J. M. Paxson, in Lynch, comp., Reminiscences Of Adams, Jay And Randolph Counties.]There was no indication that Joseph and his family actually aided escaping people, but at least they did not hinder them.
Soon after their marriage Joseph and Delilah removed from Penn Township to Randolph Co., Ind., to live with and care for his mother and step-father. After Abigail's death, in 1877 they returned to the homestead in Penn Township., Jay County. Joseph was a member of the State militia towards the end of the Civil War. He was a Republican until 1884, then a Prohibitionist for several years, then an independent.
Joseph joined the United Brethern Church in 1864, and Friends in 1880. As a Friend he served as an overseer and elder, as well as superintendent of temperance work.
Children of Joseph M. and Delilah B. (Manley) Paxson:
i. Christina Leona Paxson, b. 20 Nov. 1870 in Randolph Co.; d. 26 Oct. 1888 or 1889 in Jay Co.; m. 4 June 1892 Linnaeus Q. LEWIS. He was b. 12 July 1869, son of Joseph and Mary Jane (HOPKINS) Lewis. Joseph Lewis was a capt. in the 345th Ind. volunteer regiment during the Civil War, and owned 35 ac. plus and interest in his father's farm in Penn Twp. Christina graduated from Pennville High School and Portland Normal School, and taught school for some time. Christina joined the Gilead United Brethren Church in 1879 and was active in Sabbath School work. Three children: Joseph Leland LEWIS (b. 144/1893); Waldo McKinley LEWIS (b. 2/8m/1896); Mary L. Lewis, b. and d. 6/10m/1898).
ii. George Rutherford "Rufus" Paxson, b. 3 June 1876 in Randolph Co., Ind.; d. 1952 in Jay Co., Ind.; m(1) 1 June 1902 May POWERS and had 3 children; m(2) ca. 1924 Anna L. SMITH Brown, daughter of Dillwin P. Smith (1840-1930) and Sarah (Dugdale) Smith (1840-1901), and widow of Forrest A. BROWN. Anna had a daughter, Estella Mildred Brown by 1901.
Joshua M. Paxson7, son of Joseph Jefferson6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2, James1 #3) and his wife Jane (Perry), was born 4 April 1821. He married Mary J. IREY on 18 March 1841. [wedding date from http://www.televar.com/~earth/pafg07.htm#110, 5/28/2005]
Children of Joshua M. and Mary J. (Irey) Paxson:
i. Mahlon Irey Paxson, born 11 Nov. 1842 in Penn Township, Jay Co., Ind.; m(1) 27 Feb. 1866 Matilda E. KEESE; had 3 children. Mahlon m(2) 12 Oct. 1877 Rebecca J. WALKER, and had 3 more children. [from "The Rumple-Haworth Family History" updated 7/26/2003, by Shannon Colleen O'Hara-Haworth, at http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/; and "The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, 36 (copied for me 3/2005 by Tom Irey).]
ii. Martha Jane Paxson, m(1) 17 Oct. 1864 Willis T. KEESE, and had a son Francis Keese; m(2) Maurice TAMPSELL; [All the rest of the children are from "The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, 36 (copied for me 3/2005 by Tom Irey).]
iii. Phillip A. Paxson, b. 1847; m. 15 Aug. 1870 Sarah "Sallie" M. SIBRAY; had 3 children.
iv. Ely B. "Bertie" Paxson, b. 1849; m. Mary MARSH; had a step-daughter, Myrtle Paxson who m. Clyde SMITH;
v. David Paxson, b. 1854; m. 6 June 1874 Rose GUNKLE; had 2 children: Lonnie Paxson (m. Bertha ENGLE); Aggie Paxson (m. Cal ENGLE).
Cyrus C. Paxson7, son of Joseph Jefferson6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Jane PERRY, was born either 4 or 24 January 1823 in Ohio and died 3 January 1903 in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. He married first ca. 1846 Axie PEACOCK, who had been born in 1828 in Randolph County, Indiana. She died 22 April 1852 in Jay Co., Ind. ["Rumple-Haworth"] He married for the second time 4 January 1855 to Sarah Ellen JONES. She had been born 12 April 1829, and died 12 February 1851. Cyrus married a third time, on 28 February 1858 to Abigail JONES who was born in 1838. [Data on Cyrus and his family is from "The Rumple-Haworth Family History" updated 7/26/2003, by Shannon Colleen O'Hara-Haworth, at http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/]
Children of Cyrus C. and his second wife, Sarah Ellen (Jones) Paxson:
In 1880 the US federal census enumerator for Penn Township, Jay County, Indiana, listed Cyrus C. as a 57 year old farmer and stock dealer living with his wife "Abagail", age 41, and their children: Lizzie (23), Elva (16), Charles (14, Orlando (12), Clarence (6), Mariah (3), and grace (11 months). The two older boys were listed as working on the farm. None were marked as attending school. There was also 17-year old farm laborer Thomas W. BROUSE, from Ohio. [census on familysearch.org]
Children of Cyrus C. and his first wife Axie (Peacock) Paxson: ["The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, 37-8 (copied for me 3/2005 by Tom Irey).]i. Ruth Anna Paxson, b. 23 Oct. 1846 in Indiana; d. 17 June 1877 in Jay Co.; m. either 3 May 1869 in Jay Co. Enos WALKER. He was b. 17 Mar. 1845 in York Co., Penna. They had three children: Bertha E. Walker (b. May 1869), Arthur C. Walker (b. 1870), and Alvin Walker(b. 1874). Enos then married 6 Feb. 1878 his deceased wife's first cousin, Eliza Jane "Jennie" Paxson, daughter of Benjamin F. and Sarah Ellen (WOOD) Paxson.iii. John Riley Paxson, b. 21 July 1848 in Penn Twp., Jay Co., Ind.; d. 10 Oct. 1923; m. 3 Mar. 1869 Harriet Swigert WALTER. She was b. 1848, the daughter of Peter and Rebecca (__) Swigert; Harriet d. 19 Apr. 1921, bur. Gilead Cemetery. Four children: Walter C. Paxson (b. 14 Sept. 1870; d. 22 Sept. 1878, bur. Gilead Cem.); Ernest L. Paxson (b. 27 May 1876; d. 28 Sept. 1878, bur. Gilead Cem.); Rose Blain Paxson (b. 14 Sept. 1884; d. 8 Feb. 1887, bur. Gilead Cem.); and Elsie L. Paxson (b. 6 Apr. 1888; d. 18 Aug. 1895, bur. Gilead Cem.).
iv. Miles M. Paxson, b. 30 or 31 Dec. 1850 or 1851 in Jay Co., Ind.; d. 3 Oct. 1874 in Jay Co.; m. 13 Apr. 1873 in Jay Co. Rebecca Jane WALKER; they had a son, Luther M. Paxson (b. 30 Mar. 1874 in Jay Co.; d. 8 Oct. 1895). The widowed Rebecca then married, as the second wife of Mahlon Irey Paxson, Miles's first cousin.
v. Elizabeth Paxson, b. ca. 1857; "Lizzie" living at home in 1880;Children of Cyrus C. and his third wife, Abigail (Jones) Paxson:
vi. Eva Paxson, b. ca. 1864; listed as "Elva" in the 1880 census;vii. Charles E. Paxson, b. 1866; m. Lillie B. __. They may be the couple enumrated in the 1930 census in Ward 4, Salem City, Columbiana County, Ohio. Charles E. and Lyda [sic] was was listed as having been born in 1860. [1930 census, 15-34, Sheet 1b, as abstracted on www.footnote.com, seen 5/28/2009.]
viii. Orlando C. Paxson, b. 1868;
ix. Orpha C. Paxson, b. 28 Aug. 1871; d. 25 Oct. 1875.
x. Clarence Evan Paxson, b. 1875; m. Grace __:
xi. Edith Paxson, b. 1877; d. 1880.
xii. Olive M. Paxson, b. 1880; m. O. K. KLOPFER. Is she the 3-year old Mariah in the 1880 census?
xiii. Grace L. Paxson, b. 1882?, although listed as 11 months old in the 1880 census; m. W. O. SHAFFER.
Phillip I. Paxson7, son of Joseph Jefferson6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife (Jane Perry), was born 11 March 1825 in Columbiana County, Ohio. He died on 18 January 1904 in Jay County, Indiana. Philip married Anita PEACOCK on 7 December 1846. [http://www.televar.com/~earth/pafg12.htm#235, 5/28/2005.] She was born 22 February 1826 in Randolph County, Ind., and died 13 December 1901 in Pennville.
Phillip moved from Ohio to Jay County, Indiana, with his parents in 1836. ["The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, 38 (copied for me 3/2005 by Tom Irey).]
Children of Phillip Irey and Anna J. (Peacock) Paxson: ["The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, 38-42 (copied for me 3/2005 by Tom Irey).]i. Joseph Elwood Paxson, b. 14 Sept. 1847; m. 1 Apr. 1871 Mary Shelley PARRETT, daughter of Amos and Mary (Shelley) Parrett; 7 children.
ii. Ruth Jane Paxson, b. 1849; m. 20 July 1872 Joel H. GOVE; had 3 children.
iii. Achsah Ann Paxson, b. 1852; d. 1 Nov. 1860.
iv. Oliver Preston Paxson, b. 5 Oct. 1854; m. Ruth PEACOCK;
v. John J. Paxson, b. 5 Oct. 1855 or 1856; m. Emily Jane RIGBY, who was b. 7 Feb. 1862, the daughter of Aaron B. and Martha A. (LEWIS) Rigby; had 3 children: Lella Fay Paxson (b. 8 Mar. 1887; m. Elmer WALKER); Lila May Paxson (b. 1 Sept. 1890; d. 6 Sept. 1890); Delpha Irene Paxson (b. 2 May 1903 or 1904; d. 12 Jan. 1983; m. 2 May 1922 Chauncey YARGER, who d. 2 Jan. 1972).
vi. Cyrus Albert Paxson, b. 24 Nov. 1859; m. 21 Nov. 1882 Mabel BROWN, daughter of Isaac and Sarah J. (BRENNAN) Brown; had children: Crystal Paxson (m. Lem DOWNING); Chella Paxson (m. Jesse LANNING); Harry E. Paxson (m. Virginia RUTH).
vii. William Elmer "Ellie" Paxson, b. 23 Aug. 1861 in Penn Twp., Jay Co., Ind.; d. 26 Jan. 1939 in Pennville, Jay Co.; m. 4 Dec. 1887 in Jay Co. Eva Arabelle MITCHELL. She was b. 5 Dec. 1866 in Ohio, and d. 24 June 1952 in Pennville. They had a daughter Rita Joy Paxson, b. 8 Mar. 1906 in Pennville, d. 16 June 1967 in Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa; m. in Crawfordsville, Montgomery Co., Ind., Howard JEFFREY or JEFFERIES (he was b. 1 June 1881). [Jim Houston, "Houstons of Pequea and Allied Families", on worldconnect.rootsweb.com, as seen 7m/27/2005.] Ellie and Eva also had 3 children who d. in infancy and were bur. in West Grove Cemetery.
viii. Mary Elnora Paxson, adopted, b. 1864; m. James JONES.
Eli Warner Paxson, son of Joseph Jefferson6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Jane IREY, aka PERRY, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, on 4 or 5 February 1827. He died in Redkey, Indiana, on 19 April 1905. Eli married in Penn Township on 21 February 1861 Hannah Leona JOHNSON. She was the daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (VANHORN) Johnson, born 1 April 1843 in Harrison County, Ohio. She died in Redkey on 8 August 1924. [From "The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, kindly sent to me 3/2005 by Tom Irey.] Soon after they were married, while on a visit having dinner with Eli's uncle Benjamin Ely Paxson, Benjamin "asked the young lady if she could make a shirt. Yes, she said. Well, then you can get along, for Eli can make a shift, he has made many a one." [memoir of J. M. Paxson, in Martha C. M. Lynch, comp., Reminiscences Of Adams, Jay And Randolph Counties (Ft. Wayne, Ind.: Lipes, Nelson & Singmaster, ca. 1896) transcribed on the web at http://files.usgwarchives.org/in/jay/history/1896/reminisc/chapterv544gms.txt, seen 6/28/2009.]
Eli came to Jay County, Indiana, with his parents in the fall of 1836. [From "The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, kindly sent to me 3/2005 by Tom Irey.]
Eli died on 19 April 1905 of cancer of the throat and mouth. I do not know if he used tobacco, but it seems likely. Eli and Hannah are buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, Redkey; there is a monument marking their graves. [From "The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, kindly sent to me 3/2005 by Tom Irey.]
Children of Eli Warner and Hannah Leona (Johnson) Paxson: [From "The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, kindly sent to me 3/2005 by Tom Irey.]i. Lydia Jane Paxson, b. 5 July 1862; d. 3 Sept. 1881; Lydia took the county examination for teaching and was granted a teacher's license for 12 months from 31 Jan. 1881. She taught at the Fiat School. She contracted a contagious disease (perhaps diptheria) and died quickly. She was bur. in Gilead Cemetery, Balbec, Ind.
ii. William Edward Paxson, b. 4 Oct. 1864; d. 1 Sept. 1866; bur. Camden Cem., Jay Co., Ind.
iii. Arthur Monroe Paxson, b. 25 June 1867; d. of cancer 26 June 1945 in Jay Co. Hospital, Portland, Ind.; m. 15 Sept. 1903 by the Rev. POLLY to Eva Jane CRITTON (daughter of James Finley and Sarah S. (PEARSON) Critton, b. Miami Co., Oh. on 24 Jan. 1882; she d. at Extended Care Unit of Jay Co. Hosp. in Portland on 13 July 1976); both are bur. in Hillcrest Cem., Redkey, Ind., and have a monument marking their graves. They had 4 children: Elsie May Paxson (b. 2 Mar. 1906; d. at birth); Frank James Paxson (b. 16 Sept. 1910; m. 23 Apr. 1948 in Pleasant Chapel E. U. B. Church, Jackson Twp., Huntington Co., Ind. by the Rev. Bevis HILL to Helen Lucile DINIUS, daughter of Boyd Sherman and Eza Florence (SMITH) Dinius); Carl C. Paxson (b. 25 June 1917; d. of cancer 28 July 1977; m. 6 Jan. 1943 Mabel Eileen HESHER, daughter of William and Pearl (BLOCKER) Hesher; Carl was a plasterer, having learned the trade from his uncle John CRITTON; 8 children); Fred M. Paxson (b. 29 Nov. 1919; m1 in Southport, England on 4 Jan. 1947 Doris Evelyn NIXON; they met when Fred was stationed in England during WWII; 3 children; divorced; Fred m2 29 Sept. 1979 Carrie Philomean (SCHOONOVER) Marks, widow of Frederick William Marks; 6 step-children).
iv. Minnie Adaline Paxson, b. 7 July 1869; d. 3 Sept. 1902; m. William "Billy" FIERS. He was b. 24 Dec. 1865; d. 1 Jan. 1937; both are bur. in Hillcrest cem., Redkey, and there is a monument marking their graves. One son.
v. Julia Belle Paxson, b. 29 Aug. 1872; d. in Country Manor Nursing Home, Dunkirk, Ind. at the age of 104 on 16 Apr. 1977; m. 18 Oct. 1890 Lindley Harrison McCLAIN. He was b. 28 Aug. 1869; d. May 1954; both bur. in Maplelawn Cem., Pennville, Ind.; 6 children.
vi. Elma "Ella" Loena Paxson, b. 24 Oct. 1883; d. Grand Rapids, Mich., 19 Oct. 1961; m. at Redkey 14 Feb. 1905 Idyl Puckett DOWNING. He was b. in Richmond, Ind. 17 Nov. 1884, the son of John Lincoln and Olive Omega (BROWN) Downing; he d. of "Huntington's Corea" disease 8 Jan. 1935; both are bur. in Hillcrest cem., Redkey, Ind.; 5 children.
Joseph Watson Paxson, son of Joseph Jefferson6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Jane IREY, aka PERRY, was born 28 February 1831 in Columbiana County, Ohio, and died 14 November 1903, at his daughter Ida's home. Joseph married Eveline DUGDALE on 27 November 1853 at Balbec in Jay County. Eveline was born 28 October 1834 in Columbiana County, the daughter of William Ridgeway and Anna (HILLIS) Dugdale. She came to Jay County at the age of eight with her parents. Evaline died 26 October 1908 in Jay County. [http://www.televar.com/~earth/pafg05.htm#87; "The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, 49, kindly sent to me 3/2005 by Tom Irey]
Children of Joseph Watson and Eveline (Dugdale) Paxson: [Information on the children except for Arthur's ice cream business, is from "The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, 49-51, and, http://www.televar.com/~earth/pafg05.htm#87, 5/28/2005.]
i. William "Big Bill" Dugdale Paxson, b. 13 Oct. 1855; m. 14 Dec. 1877 Rachel Amanda RADABAUGH; she was b. 1857; 3 children: Austin Wilmore Paxson (m. Cora Ryder KNIPPER); Alfred Raymond Paxson (m1 Gladys DAVIS; m2 Anna E. Smith Kahl); Mary "Mamie" Evaline Paxson (m. __ TREXLER).
ii. Arthur Lindley Paxson, b. 10 Sept. 1857; d. 193_; m(1) 1878 Ida WALTON. She d. 1925; 3 children; m(2) Mattie or Nettie ___.
iii. Ida A. Paxson, b. 22 July 1861; d. 1909; m. in Portland, Ind. in Sept. 1886 Alfred A. V. WILSON; 3 children.
iv. Sara Atlanta Paxson, b. 18 Nov. 1864; d. 12 Oct. 1938; m. 1 Apr. 1887 George BRIGHTON; he was b. 27 July 1862; d. 15 Aug. 1945; 4 children.
v. Rolandis "Rolla" Gardner Paxson, b. Mar. 1867; d. 27 June 1931; m. 30 Mar. 1889 Birgie H. (or N.) RYDER; both d. in Knox, Ind.
vi. Dillwyn "Dilly" Miles Paxson, b. 1 Sept. 1869; d. 25 Jan. 1945; m(1) 15 Oct. 1893 Sadie RUSHTON (no children); m(2) 1 Sept. 1906 Gertrude Mary HOLMES; she was b. 18 Apr. 1889; d. 19 Mar. 1956; 6 children: Clara Evelyn Paxson (b. 22 Nov. 1907; m. 1 Jan. 1933 Oscar Chronilus EVANS; he d. 1 Apr. 1936; 1 son); Dillwyn Walter Paxson (b. 11 Oct. 1915; unmarried); Joseph Watson Paxson (b. 5 Mar. 1918; m. 4 June 1938 Elizabeth Burniece WILLOUGHBY; she was b. 8 Aug. 1914; 3 children); Francis Harold Paxson (b. 18 Sept. 1922; m. Jeanne GORDON who d. 18 Nov. 1979); Robert Miles Paxson (b. 26 Apr. 1924; d. 29 Apr. 1924); Gertrude Isabell Paxson (b. 9 Aug. 1928; d. 27 Nov. 1961; m(1) William "Bill" V. DeVOE; m(2) Raymond VICTORY; 1 daughter).
Benjamin Franklin Paxson7, son of Joseph Jefferson6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Jane IREY, was born 5 April 1833 in Columbiana County, Ohio. He died 23 September 1910 in Marion, Grant County, Indiana, and was buried in Gilead Cemetery, Balbec, Jay County, Indiana. On 23 December 1854 "BF", or "Benny", as he was called by family and friends, married by Squire David H. BOWMAN to Sarah Ellen WOOD in Jay County. Sarah was born 16 September 1838, and died 1 May 1907. ["The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, 51-53; and, "The Rumple-Haworth Family History" updated 7/26/2003, by Shannon Colleen O'Hara-Haworth, at http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/]
From 1858 through 1861 Benjamin lived in Lockport Township. He appears there as a laborer in the 1860 US census for St. Joseph County, Michigan. The value of his personal estate was given as $40.
During the Civil War Benjamin enlisted in about 1863 and served as a private in Company E, 7th Regiment Calvary. He served in Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas. Enos WALKER served in the same company, and later married Benjamin's eldest daughter, Jennie.[Rumple-Haworth, citing IRH.]
By the 1870 US census, Benjamin was living in Jay County, Indiana, with real estate valued at $500. His occupation was listed as blacksmith.
In the 1880 federal census Benjamin F. was listed as a 47-year old farmer in Penn, Jay County, Indiana with his 41 year-old wife Sarah E., and 15 year-old daughter Nora E. and 13 year-old son Wilmer. Neither child is listed as attending school, but that may have been an oversight of the enumerator. [1880 census on www.familysearch.org]
Apparently Benjamin and his nephew Arthur Lindley PAXSON went into the ice cream business together. The orginal factory was in Marion, Ind., and owned by Arthur. Later part was sold to Teller Belle-Vernon Dairies in Ohio. It appears they were the fi[r]st to mix orange sherbet and vanilla ice cream in a log roll which came out as a mold cutting. It also appears that BF opened one or two stores himself under the name Franklin Ice Cream.["The Rumple-Haworth Family History", citing Bob SHANNON, of Malo, WA.]Children of Benjamin Franklin and Sarah Ellen (WOOD) Paxson:[from "The Rumple-Haworth Family History" updated 7/26/2003, by Shannon Colleen O'Hara-Haworth, at http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/; and "The Paxsons", compiled by Helen Dinius Paxson (Mrs. Frank Paxson), typescript, 49-51.]i. Cyrus Walter Paxson, d. in childhood.
ii. Eliza Jane Paxson, "Jennie", b. 10 July 1858 in Three Rivers, St. Joseph Co., Mich.; d. between 6/1920 and 4/1930 in Ind.; m(1) 6 Feb. 1878 in Jay Co., Ind., by Adelma LUPTON, J.P., to Enos WALKER, son of Isaac and Rebecca Walker, and widower of Jennie's first cousin Ruth Anna Paxson; Enos was b. 17 Mar. 1845 in York Co., Penna.; d. 18 Sept. 1903 in Montpelier, Blackford Co., Ind.; he had served in the same company with Jennie's father during the Civil War. They had five children and were divorced 25 Apr. 1896 in Decatur, Adams Co., Ind. Jennie left him in 1891 because, Jennie said, Enos "drank to excess". However, she sent the children to live with him from about 1892 to 1896 while she ran a boarding house with "an unsavory reputation" in Marion, Ind. Jennie may have married a second time, ___ McNeal, or she may have just lived with him. Later Jennie operated a "respectable" Rooming House for young women students at Home Avenue at 27th St. in Winona Lake, Kosciusko County, Ind. [Rumple-Haworth, citing various US censuses. ]
iii. Elizabeth "Lu" Sophia Paxson; m. 29 Mar. 1879 William EDMUNDSON, in Ind. Both were still alive on 17 Apr. 1930. Seven children.
iv. Nora Ellen Paxson, m. Nathan SIBERRY; 4 children.
v. Maurice Wilmer Paxson, called "Bid", b. ca. 1866 in Indiana, and died in 1942 in Two Buttes, Larimer County, Colorado; m. Mary Ann BALDWIN; 2 children: Bonnie Leah Paxson (d. 21/22 July 1975; m. Blaine ROWE); Darrell Paxson. Bid was in the natural gas business until 1915, then turned to farming. His family called him Wilbur.According to Ralph Darrell PAXSON: He was known as Wilbur PAXSON to most -- although family and friends knew him as William or BF PAXSON. He was in the natural gas business in Indiana. In 1897, when Darrell was one year old, the family travelled to the Oklahoma oil fields, via Independence, MO, by Wagon Train. They then went west to the base of the Rockies in Colorado. They turned south at the "Buttes" on the Hills in Eastern Colorado. Darrell later mentioned the journey. "The family travelled south to Oklahoma, 'in the Indian Nation.'" The family was active in the oil business, providing transportation and well maintenance. Grandpa PAXSON invented a tool to pull the drills out of the well holes using mule power. He at one time had as many as four 20-mule teams to provide mule power. The home base was Norman, OK. Darrell PAXSON told many stories about growing up in the Oil Fields. He also was a baseball player before WWI and played against all the teams in the area. Wilbur and family were accompanied on the wagon west, by Great Uncle Cyrus Walter PAXSON.[from "The Rumple-Haworth Family History" updated 7/26/2003, by Shannon Colleen O'Hara-Haworth, at http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/]
vi. Nellie C. Paxson, b. 29 Feb. 1876; d. 1 Apr. 1876.
Ezra Wheat Paxson, the son of Heston C.6 (Benjamin5 #213, Joseph4 #91, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2, James1) and his first wife Rachel INGLEDUE, was born 23 December 1827 in Stark County, Ohio. He died 21 March 1896. Ezra married 19 February 1848 Mary Jane BAKER. She was born in 1829, and died in 1909. Mary Jane was buried in Marboro Cemetery #96, Marboro Avenue and Allen Drive. [I am grateful for the information on Ezra Wheat and his family, kindly given to me by Jan Paxson, 5m/8/2006.]
In the 1880 federal census, Ezra W. was listed as a 52-year old man who "Runs A Saw Mill" in Limaville, Stark County, Ohio. It was also duly noted that Ezra was born in Ohio, his father in Pennsylvania, and his mother in Virginia. His wife was Mary Jane, 51 years old, born in Pennsylvania, but whose parents were born in Ireland. They had six sons living with them. [1880 census, NA Film no. T9-1067, p. 114C, as transcribed on familysearch.org, seen 5 July 2005.]
Children of Ezra Wheat and Mary Jane (Baker) Paxson, all born in Ohio: [Information on the children kindly given to me by Jan Paxson, 5m/8/2006, and taken from the 1880 census.]
i. Lucretia Paxson8, b. 10 June 1849; d. 1914; m. 24 Dec. 1871 James COWAN.
ii. William C. Paxson, b. 15 Mar. 1852; d. 17 June 1903. Not living at home in 1880.
iii. Heston B. Paxson, b. 12 Dec. 1853; d. 1927, bur. Marboro Cemetery; m. 22 Dec. 1883 in Tuscarawas City, Kate C. ELLIS (1864-1929); in 1880 he was "running a saw mill", unmarried, living with his parents. Heston and Kate had 1 child: Hester Wheat Paxson, b. 1885, d. 3 Jan. 1887, aged 1 year, 9 mo., 22 days, bur. Marboro Cem.
iv. Ezra Lind/Londo Paxson, b. 1856; d. 1931, bur. Limaville Cem., Pine St.; m. 2 Feb. 1883 Susan CONRAD (1858-1944, bur. Limaville Cem., Pine St.); in 1880 he was unmarried, living with his parents, and working as a teamster. Ezra and Susan had 2 children: Everett W. Paxson (1894-1966); Jasper W. Paxson (b. 15 Feb. 1890, m. 6 May 1911 Edna May PHILABAUM, daughter of Robert and Rosa Spring; 1 daughter: Margaret Evelyn Paxson, b. 16 Dec. 1912.
v. Mary V. Paxson, d. 10 Feb. 1857.
vi. Edwin C. Paxson, b. 1861; m. 6 Dec. 1883 Polly ZAIZER; in 1880 he was working in saw mill, unmarried, and living at home.
vii. Mary W. Paxson, b. 1863; d. 1864.
viii. Charles W. Paxson, b. 1867; d. 23 May 1936, bur. Alliance City Cem. #18; m. 5 May 1895 Adella Zun BRUNNER, daughter of Jacob and Amelia (WAGNER) ZUNBRUNNER, b. 1876, d. 4 Nov. 1843; 2 children: David A. Paxson (b. 1895, d. 29 Oct. 1983) and Mary Paxson (m. 7 Feb. 1922 Carlos HILL).
ix. Calvin David Paxson, twin, b. 5 Sept. 1872; bur. Alliance City, Lexington Twp.; m. 8 Sept. 1896 Lanetta MUEMAM. In the 1880 census he was "at school".
x. Alvin David Paxson, twin, b. 5 Sept. 1872; m. 7 Sept. 1897 Josephine HALL; 4 children.
xi. James Paxson, b. 11 Dec. 1873; d. 1875, Limaville, Ohio.
Hartwell Littleton Paxson, the son of Jacob Canby Paxson (Jacob5 #214, (Joseph4 #91, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2 #16, James1 #3) and his wife Sarah Ann (YOCUM) Paxson, was born in Ohio on 3 February 1850. He died 27 December 1918. He married in Casco, Allegan County, Michigan, on 24 November 1878, Ina Emmeroi LEACH."Emmeroi" is a Greek word or name that appears in Homer's Odessey. Ina was born 23 May 1863 in Boston Township, Summit County, Ohio, and died 8 December 1940 in Dowagiac, Michigan. Ina had a twin sister; Paxson family tradition holds that her name was Ida. [E mail 1 July 2005 from Dana Paxson] However, a Leach cousin says that it was really Ada. [The cousin is Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL (editor of the NGS Quarterly, a retired professor of education at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., a trustee and past president of the Board for Certification of Genealogists). E mail from Elaine Bennett-Sharp, 2/21/2009. The photo of Ada Leach Glass and her twin sister Ina Leach Paxson is from Thomas W. Jones, courtesy of Elaine.] Final proof, if needed, is a letter from her daughter referring to "Ada".
Hartwell (of Geneva Twp, Allegan Co.) [sic - this is an error, as Geneva is in Van Buren Co.] and Ina E. Leach (of Casco Twp., Allegan Co.) were married by T. Brainard, Justice of the Peace in Casco, Michigan, on 24 November 1878. The groom was 28, the bride only 15 years old. Witnesses were Chas. and Mary McKitt of Casco. [#590, Book 4, Marriage Records of Allegan Co., Michigan; date of record, 1 Dec. 1878. There is also a notice of the marriage in The Allegan Herald, December 8, 1878, but the copy kindly sent to me by Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/30/2007, is from a copy that is barely legible.]
The entry for Hartwell Paxson in the 1880 census, in Geneva, Van Buren County, Michigan, shows a 38 [sic] year old farmer, born in Ohio, and his 17-year old bride, "Mina", also born in Ohio. [1880 census, www.familysearch.org] Hartwell's age is clearly wrong; census data often has such errors either by the enumerator, the transcriber, or the copier (me).
A few years later Hartwell moved the family to a farm southwest of Hartford. In 1896 they moved to Watervliet. [Obituary for Edgar L. Paxson, in the Dowagiac Daily News, 9/9/1946; my thanks to Eileen Talamantez for sending this to me, 4/13/2007.]
Hartwell died 27 December 1918. Ina later moved in with her son Edgar, and she was living there at 201 Prairie Ronde Street as a widow in the 1938 Dowigiac city directory. [Luedders' City Directory, 1938, p. 74. My thanks to Eileen Talamantez for sending this to me, 4/18/2007.] In her final years her son Edgar and two daughters saw to it that she had the comforts of life, making up for the poverty and deprivations of earlier years. She ended her life in a comfortable facility in Benton Harbor.
Ina died 8 December 1940. The next day the Dowagiac Daily News carried this notice:
MOTHER DIES----
Mrs. Ina E. Paxson, 77, died Sunday evening in Benton Harbor following a short illness. She is survived by a son, E.L. Paxson of Dowagiac; two daughters, Mrs. Lois Pardee of Three Oaks and Mrs. Leola Frost of Dearborn. Another son, Jesse C. Paxson, died 10 months ago in California. Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed but services will be held from the Lyon and Son funeral home in Dowagiac.Additional information can be gleaned from her obituary. The funeral was at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, with burial in Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. In addition to three children, Ina was survived by nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was born in Ohio and came to Michigan "at an early age, residing in Berrien and Van Buren counties most of her life." [Obituary for Mrs. Ina Paxson, in the Benton Harbor Palladium, 12m/12?/1940; my thanks to Eileen Talamantez for sending this to me, 5/1/2007.]
Children of Hartwell Littleton and Ina Emmeroi (Leach) Paxson: [Thanks for this information in e mails from Dana Paxson 29 June, and 1 July 2005; and e mails from Maggie Paxson, 6/23 and 6/24/2005.]
i. Edgar L. Paxson, b. 1/6m/1881; d. 7 Sept. 1946 at his home in Dowagiac, Mich.; m. 11/1m/1904 Betsey or Bessie Stoughton HOLLAND; 6 children.
ii. Jesse Cole Paxson, b. 30 Jan. 1894; d. ca. Feb. 1940 in California. [Obituary for Mrs. Ina Paxson, in the Benton Harbor Palladium, 12/1940; my thanks to Eileen Talamantez for sending this to me, 5/1/2007.]
iii. Lois Fennimore Paxson, b. 23 Jan. 1895; d. 1 May 1960, she and Lynn bur. Forest Lawn Cemetery; m. Lynn J PARDEE (no middle name, just the initial J which he was adamant about not needing a period). Lynn m. a second time 4 Nov. 1961 Ethel (DEWEY), widow of Raymond MURPHY; she was 8 years older than Lynn and a longtime friend of the family. Lois was a member of the 1914 Cass County Normal class of Dowagiac High School. The picture to the right is from the yearbook, The Advance, taken from photos held by The Museum of Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac and published in Steven Arseneau and Ann Thompson, Images of America: Dowagiac (Arcadia Publishing Co. 2005). [My thanks to Eileen for sending this, 4/18/2007.] Lois had "remarkable penmanship and also painted. She even painted decoration on clothing" for a little granddaughter, and collaborated with her sister Leola on making a large cloth doll named Susie, as tall as the child; Lois painted the doll's face. Lois and Lynn res. in Three Oaks, Mich. Lynn was the son of Hetta Jane ("Jennie") BROKAW, daughter of William Custard BROKAW of Centerville and Three Rivers, Mich., and his second wife, Mary Catherine HOFFMAN. Lynn's father was Joel Sheldon PARDEE, a Chicago-educated doctor, who reportedly turned down the Presidency of Michigan Agricultural College because he preferred his medical practice. He owned a farm in Weesau Township, some property on Lake Michigan containing what is now known as Tower Hill in Warren Dunes State Park, and a house in the village of Three Oaks, MI. Joel & Jennie had three children, and Joel d. 3 days after his son Lynn was born. Joel was the only son of George Sheldon PARDEE and Emeline BENEDICT (they had six daughters). Although Lynn never knew his father or grandfather, his grandmother Emeline lived with the family and told him great stories about the PARDEE's exploits. Lynn was always ready to hear a good story, and he passed them along to his grandchildren. Geo. S. PARDEE was more than a handful for his widowed Quaker mother, and he joined the Army in Wisc. territory, signed onto a whaling expedition, and traveled home to Michigan overland from California before he mar. Emeline in Feb. 1850. They settled with Indians as neighbors, doing some trading and eventually making a living as a schoolteacher. For more on the colorful Benedict and Pardee families, see their family newsletter. Lynn owned the elevator in nearby Galien, MI, and was proud that he kept the elevator going all through the Depression, though he sometimes had to take "payment in kind." Later he was Postmaster in Three Oaks for 22 yrs until he was forced into retirement due to age restrictions. He then worked at a gas station in town for a little while. He also kept bees until at the age of 80 he could no longer lift the supers and manage his only remaining hive. Ethel d. 24 June 1985. Lynn d. 25 Sept. 1995, bur. Forest lawn Cemetery, south of three Oaks, Mich. Lois and Lynn had children:[My thanks to Elaine Bennett-Sharp for the rest of the information on this family, e mails 2/18 and 21/2009.]
a) unnamed daughter, d. at birth; bur. in Pardee family plot at Rose Hill Cemetery in Berrien Springs, MI (no marker for her, she shared a grave with Lynn's young sister Meryl who died before Lynn was born.)iv. Leola Bessie Paxson, b. 25 Feb. 1898; d. 5 Mar. 1969 of a stroke, Garden City, Mich.; m. Maxie FROST; his brother Leon Frost married Blanche GLASS, the daughter of Ina's twin Ada (Leach) Glass. Leola and Maxie lived at 22406 Beech St., Dearborn, Mich. in a brick house Maxie built in 1930. It had "interior arched doorways and heavily textured plaster walls painted in pastel colors. The upstairs was later turned into an apartment which Leola rented out, and she lived in the five rooms downstairs plus an uncrowded basement where she kept a large safe." They had no children and Leola worked as a secretary. "Her brother-in-law, Lynn Pardee, taught her to drive, and Leola was very proud that she had never received a traffic ticket." She was very much a part of her sister's grandchildren's lives, her great niece remembers, taking them "on sightseeing drives 'in the country' to quaint little places such as Salem, South Lyon, Pinckney, and even to Hell, MI. Sometimes these drives involved stopping for ice cream cones or Sanders ice cream sundaes or Vernor's floats. She also drove us out to Kensington Park in Milford, MI where we could feed stale bread to the Canada geese, and there were a few memorable visits to Camp Dearborn where we could enjoy the beach or be turned loose on the smaller lake in paddlewheel boats." Leola was a fine seamstress. Besides making her own dresses, she did a lot of sewing for craft sales and the nursery at her Mormon church. Leola was a great fan of the Detroit Tigers.
b) Lynnette Joan PARDEE, b. 28 Oct. 1929; d. 29 June 1990, Plymouth, Mich.; m. Leroy BENNETT 26 Dec. 1951 at the Congregational Church located right behind the PARDEE home in Three Oaks, Mich.; she attended Western Michigan University on a full music scholarship, then taught for a year before starting a family; 5 children.
c) Laurel Ann PARDEE (adopted as an infant) b. 14 Feb 1935, d. 8 June 2003; m(1) 1954 Herbert FISS; 5 children. She later divorced, moved back to Three Oaks, and m(2) 8 Nov. 1980 George VENEKLASEN. They lived on the Veneklasen family farm south of Three Oaks. George d. ca. Aug. 1991. I do not know the significance of "Laurel" as a name, but Lynn's wedding ring was engraved with a laurel leaf motif.
Edgar Samuel Paxson, the son of William Hambleton (Aaron5 #220, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and Christina (Hambleton) Paxson, was born in Orchard Park, East Hamburg, New York, on 25 April 1852. He married Laura Millicent JOHNSON.[Some of the information for this entry is from The Cyclopaedia of American Biography (NY: 1918), 8:285-286, which lists him as Samuel Edgar; and from an e mail 8 June 2005 from Bea Bard, whose great grandfather was Laura's first cousin. My thanks to Eileen Talamantez who has sent a great deal of additional information and the illustrations, e mails spring 2007.]
When he was ten his father joined 67th Volunteer Infantry; Edgar served as a drummer boy for new recruits. He was educated to the age of twelve in the log school at Oak Park, then he attended the Friends Institute in East Hamburg. He worked in his father's carriage shop, ending with a stint in the paint shop where he specialized in fancy scroll work. [The Cyclopaedia of American Biography (NY: 1918), 8:285-286; William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c1984). My thanks to Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/27/2007, for sending me excerpts from Chapters 1 and 2.]
In addition to early tales of living among the Seneca, Edgar was influenced by a visit from his uncle Orlando HAMBLETON who returned east after adventures as a '49er inthe California gold fields, and owner of a saw mill near Sacramento. Edgar and his brother Everett joined many others traveling west. In 1872 Edgar went to Saginaw, Michigan for two years. He worked sometimes at his trade of carriage maker, but also did a lot of hunting and fishing. The photograph to the right shows him in 1874 at the age of 22. He returned home and married Laura M. Johnson, a classmate from the old log schoolhouse. Edgar supported his little family by painting signs. The photos to the left show Edgar and Laura, in 1875. [From William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c1984). My thanks to Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/27/2007, for sending me these images.]
As for his religious life, his great grandson wrote:
Although as a child Edgar spent much of his time with his Quaker aunts and uncles and lived with his grandfather Samuel for a time, he went the way of most of his generation by giving up Quakerism. Very soon he ceased to use "thee" and "thou' in his speech, but throughout his life he retained the forthright honesty and morality learned in his childhood. He never joined another church, although he professed a belief in God and in his later years attended a Presbyterian and a Congregational church occasionally. [Excerpt from Chapter 2, William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c 1984) kindly sent to me by Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/28/2007.]
The west continued to call him so he left his wife with her mother and went to Wyoming where he immersed himself in hunting and fishing. During the Nez Perce war in 1877 he offered his knowledge of the territory to serve as a scout. He knew Chief Joseph and painted a watercolor of him from a photograph Chief Joseph sent to him. E. S. found himself in Deer Lodge, Montana, and got a job painting and decorating a new church there. The photograph to the right shows his log house in Deer lodge, where he lived from 1878 to 1880. Laura Paxson and three-year-old Loren traveled by stagecoach and arrived at Deer Lodge in the spring of 1878. That summer Edgar attempted a trip alone on horseback from Deer Lodge to his brother Everett's sheep ranch in Beaverland County.[Excerpt from Chapter 2, William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c 1984) kindly sent to me by Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/28/2007.] From 1880 to 1906 they lived in Butte. See also, the E. S. Paxson web page.
In 1880 the federal census enumerator found him in Deer Lodge. He was listed as "E. S.", a 28 year old painter born in New York. His wife was "L. M.", 24, housekeeper, also born in New York. With them was 5 year old "L. C. Paxson", listed as "other", but presumably their son, Loren Custer. William MANNING, a 42 year old shoe maker from Ireland, rounded out the household. [1880 census for Deer Lodge Co., Mont., film # T9-0742, p. 181B, as transcribed on FamilySearch.org, seen 1/15/2008.]
In spite of—or perhaps because of—his wanderlust, Edgar derived great pleasure from his family. In addition to his own four children, his two brothers and sister also lived in or near Butte. In the 1880s or 1890s his parents and Laura's widowed mother moved to Butte from the old home in Erie County, New York. Edgar's sense of humor, and enjoyment of a family dinner shows in this entry in his journal: "All the family was here for dinner, which consisted of chicken, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, biscuits and butter, mince pie etc. One can live on these things when there is nothing else, you know."[Excerpt from Chapter 2, William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c 1984), 25, kindly sent to me by Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/28/2007.]
All the Paxsons were well-respected in the community. Laura was very active in several women's clubs devoted to cultural pursuits and community service.[William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c 1984), 25, kindly sent to me by Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/28/2007.]
His painting, Head of Horseshoe Lake was given to the Art Museum of Missoula in 2000. Their web page states, The earliest known painting by Paxson is dated 1880, and was completed after he moved to Deer Lodge. Paxson was still developing his signature style and keen interest in western themes. Head of Horseshoe Lake, like Paxson’s other works from the 1880s and ‘90s, reflects the popular movement of American genre painting. Genre art embraced quiet, reflective scenes more familiar to East Coast farm and village life than to the frontier West. While Paxson painted this scene from a location in central Montana, it is likely that areas he experienced in New York State inspired its lush greenery. [http://www.artmissoula.org/exhibits/Paxson.html as of 5m/12/2005.]
The painting to the right, "Visit to Another Tribe", was painted by Edgar in 1909. My thanks to Eileen Talamantez for sending it to me, 4/14/2007. There are reproductions for sale of some additional paintings.
Edgar Samuel supported himself by painting stage scenery. He began to branch out into murals and large canvasses. His most famous was a 7 by 10 foot depiction of "Custer's Last Fight", for which he prepared by visiting the site many times and speaking to Native Americans who had observed or participated in it.
Edgar served for ten years as a private and then lieutenant in the First Regiment Montana National Guard. During the Spanish American War he was sent to the Philipines with the Montana Infantry US Volunteers. He was invalided home after eight months. The photograph shows "an emaciated Paxson (left) soon after his return from the Philippines in 1899. Paxson's wife Laura is standing. Also pictured are eldest son Loren [age 24] and youngest son Bob [age 10]." I do not know the identity of the seated woman. Edgar kept a detailed journal from the time of his service in the Spanish-American War in 1898 until his death in 1919. He also kept scrapbooks with newspaper clippings from 1880 on about himself, his friends, and Montana history in general. In his journals he frequently related incidents of his youth and his early days in Montana. His great grandson used these materials to write a biography of Edgar, published in 1984. Edgar's grandson, William Edgar, Sr., lived with Edgar from 1912 to 1916 in Missoula, and his memories also helped flesh out the biography. Edgar "enjoyed taking his young son Bob and his grandson William out on the trail to teach them the woodsman's skills." [William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c 1984), 78. My thanks to Eileen Talamantez, e mails 4/27 and 28/2007.]
Edgar continued to paint. For a while he did illustrations for books. The following can still be seen, in various libraries, although I have not yet an opportunity to see them, myself.
Alfred H. Henry, By order of the prophet: a tale of Utah (Chicago: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1902).
Elia W. Peattie, The Edge of Things (Chicago: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1903).
Clinton Giddings Brown, Ramrod Jones, hunter and patriot: a tale of the Texas revolution against Mexico, written by Robert Blalock; and now set forth by Clinton Giddings Brown (Akron, Ohio: The Saalfield Publishing Co., 1905).
Edwin James Stanley, Life of Rev. L. B. Stateler: or Sixty-five years on the frontier, containing incidents, anecdotes and sketches of Methodist history in the West and Northwest, introduction by E. R. Hendrix (Nashville: Publishing House of the M. E. Church, South, 1907).
The photograph shows Edgar in his studio in Butte in 1898. In the back is the nearly finished large canvas of Custer's last fight. On the eisel is "The Death of John Bozeman". [From William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c1984), kindly sent to me by Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/27/2007.]
Edgar also continued to do large paintings. In 1902 he did six murals for the Montana state capitol. On his way home from Chicago in 1903, Edgar "stopped to visit relatives on their farm in Wisconsin. He proved he had not gotten a swelled head from his recent success: he went out in the fields planting corn and potatoes, fed the chickens, made butter and separated cream. Then he and his Uncle Orlando, the old forty-niner, went fishing and had a good gam about the old days." [William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c1984), 58.] His first important exhibition was in 1904 at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. That exposure brought him fame and additional commissions. In 1906 Edgar and Laura and their young daughter Lelia Everetta, named for Edgar's brother and Laura's sister (who were married) moved to Missoula. In 1914 he painted eight murals for the Missoula County Court House. Later he returned to book illustrations.
Edgar and fellow Montanan, Charlie Russell were acquainted by 1908,
and Russell later visited Paxson’s Missoula studio. These two artists had an amicable relationship. In 1915, they marshaled a parade together in downtown Missoula. But the two artists are often compared, at Paxson’s expense. A careful look reveals that their styles and interests were distinct and both of their visions enrich our understanding of frontier culture. Russell was recognized for his renditions of the cowboys and range land of the central and eastern parts of the state. Paxson, on the other hand, was much more intrigued with the mountainous western Montana landscape and its inhabitants of fur trappers and Native Americans. Paxson was often praised for his attention to historic detail, as opposed to perhaps a more romantic view of the untamed west. His murals at the Missoula County Courthouse and the State Capitol depict scenes largely faithful to the historic record. They include events such as stops on the Lewis and Clark journey, the signing of the treaty at Council Grove, and the journey of the Salish out of the Bitterroot Valley.
Following Paxson’s death, Russell offered a tribute to the artist:
Paxson has gone, but his pictures will not allow us to forget him. His work tells me that he loved the Old West, and those that love her I count as friends. Paxson was my friend, and today the west that he knew is history that lives in books. His brush told stories that people like to read.
…The iron heel of civilization has stamped out nations of men, but it has never been able to stamp out pictures, and Paxson was one of the men gifted to make them.
I am a painter, too, but Paxson has done some things that I cannot do. He was a pioneer and a pioneer painter…Paxson loved Montana. May the land where he has gone be even more beautiful than the mountains that he loved. [http://www.artmissoula.org/exhibits/Paxson.html#What%20is%20Paxson’s%20cultural%20legacy?]
Edgar Samuel is the only Paxson in Who Was Who in America, Vol. 1: 1897-1942 (Chicago: Marquis Who's Who, 1943), 945. Edgar's great-grandson wrote a book about him, E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist by William Edgar Paxson, Jr. (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c1984), 126pp., 32 pp. of plates. Most of the illustrations here are from this book.[My thanks to Eileen Talamantex for sending me these images, e mails, spring 2007.] I have not seen the book, myself.
There is a biography of him in Peggy and Harold Samuels' Encyclopedia of Western Artists (1982) that concludes with this description: "His dress and grooming were in the frontier style, with long hair, full mustache, and pointed goatee." [My thanks to Eileen Talamantez for transcribing and sending me the bio, 4/2007. However, note the photograph of him above in 1899 (after his stint in the Spanish-American War) where his hair is short and dark.
Children of Edgar Samuel and Laura M. (Johnson) Paxson: [Information from an e mail 8 June 2005 from Bea Bard. Their great grandson, William Edgar Paxson, Jr., who is pictured here, wrote the book about E. S. Paxson. A great granddaughter, Laura Dartnell, made a charcoal portrait of the Edgar, "from whom she quite possibly inherited her considerable artistic ability." Another descendant, Elizabeth Dartnell, helped accumulate material to aid William Edgar Paxson, Jr., in developing the biography.]
i. Loren Custer Paxson, b. 4 July 1875 in Erie Co., N.Y.
ii. Harry McDonald Paxson, b. 28 Aug. 1880 at Deer Lodge, Mont.; d. Jan. 1910; aged 29 years old, electrocuted while on the job as electrician on a ruby dredge near Butte. He left a wife and two young sons.
iii. Robert Cyrenas Paxson, b. 10 Aug. 1889 at Butte, Mont.; had a son, William Edgar, Sr. who m. Dorothy __.
iv. Lelia Everetta Paxson, b. 9 Oct. 1896 at Butte, Mont.; m. Richard HALE, son of Patrick and Ellen. They had an adopted son, Richard J. Hale. [Gerald Miller, 25/6m/2005, Paxson message board on Genforum.] Lelia Hale was a friend of Jennie Lyng KITT, who told Kitt in the mid-1950s that Samuel's painting Head of Horseshoe Lake, and several other paintings, were up for sale. [http://www.artmissoula.org/exhibits/Paxson.html#What%20is%20Paxson’s%20cultural%20legacy?]
Everett Erastus Paxson, the son of William Hambleton (Aaron5 #220, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and Christina (Hambleton) Paxson, was born in Orchard Park, East Hamburg, New York, on 8 October 1853. Everett died 21 November 1903 in Butte, Montana, and his body was buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Butte. He married 23 July 1901 in Duluth, St. Louis County, Minnesota, Lelia JOHNSON, the sister of his brother Edgar's wife Laura.
In the early 1870s, Everett traveled west with his older brother Edgar. They visited Fort Vincennes, Wisconsin, and Fort Niagara and Hamilton, Canada, among other destinations. [Excerpt from Chapter 2, William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c 1984) kindly sent to me by Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/28/2007.] I do not know if there were still Hambleton cousins living in Canada.
By the summer of 1878 Everett had a sheep ranch in Beaverland County, Montana. His brother Edgar attempted to visit him there, travelling on horseback, alone, from Deer Lodge. Apparently Edgar had a close call with "renegades" on the trip. [Excerpt from Chapter 2, William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c 1984) kindly sent to me by Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/28/2007.]
In time Everett sold the sheep ranch and moved to Butte. He became a teacher and eventually a school principal. [William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c 1984), 25. My thanks to Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/27/2007.]
Everett died in Butte on 21 November 1903, On 18 September 1906 Lelia married Everett's younger brother, Robert.
Everett and Lelia apparently had no children, or at least none were mentioned in his mother's obituary.
Robert Hambleton Paxson, the son of William Hambleton (Aaron5 #220, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and Christina (Hambleton) Paxson, was born in Orchard Park, East Hamburg, New York, on 4 June [or May 1858], and died in Central Point, Oregon. He married first, a woman whose name I don't know, but who gave birth to a daughter, Ruth. Robert married secondly 18 September 1906 in Butte Lelia JOHNSON Paxson, the widow of his brother Everett.
In time Robert moved to Butte where he was a pharmacist. [William Edgar Paxson, Jr., E.S. Paxson: Frontier Artist (Boulder, Colo.: Pruett Co, c 1984), 25. My thanks to Eileen Talamantez, e mail 4/27/2007.]
Daughter of Robert H. Paxson and his first wife:
i. Ruth Paxson
Isaac Paxson, son of John Jefferson Paxson6 (#221 Jonathan, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Louise (HESTON) was born 23 December 1831 in Hestonville, Pennsylvania, and died 11 September 1920 in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. Isaac married 23 December 1856 Miriam P. CONARD. She was the daughter of John and Margaret (MORGAN) Conard, born in Abington Township, Montgomery County, Penna., on 29 December 1830. Miriam died on 7 September 1923 in Schuylkill Haven and was buried in the Union Cemetery there. [Gill, "The Paxson Family from England to Edenbower, Schuylkill County Pennsylvania", p. 90.]
John CONARD and his family had moved from "a small farm and mill in Chester County, near the village of Kimberton, which is three miles east of Phoenixville, and settled at ROEDER's, Washington Township, where he conducted a grist and saw mill for one year, and then purchased the large farm and saw mill now [ca. 1907] owned and occupied by Levi KLINE. At this place he died October 15, 1876 in the 72nd year of his age." [Isaac Paxson, "Recollections of My Early Farm Life in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania" (Paper Read Before the Historical Society, April 24, 1907) transcribed on http://www.searchforancestors.com/bios/pennsylvania/biographical_notes_of_pine_grove/paxson-isaac.php. Note that there are a few typographical errors, including in the first sentence "Laura" instead of "Louisa" for Isaac's mother's name, and later "Conrad" instead of "Conard". My thanks to Elaine Paxson, e mails 12/31/2007 and 1m/2/2008 for bringing this article to my attention, and pointing out the typos.]
As an eighteen year old Isaac moved with his family from a small farm that was part of his maternal grandfather's tract in Philadelphia County to a larger farm in Schuylkill County. Isaac's lively observations and vivid recollections of the conditions in the area and how agricultural practices changed over the next half century, were presented in a paper read before the historical society in April 1907. [My thanks to Elaine Paxson, e mail 1m/2/2008, for bringing this article to my attention.]
In mid April 1861 local citizens learned of the firing on Ft. Sumpter, and in the next week two "hands" at the Philadelphia & Reading car shops, along with others, answered President Lincoln's call to enlist for three months. Isaac reminisced:
On May 4th, 1861, a number of citizens of the of the town amongst which was the writer, assembled in the Armory, which was located in a large room in the second story of the building at the South end of the P. & R. railroad bridge, and decided to form a military company. They had been meeting there for some time for the purpose of drilling in military tactics, under the leadership of Wallace Guss, but as yet had not enrolled a regular company. At this time they were enrolled, and an election being held D. B. Holmes was elected as Captain, Wallace Guss, First Lieutenant, and Jared Berger, as Second Lieutenant.
This company never entered the service as a company, but a number of its members enlisted in other companies and took an active part the war. ["Reminiscences of Schuylkill Haven in the Civil War." Read before the Historical Society by ISAAC PAXSON, November 24th, 1909. Transcribed on the web at http://www.thepiedmontbrass.com/reminiscences.html My thanks to Elaine Paxson who told me about this link, e mail 1m/7/2008.]
Towards the end of the war, it had a direct impact on the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. As Isaac recounted:
On July 12th. 1864, the Government took charge of the Phila. & Reading Railroad under the plea of military necessity, and sent men to Schuylkill Haven to manage the running of the trains, but after a few days trial, discovered that a military organization, and a railroad organization were two different things, and as railroad matters became somewhat confused, they in a very few days turned the road over again to the original managers. ["Reminiscences of Schuylkill Haven in the Civil War." as transcribed on the web at http://www.thepiedmontbrass.com/reminiscences.html. I have corrected a few small but obvious typographical errors. My thanks to Elaine Paxson who told me about this link, e mail 1m/7/2008.]
In the 1880 federal census, Isaac is enumerated as age 48, working as a Rail Road Clerk in South Manheim, Schuylkill County. He and both his parents were born in Pennsylvania. Isaac's wife Miriam, age 40, was also born in Pennsylvania with Penna.-born parents. Living in the household were their children: William (21, carpenter), John (19, farm work), Mary (16 servant), George (10 farm hand), Edwin (8). None of them were listed as being in school. In addition the household included Lucy KRAMER (19, servant) also born in Penna. of Penna.-born parents. [NA Film Number T9-1193, p. 153D, as transcribed on familysearch, seen 7m/3/2005.]
The photograph to the right was probably taken not long after the 1880 census. Isaac and Miriam are seated. The caption in the 225th anniversary book for Schuylkill Haven identifies the children, from left to right, as: John, George, Louisa, William and Edwin. However, judging from their respective birth dates, I think their names are Edwin, John, Louise, William, and George. [My thank to Elaine Paxson for e mailing me this image, 1m/4/2008.]
Isaac and two of his sons, John and William, "served for fifty years or more as clerks and storekeepers at the Reading Car Shops." Isaac wrote an article about his half century there, observing the "pains incurred in the growth and development of rail transportation in the county." [Paxson family entry in a book that Schuylkill Haven published in 1975, highlighting the 225 anniversary of the town; my thanks to Elaine Paxson for e mailing me images of two pages, 1m/4/2008.] I have not yet seen a copy of the article.
In Philadelphia Isaac and his family continued in the family tradition of the Religious Society of Friends and were members of a meeting in Merion. But when they moved to Schuylkill County there were no Friends meetings nearby. The family looked around and joined a group organizing a new English-speaking Lutheran church in Schuylkill Haven. Isaac and his brothers helped dig the foundation and built seats. The family have been loyal members of St. Matthews ever since. [Paxson family entry in a book that Schuylkill Haven published in 1975, highlighting the 225 anniversary of the town; my thanks to Elaine Paxson for e mailing me images of two pages, 1m/4/2008.]
Children of Isaac and Miriam P. (Conard) Paxson: [Gill, "The Paxson Family from England to Edenbower, Schuylkill County Pennsylvania", p. 90, and Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 391.]
i. William Jefferson Paxson, b. 27 Oct. 1859 in Schuylkill Haven; d. 20 Dec. 1924; m. 7 May 1884 Lucy M. KREMER in South Mannheim Twp.
ii. John Conard Paxson, b. 23 Nov. 1861 in Schuylkill Haven; d. 22 Dec. 1933 in Bethlehem, Penna; m. 29 Sept. 1886 Fannie Libbie HEEBNER in Port Carbon, Penna.; in 1880 he was a teenager engaged in farm work; later he worked with his father in the Car Shops of the Reading Company.
iii. Mary Louise Paxson, b. 14 Oct. 1864 in Schuylkill Haven; d. 23 May 1915 in buried in the Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven; in 1880 as a 16-year old she was employed as a servant.
iv. Unnamed infant son, b. 28 Nov. 1867 in South Mannheim Twp.; d. 30 Nov. 1867, buried in the Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.
v. George Morgan Paxson, b. 10 July 1869 in Schuylkill Haven; d. 23 July 1935; buried in the Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven; m. Emma Deibert GILHAM in Schuylkill Haven; [Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 391, has his middle initial "C".] An attorney with offices in Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven.
vi. Edwin Heston Paxson, b. 9 Oct. 1872 in Schuylkill Haven; d. 22 Jan. 1953; buried in the Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven. He taught school and carried on the fruit and truck farming until his death at age 81.
Edward Heston Paxson, son of John Jefferson Paxson6 (#221 Jonathan, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Louisa (HESTON) was born 22 April 1833 and died 2 July 1916 in Philadelphia. Edward was married twice. First, on 20 November 1862 to Sarah Wood GILLINGHAM. She was the daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (SHUR) Gillingham, born 10 December 1842. Sarah died 25 November 1871. [Alternatively, she died 25 December. They lived in Trenton, N. J. Harrold Edgar Gillingham, Gillingham Family: Descendants of Yeamans Gillingham (Philadelphia, 1901), 69.] Edward married in 1889 Catharine Ann ARMSTRONG, the daughter of David and Elizabeth (McCORKLE) Armstrong. [Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 391.]
Edward was born on a small farm in Hestonville, Philadelphia County, but moved with his family when he was 3 weeks short of his sixteenth birthday, to a larger farm in Schuylkill County. He started married life working both farm and commercial interests in Schuylkill County. Between May 1869 and November 1871 he lost his wife and three youngest children. In 1872 he returned to his native place of Hestonville where for six years he was engaged in the feed business. Then he was employed with H. F. Brunner & Co., an extensive coal yard in Philadelphia, at 21st and Filbert Streets. [Isaac Paxson, "Recollections of My Early Farm Life in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania" (Paper Read Before the Historical Society, April 24, 1907) transcribed on http://www.searchforancestors.com/bios/pennsylvania/biographical_notes_of_pine_grove/paxson-isaac.php. See also Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 391-2.]
After Edward and Catharine Ann ARMSTRONG were married, they lived at 3709 Baring Street, which had been the home of the Armstrongs. [Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 391.] However, by 1895 they had moved to their own home at 4033 Baring, where Edward H. was listed in Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory. In the 1895 edition (it was published annually in March) his occupation was "yardmaster", while in the 1896 and 1897 editions he was "foreman".
Children of Edward Heston and his first wife, Sarah Wood (Gillingham) Paxson: [Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 391-2.]
i. Charles Gillingham Paxson, b. 16 Aug. 1863; m(1) 14 Jan. 1885 Margaret "Maggie" WORTH; resided in Camden, NJ; had at least 3 children: Ethel Virginia Paxson (b. 14 Jan. 1886); Charles Edward Paxson (b. 19 July 1887); and Rebecca Gillingham Paxson (b. 6 Oct. 1889); [Gillingham Family, 90.]; m(2) Azor PRICE;
ii. Anna Gillingham Paxson, b. 10 July 1866; d. 11 May 1869.
iii. James Coggins Paxson, b. 13 Aug. 1868; d. 28 June [or July - Gillingham Family, 90.] 1870.
iv. Emily H. Paxson, b. 10 Sept. 1870; d. 10 Aug. 1871.
Jonathan Paxson, son of John Jefferson Paxson6 (#221 Jonathan, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Louisa (HESTON) was born 24 September 1834, and died 12 December 1900 in Oaklette, Virginia. Jonathan married twice, first on 22 September 1875 [Richard Wynkoop's 1904 edition of Wynkoop Genealogy in the United States of America.] to Martha Washington WYNKOOP, at the home of her father, George Campbell Wynkoop. Martha was born 22 February 1844, the eighth child of George and his wife Mary Ann (WALKER) Wynkoop. Martha died 29 November 1881 at 5:00 oclock P.M. at the home of her husband in South Mannheim Township, Schulykill County, Pennsylvania. Her body was buried 2 December at Schulykill Haven Cemetery. ["Gen'l George C. Wynkoop's Family Bible", Collections of The genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, Vol. 9 Bible Records, 3797, 3799, 3801, as posted at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wynkoop/webdocs/geocwkp.htm ] Secondly, he married Louisa WYNKOOP, sister of his first wife and of his brother Joseph's wife. Jonathan and Louisa had two or three children. [Isaac Paxson, "Recollections of My Early Farm Life in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania" (Paper Read Before the Historical Society, April 24, 1907) transcribed on http://www.searchforancestors.com/bios/pennsylvania/biographical_notes_of_pine_grove/paxson-isaac.php. This paper names Martha and Louisa, both daughters of Gen. George C. Wynkoop, of Pottsville, as Jonathan's successive wives. See also, Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 392, sez that they had three children. The only mention of a potential Louisa in the Wynkoop genealogy on the web, died as an infant.]
As a child Jonathan moved with his family from a small farm in Philadelphia County to a larger one in Schuylkill County. When he grew up, he and his brother Joseph ran a "milk dairy in partnership on the old farm for several years", until November 1866 when Joseph moved his family to Virginia. [Isaac Paxson, "Recollections of My Early Farm Life in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania" (Paper Read Before the Historical Society, April 24, 1907).]
The Civil War created a lot of patriotic fervor. Expectations for an early victory were soon dashed, however.
In the early part of September 1862, Gen. Lee detached Stuart's cavalry of 1500 men to cross the State line and carry the war into the North. In doing so, they advanced as far as Chambersburg, at which place they destroyed a large amount of army supplies, paroled 275 sick and wounded soldiers that they found in the Hospital there, and burned the railroad machine shop and several trains of loaded cars, destroyed 5,000 muskets and a large amount of army clothing, and then returned to Virginia to join Lee's army. The news of this raid stirred up the citizens of Sch. Haven, and as the war seemed to be getting pretty near home, they thought it was time to be doing something more than simply reading in the newspapers what was going on in the South. Therefore on Sept. 6, 1862, a meeting of the citizens of the town was called to meet at Koon's Hotel on the Southwest corner of Main and St. John Street to arrange for carrying out the advise in Gov. Andrew G. Curtain's proclamation, in which he advised all citizens of a proper age to meet and form companies, to be drilled in the manual of arms so that they might be prepared to defend the State in a case of emergency.
Jonathan enrolled in the company of about 100 men that was formed three days later. On 16 September 1862 his group, along with
In order to carry out this request of the Governor, on Sept., 9, at 4 p.m. seventy persons enrolled themselves into a company, and were drilled in army movements for two hours on St. John Street, by Captains Henry Hesser and Charles Leader, both of whom had considerable experience in military tactics.
companies from Pottsville, Minersville, and Tremont, left Sch. Haven in six cars for Harrisburg, and ... there was a large crowd present at the depot to see them start. The services of this company did not seem to be needed as they arrived home about daylight of the morning of Sept. 26, and after parading through the town and awakening its sleepy citizens, it was disbanded. ["Reminiscences of Schuylkill Haven in the Civil War." Read before the Historical Society by ISAAC PAXSON, November 24th, 1909. Transcribed on the web at http://www.thepiedmontbrass.com/reminiscences.html My thanks to Elaine Paxson who told me about this link, e mail 1m/7/2008.]
After the deaths of both his wives, Jonathan removed with his son and daughter to Norfolk, Virginia. He died there 12 December 1900. [Isaac Paxson, "Recollections of My Early Farm Life in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania"]
Children of Jonathan and his first wife, Martha Washington (Wynkoop) Paxson: [My thanks to Jan Paxson, e mail 5 March 2007, for the information about a full dozen children, not just the three alluded to in the Kirk Family. I have not done any primary research myself on this particular family.]
i. Norris Hoffman Paxson, b. 26 Apr. 1877; d. 1955; married Catherine LIVERMAN Aug 3 1898; she was b. in W.Va. 22 June 1876, the daughter of Hardy Liverman and Rosa A.
ii. Ruth Heston Paxson, b. 17 Oct. 1878; d. 1970; m. William L. JOHN 15 June 1918; he was b. 21 June 1867, the son of Evan W. John and Jennie E. Guthrie.
iii. Wynkoop Paxson, b. 27 Nov. 1881; d. 29 Nov. 1881.
iv. Pebe Paxson [sic], b.
v. Sarah Paxson, b.
vi. Grace Cole Paxson, b. 2 Jun.1885; d. 4 Jan. 1887,
vii. Clarence Walker Paxson, b. 29 Jul. 1888; d. 22 Sept. 1888,
viii. Abigail Paxson, b.
ix. Henry Paxson, b.
x. John Paxson, b.
Children of Jonathan and his second wife, Louisa (Wynkoop) Paxson:
xi. Jullian Paxson, b.
xii. Matilda Paxson, b.
George Paxson, son of John Jefferson Paxson6 (#221 Jonathan5, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Louisa (HESTON) was born 5 May 1836. He died 4 May 1918 in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. George married Mary A. DEAN. She was born 4 February 1836, the daughter of Washington and Eliza Ann (Paxson) Dean. [Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 392.]
As a child George moved with his family from a small farm in Philadelphia County to a larger one in Schuylkill County. When he grew up he worked with his brother Joseph for several years on Sheriff RAUSCH's large farm on the Little Schuylkill branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. Then George removed with his family to the farm of Dr. F. H. SHANNON, where he ran a milk dairy for a while, taking his milk daily to Pottsville. This farm was at Allison's Station on the Mine Hill branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. [Isaac Paxson, "Recollections of My Early Farm Life in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania" (Paper Read Before the Historical Society, April 24, 1907) transcribed on http://www.searchforancestors.com/bios/pennsylvania/biographical_notes_of_pine_grove/paxson-isaac.php. My thanks to Elaine Paxson, e mail 1m/2/2008 for bringing this article to my attention.]
A number of years later, George engaged in the florist business in Schuylkill Haven for a short time. Then about 1878 he turned to running a store at Pinegrove. Finally, in February, 1898, he "drifted back" Orricksburg, where he established a general store. [Isaac Paxson, "Recollections of My Early Farm Life in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania" (Paper Read Before the Historical Society, April 24, 1907).]
In the 1880 federal census for Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, George was enumerated as a 44 year old "clerk in store", assisted by his 17 year old son Joseph. Also in the household were Mary, 44 and "keeping house", and daughters Sallie, 13, and Ellie, 7, "at school". [1880 census as transcribed from NA film T9-1193, p. 326A, on FamilySearch.org, seen 1m/3/2008,]
Children of George and Mary A. (Dean) Paxson: [Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 392.]
i. Joseph D. Paxson, b. 30 Apr. 1863; d. 4 Oct. 1890; in 1880 was clerking with his father in the store.
ii. Eliza Ellen Paxson, b. 8 July 1864; d. 24 June 1872.
iii. Matilda Louisa Paxson, "Sallie"?, b. 13 Jan. 1867;
iv. Ellen Heston Paxson, "Ellie", b. 7 Sept. 1873;
Joseph Paschall Paxson, youngest son of John Jefferson6 (#221 Jonathan, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Louisa (HESTON) Paxson was born 4 May 1840 in Hestonville, and died 5 February 1929 in Norfolk, Virginia. On 12 February 1867 Joseph and Frances Jane WYNKOOP were married in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. She was the ninth child of Gen. George C. and Mary Ann (Walker) Wynkoop, born 22 March 1846. Her sisters Martha and Louisa married Joseph's brother Jonathan. ["Gen'l George C. Wynkoop's Family Bible", Collections of The genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, Vol. 9 Bible Records, 3797, 3799, as posted at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wynkoop/webdocs/geocwkp.htm. See also, Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 392.]
Joseph served in Company G, 173rd Pennsylvania Infantry in the Civil War.[Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 392.] Actually, he was drafted twice. The second time on 24 September 1863, Joseph and two of his brothers were called up. Joseph served ten months in Colonel Daniel Nagel's regiment, which was most of the time in the vicinity of Norfolk, Virginia. ["Reminiscences of Schuylkill Haven in the Civil War." Read before the Historical Society by Isaac Paxson, November 24th, 1909. I have corrected a few small but obvious typographical errors.Transcribed on the web at http://www.thepiedmontbrass.com/reminiscences.html My thanks to Elaine Paxson who told me about this link, e mail 1m/7/2008.]
Joseph and his older brother Jonathan "conducted a milk dairy in partnership on the old farm for several years" near Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. Then in November, 1866, right after the end of the Civil War, Joseph moved with his family to a farm two miles from Norfolk, Virginia, to have his own farm and truck business. He had become familiar with the area during the war. There he and his wife raised a large family of children and grandchildren who, fifty years later, still resided there. [Isaac Paxson, "Recollections of My Early Farm Life in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania" (Paper Read Before the Historical Society, April 24, 1907), transcribed on http://www.searchforancestors.com/bios/pennsylvania/biographical_notes_of_pine_grove/paxson-isaac.php. My thanks to Elaine Paxson, e mail 1m/2/2008 for bringing this article to my attention.]
The puzzling thing is that there is a census listing for Joseph and "Jennie" and seven children on a farm in South Manheim, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, [film # T9-1193, p. 153D, as transcribed on FamilySearch.org, and seen 1/15/2008] and no one by that name in Virginia in 1880. However, it doesn't quite compute because Joseph is listed as 45 years old, while Jennie is 34. Are they Joseph P., born in 1840, and Frances Jane? A bit more research is needed.
Joseph served as postmaster at Oaklette, Norfolk County, Virginia, for 11 years. [Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 392.]
Children of Joseph P. and his wife Frances Jane (Wynkoop) Paxson:
Timothy Simmons Paxson, son of Joseph Franklin6 (#221 Jonathan5, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Jennie Susanna (Simmons) Paxson, was born on 24 July 1829 in Cedar Park Farm, Sadsbury Township, Chester County. He died Mar 1902. In 1852 Timothy and Elizabeth MANSFIELD were married. Elizabeth died in 1853. Timothy married for a second time, Caroline A. LIPPINCOTT. She was born in 1837 in Delaware. [Jim Houston, e mail 10/16/2009.]
Timothy and his family were enumerated in the 1880 census in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. He was listed as being 51 years old, while Caroline A., his wife, was 40. Living with them was his 15 year old son Charley L. Timothy's occupation was "mail contractor"; Caroline's was "keeping house" and Charley was "at home". Timothy had been born in Pennsylvania as were both his parents. Caroline had been born in Delaware, her father in New Jersey and her mother in Maryland. [1880 federal census, Clarksville Magisterial District, Mcklenburg Co., Va.; p. 11, sup. dist. 2, enumeration dist. 145, dwelling #101, family #106. Photograph of schedule seen on Ancestry.com, 9/18/2006.]
Mandy Neumann sent me an intriguing tidbit via e mail September 1, 2006, that she had received
from David Gaddy a few years ago from a book called The History of the United States Secret Service by General L. C. Baker published by him as well in 1867. In a journal entry by James R Milburn, from August 8th 1863, it mentions meeting "the proprietors wife of the Springs". Below is the entry for that date:
"8th-Introduced to Mrs. Paxon, wife of the proprietor of Springs. I have closely observed her; think she is well suited to make married life-yes-painfully disagreeable. Some talk of the freedom and bliss of persons before marriage. If this be true, what is the state of one coupled to a disagreeable person; concentrated hell surely."
I do know they owned an inn in Buffalo Springs and this is how we came to the conclusion that this is Caroline. There is also some speculation that they may have taken some role in a confederate spy training school that was possibly based in Buffalo Springs. I need to do some searching through my papers because she drops off the census and disappears to NC at some point before the turn of the century but that is where her trail goes cold.
Child of Timothy and his second wife, Caroline A. (Lippincott) Paxson: [Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 392.]
i. Charles Lee Paxson, b. 9 Apr. 1865 in Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va.; d. May 1902. His name, perhaps, hints of his parents' southern sympathies?
Simmons Paxson, son of Joseph Franklin6 (#221 Jonathan5, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Susanna (Simmons) Paxson, was born 6 July 1836 in Cedar Park Farm, Sadsbury Township, Chester County. He married first, on 31 May 1859Hannah J. CHAPMAN. She was born in 1840. Timothy married for the second time the widow Mary A. LANCASTER. She was born in 1863 in Virginia. They had two children who died in infancy.
The 1880 census enumerator listed Simmons as a 43 year old salesman living in West Chester with his wife Mary A. and [step] daughter Carrie Lancaster (17, at school). [1880 census for West Chester, Chester Co., Penna., film # T9-1113, p. 91D, as transcribed on FamilySearch.org, seen 1/15/2008.]
Children of Joseph Franklin and his second wife Mary A. (Lancaster) Paxson: [Jim Houston, e mail 10/16/2009.]
i. Joseph Franklin Paxson, d.y.
ii. Carrie Lancaster Paxson, d.y.
William P. Paxson, son of Jacob Epler Paxson6 (#221 Jonathan5, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Caroline (MULBERRY) was born 9 April 1836 in Columbia, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, and died 5 February 1889. He married Mary F. MURRAY (or MURRY). William was a railroad engineer. [worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=jhouston&id=I540 as seen 2/28/2006.]
Children of William P. and Mary F. (Murry) Paxson: [Roberts, comp., The Kirk Family, 393.]
i. Caroline Paxson
ii. Mary Paxson, m. __ SHULTZ of Lancaster, Penna.
iii. Sarah Paxson, m. __ GIBSON.
John Miller Paxson, son of Jacob Epler Paxson6 (#221 Jonathan5, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Caroline (MULBERRY) was born 14 September 1842. He married first, on 15 April 1866, Amyra ROGERS. He married second, on 23 December 1890, Emma Oliver MILLER. [The Kirk Family, 394.]
John was a physician, who moved to Indiana, then Michigan, and finally to Locke Township in Elkhart County, Indiana, to practice. Elkhart County is on the northern border of Indiana, while Locke Township is in the southwest corner of the County. Today it is famous for Old Order Amish, cabinet-making, and the city of Nappanee. The 1880 census enumerated him and his family there. "John M. Paxon" was 37, his wife "Elmira", born in New York, of New York parents, was 36 and keeping house. They had three daughters living with them: Cora B. (13), Lulu M. (6), and Grace (2). [1880 census, film # T9-0275, p. 333A, as transcribed on FamilySearch.org, and seen 1/15/2008.]
Children of John Miller and Amyra/Elmira (Rogers) Paxson (may be incomplete):
i. Cora B. Paxson, b. ca. 1867 in Ind.; living with her parents in 1880;
ii. Lulu M. Paxson, b. ca. 1874 in Mich.; living with her parents in 1880;
iii. Grace Paxson, b. ca. 1878 in Mich.; living with her parents in 1880;
Jonathan V. Paxson, son of Jacob Epler Paxson6 (#221 Jonathan5, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Caroline (MULBERRY) was born 20 April 1848. He married Mintie READING. [The Kirk Family, 393.]
David M. Paxson, son of Jacob Epler Paxson6 (#221 Jonathan5, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Caroline (MULBERRY) was born in 1852. He married Margaret "Maggie" Neidhart GILBERT. [The Kirk Family, 394.]
The 1880 federal census listed them South Bend, Indiana. Maggie was born in Indiana, of parents who came from Bavaria. David's parents, Jacob E. and Caroline Paxson, lived with them, as did David and Maggie's two young daughters. David worked in the sewing machine factory. [www.familysearch.org]
Children of David M. and Maggie (__) Paxson as given in the 1880 census (may have had additional children):
i. Capitolas Paxson, b. ca. 1876;
ii. Clenny Paxson, b. ca. 1879.
Clarkson Paxson, son of George Washington6 (#221 Jonathan5, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Elizabeth (CARNAHAN) Paxson, was born 17 June 1851. He married Lettie C. GARDNER. [The Kirk Family, 394.]
The 1880 census for New Garden, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Clarkson was living in a hotel with his wife, "Laura L." and year old son Levi, who had been born in Delaware. Clarkson was an engineer on the railroad. The hotel was run by William J. BAYLIS and his wife Evaline D., and their three children. The William DEISEM family, with four children, two single people, and a 17-year old female cook were the other residents. [1880 census, film # T9-1114, p. 279C, as transcribed on FamilySearch.org, seen 1/15/2008.]
Children of Clarkson and Lettie C. / or Laura L. (Gardener) Paxson (probably incomplete):
i. Levi Paxson, b. ca. 1879 in Delaware; one year old in the 1880 census.
George Washington Paxson, son of Oliver Hazard Perry Paxson6 ( Jonathan # 221, Joseph4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1), was born 15 May 1853 in Columbia, and died 4 April 1925 in Philadelphia. He married in Honey Brook on 25 December 1873 Mary Jane CHALFANT, daughter of Evan and Jane (HAMILL) Chalfant. Mary Jane was born 24 July 1853 in Parkesburg, Pa., and died 17 June 1891 in Norristown, Pa. George married secondly Cora DEVIESE in Norristown in 1892. Cora was born 4 January 1869 and died in 1941.
The 1880 federal census enumerator for Philadelphia listed George W. Paxson as a 27 year old "R.R. Engineer", living with his 26 year old wife Mary J. and two children, Harry M. (age 5) and Cora M. (9 months). Also in the house was a 36 year old divorced machinist, Albert FULLER. [1880 census as on familysearch.org.] I assume he was a boarder.
A descendant writes of George Washington Paxson: that he had "Quaker parents. He was sent to the Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, PA to study for the ministry, but was too blithe, and a poor student, so they sent him home. Afterwards, he went to work on the Pennsylvania Railroad and stayed with them for fifty years. He ran the Wilkes Barre Express, the longest run on the division, and had an honor record. After several wrecks (none his fault) he left the Wilkes Barre Express and did special work at the Broad Street Station in Philadelphia, where he retired. At the age of 72 he died at home in Philadelphia." 6 children with his first wife, and 5 children with his second. [http://user.mc.net/~cherokee/paxpage/paxson.htm] The only thing wrong with this story is that in the late 1860s Quaker parents in Eastern Pennsylvania would not have sent him to seminary to become a minister--unless by that time they had left Friends and joined another denomination. However, he could have been sent to something called a seminary, without the intention of studying for the ministry; glorified high schools were often called seminaries, whether or not their mission was to train ministers. Since his obituary lists his funeral as Presbyterian, and burial in the Presbyterian Cemetery at Atglen, Pa., he was not a Friend at the end of his life.
In the 1895 and 1896 Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory George W. is listed as an engineer living at 624 North 37th Street.
Children of George Washington and his first wife, Mary Jane (Chalfont) Paxson: [from worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=paxlincoln&id=I0419; dates of death from Suzanne P. Lamborn, The Paxson Family (Morgantown, Pa.: Masthof Press, 2008), 41.]
i. Harry M. Paxson, b. 2 Feb. 1875; d. 20 Nov. 1892
ii. Ralph L. Paxson, b. 19 Feb. 1877; 14 July 1878.
iii. Cora T. Paxson, b. 20 Aug. 1879 in Coatesville; d. 1952 in Marywood, Ill.
iv. James Parker Paxson, b. 16 Nov. 1882 in Norristown; d. May 1938; m. 8 June 1908 Bertha STAPLES;
v. Oliver Evan Paxson, b. 12 Dec. 1884 in Norristown; d. 1 Feb. 1960 In Chicago, Ill.; m. Bertha SIMPSON;
vi. Mary Chalfant Paxson, b. 29 Aug. 1889 in Norristown; d. there 5 Mar. 1890.
Children of George Washington and his second wife, Cora (Deviese) Paxson:
vii. Amos Leon Paxson, b. 23 Dec. 1893; d. 30 Dec. 1893.
viii. Sidney Elizabeth Paxson, b. 18 Nov. 1894; d. 1962;
ix. George Washington Paxson, b. 25 Jan. 1901; d. 20 Jan. 1983 in Philadelphia; m. Edith BEIRDMAN.
x. Helen May Paxson, b. 2 Mar. 1902; m. Chester CONNOR;
xi. Julius Warner Paxson, b. 23 May 1907;
William Johnson Paxson, son of Edward Paxson6 (Timothy5 #227, Benjamin4 Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Lucy Ann (Long) Paxson, was born 15 December 1825 or 1826 in Philadelphia. He died on 4 February 1898, at 1709 Moyamensing Avenue, Philadelphia. He married Ann Lenwell DEPUY, the daughter of Hannah L. and John Depuy, Sr. Ann was born 19 February 1834, in Yardley, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She died 4 or 8 October 1913, at the home of her daughter Elizabeth Simmon Paxson MacGlaughlin. [My thanks to Carolyn L. Allen for the date of 1826 and 4 October, e mail 16 Oct. 2006. The year of 1825 and Oct. 8 are from Lyn Paxson, e mail 2m/8/2008, citing information on the back of the photograph, in the handwriting of William and Ann's great grand-daughter-in-law.]
According to the note on the back of the photograph, it was taken for their wedding, ca. 1850. William was 23 and Ann 16 years old. My thanks to Lyn Paxson for the picture.
One tradition is that when William was 25 years old he worked for Ann Depuy's brother, Jonathan, in a dry goods store in Philadelphia. His son later wrote that (presumably two years later) William rented a store on Spring Garden west of Eighth Street on 15 December 1853 to start a dry goods business, but it failed. [Entry in Edward John Paxsons's diary/hand-illustrated book offered on e bay Nov. 2007, item #180186108497; my thanks to Dot Michael for bring this to my attention, e mail 11/28/2007. There was a panic and crash in 1857 that wiped out a number of business concerns.
According to his obituary found in the Paxson family Bible, William Johnson resigned from the Religious Society of Friends in December 1843, when he was just turned either 18 or 19. However, if I interpret the records correctly, in 1862 the birth of one son and in 1863 the death of another were recorded by the Brick Meeting; the infants were buried in Woodlands Cemetery. Anyway, William joined the Independent Church for a time, but then entered into full membership at the 8th Street Methodist Episcopal Church in 1854, and was granted a license to preach in 1855. From 1881 to 1885 he was the pastor of Madison Street Methodist Church, at 18th Street & Providence Avenue. Its corner stone had been laid on 17 July 1872, and the building dedicated on 3 May 1874. By 1881 the membership had reached the six hundred mark. During William's first pastorate (1881-1885) the entire indebtedness of the Church was liquidated, on both the Church (valued at $40,000) and the parsonage (valued at $5,000). It seems that William J. Paxson had a second pastorate there, from 1887 to 1888. Years later this congregation merged with Christ United Methodist Church, 600 E. Dutton Mill Rd., Brookhaven, Penna., and since 1996 the building at 18th Street & Providence Avenue has been the home of the Asbury AME Church. A number of years ago there was a robbery at the Providence Avenue church. The safe, containing the church record books, was removed from the church and when found it was determined that many of the church records were missing and those that remained were water stained and damaged. The surviving records are at Old St. George's United Methodist Church, 235 North Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. [My thanks to Carolyn L. Allen who sent me the information about Providence Avenue records]
The 1880 federal census gives a snapshot of the Paxson family living at 612 43rd Street, Philadelphia. William J., age 53, "Clergyman, ME Church"; his wife Ann L., 46, keeping house; son Curtis, 23, a real estate agent; daughter Ella M., 22, the only one born in Delaware, "At Home"; son Francis A., 13, at school; daughters Elizabeth, 10 and Annie, 7, both at school; daughter Gertrude, 2. There was also a 2-month old "son" William B., who was actually the son of Curtis, recently widowed. [My thanks to Carolyn L. Allen for the 1880 census, ED 504, Pg 28-29 (24th ward, Dist. 22).]
William died 4 February 1898, at 1709 Moyamensing Avenue, Philadelphia, at the age of 71 years, 1 month, and 20 days.
The 1910 census found Ann living with her sister and her son Edward. Ann died 4 October 1913, at the home of Elizabeth Simmon Paxson MacGlaughlin. Family members are interred at Woodlands Cemetery, Lot 119 Section H, 4000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia.
Children of William Johnson and Ann Lenwell (Depuy) Paxson: [Information, with my thanks, from Carolyn L. Allen, e mail 16 Oct. 2006.
i. Edward John Paxson, "Edward Jay", b. 19 Jan. 1854 at 925 Wallace St., Philadelphia; d. 10 Dec. 1920 in Chester, Penna.; m. 15 Feb 1880 Florence Parker CARTER; divorced before 1910; 2 children.
ii. Curtis Paxson, b. 6 July 1856; d. 16 May 1921; m(1) 8 Nov 1878, Mary Eliza STRING, who d. 30 Mar 1880; m(2) 1885 Agnes I. MELDRUM, divorced before 1900; m(3) between 1910 and 1930, Susan C. LABARR; 1 child.
iii. Ella Mary Paxson, b. 14 Feb. 1858, New Castle, Penna.; d. 8 Oct. 1887, Chester, Pa., age 29; m. Thomas W. SCOTT; 3 children.
a) Albert Scott, b. 1884; d. as an infant, 2 days old.
iv. Anna Louisa Paxson, b. 22 Mar. 1859, Coatsville, Pa.; d. 6 Apr. 1863, Yardleyville, Penna.; bur. at Woodlands Cemetery.
b) Raymond Scott, b. 1887; d. as an infant, 4 months old. Both infants were bur. 11/1/1887 at Woodlands Cemetery.
c) Ethel May Scott d. 8 Jan. 1919; m. __ NEIMAN.
v. William Stamm Paxson, b. 23 Apr. 1861, Bethel, Penna.; d. 14 Oct. 1862, recorded in Brick Mtg.;
vi. Henry Clayton Paxson, b. 18 Jan. 1863, recorded in Brick Mtg.; d. 20 Apr. 1864, Stroudsburg, Penna.
vii. Charles Walter Paxson, b. 9 July 1865, in Stroudsburg, Pa.; d. 29 Jun 1866, in the Kensington area of Philadelphia;
viii. Frances Asbury Paxson, b. 23 Dec. 1866, in Kensington (a neighborhood in Philadelphia); d. after 1936 in Chester, Pa.; m. 19 Oct 1893 Sarah RICHARDSON; in the 1900 census Frances was a bookkeeper at the Mill Bottom; 3 children.
ix. Elizabeth Simmon Paxson, b. 29 Aug. 1869 in Phila.; d. 1 June 1922, at 2105 Chelton Ave., in the Ogontz area of Philadelphia; m. 17 Apr. 1889 Joseph Harrison MacGLAUGHLIN; 3 children:
a) William Paxson MacGlaughlin, b. 1891; d. 1933; m. Mary KESTER (1898-1938); 1 son
x. Annie Lewellyn Paxson, b. 21 Aug. 1872, Summersfield [sic: Summerdale?], Philadelphia; d. 1 Nov 1952, at 2330 Hamilton St., Allentown, Pa., aged 80; m. John YERGAT (b. 14 June 1884 in what became the USSR, although he must have left before the Russian Revolution in 1917; d. 18 May 1961, Los Angeles, Calif.); 2 children:
b) Clarence MacGlaughlin, b. ca. 1893; d. 1895, aged 15 months.
c) Joseph Paxson MacGlaughlin, b. 15 Oct. 1898; d. 21 Nov. 1969; m. 23 Nov. 1921 Mary KLINGER (1897-1981); 1 child
a) Bertha Grey Yergat, b. 30 Mar. 1909, Penna.; d. 7 Nov. 1989, Orange Co., Calif.
xi. Gertrude Paxson, b. 18 Mar. 1878 in Philadelphia; d. 5 Dec. 1950, Philadelphia; m. Frederick E. JOLINE (b. 1877 in Mass.; d. 30 Sept. 1935, Philadelphia); 3 children:
b) John Garabed Yergat, b. 1913; d. ca. 2000.
a) Ann Paxson Joline, b. ca. 1900; m. Edwin Stoneback ROCKETT (he d. 25 Nov 1973, Boca Raton, Fla.); 2 children
b) Frederick Joline, b. 1905; d. 13 Feb. 1970 of a stroke, in Phila.
c) Robert M. Joline, b. 1909; d. July 1981 in Phila.; m. Ruth __ (she d. 1984)
Oliver Howard Paxson, the son of Richard Paxson6 (Thomas5 #229, Benjamin4 #92, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2, James1), was born 6 September 1859 in Chester County, Pennsylvania. [IGI] He died 9 May 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [Greater Hahnemann News, Vol. VI, no. 2 (June, 1932), p. 3.] He married Evalyn MATTSON 17 May 1893 in Aston, Delaware County, Penna. She was born 16 November 1864, the daughter of Edwin and Hannah Rebecca Louise (GAUSE) Mattson. Evalyn died in 1961.[IGI; data from Margaret Ostrom, e mail Oct. 6, 2009.]
In 1880 the US federal census listed Oliver as the 20 year old "clerk in store" living with his parents Richard (52 year old dry goods merchant in Buckingham, with wife Eleanor age 49), and Oliver's siblings: Harriet F. (24), Anna L. (22), Charles F. (15, in school), Richard R. (7, in school), and Deborah (age 65, his father's sister) [1880 census as transcribed on familysearch.org.]
Oliver graduated from Hahnemann Medical College in the class of 1890. Family tradition holds that Oliver and Evalyn met in the office of her cousin, Alfred Mattson, MD, where O. H. was an apprentice. Oliver joined the faculty a short time later, and retired as professor emeritus of therapeutics in 1924. He served in the medical corps of the army during the First World War.
Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory listed Oliver H. as a physician with his office at 123 North 16th Street. [1895 edition, p. 1472; also in the 1896 and 1897 editions. The 1910 US census enumerated Oliver and his family in Philadelphia's 34th Ward. He was 50, Evalyn 45. Their five children, aged 4 to 16 were living with them, along with three servants: Anna P. Glesson, age 52, Henry John age 40, and Francis John, age 16. [1910 Census; Place: Philadelphia Ward 34, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1406; Page: 13B; Enumeration District: 839; Image: 240, seen on Ancestry.com, 9/14/2006.]
Ten years later, not much had changed. The family was still living in the 34th Ward of Philadelphia. Oliver, Jr., however, was no longer living at home. Newlin, age 24, Chauncey age 20, and the two girls were still there, as was Anna P. Gleeson. The John males had been replaced by Elizabeth SZALOORI, age 18, and her little girl Bertha, a year and a month old. [1920 Census; Place: Philadelphia Ward 34, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1630; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 1157; Image: 206, seen on Ancestry.com, 9/14/2006.]
Evalyn, "in her mature years", ran a summer camp, Camp Owassa, on Lake Naomi in the Poconos. Many Mattson cousins probably still remember this camp. [My thanks to Margaret Ostrom, e mail Oct. 6, 2009, for this information.]
On May 9, 1932, Oliver's daughter Evalyn was driving him from his office in the center of Philadelphia to his home at 6327 Lancaster Avenue, when Oliver suddenly slumped in his seat. Evalyn stopped the car, and a park guard was summoned to drive them to Hahnemann Hospital. Oliver died, the cause of death listed as heart disease.
Children of Oliver Howard and Evalyn (Mattson) Paxson:
i. Oliver Howard Paxson, Jr., b. 2 Mar. 1894 in Aston; d. ca. 1934; m. Emma Knox HAWTHORNE; he was an engineer; 4 children
ii. Newlin Fell Paxson, b. 10 Sept. 1895; d. 8 Dec. 1982, bur. West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwoyd, Penna.; m(1) Ruth SHALLCROSS; m(2) Ann BUCHANAN. Newlin was staff surgeon and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Hahnemann Medial College and Hospital in Philadelphia; president of The Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia, May 1949 to May 1950; member of Haverford Meeting; a claim to fame is that he was the obstetrician who delivered Grace Kelly. Newlin had no children.
iii. Chauncey Gause Paxson, b. 21 June 1899; d. 8 Oct. 1983 in Kennett Square; bur. Wrightstown Friends Meeting; m. Dorothy Cornish SIMMONS, b. 21 Dec. 1899, daughter of Frederick and Leslie (__) Simmons. I think his residence in Chestnut Hill was designed by William Webb Price (1891-1961) and several pencil and crayon drawings of it are in the archives of the William L. and Walter F. Price Collection of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, 219 S. 6th St. Chauncey was an engineer, teacher, and camp director. As a widow Dorothy moved into Kendal (a continuing care community in Kennett Square, Penna.). She d. there 26 June 1995. Two children.
iv. Evalyn Mattson Paxson, b. 22 Apr. 1902; d. 30 Sept. 1975; mar. 1929 Percy VICKERS (1900-1962). Percy was b. 3 Nov, 1900, the son of Charles and Emily (HOWARD) Vickers from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, UK; he studied chemistry at Oxford; worked in the Persian (now Iran) oilfields; came to the USA in the 1920s and worked for the gas division of Philadelphia Electric Co.; he d. June 1962. Percy was Church of England and definitely not a Friend. Evalyn came from a Quaker family and taught at Friends Central, which their daughter attended as a student. Evalyn also taught at Rosemont College. They lived in Bryn Mawr, and are buried in the Radnor Meeting burial ground. They had one daughter. [My thanks to Aaron Wunsch for this information, e mail 10.17.2009.]
v. Marian E. Paxson, b. 1905; d. 1972; m(1) Wilbur Vandyne; m(2) David FITZGERALD. Marian was a social worker. One daughter.
William Betts Paxson, son of Frederick6 (Charles5 #234, Benjamin4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Lydia BETTS, was born 24 September 1849. On 4 September 1873 he married Lydia "Lillie" M. SHOEMAKER, the daughter of Owen and Hannah Shoemaker. His younger sister Alice (who had just turned 16) kept a diary and her account offers interesting insights into the clothing, customs, and marriage ceremony of the Hicksite branch of Friends. The wedding was at 1605 __, the home of Benjamin GREEN, but under the care of Race Street Meeting.[Hinshaw2:907]
With the kind permission of Chris Erb, who transcribed the diary, I include the following excerpts. The identifications in brackets are provided by Chris. The siblings of "Will" include 21 year old Anna "Nan", 18-year old Charles, Alice, 14-year old Mahlon, and 13 year old Mary "May". Friends traditionally numbered the days of the week, using Third Day instead of the pagan Tuesday, and so on.
Aug. 19th. 1873. 3rd. day. - This week we have the dressmaker, for of course, we have to have new dresses for the wedding. Mother's is a plumb [sic] color silk; May's [Nan's?] & mine thin French muslin, & May's a white material rather thicker with a stripe.
Aug. 25th. - Mother & Anna were down town, and got my white kids and also May's pink sash. It's a splendid wide ribbon, a perfect shade. I am going to wear it to night with ribbons to match on my hair. My white dress that was made last summer is clean and just the thing I need for then white would be too much dressed, & that I hate-
Aug. 28th. - Lillie got four presents yesterday. 1st. a silver-plated card receiver from Cousin Anna Pickering; 2nd. a bust of Clytie from an aunt of hers I believe. 3rd. a silver butter dish from a cousin, & 4th. a sugar sifter from Ella Chapman.
Aug. 31st. - Before I forget I want to mention L.'s two new presents. From Joe & Bessie [Coates] a solid silver cream jug; beautiful from accounts. And from Annie & Pattie Heacock a morocca album with photographs of ancient statuary in it-.
Sep. 14th. 1st. day. - This is the first opportunity I have had to write an account of the wedding and so must begin right away. On 4th. day after Grandma, Aunt Mary Betts and Lill came up, and Uncle Eddie [Betts] in the evening; those all stayed here and Uncle Alfred [Betts] and Aunt Hetty and little Josie came up on 5th. day morning & went to Aunt Emmies [Emily Betts Smyth]. I have spoken before of what our dresses were so need not take the time now. We went up quite early to begin to dress for of all things we didn't want to be hurried at the last. Nan wore a light blue sash, May a beautiful pink & I had one to match my dress of thin white. When it was most time for the carriages to be here word was sent up, for us to come down as they wanted to see us. So we went and as we four entered the sitting room every body began to clap. So that was our reception; Lill & the other two looked very nice, the former wore a beautiful silk, ashes of rose with a fine black stripe in it. I looked real nice; my body of my dress didn't fit very well; it was too long!
When the carriages came Lill, Nan & I with Will Betts, (oh! I forgot to say that they came up on 5th. day morning) filled the first & then the others got on the others and followed us. But not until some little time owing to a mistake. As our carriage drove off the front door of the house blew too and so the two empty cabs drove after us as the drivers thought there were no more. The mistake was soon rectified & the others arrived at 1605 in plenty of time. We got there real nice and early altho' there were several persons already there. The 2nd. story both front & back was for the use of the ladies. The gentlemen had the 3rd. story front & Will the one back of it. Lillie dressed in the sitting [?] room and the other members of the family and most intimate friends were in the 4th. story. Bessie Coates soon came & she did look perfectly elegantly. She wore a light pink silk with a train; the body trimmed but the skirt perfectly plain with no overskirt. It was cut square neck and over the lace and illusion that made everything perfectly modest was her bridal present from Joe. [Joe and Bessie are newlyweds, friends of Will]. It is perfectly exquisite, a cross of quite large pearls on a beautifully delicate chain of gold.
We all went down by the parlor pretty soon and Lillie's aunt Lydia Mather superintended here. We were up pretty much at the front as was our place. Mother & Father being right on the left of Brother & Lillie's Father & Mother being on the other side by Lillie. The men overseers were on Will's side and the women on the other. Things settled a little and then the bride and groom came in. Just before however, Mrs. Green and Cynthaia Lippincott and Mollie [bride's younger sister] came in. Poor Mollie was quite overcome; she felt so badly and because she did cry and was crying made her do it all the more. She quieted down after bit altho' it was just as much as she could bear. Lillie looked perfectly beautiful; her dress was of fine French muslin and I couldn't pretend to say how it was made. = Only it had puffs on it & bet. each was a silk cord; she had a white silk sash and altogether her dress was very pretty. Her train was 3/4 of a yd. long and her hair looked lovely & natural. We were so afraid a hair dresser would spoil it. Her vail was exquisite, & she had a little one over her face too. After she had sat down and was settled (and there was no hiss in settling altho' her dress did sort of flirt round as it was so long) I looked at her and, she was just a mass of white and the toe of one white boot peeped out from under her fleecy cloud of dress.
They then after sitting a little while stood up to say the ceremony. They both said it very well, tho' Lillie rather louder than Will. I never realized until I heard Brother saying the ceremony and by it promising to be a "loving and faithful husband" to his Lillie what it was for him to marry. And altho' the tears would come in my eyes and my heart feel oh! so sad at the thought of his leaving his home here, yet I was under it all happy and am now that they are back and almost settled in their new home. Yes I think I can say that I am more than glad, I am so happy & contented with them both. I think my love for Brother Will is sufficiently unselfish to be glad in his happiness however much we shall miss him.
After they had said the ceremony they sat down again & in a few minutes Charley S. & Joe brought in a little table with ink on; but I forgot before this D. Parrish read the certificate and then the table was brought in and they signed it. The meeting still continued and Lucretia Mott spoke for about 10 min. I suppose, very appropriately and sweetly, & after that a little while ellapsed and they broke the meeting by Will kissing Lillie his dear little wife. Then the hand shaking and kissing; and when that was all gone they with we went up to the sitting room to the table. The bride & groom were on the sofa at one end & I had a nice little corner by it and the mantle piece. Every thing was nice and we all enjoyed it, or at least as much as we could standing up. We were glad to see Will eat heartily altho' Lillie hardly touched a thing. We all returned to the parlor and had a pleasant time. I think the charm was that there was no formality about it in the least. Lillie went about by herself and spoke and talked to those she wanted too and Will did the same and then sometimes they would meet and go together. We and Cousins had a real pleasant time with Bessie, she is so pleasant. We all signed the certificate. Howard Smith, & Mr. & Mrs. Cox were there.
It is quite an honor to have Lucretia Mott's signature on the marriage certificate. She was just too lovely; she bought a little fan on purpose to come to the wedding with, and before she left she gave it to Lillie, saying she always liked to leave the bride some little remembrance. She told Cousin Lu [Lucy Smyth] about her handkerchiefs; she always carries a 25 cts. handkerchief she said, but she thought it would never do to bring one of that kind to a wedding so she stopped and bought one wh. wasn't hemmed. But, she said to Lu, I thought it wouldn't matter even if it hadn't a hem. And then it was so funny for she lost it after all. Dear old woman! she can't last much longer and what a noble life she has had. The other overseers were Calvin Taggert and Dillyn and Susan Parrish.
Lillie & Will left the parlor at about 1/4 of three and by that time most of the people but the near relative had gone or if not, now went. When she came down stairs again having changed her white dress for the neatest of travelling suits A black silk skirt, with one of these linen overskirts and bodies all in one. A black & white tie and a little black hat made her look perfectly sweet. She came skipping down stairs as if she was so happy and pleased and glad to get out of her fixings. Having kissed and bid us all farewell they drove off looking more like two children than man and wife. They are both so young looking. We soon left now and arrived home pretty tired. I shall have to leave a description of last weeks goings for another time for this is enough at one stretch. However I must say that they are at home again well and happy.
Will and Lillie lived at 1407 Thompson Street in Philadelphia. By 1880 they were living in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County. The US census that year listed William as a "Broker in Stocks", while Lydia kept house. They had three minor children and a 30-year old Scottish woman, whose parents were Irish, named Mary Maguire. [1880 census as on www.familysearch.org]
In the 1895, 1986, and 1987 Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory William B. and Mahlon B. are listed as brokers in Frederick Paxson & Co., 112 Custom House Place.
Will had died by his daughter's wedding in May of 1901. He must have died at least by 1895 when Lillie moved back into the city, to her mother-in-law's old house on 829 North Broadstreet. The mother-in-law was listed as Lydia B., widow of Frederick.[Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory, 1985, 1897.]
Children of William Betts and Lydia (Shoemaker) Paxson: [Hinshaw 2:814.]
i. Ethel Paxson, b. 3 Sept. 1875; m. 11 May 1901 James Hamilton COLKET, son of William W. and Jennie H. of Philadelphia, at her mother's house, 829 N. Broad Street. [Hinshaw 2:814, 907] They lived in Buffalo, NY. [Suzanne P. Lamborn, The Paxson Family (Morgantown, Pa.: Masthof Press, 2008), 43.]
ii. Frederick Paxson, Jr., b. 12:40 p.m. on 8/10m/1875, named for his paternal grandfather. [Hinshaw 2:814 sez he was b. 8 Sept. 1875.] He m. 6 June 1903 at Rosemont Katherin N. WILLIAMS (b. 7 Oct. 1879) the daughter of William F. and Annie (__) Williams. They lived in Radnor. [Suzanne P. Lamborn, The Paxson Family (Morgantown, Pa.: Masthof Press, 2008), 43.] In the 1897 Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory Frederick is listed as a student living at 1723 Oxford. Had 3 children listed by Lamborn:a) Frederick Paxson, b. 3 July 1906; m. 24 Sept. 1931 in Lutherville, Md. Margaret REESE (b. 30 Nov. 1908) the daughter of James P. and Louisa A. (LEISENRING) Reese of Lutherville.iii. Mary Shoemaker Paxson, b. 16 July 1877; d. 22 July 1877; bur. Fair Hill cemetery.
b) Beatrice Paxson, b. 12 July 1907; m. 15 May 1930 at Rosemont William B. HART (b. 29 April 1907), son of William B. and Nina L. (JUSTICE) Hart; they lived in Villa Nova, Delaware Co., Penna.
c) Ann Catherine Paxson, b. 13 July 1909 in Radnor
iv. Owen Shoemaker Paxson, b. 29 Apr. 1879;
v. Alice Paxson, b. 1 Oct. 1881; m. 30 July 1926 in Campecha, Mexico, Albert Winslow BARKER (b. 1 June 1874) the son of Albert and Julia (__) Barker; no children.
vi. Elizabeth Paxson, b. 20 Dec. 1883; m. 10 Oct. 1913 in Devon, Chester Co., Walter P. HUTTON (b. 23 Sept. 1874 in Philadelphia, son of George S. and Ellen S. (PANDRICK) Hutton; lived in Devon; 3 children.
vii. Joseph Coates Paxson, b. 8 Nov. 1887; d. 11 Apr. 1916 in Philadelphia; m. 3 Dec. 1910 Dorothy C. TURNER; no children.
Charles Paxson, son of Frederick6 (Charles5 #234, Benjamin4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Lydia BETTS, was born 23 February 1855 in Philadelphia, and died 1 June 1926. He married on 25 November 1897 at Swarthmore Meeting Alice HALL, daughter of Thomas H. and Lydia H. (COX) Hall. Alice was born 12 November 1868, and died 19 March 1948. She graduated from Swarthmore College in 1888 and was a member of Swarthmore Meeting. Charles was a member at 15th and Race Streets in Philadelphia. [Cope, Genealogy of the Smedley Family, 453.] Therefore, according to the good order of Friends, Charles requested and was granted a certificate to Swarthmore Meeting on 17 November 1897 testifying that he was clear to marry with no entanglements to impede moving forward. [Hinshaw 2:907.]
Charles was educated at Friends Central High School and was a commission bond and stock broker. [Cope, Genealogy of the Smedley Family, 453.]
The 1880 census found Charles as a 25 year old stock broker living in Philadelphia with his parents and four unmarried siblings. [The 1880 US census as on www.familysearch.org, as of 5/5/2005.]
On 16 November 1899 Charles and his daughter Eleanor Mary were granted a certificate of removal to Swarthmore Meeting. [Hinshaw 2:907.] However, they were already living in Swarthmore, as the 1898 Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory, usually published each year in March, listed Charles as living in Swarthmore, while working as a broker at 306 Drexel Building in Philadelphia. They lived in a double house shared with her mother, and later her sister Abby and husband Chester ROBERTS.
When Lydia Hall died in 1908 Alice took over as editor of Scattered Seeds, a publication for Friends' children.
Children of Charles and Alice (Hall) Paxson: [Suzanne P. Lamborn, The Paxson Family (Morgantown, Pa.: Masthof Press, 2008), 44.]
i. Eleanor Mary Paxson, b. 18 Feb. 1899; res. in Swarthmore. [Cope, Genealogy of the Smedley Family, 453; Hinshaw 2:813.] m. 21 Aug. 1926 Walter B. KEIGHTON; she studied medical art and became a magazine illustrator; he taught chemistry at Swarthmore Colege; 1 son.
ii. William Paxson, m. Martha HULL; he was vice pres. of the Barclay White Building Co.; 1 son
iii. Alice Carolyn Paxson, "Carol", m. 6 Nov. 1930 John Griest BRAINERD, who d. suddenly in 1946;
iv. Margaret Paxson, m. Jacob ELLIS, an engineer for Budd Company;
Mahlon Betts Paxson, son of Frederick6 (Charles5 #234, Benjamin4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Lydia BETTS, was born 15 December 1859. He married on 23 October 1884 Rebecca W. FURMAN, daughter of Samuel T. and Abigail C., of Philadelphia, at the bride's parents' home in Philadelphia.
In the 1880 federal census, Mahlon was unmarried and living with his parents in Philadelphia. In the 1895, 1986, and 1987 Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory Mahlon B. and William B. are listed as brokers in Frederick Paxson & Co., 112 Custom House Place. He lived at 1735 North 15th Street in 1895, and at 5950 Overbrook Avenue in 1896 and 1897.
Children of Mahlon Betts and his wife Rebecca W. (Furman) Paxson:
[Hinshaw 2:814.]
i. Helen, b. 10 Mar. 1889
ii. Florence
Charles Speakman Paxson, son of Philip Price6 (Jonathan5 #244, Jacob4 #95, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2 #16, James1 #3) and his wife Phebe SPEAKMAN, was born 12 October 1868 and died 3 November 1927. He married Anita Kervey HICKMAN. She was born 4 August 1874, the daughter of Franklin Sharpless Hickman and Anna Gertrude (KERVEY) Hickman.["Rash's Surname Index", posted on http://www.pennock.ws/surnames/fam/fam06521.html, as seen 6m/5/2009.]
Charles worked for 41 years in the advertising department of Strawbridge & Clothier department store. He was active in the YMCA, and Golf & Country Club. He was fine up until the evening of his death when he complained of feeling dizzy, and then was stricken at the dinner table. His body was interred in the Birmingham Meeting Burial Ground.[Suzanne P. Lamborn, The Paxson Family (Morgantown, Pa.: Masthof Press, 2008), 51.]
Children of Charles Speakman and Anita (Kervey) Paxson (may be incomplete):
i. F. Sharpless Hickman Paxson, m. 5 June 1900 __; Had a daughter, Gertrude Kervey Paxson who m. 1936 in West Chester Walter Raymond SEIBET.
J. Charles Paxson, son of Henry, (Jonathan5 #244, Jacob4, Thomas3, William Jr.2, James1) and Harriet A. (Harlan) Paxson, was born 9 September 1858 in East Bradford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. He married on 31 December 1885 S. Lizzie HAINES. She had been born 6 November 1863 in West Goshen Township, Chester County, the daughter of Garrett and Lavinia (JACKSON) Haines. [http://pennock.ws/surnames/fam/fam32320.html]
Charles's 122 acre farm was offered for sale in 1854, as it was near the contemplated Baltimore/Philadelphia Central Railroad. [Suzanne P. Lamborn, The Paxson Family (Morgantown, Pa.: Masthof Press, 2008), 52.]
Edward E. Paxson, son of Albert
S.6 Paxson (Thomas5 (Jacob4 #95, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2 #16, James1 #3) and his second wife, Lavinia (Ely) Paxson, was born 7 May 1860.
In 1880 the US census enumerator listed Edward as a 20-year old employed in insurance, and living in a large boarding house in Philadelphia headed by Benjamin and Sarah LORE. [1880 census as on www.familysearch.org]
In the 1914 Farm and Business Directory Edward E. is listed as a vice-president of a bank, living with his wife Emily and one child in Holicong. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/pa/bucks/xmisc/1914dir01.txt ]
Later Edward was a banker in Philadelphia, with a summer residence at the old homestead.
Child of Edward E. and Emily (__) Paxson:
Henry Douglas Paxson, known as Henry D., was the second son and youngest child of Albert S.6 Paxson (Thomas5 #246, Jacob4 #95, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2 #16, James1 #3) and his second wife, Lavinia (Ely) Paxson. Henry was born 1 October 1862. He married Hannameel Canby Paxson, daughter of Elias Ely Paxson of Aquetong.
Henry was a member of the Bucks County and Philadelphia bar. He was a prominent lawyer in Philadelphia. In the 1895, 1896, and 1897 Gopsill's Philadelphia City Directory he is listed working out of offices at 506 Spring Garden. In 1895 his home was given as 243 South 41st Street, in 1897 at 1409 Locust Street. For many years he served as an officer of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, attaining the rank of Colonel. He is usually referred to as Col. Henry D. Paxson.
Henry and Hannameel also lived at "Elm Grove", their 50 acre "farm" in Holicong. They are listed there in the 1914 edition Farm and Business Directory. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/pa/bucks/xmisc/1914dir01.txt ]
Children of Henry D. and Hannameel Canby (Paxson) Paxson:
i. infant son, d. 24 April 1903. [The 1903 death is listed in Buckingham MM rec, HSP microfilm XR/158.]
ii. Henry Douglas Paxson8, b. 30 June 1904; m. 3 Jan. 1936 at Haverford Adelle Corning WARDEN, daughter of Clarence and Helen (CORNING) Warden; Adele was a great supporter of opera and other vocal arts; Henry was a lawyer with the Philadelphia firm, Dilworth & Paxson; two daughters. [E mail from John Paxson, 2/16/2008. According to the 1914 edition Farm and Business Directory Henry & Hannameel had two children.
iii. Ann Paxson, m. Tyler CLAIBORNE. [Dorothy Marty Reibold, The Life of Matthias Harvye and Family (Baltimore,, Md.: Gateway Press, Inc. 1998), 56.]
Edward E. Paxson7, son of Jacob Canby Paxson6 (Oliver #248, Jacob4 #95, Thomas3 #31, William Jr.2 #16, James1 #3) and his wife Eliza Ayres (Paxson) Paxson, was born 12 December 1865, probably in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He died 26 February 1899. Edward and Adelaide H. Morton were married in Camden, New Jersey on 21 May 1887. Addie was born 12 February 1869 in New Jersey and died 21 December 1932 in Philadelphia. [My thanks to Richard James for this information; he cites Marriage Return P110 on file at the New Jersey Archives. E mail 11/28/2006.]
In 1880 Edward was living with his mother and grandmother in Philadelphia. At the time of his marriage, Edward gave a Philadelphia address. He was listed in the 1890 Philadelphia directory.
Edward died 26 February 1899, probably in Philadelphia, since that is where he had been living. His body was buried in the Abington Friends Meeting graveyard, where his stone is marked with his dates of birth and death.
Only child of Edward and Adelaide (Morton) Paxson:
i. Christian Edward Paxson8, b. 23 Mar. 1890; d. 28 May 1959; m. ca. 1912 Elizabeth Alice ROOMES (she was b. 8 Oct. 1895; d. 13 Dec. 1970); they had one daughter, Elizabeth Martha Paxson (born 7 Nov. 1912 in Phila.; d. 13 Dec. 1970 in Phila., the same day as her mother; m. 23 Jan. 1932 David JAMES).
Samuel Preston Paxson was the son of James Steele Paxson (Jacob #266, William4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Mary Letitia (Moore) Paxson, was born in 1857 and died in 1935. Samuel married 11 November 1886 in Philadelphia Lizzie Penrose SMEDLEY. She was born 5 May 1858, and died in 1951. [Except where otherwise noted, the information on this family is from The Smedley Family, 438.]
Samuel and Lizzie lived at the old homestead purchased from her great-grandfather, which was to become hers on the death of her mother. They were Friends.
Samuel died in 1935 and Elizabeth died in 1951. Both are buried in the Little Britain Meeting Burial Grounds in Fulton Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. [http://www.rootsweb.com/~paslchs/pennhillcem2.html.]
Children of Samuel P. and Lizzie P. (Smedley) Paxson:
i. James Arthur Paxson8, b. 4/9m/1887;
ii. William Lawrence Paxson, b. 31/1m/1889;
iii. Adeline Smedley Paxson, b. 24/1m/1893;
James M. Paxson, the son of James Steele Paxson (Jacob #266, William4, Reuben3 #32, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Mary Letitia (Moore) Paxson, was born 28 July 1859. James married on 5 March 1891 Hannah SMEDLEY. The wedding was held at the Aldine Hotel Philadelphia. All four of their parents were deceased. [http://www.pa-roots.com/~lancaster/church/little/littlebritmariages.html] Hannah was born 29 June 1863, the daughter of Thomas and Sophia C. (Stubbs) Smedley. [Except where otherwise noted, the information on this family is from The Smedley Family, 449.]
They settled in Little Britain township, and farmed 101 acres. They were Friends.
Some details of James's life can be gleaned from his obituary. James died 16 November 1937 in Elim.
James M. Paxson, seventy-eight, Prison Inspector of Lancaster county for fourteen years and a resident of Elim, Little Britain Township, died at 3 A. M. today at his home after a month's illness.
Voters of the county re-elected him to his fourth consecutive term on the prison board November 2. He has served, in various years, as secretary, treasurer, and president of the board. Mr. Paxson was the son of the late James S. and Mary Letitia Moore Paxson, of Little Britain.
A farmer for many years, he was also Justice of the Peace and advisor to many persons of his section in writing wills and some legal matters. He was custodian of many estates, secretary of the Little Britain Burial Association, and a director of Southern Mutual Insurance Company.
He was a member of the Penn Hill Friends Meeting church.
His wife, Hannah Smedley, and a son, Alfred M. Paxson, dean of the college of Business Administration, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, survive. Two grandchildren, Betty Jane and James W., and a sister, Alice, wife of John Fulton, of Little Britain, also survive.
The funeral will be held at 1:30 P. M. Friday at Penn Hill Friends meeting house, with intermient in the adjoining burying ground. Friends may call from 7 P. M. to 9 P. M. Thursday. [from the Lancaster New Era, Nov 16, 1937, kindly transcribed and sent to me by Alfreda Melvin, e mail 3m/17/2008.]
Hannah died in February 1948, in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. She and James and all of their children are buried in the Little Britain Meeting Burial Grounds in Fulton Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. [http://www.rootsweb.com/~paslchs/pennhillcem2.html.]
Children of James M. and Hannah (Smedley) Paxson:
i. James Thomas Paxson8, b. 5/12m/1892; d. 24/2m/1893.
ii. Mary Sophia Paxson, b. 8/4m/1894; d. 22/4m/1894.
iii. Ashmore P. Paxson, b. 4/2m/1897; d. 9/2m/1897.
iv. infant son, unnamed, b. 18/4m/1899; d. 19/4m/1899.
v. Alfred Moore Paxson, b. 11 Oct. 1902; d. 3 Dec. 1972; m. Sarah Emily WHITE.
William Bushrod Paxson, the son of Samuel Paxson (William5 #267, Jacob4 #100, Reuben3 #32, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Martha Ellen (Wright), was born 15 May 1816. He died 1 May 1899, and was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery, Ashburn, Virginia. William married 25 February 1840 Henrietta C. HOUGH. She was born 25 May 1817.
The 1880 federal census for Broad Run Township, Loudon County, Virginia, listed William B. as a 63 year old farmer with his 62 year old wife Henrietta C. and 26 year old daughter Alice B. All of them and their parents were born in Virginia. [1880 census, familysearch.org, as of 5m/4/2005.]
Children of William Bushrod and Henrietta C. (Hough) Paxson (order uncertain):
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii. Alice B. Paxson, b. ca. 1854; unmar. and living with her parents in the 1880 census.
Charles Edward Paxson, the son of Samuel Paxson (William5 #267, Jacob4 #100, Reuben3 #32, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Martha Ellen (Wright), was born 22 January 1818. He died 22 October 1903 in Loudon County, Virginia, and was buried in the Union Cemetery in Leesburg, Va. Charles married 18 January 1842 Eleanor HOUGH. She was born 26 November 1823, the daughter of Benjamin and Mary (WILLIAMS) Hough. [Janet Paxson Stepp, in a 1998 Loudon Co., Va. query on http://www.rootsweb.com/~valoudou/1998.htm]
Children of Charles Edward and Eleanor (Hough) Paxson:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
George Washington Paxson, and his twin Virginia Catherine, were the sixth and seventh children of Samuel Paxson (William5 #267, Jacob4 #100, Reuben3 #32, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Martha Ellen (Wright). The twins were born 4 March 1824. George died on 8 April 1907 in Iowa. He married 6 June 1855 Edith B. PRICE.
Children of George Washington and Edith B. (Price) Paxson (order uncertain):
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
John Coldwell Paxson, the son of Samuel Paxson (William5 #267, Jacob4 #100, Reuben3 #32, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Martha Ellen (Wright), was born 3 February 1826. He died 27 April 1915, and was buried in the Ketoctin Free Baptist Cemetery, Round Hill, Virginia. He married 4 August 1851 Louisa R. NICHOLS, who had been born 31 December 1825.
In the 1880 census taken in Mount Gilead, Loudoun County, Virginia, John C. was enumerated as a 53 year old merchant with his 53 year old wife "Louiza" keeping house. Two children lived with them, Virginia (25) and Scott (18)., neither with an occupation listed. [1880 census, film # T9-1376, p. 498D, as transcribed on FamilySearch.org, seen 1/15/2008.]
Children of John Coldwell and Louisa R. (Nichols) Paxson (order uncertain):
i. Virginia Paxson, b. ca. 1855, living with her parents as a single woman of 25 in the 1880 census;
ii.
iii. Scott Paxson, b. ca. 1862; living with his parents as an 18-year old in 1880;
iv.
Cornelius William Paxson, the son of John6 (William5 #267, Jacob4 #100, Reuben3 #32, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Ann or Nancy Ann (Shawen), was born 11 May 1821. He died in 1883, and was buried in the Union Cemetery in Leesburg, Virginia. He married twice. The first time on 6 October 1843 in Frederick Co., Md. to Isabella ELGIN. She was born 12 May 1822. They had 7 children. He married secondly on 17 April 1866 Sarah Frances TRUNDLE, who had been born 20 March1831 in Montgomery Co., Md. They had 6 more children. [The information on this family is from marisgen and paxlincoln; the latter spells her name SAWEN; the former calls her Nancy Ann. I have not done any research on this family myself, so cannot vouch for the data.]
Children of Cornelius William and his first wife Isabella (Elgin) Paxson:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
Children of Cornelius William and his second wife Sarah Frances (Trundle) Paxson:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Burr Harrison Paxson7, the son of John6 (William5 #267, Jacob4 #100, Reuben3 #32, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Ann or Nancy Ann (Shawen), was born in December 1822, and died in February 1862. Like his brother, Burr married twice. First, on 10 July 1844 in Frederick County, Maryland, he married Ann Derrozo Chalmers Hough. She had been born 22 February 1827. They had six children. Burr married secondly on 12 June 1856 Annie E. MULLEN. [The information on this family is from marisgen and paxlincoln; the latter spells Burr's mother's name SAWEN; the former calls her Nancy Ann. I have not done any research on this family myself.]
Children of Burr Harrison and Ann Derrozo Chalmers (Hough) Paxson:
i.
ii. John William Paxson, b. 24 July 1847;
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
George W. Paxson, son of Griffith W. Paxson6 (William5 #267, Jacob4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Duanna (Rickard), was born in 1841, and died in 1919. He married on 5 January 1869 in Loudon County, Virginia, Catherine RUSSELL. [worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=paxlincoln&id=I1189]
John S. Paxson, son of Griffith W. Paxson6 (William5 #267, Jacob4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Duanna (Rickard), was born 17 April 1852, and died 7 March 1925. He married first Mary HOUGH, and had 4 children. John married for a second time in 1889, to Catherine COMPHER.
Children of John S. and Mary (Hough) Paxson:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Burr Paxson, son of Griffith W.6 (William5 #267, Jacob4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Duanna (Rickard), was the twin of Rodney. They were born 28 May 1855. Burr married Mary Elizabeth VIRTS
The 1880 federal census for Jefferson Township, Loudon County, Virginia, listed Burr "Paxon" as a 34 year old farmer with his wife Mary E., also 34. With them were three sons: Flavius L. (age 10), George O. (age 6), and "Arthor C." (age 3). Two African Americans also lived there, working on the farm: 22 year old Julius SIMS and 15 year old Allen HENDERSON. All of these people and all their parents were born in Virginia.[1880 census, familysearch.org, as of 5m/4/2005.]
Children of Burr and Mary Elizabeth (Virts) Paxson:
i. Flavius L. Paxson, b. ca. 1870;
ii. George Oden Paxson, b. 13 Oct. 1873; [paxlincoln]
iii. Arthur C. Paxson, b. ca. 1877;
John Tyler Paxson, son of James A.6 (John5 #269, Jacob4 #100, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Elizabeth Oliver, was born 31 March 1837 in Georgia. He married ca. 1868 in Georgia Nancy Elizabeth BINKLEY She was born in August of 1842 in North Carolina. [The information I have on this family was kindly sent to me by Rollie Taylor in May 2005, and is used by permission.]
In the 1880 federal census John T. Paxson, age 43, was enumerated in Dalton, Whitfield County, with his wife Ann E., age 37, and two sons: James B. (10 years) and John H. (3 years). [US census, 1880 Whitfield Co., GA return, page 85C (sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005).]
Twenty years later the family was listed in the 1900 Johnson County, Arkansas census: John T. Paxson, age 63, and Elizabeth, age 57, had been married 31 years. Elizabeth was the mother of two children. Both of these adult sons lived in the home. James B. was 29, and Henry J. was 24. James was a carpenter, John was a farmer. Also living in the house was John's mother, Elizabeth Paxson, a widow aged 82. [US census, 1900 Johnson Co., AR return, (sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005).] A decade later the 1910 Johnson County, Arkansas, census listed John T. Paxson, age 83, and Elizabeth, age 66, who had been married 40 years. They lived alone. [US census, 1910 Johnson Co., AR return, ED39/SH3/LN63 (sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005).]
Children of John Tyler and Nancy Elizabeth (Binkley) Paxson (from the 1900 census):
i. James B. Paxson, b. ca. 1871; unmarried and living with his parents in 1900; a carpenter.
ii. Henry J. Paxson, b. ca. 1876; an unmarried farmer living with his parents in 1900.
John C. Paxson, son of Benjamin Franklin6 (John5 #269, Jacob4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Sarah Elizabeth (Carter) Paxson, was born in November 1844 in Walton County, Georgia. John married first on 30 Novembr 1870 Lanora NIBLACK, at the home of John Niblack. Lenora was born in 1855 in Florida, and lived in Columbia County in that state. ["Marriage Notices from The Southern Christian Advocate, 1867-1878", Issue of December 9, 1870, page 214. My thanks to Kay Walton for sending me this, e mail Sept. 30, 2009.] John married a second time in 1899, to Mary J. __ (she was born in February 1852).
When war began John was only sixteen years old. The next year he enlisted as a private in Company F of the 5th Regiment, Georgia Infantry, on 19 September 1862 in Randolph County. He remained at that rank for the entire war. He was taken prisoner on 22 July 1864 at Oxford, Georgia and released 5 June 1865 at Point Lookout, Maryland. His record is marked "Distinguished Service". [Box: 226;Extraction: 47; Record: 2291. National Park Service. U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007. Film Number: M226 roll 47. My thanks to Kay Walton for sending me this, e mail Sept. 30, 2009.]
After John and Lanora Niblack were married by the Rev. Dr. Leonard in 1870, they lived in Columbia County, Florida. In the 1880 census they were enumerated there in Precinct 8. [ Microfilm page 416D, from Rollie Taylor.] In the 1900 census J. C. Paxson was 55 years old, and his wife, M. J., was 48, having been married one year, with no children. [Enum. Dist 3, Sheet 13, Line 23, from Rollie Taylor.] They were still there in 1910. [Enum. Dist 44, Sheet 10, Line 90, from Rollie Taylor.]
Joseph Taylor Paxson, son of Benjamin Franklin6 (John5 #269, Jacob4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Sarah Elizabeth (Carter) Paxson, was born 15 January 1849 in Walton County, Georgia, and died 3 August 1908 in Conway County, Arkansas. He married ca. 1877 in Missouri Mathilda Agnes KELLY or KELLEY. She was born 16 January 1857 in Virginia, and died 26 November 1938 in England, Lonoke County, Arkansas. [Information kindly sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005, and used by permission.]
Joseph Paxson attended Lexington College of the Bible, which was then part of Kentucky University, in 1869. Then he traveled to Missouri, though there is no record of why he went, or what he did while there, except that it is believed that he met and married Mathilda Agnes KELLEY in Springfield, Missouri (I'm told that no records are available). Sometime during the late 1870s they moved to Conway County, Arkansas, where Joseph homesteaded 160 acres, and they raised their family. Their farm was in the community of Grandview, near Center Ridge. Census records often refer to the area as the Lick Mountain Township. 
Joseph built a small building which was used as a church and the school house. Kay went to Center Ridge, Ark. in the spring of 1987 and found that Grandview was no longer a town. Only the cemetery and the church built by Joseph Taylor Paxson were still there near Center Ridge. The building is still used by the community. [Information gratefully received from Kay Walton, e mail 11m/12/2006.]
The 1880 census transcribed and posted by the LDS on familysearch.org listed Joseph T. as a 31 year old married farmer living alone in Lick Mountain, Conway County, Arkansas. [1880 census as transcribed on familysearch.org, 5m/6/2005.] However, Rollie Taylor sent me notes from a more complete transcription, that includes Matilda, age 23, and two young daughters in the home: Anna Lee [sic] was 1, and Tryphana was 2 months old. This is by way of warning that whenever possible it is good to see images of the original census schedules.
Family tradition says that Joseph was a circuit riding preacher and often held singing schools, which were a popular past time in the late 1800's. [My thanks to Kay Walton for telling me about this tradition, e mail 11m/12/2006.]
The first three federal censuses in the twentieth century give better snapshots of the family. The names are spelled (or misspelled) here as they were enumerated in the census. In 1900 Joseph T. Paxson, age 51, and Matilda A., age 43, had been married 23 years. Matilda was the mother of 14 children. Eight of the nine surviving children were still in their home. Tryphina was 20; Bartholomew was 18; Tryphosa was 13; Chloe 11; Irppel 9; Freddie 5; Eunice 1; and Theopholus was 6 months old. [1900 AR census, Conway Co, ED08/SH12/LN05. kindly sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005.] In 1910 Matilda A. "Poxon", age 53, was listed as a widow, the mother of 14 children. Four of the eight surviving children (one apparently had died in the preceding decade) were in the home: Triphona J. was 23, Irpeel J. was 19, Sylvanius F. was 13, and Unice M. was 11. [1910 AR census, Conway Co., ED08/SH04/LN98, sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005.] In 1920 Matilda Paxson, age 62, was again enumerated as a widow. Her son, Apeel, age 29, was also in the household. [1920 AR census, Conway Co, ED08/SH02/LN54, thoughtfully sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005.]
The only information we have about Joseph's death was told by one of his youngest children. It is said he came in from the fields at lunch time, sat down beneath a tree and seemed to fall asleep. The family belief was that he had had a stroke. When Kay Walton found his headstone, she discovered the names of the six children who died before their father were carved on the edge of the stone. One of his grandsons later bought back the original acreage and lives there today. [My thanks to Kay Walton for giving me both the information and the photographs, e mails 11m/12 and 11m/13/2006.]
Because of Joseph's strong religious beliefs, all his children were said to have Bible names. Tryphena and Tryphosa are both found in the last chapters of Romans. The one which is the most unusual, Irpeel, is said to have been a town in Israel. Bartholomew Milligan Paxson was a mystery
until Kay Walton began digging into family history. Bartholomew was Biblical, but Milligan? Turns out the president of Lexington College of the Bible was one of his teachers named Robert Milligan. Children of Joseph Taylor and Mathilda Agnes (Kelley) Paxson [from the census schedules, corrected with e mail data from Kay Walton, 11/11 through 11/13/2006.]
i. Anna Lou Paxson, b. ca. 1878; m. John ANDERSON
ii. Tryphana Olive Paxson, b. ca. 1880; m. John Irving MAHAN
iii. Bartholemew Milligan Paxson, b. 15 Feb. 1882 in Conway Co.; d. 14 June 1941 in Pulaski Co., Ark.; m. Emma Jane WOODS (b. 8 Jan. 1883; d. 7 Nov. 1962); had a daughter, Lois Jane Paxson, b. 20 Jan. 1915; d. 21 Jan. 1984; m. James Harrison NAREY (b. 18/6/1918; d. 17/12/1959).
iv. Willie Paxson, b. ca. 1887; d.y.
v. Amos Paxson, d.y.
vi. Tryphosa Jane Paxson, m. John SCOVILLE
vii. Lemuel Paxson, died young.
viii. Chloe Belle Paxson, b. ca. 1889; m. Joseph Lucian GORDON;
ix. Irpeel Joshua Paxson, b. ca. 1891; m. Iola PARRY;
x. Lydia Paxson, b. ca. 1895; d.y.
xi. Ruth Paxson, b. ca. 1896; d.y.
xii. Sylvanius Frederic Paxson, b. ca. 1897; m. Susan MEADERS;
xiii. Eunice Mildred Paxson, b. ca. 1899; m James BEAVERS;
xiv. Theophilus Paxson, b. ca. 1900; d.y.
Robert Junnius Paxson, son of Benjamin Franklin6 (John5 #269, Jacob4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Sarah Elizabeth (Carter) Paxson, was born ca. 1852 in Walton County, Georgia, and died 19 August 1899 in the same state. He married 30 September 1875 Angie Orrin ROBINSON. She was born in July 1856 in Georgia. [Marriage date is recorded in Walton County records, Book E, p. 466. My thanks to Rollie Taylor for sending me this information. It is used by permission.]
In the 1880 federal census for Walton County, Georgia, Robert J. Paxson, age 28, and Angie J. O., age 23, were enumerated with two children. A. J. was 4, and Geo. M. was 2. Robert's parents lived in a nearby dwelling. [1880 census, Walton Co, Ga., ED117/SH11/L15, sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005. This census schedule is not included on the LDS familysearch.org 1880 census transcription.]
Robert died 19 August 1899 after an illness of about ten days. The following obituary was written by J. H. Wood, Watkinsville, Ga., and dated 12 October 1899. The marriage is dated 1876 in the obituary, but actually was in 1875, according to Rollie Taylor's note from the Walton County records.
Robert Paxon - The subject of this sketch was a native of Walton county, Ga, but had resided for a number of years previous to his death in South West Ga. After an illness of about ten days, he peacefully passed away on the 19th of Aug. 1899. Being at the time of his death forty seven years old.In the 1900 census for Wilcox County, Georgia, Angie O. Paxson, age 43, was listed as a widow, and the mother of seven children. The six surviving children all lived in her home. James A. was a 23 year old groceryman, Miller C. was a 22 year old clerk in a railroad depot, Jessie B. was a 19 year old clerk in a grocery store, Mary L. was 15 and presumably unemployed, Omer was only 13 but listed as a salesperson, and Erastus D. was 3 years old. The family lived in the town of Abbeville. [1900 census, Wilcox Co, Ga., ED99/SH1/LN23., sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005.]
In 1876 he was married to Miss Angie Robinson of Walton county Ga., with whom he lived happily until the time of his death. As a husband and father he was devoted and as a brother and son his love and affection was beautiful.
He leaves a wife and six children, a father, two sisters, and four brothers to mourn their loss. [This obituary was saved by Martha Paxson Park's daughter or granddaughter, as the deceased was a nephew of Martha Paxson Park.It was clipped from an unknown publication, and provided by Mrs. Sue B. Archer of Atlanta, GA, May 27, 1994, to Rollie Taylor, who sent it to me in May 2005.]
Children of Robert J. and Angie O. (Robinson) Paxson (from the 1880 and 1900 censuses, although the names and approximate birth dates do not match at all well):
i. A. J. Paxson, b. ca. 1876; could this be James A. Paxson, the 23 year old groceryman in the 1900 census?
ii. George M. Paxson, b. ca. 1878; presumably died before 1900?
iii. Miller C. Paxson, b. ca. 1878 (but not mentioned in the 1880 census) was a 22 year old clerk in a railroad depot in 1900;
iv. Jessie B. Paxson, b. ca. 1881, was a 19 year old clerk in a grocery store in 1900;
v. Mary L. Paxson, b. ca. 1885, was 15 in 1900;
vi. Omer Paxson, b. ca. 1887, was only 13 but listed as a salesperson in 1900;
vii. Erastus D. Paxson, b. ca. 1897;
William O. Paxson, son of Benjamin Franklin6 (John5 #269, Jacob4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Sarah Elizabeth (Carter) Paxson, was born in September 1856. He died 19 August 1924 in Atlanta. William married ca. 1880 Rosa GRAHAM. She had been born in March 1858 in Georgia. [My thanks to Rollie Taylor for this information.]
In the 1910 US census, Lowndes County, Georgia, William O. Paxson, age 51, was enumerated with Rosa, age 49. They had been married 29 years. They had two children in the home: Hattie was 23, and Arthur was 21. [1910 census, Lowndes Co, Ga., ED127/SH01/LN61, sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005, and used by permission.] It is interesting, but not all that unusual, that the ages given to the enumerator do not match the birth date recorded through other sources.
This is William's obituary (kindly sent to me by Kay Walton, 1/15/2007):
19 Aug 1924 Final Services for W. O. Paxson Set for Today
Funeral services for William O. Paxson, 68, a member of the Paxson Real Estate Company, who died Monday morning at the residence ... North Boulevard, will be held at 2 o'clock from the chapel of Barclay and Brandon with Rev W. T. Moore officiating. Internment will be in Pleasant Hill Church Cemetery near Conyers. Mr. Paxson was born in Monroe and received his early education there. Later he moved to Valdosta, residing there for 15 years before coming to Atlanta. He had been engaged in the real estate business for a number of years with his son Arthur H. Paxson. He was associated with the Woodmen of the World, and was an active member of the Mt Vernon Christian Church. He is survived by his widow, two sons, Arthur H. Paxson of Atlanta and Luther O. Paxson of Bristow, OK, a daughter Mrs Hattie O. Collins of Charlotte, NC; a brother, Charles D. Paxson of Miami, and a sister, Mrs Addie H. Hale of Valdosta, GA.
Children of William O. and Rosa (Graham) Paxson (from the 1910 census and the obituary--may be incomplete, order uncertain):
i. Hattie O. Paxson, b. ca. 1897; m. __ Collins; res. Charlotte, N. Car.
ii. Arthur H. Paxson, b. ca. 1899; in the real estate business in Atlanta with his father;
iii. Luther O. Paxson res. Bristow, Okla.
Charles D. Paxson, son of Benjamin Franklin6 (John5 #269, Jacob4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Sarah Elizabeth (Carter) Paxson, was born in March 1860, and died after 1924. He married 14 November 1889 Lena HALE. She had been born in July 1873 in Georgia. [Marriage date is recorded in Walton County records, Book I, p. 126. My thanks to Rollie Taylor for sending me this information. It is used by permission.]
According to the Brooks County, Georgia, return for the 1900 federal census, Charles "Paxton", age 40, and Lena, age 26, had been married 10 years. Lena was the mother of four children, all found in the home: Lamar was 9, Annie B. was 8, Olive was 6, and Thelma was 2. Charles was engaged in saw milling. [1900 census, Brooks Co, Ga., ED9/SH10/LN61, sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005.] Ten years later, as recorded in the 1910 census for Lowndes County, Georgia, Charles had his own saw mill. Charles D. Paxon, age 49, and Lena, age 37, had now been married 20 years. Lena was the mother of five children. The four surviving children were still living in the home: Lamar was 17; Annie was 16; Olive was 14; and Sue was 7. [ 1910 census, Lowndes Co, Ga., ED127/SH04/LN60, sent to me by Rollie Taylor, 5/2005.] I don't quite know what to make of the two-year differences for the children's ages.
According to his brother William's obituary, Charles was living in Miami in 1924.
Children of Charles D. and Lena (Hale) Paxson, as indicated in the 1900 and 1910 censuses:
i. Lamar Paxson, b. ca. 1891-1893;
ii. Annie B. Paxson, b. ca. 1892-1894;
iii. Olive Paxson, b. ca. 1894-1896;
iv. Thelma Paxson, ba. ca. 1898; d. before 1910.
v. Sue Paxson, b. ca. 1903;
Reuben Elwood Paxson, son of James, was born in 1846 in Logan Co., Ohio, and died on 29 November 1902 in Cass Co., Michigan. He married on 8 March 1874 in Cass County Susan Alda WRIGHT. However, it is unclear if this Reuben was the grandson of Reuben #271 or Reuben #274. The information is from Wayne Paxson's gencircles website, so the assumption is that Reuben Elwood was the grandson of Reuben #274. The confusion shows up in several generations. I have done no primary research myself on these lines, so caveat emptor.
Children of Reuben E. and Susan A. (Wright) Paxson:
i. Giles Paxson, b. 1 Mar. 1883;
ii. Willard Paxson, b. 30 Mar. 1888 in Cass Co.;
iii. Jennie Paxson.
Cyrus T., son of Reuben6 (Jacob5 #276, John #102, Reuben #32, William Jr. #16, James #3) and his wife Rachel THOMAS, was born perhaps ca. 1837. Is there a descendant out there who can tell me something more about him?
He may have been enumerated in the 1880 federal census in Monroe Township, Logan County, Ohio as a 43 year old engaged in farming, with his 47 year old wife, Rachel, keeping house. With them were their three children, Elmer, Benj. and Marth. [1880 census film # T9-1041, p. 168D, as transcribed on FamilySearch.org, and seen 1m/15/2008.] But as yet I have no proof that this family is actually that of Cyrus T., son of Reuben.]
Cyrus Paxson, second child and eldest son of John Townsend6 (Jacob5 #276, John4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Hannah (Bell) was born 4 December 1844, according to one source. A posting on the GenForum Paxson board on 10 September 2001, however, gives his birth date as 12 April 1845. He died on 24 October 1925 in Graham County, Kansas. Cyrus married on 1 August 1864 Sabina, or Sabrina Libby ["Vicky"'s posting, 10 Sept. 2001.], HADLEY.
The 1880 US census for Black Hawk Township, Jefferson County, Iowa, lists Cyrus as a 35 year old farmer with his wife "Sibby", aged 37. With them are three children: Melvin, age 15; Mary E. age 6, and Elma M., 2. Melvin is given the occupation of farmer. All of them were born in Iowa, except for Cyrus's parents who were born in Ohio and Sibby's who were born in North Carolina. [1880 census, familysearch.org, as of 5m/4/2005.]
Children of Cyrus and Sabina (Hadley) Paxson:
i. Melvin Paxson, b. 14 Apr. 1865 in Pleasant Plain, Jefferson Co., Iowa;
ii. Hannah Paxson,
iii. Mary Etta Paxson,
iv. Elna Paxson,
v. Jay Townsend Paxson, b. 14 Sept. 1882.
Milton Paxson, son of John Townsend6 (Jacob5 #276, John4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Hannah (Bell) was born 25 September 1847. He died on 11 May 1929 in Palisade, Colorado. Milton married Mary Elizabeth FRAZIER.
In the 1880 census Milton was listed in Penn Township, Jefferson County, Iowa, as a 32 year old farmer living with his 30 year old wife, Mary. They had four children, but only the oldest was "at school". All of them were born in Iowa. Interestingly, Milton gave his mother's birth place as Virginia, while his older brother had given her birthplace as Ohio. Mary's father was born in Indiana, and her mother in Tennessee. [1880 census, familysearch.org, as of 5m/4/2005.]
Children of Milton and Mary Elizabeth (Frazier) Paxson:
i. Cora Jane Paxson, b. in Iowa ca. 68; attending school in 1880 census;
ii. John Abner Paxson, b. in Iowa ca. 1871;
iii. Samuel Franklin Paxson, b. June 1873, or ca. 1874 in Iowa;
iv. Hannah Cordelia Paxson, b. ca. 1879 in Iowa;
v. William Leon Paxson,
vi. Lorah Anna Paxson,
William Chandler Paxson, son of John Townsend6 (Jacob5 #276, John4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Hannah (Bell) was born 12 December 1854, and died 24 January 1926. He married 4 May 1875 Deborah Ann KENDALL. She was born 19 November 1854.
The 1880 census, taken in Black Hawk Township, Jefferson County, Iowa, includes 25 year old farmer William, with his wife the same age, called simply Ann. They had three children: Joseph A (age 5), Effa M. (age 4), and Emma B. (age 2). William and the children were born in Iowa, Ann in Ohio of Ohio-born parents. Continuing the confusion, William gave yet another birthplace for his mother, differing from that offered by both older brothers. This time she was said to have been born in Indiana. [1880 census, familysearch.org, as of 5m/4/2005.]
Children of William C. and Deborah Ann (Kendall) Paxson:
i. Joseph Alburtus Paxson, b. in Iowa ca. 1875;
ii. Effie May Paxson, b. ca. 1876 in Iowa;
iii. Emma Bell Paxson, b. in Iowa ca. 1878;
iv. Sadie Sarah Paxson,
v. Charles Leonard Paxson,
vi. William Frederick Paxson,
Chandler Paxson, son of Joel Cheshire6 (Jacob5 #276, John4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Nancy (Bell) was born 12 September 1865 in Pleasant Plain, Jefferson County, Iowa. He died either on 19 October 1938, or on 26 November 1944 in Tamarack, Aitkin County, Minnesota. ["Descendants of Travis Adcock-Emry", www.familyorigins.com/users/e/m/r/Raleigh-E-Emry/FAM02-0001/d303.htm#P597, citing Hinshaw 6:105.]. Chandler married first Elizabeth EMRY, and second, Eva STONE. Elizabeth was born 22 February 1866 near Pleasant Plain, and died 27 July 1925 om Tamarack, Minnesota. She was the daughter of David and Amanda (TALBERT) Emry.
At the age of 14 Chandler was listed in the 1880 census as a farmer, not at school, living with his 60 year old father and 43 year old step-mother, Leah. [1880 census, familysearch.org, as of 5m/4/2005.]
Children of Chandler and his first wife Elizabeth (Emry) Paxson: [ Hinshaw 6:105, and Roberta Lake, "Chandler, Bell, Paxson Descendants".]
i. Wayne Chandler Paxson, b. 24 July 1887 in Pleasant Plain, Iowa; d. 22 Sept. 1888.
ii. Nancy Bell Paxson, b. 15 Mar. 1889; d. 1 Apr. 1962; m. 19 Oct. 1910 Arthur A. HEATH (b. 6 Apr. 1885); lived in Swatara, Minn.; no children.
iii. Leona Edith Paxson, b. 18 Oct. 1890; m. 17 Jan. 1917 at Tamarack, Minn. Vernon Eugene GRANT (b. 24 Dec. 1886); lived in Valley City, North Dakota; 6 children.
iv. Alfred Henry Paxson, b. 14 Oct. 1892; d. 17 Nov. 1893 in Nebraska.
v. Rilla May Paxson, 15 Aug. 1894; d. 11 Feb. 1895 in Nebraska.
vi. Allison McKinley Paxson, b. 25 Dec. 1895 in Knox Co., Neb.; d. Sept. 1966; m. at Crown Point, Ind. 19 Feb. 1927 Mabel Genevieve COPPLE (b. 5 July 1905) and had a son; they were Methodists;
vii. John Joel Paxson, b. 10 Nov. 1897 in Allen, Dixon Co., Neb.; d. 28 Feb. 1919 in Tamarack, Minn.;
viii. Bessie Mabel Paxson, b. 7 or 27 July 1899 in Allen, Dixon Co., Neb.; d. 10 Apr. 1953 in Ponchatoula, La.; m. in Minn. Dec. 1928 Purl STANCHFIELD; 2 children.
ix. Theodore Paxson, b. 3 Mar. 1901; m. 24 Jan. 1923 at Tamarack, Minn. Della May HANSEL (b. 4 Dec. 1902); 4 children;
x. Hilda Gertrude Paxson, b. 6 Sept. 1902; m. 17 July 1923 at Tamarack, Minn. Henry Oliver BEGGS (b. 31 Aug. 1898); lived in Guthrie, Hubbard Co., Minn.; 7 children
xi. Myrtle Amy Paxson, b. 20 June 1905; d. 3 May 1973; m. 16 Sept. 1924 at Tamarack, Minn. Russell Thomas BRODHEAD or BROADHEAD; 5 children.
Benjamin Franklin Paxson, son of Milton6 (Jacob5 #276, John4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and his wife Sitnah (Richards) Paxson, was born ca. 1859. He married Luvenia WILLIAMS. "B. Frank" was 21 and living in his parents' house in the 1880 census.
Child of Benjamin Franklin and Luvenia (Williams) Paxson (may be incomplete):
i. Burleigh Eva Paxson, b. 14 Sept. 1886;
Elias G. Paxson, son of Reuben6 Paxson (John5, John4, Reuben3, William Jr2., James1) and Sarah (GREEN) Paxson, was born 16 January 1848 in Logan County, Ohio. He died on 17 January 1925 in Sumner County, Kansas. Elias married Mary Elizabeth SMITH (she was born November 1848). They married "contrary to discipline", and were "condemned" but not disowned on 20 Seventh Month 1872.
Elias can be tracked in Ohio Friends records. As a child he moved with his family in 1864 from Goshen Meeting (near Zanesville in Logan County) to Fairfield Meeting (near Leesburg in Highland County), from Fairfield to Newbury (Clinton County) in 1865. Then Elias returned to Fairfield on his own, his certificate being received 18 Third Month 1871. On 17 Ninth Month 1881 Elias, Mary E., and their children were granted a certificate to Rose Hill Meeting in Kansas, along with Elias's mother and siblings. [Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy 4:1289; 5:270, 425.]
Children of Elias and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Paxson: [Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy 4:1289; 5:270.]
i. Irena B. Paxson, b. 13 Dec. 1872, Fairfield Mtg.;
ii. Olie J. Paxson, b. 8 Nov. 1874, Fairfield Mtg.;
iii. Sarah L. Paxson, b.
iv. Maud G. Paxson, b. [Data on this family is from Wayne Paxson's website on gencircle, 9/2003.]
v. Eliza Paxson, b. 1 Sept. 1881 in Sumner Co., Kans.; [Last 4 children as given on gencircles.com/users/paxlincoln, seen 3/19/2006.]
vi. Anna Paxson, b. Nov. 1883;
vii. Hannah Paxson, b. Mar. 1886;
viii. Walter Paxson, b. Dec. 1888; d. 1976 in Sumner Co.; m. Edythe L., b. 1887, and had1 daughter
ix. Ella M. Paxson, b. June 1891;
James Paxson, son of Reuben6 Paxson (#278 John5, John4, Reuben3, William Jr2., James1) and Sarah (Green) Paxson, was born 18 February 1850. [Recorded in Goshen Meeting, Logan Co., Ohio, in Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy 4:1288.]
James moved with his parents from Goshen Meeting to Fairfield Meeting to Newbury Meeting. Presumably (but not proven conclusively yet) James married Mary Jane __. She was received into membership by Newbury Meeting 17 Eleventh Month 1873. James, Mary Jane, and their son were granted a certificate of removal to Argona Meeting in Kansas, on 23 Second Month 1885. [Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy 5:270, 425.]
Children of James and Mary Jane (__) Paxson (may be incomplete):
i. Francis Marion Paxson, [recorded in Newbury Meeting, Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy 5:270, 425.]
John Paxson, son of Reuben6 Paxson (John5 #278, John4, Reuben3, William Jr2., James1) and Sarah (GREEN) Paxson, married Elizabeth SIMMONS.
Children of John and Elizabeth (Simmons) Paxson:[Data on this family is from Wayne Paxson's website on gencircle, 9/2003.]
i. John Wesley Paxson, b. 30 Apr. 1882 in Wright Co., Minn.; d. 1 Jan. 1969 in Sumner Co., Kansas; m. 7 June 1911 Maude BURDEN, and had 8 children
ii. Frank Paxson, m. Mattie HIGGINS and had 3 children
Jonathan G. Paxson, son of Reuben6 Paxson (John5 #278, John4, Reuben3, William Jr2., James1) and Sarah (GREEN) Paxson, was born Oct. 1859; d. 25 Nov. 1925 in Payne Co., Okla.; m. Estelle A. __ (b. Apr. 1867) [Data on this family is from Wayne Paxson's website on gencircle, 9/2003.]The following Paxsons are buried in Enid Cemetery, 212 West Willow, Enid Township, Garfield County, Oklahoma: PAXSON, Estella Anna PAXSON, Jonathan G. PAXSON, Rachael PAXSON, Thomas A.[www.interment.net/data/us/ok/garfield/enid.htm].
Children of Jonathan and Estelle A. (__) Paxson:
i. Gertrude Paxson, b. Jan. 1891;
ii. Orville Paxson, b. Oct. 1893;
iii. Jonathan A. Paxson, b. Apr. 1897;
iv. Sarah Elizabeth Paxson, b. Aug. 1899;
v. Rosella Paxson,
vi. Thomas A. Paxson,
vii. Vinita Paxson,
Asaph7 Paxson, son of John6 (John5, John4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and Amy Ellen (SMITH) Paxson, was born 30 November 1854 in Highland County, Ohio, and died 31 October 1934 in Jewell County, Kansas. He married Laura ADAMS on 25 October 1877 in Marshall County, Iowa. Laura was born 29 October 1855 in Yadkin County, North Carolina.
Children of Asaph and Laura (Adams) Paxson:
i. Bertha Lee Paxson, b. 13 June 1879 in Marshall Co., Iowa;
ii. Ethel Clare Paxson, b. 20 Sept. 1880;
iii. Roscoe Paxson, b. 11 Aug. 1882 in Jewell Co., Kans.; d. 14 Jan. 1960 in Jewell Co., Kans.; m. 22 Nov. 1905 Bell CARTWRIGHT in Jewell Co., Kans. She was b. 4 Jan. 1883 in Webster Co., Neb. They had 6 children.
iv. Fred Paxson, b. 10 Apr. 1844 in Jewell Co., Kans.
v. Jennie Paxson, b. 24 Sept. 1886 in Jewell Co., Kans.
vi. Cora Paxson, b. 14 Apr. 1888 in Jewell Co., Kans.
vii. Alta Paxson, b. 18 Aug. 1890 in Jewell Co., Kans.
viii. J. Harland Paxson, b. 6 Nov. 1892 in Jewell Co., Kans.
ix. Claron Paxson, b. 30 Sept. 1895 in Jewell Co., Kans.
x. Lela Estal Paxson, b. 27 Apr. 1897 in Jewell Co., Kans.
Enos7 Paxson, son of John6 (John5 #278, John4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and Amy Ellen (SMITH) Paxson, was born 1 October 1856 in Highland County, Ohio, and died 31 August 1937 in Hastings, Adams County, Nebraska. He married Amy ALLEN on 4 April 1886. She had been born 8 December 1861 in Grant County, Indiana, the daughter of Samuel. Amy died 24 December 1927 in Jewell County, Kansas.[info from Wayne's gencircles, citing Dean Paxson]
Children of Enos and Amy (Allen) Paxson:
i. Carl Paxson, b. 14 Dec. 1888 in Jewell Co., Kans.; d. 3 Jan. 1952 in the same county; m. 16 Dec. 1908 Ethel GOSSARD; 4 children.
ii. Nina Paxson, b. 20 Apr. 1892 in Jewell Co., Kans.
iii. Forrest Paxson, b. 8 Apr. 1896 in Jewell Co., Kans.; d. 18 Mar. 1982 in Madison Co., Iowa; m. 13 mar. 1917 Alma NETT in Jewell Co., Iowa; one son, Max
Jesse Paxson, son of John6 (John5 #278, John4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and Amy Ellen (SMITH) Paxson, was born 10 July 1859 in Logan County, Ohio. [given as Jesse G., same b., in Goshen Meeting records, Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy 4:1288.] He died 20 July 1941 in California. Jesse married Lydia HURST on 2 June 1898. Is there a descendant out there who can tell me if they had any children?
Charles7 Paxson, son of #278 John6 (John5, John4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and Amy Ellen (SMITH) Paxson, was born 12 January 1865 in Logan County, Ohio. He died 12 April 1950 in Martin, South Dakota. Charles married Mary "Mollie" MODLIN on 14 June 1894 in Burr Oak, Jewell County, Kansas. Mollie was born 14 April 1876 in Iowa, and outlived her husband, dying 12 April 1952 at the home of her youngest son, Earl, in Escondido, California. Her parents were George and Martha (Pearson) Modlin.[Information for this family is from the reminiscences of Wayne Paxson, used by permission, as posted on www.gencircles.com/users/paxlincoln/, and from e mail correspondence.]
At the age of 16 Charles moved with his parents and family from Logan County, Ohio to Kansas. They seem to have that quintessential American trait of moving westward, searching for a better life. Charles met and married Mollie Modlin in Jewell County. Their oldest son was born near Leavenworth. Charles and Mollie, along with his sisters Ella and her husband Art RENNER, and Emma and her husband George KIVETT, migrated by wagon team from western Kansas in 1910 to homestead in northern Nebraska. The photo to the left was taken in 1937, and is posted here courtesy of Wayne Paxson.
In 1914 they moved into a sod house that was near where there is now a dam on the Niobrara, and probably lived there for a about a decade. Their grandson remembers living with Charles and Mollie one winter in the early 1920s in their "soddy" in the canyon country near Valentine, Nebraska. Although he doesn't remember many details except that the house did have glass windows in regular frames—because he kept a toy in the window recess. He remembers climbing, with his aunt Estal, up the steep canyon to go to school. During the 1934-35 school year he lived in a sod house while he "was teacher of a one-room rural school on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. This was probably one of the last sod houses to be built in the area. It had wooden floors and windows and a shingle roof like ordinary houses." [E mail from Wayne Paxson, 2 April 2004.] If you click on the small photograph, you can see an enlarged version.
His grandson writes: "In his retirement, Charles became an avid fisherman, fishing in the lake formed by the dam on the Minnechaduza creek. Just before his retirement, Charles bought his first automobile but he was never comfortable with the fact that it wouldn't stop when he said "Whoa" and soon decided to do without this convenience. Nor did he ever use a tractor in his farm operations. He lived to the age of 85, having never been to a hospital, except immediately prior to his death. . . . Charles suffered a broken shoulder once when a horse threw him. He never went to a doctor. This left him a little stooped so that he never again reached his normal height of about 6 feet 2 inches. Shortly before his death he went to the hospital with a very weak heart. He begged to leave there and the doctors said that they could keep him alive in the hospital for a short time but that he wanted to leave so badly that they thought that would be better for him. He wanted desperately to smoke his corncob pipe, which was never far from his hand. He went home with his son Irvin, and spent the afternoon driving around Irvin's ranch looking at the cattle and the state of the crops. He ate supper, pushing 
himself away from the table, lit his pipe, remarking as he often did after a satisfying meal, "I feel just as good as if I had had a hearty meal". That night he died peacefully in his sleep."[Reminiscence of Wayne Paxson, used by permission.]
His grandson remembers that "Charles and Mollie seemed to exemplify that which you would expect from having been raised in a strict Quaker family. I never once heard my grandfather swear, or even use a "darn" or a "drat". There were no Quaker meetings in the area. In fact, Charles and Molly may have been the only Quakers in the area. They continued the Quaker tradition of refusing to have anything to do with any other denomination and never joined or attended any other church. It is likely that Charles' only attendance in a church, other than a Quaker Meeting, was at his funeral or perhaps the funeral of one of his friends that he had outlived."[Reminiscence of Wayne Paxson, used by permission.]
The photo to the right shows Charles and Mollie surrounded by their eight children:
Back Row, left to right: Estal, Margera, John, Lela and Ada
Seated: George, Charles, Mollie and Irvin
Standing (child): Earl, who was b. 1919, ca. 7 years old here
Children of Charles and Mary (Modlin) Paxson:
i. Irvin Paxson, b. 28 July 1895 in Leavenworth, Kansas; d. 23 Aug. 1975 in Martin, S. Dak.; m. 1 Dec. 1915 in Belle Fourche, S. Dak. Esther HIGHT; at one point Irvin worked on construction of the dam on the Niobrara. During the "dirty thirties", they, like others, "picked up 'cowchips' to burn for winter fuel, just as their parents has used 'buffalo chips'. When crops were good, you could burn the corncobs. When prices were low you burned ear corn." Their son remembers going to the corn crib to get corn to burn for fuel, it was cheaper than coal. [E mail from Wayne, 2 April 2004.] Click on the thumbnail to see a larger version.
ii. George Paxson, b. 22 Feb. 1897 in Kansas; d. 14 Apr. 1942 in Nebraska; m. 8 Feb. 1923 in Box Butte County, Neb. Leona HERMAN. George moved with his paretns to northern Nebraska where he worked on the family farm until he enlisted in the army and served overseas for two years in World War I. He was reported missing in action when he got caught behind enemy lines for several days. Afterwards he refused to talk about his war experiences except for humorous anecdotes. After the War George worked at the Gallagher Ranch near Irvin's family. Then George probably moved to Colorado where he met Leona. Later they moved to Valentine, Neb. where George worked as a truck driver. He was killed in a truck accident. Leona later moved to California and remarried. [Reminiscence of Wayne Paxson, used by permission, from www.gencircles.com/users/paxlincoln/.]
iii. Margera Paxson, b. 9 Jan. 1900 in Kansas; d. in Texas; m. 15 Nov. 1916 Joseph MOREHOUSE. They lived in Detroit, Mich., where they seemed to have a lot more money and luxuries than the other Paxsons. Joseph served some time in prison in Michigan and it was rumored that he had sold stock in non-existant oil wells. In any event, Margera divorced him after the children were grown and she moved to Houston, Texas, where she remarried, Forest __. [Reminiscence of Wayne Paxson, used by permission.]
iv. Ada Paxson, b. 14 Sept. 1902 in Kansas; d. 26 May 1965 in Michigan; m. 3 Jan. 1919 Roy McDOWELL. For a while they lived near Valentine, where Roy worked in the Fish Hatchery on the Minnechaduza Creek. Then the worked for a farm nearby the farms rented by Irvin and George in South Dakota. Later the McDowells moved to Seney, Michigan where they farmed for the rest of their lives. [Reminiscence of Wayne Paxson, used by permission.]
v. John Paxson, b. 17 Mar. 1905 in Kansas; d. 25 Mar. 1978 in Miles City, Mont.; m. 23 Aug. 1939 Margaret MILLER, who had been born in South Dakota. "John grew up in the Valentine area often working on ranches where he developed an interest and knowledge of horses and cattle. In later life he became a cattle buyer for the local sale barn. He was in his thirties when he and Margaret married. Margaret was a school teacher and was several years younger than John." [Reminiscence of Wayne Paxson, used by permission.]
vi. Lela Paxson, b. 5 May 1907 in Kansas; d. 1972 in Billings, Mont.; m. 28 Aug. 1933 in Valentine, Cherry Co., Neb. Walter SHELDON. "Walter was a large man, both in girth and height, and in his youth was known as "Tubby". "His mother was the city librarian. "After Walter and Lela were married, Walter was employed for some time as supervisor of the power house located on the dam of the Niobrara. They also lived in the power house. The Paxsons often met there to fish in the spillway. . . . A short distance below the dam is the point from which canoers now depart for rafting down the river. Walter and family then moved to Montana and it is not known at what he was employed. Lela died in 1972 and Walter later remarried."[Reminiscence of Wayne Paxson, used by permission.]
vii. Estal Paxson, b. 13 May 1912 in Holt Co., Neb.; d. in Washington state; m. 23 May 1931 Ray HOYT. Apparently Ray abandoned his family and went to work in a mine in Idaho. Estal and her 3 children and a dog prevailed on her nephew to drive them to Idaho if Estal bought the gasoline. Eventually Ray and Estal were divorced, and Estal remarried and lived in Seattle, Wash. [Reminiscence of Wayne Paxson, used by permission.]
viii. Earl Paxson, in the 1920s, he lived approximately one mile from his older brother Irvin, but with a canyon dividing them through which a small creek ran constantly. Irvin's son and Earl often played in the creek, attempting to dam it up with shovels, but they were never successful. [Reminiscence of Wayne Paxson, used by permission.]
John7 Paxson, son of John6 (John5 #278, John4, Reuben3, William Jr.2, James1) and Amy Ellen (SMITH) Paxson, was born 16 March 1867 in Michigan. He died 9 December 1948 in York County, Nebraska. John married Mattie May HOCKETT on 8 June 1890 in Jewell County, Kansas. She was born 13 January 1873, the daughter of John Hockett and Elizabeth (INGRAM) HESTING, died 20 June 1954 in Union Co., Iowa. They made their home in York County, Nebraska, and are buried there. Two of John's grandchildren, Carole and Dean, have been interested in genealogy, I've been told. [info from Wayne's gencircles, citing Dean Paxson]
Children of John and Mattie May (Hockett) Paxson:
i. Albert Paxson, b. 18 July 1891 in Jewell Co., Kan.; d. 20 Oct. 1958 in Clarke Co., Iowa; m. 18 Nov. 1914 Myrtle PENWELL in Holt Co., Neb. She was b. 20 Nov. 1893 in Peirce Co., Neb.; two children.
ii. Violet Paxson, b. 20 Oct. 1893 in Jewell Co., Kan.
iii. Dora Paxson, b. 13 Feb. 1896 in Jewell Co., Kan.
iv. James Paxson, b. 7 June 1898 in Jewell Co., Kan.; d. 9 Feb. 1981 in Jackson Co., Mo.; m. Cecil GREEN on 19 Apr. 1922. She was b. 10 Jan. 1901 in Fillmore Co., Neb.; two children.
v. Merle Edward Paxson, b. 15 Aug. 1900 in Jewell Co., Kan.; d. 2 Jun 1981 in Union Co., Iowa; m. Toia THOMAS on 14 July 1926 in York Co., Neb.; 2 children.
vi. Grace Paxson, b. 19 Dec. 1903 in Jewell Co., Kan.
Israel Paxson, fifth child and second son of William6 (John5 #278, John, Reuben, William Jr., James) and his wife Ruth (Green) was born 6 January 1866, in Ohio. He died 9 November 1931 in Jasper County, Missouri. He married first 6 January 1900 Versa CASEBOLT, and had a daughter, Ruth. Israel married for the second time on 24 February 1904 in Kearney County, Kansas, Laura STRONG.
Daughter of Israel and his first wife, Versa (Casebolt) Paxson:
i. Ruth PaxsonChildren of Israel and his first wife, Laura (Strong) Paxson:
ii. Frank Paxson, b. 1905;
iii. Ralph Paxson, b. 13 June 1906 in Jasper Co.;
iv. Retha Paxson, b. 1907;
Alvin Paxson, sixth child and third son of William6 (John5 #278, John, Reuben, William Jr., James) and his wife Ruth (Green) was born ca. 1868 in Iowa. He married Nellie JENSEN.
Alvin is thought to have founded the town of Paxson in Alaska, located at 63°2'43" North, 145°36'51" West (or Latitude - 64.02228, Longitude -145.51608), in Southeast Fairbanks County. According to Alaska.com,
In 1906 Alvin Paxson established the Timberline Roadhouse at Mile 192 of the Richardson Highway, consisting of a small cabin for a kitchen and two tents for bunkhouses. His cook, Charles Meier, later started Meier's Roadhouse at Mile 174. Paxson then built a two-story roadhouse at Mile 191. He later added a barn with a drying room, pump and sleeping quarters, two rooms and a bath. A post office, store, wood house and small ice room followed.Today the place is still mainly a stop along the highway:
The Denali Highway was built in the 1950s from Paxson to Cantwell and the Denali National Park. The 160-mile gravel road (now it's 135 miles) was the only access into the park before the construction of the George Parks Highway. [http://www.alaska.com/places/cities/other_cities/story/4565654p-4886994c.html as of 5m/4/2005.]
Paxson lies along Paxson Lake at Mile 185 of the Richardson Highway, at its intersection with the Denali Highway. Paxson, which has about 40 residents, is 81 miles south of Delta Junction and 62 miles north of Gulkana. January temperatures average from minus 22 to minus 2; July temperatures average 50 to 72. Annual precipitation is 11.3 inches. The Denali Highway also provides access to the Tangle Lakes Recreation Area and the MacLaren River. Summit Lake is north of town. Fishing, hiking, birding and canoeing on the Tangle and Delta rivers are popular activities in the summer. Hunting is often good for caribou. Winter sports include snowmachining, especially the Arctic Man snowmachine festival. The primary residents of Paxson are state highway maintenance personnel and their families. There are five lodges with restaurants and bars in the area, several gift shops, a post office, gas station, grocery store and bunk house. This area has been a testing site for snowmachine companies. [(Last Update: Tuesday December 30 2003)]A description of the highway:
The 135-mile drive begins at the Paxson Lodge on the Richardson Highway and crosses to the Parks Highway at Cantwell. Built in the late 1950s to provide access to Denali National Park, the mostly gravel road now gives visitors access to the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District, a vast and bountiful area of 226,000 acres. Accessible between Mile 17 and Mile 37 outside of Paxson, the district is the second densest area in the North American subarctic for archaeological sites, said John Jangala, archaeologist for the Glennallen Field Office for the United States Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management. [http://alaska.com/ as of 5m/4/2005.]Children of Alvin and Nellie (Jensen) Paxson:
i. Jack Paxson,
ii. Dorthea Paxson,
Elias G. Paxson, son of Asaph6 Paxson (#278 John5, John, Reuben, William Jr., James) and Margaret (Lundy) was born 8 Eighth Month 1862. [In Center Meeting records, Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy 4:1289; 5:523.] Elias married Nora I __. She was not an Orthodox Friend.
In 1880 Elias was a 17 year old attending school and the only child living at home with his parents, "A. H." and Margaret. They lived in Union Township, Clinton County, Ohio. [1880 federal census film # T9-1001, p. 157B, as transcribed on FamilySearch.org, and seen 1m/15/2008.]
Nora joined Center Monthly Meeting by request on 13 Fifth Month 1896, along with her two oldest children. [Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy 4:1289; 5:523.]
On 18 Third Month 1908 Elias G. and his wife Nora I. and their four children were granted a certificate of removal from Center Monthly Meeting, near Wilmington, in Clinton County, Ohio, to Caesars Creek Monthly Meeting, six miles east of Waynesville, in the same county. [Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy 4:1289; 5:146, 196, 523.]
Children of Elias G. and Nora (I--) Paxson: [as given in Center Meeting records, Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy 5:523; 5:522.]
i. Charles Robert Paxson, joined Center Monthly Meeting by request on 13 Fifth Month 1896;
ii. Eldora Elizabeth Paxson, joined Center Monthly Meeting by request on 13 Fifth Month 1896;
iii. Leona Margaret Paxson, b. after 5/1896;
iv. Glen Dawson Paxson, b.
Alfred Paxson, son of Howard H. (#284 Asher, Mahlon, Henry, Henry, James) and his first wife Elizabeth (Ely) Paxson, was born 30 June 1843, and died 28 October 1902. He married in 1896 Mary Emma (TODD) White. It was her second marriage. Mary Emma was the daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Mathews) TODD. Mary Emma was the sister of John Runkle Todd.
Jeremiah Todd lived and worked in Lambertville, New Jersey, across the Delaware from Solebury. He died in 1902 at the home of his daughter Mary Emma. Mary Emma's mother Elizabeth was born in 1834 and died in 1912. Mary Emma's maternal grandparents were Jesse Mathews and Hannah (QUICK), both of West Amwell, New Jersey. [My thanks to Jan Todd for this information, e mail 22 July 2005.] "Emma" was enumerated in the 1880 census in Lambertville, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, as a 23 year old wife living at home. Her husband, William WHITE, was 25, working in a canning factory. He and his parents had been born in Pennsylvania. [1880 census as transcribed on familysearch.org, from NA Film No. T9-0787, p. 90B, as seen 7m/22/2005.] It seems likely that they were only recently married, as they had no children yet.
In the 1880 census for Solebury, Alfred was a 35 year old unmarried farmer living with his uncle Hugh Paxson, and aunt Sarah H. (Hugh's sister), aged 65 and 69 respectively. They were siblings of Alfred's father Howard, children of Asher Paxson. Also living there was Martha E. Paxson , age 31, presumably Alfred's sister who was actually born in 1847 making her 33. [1880 census as transcribed on familysearch.org, from NA Film No. T9-1107, p. 95C, as seen 7m/22/2005.]
Alfred and Mary lived at "Beach Springs" in Solebury Township, Bucks County. [My thanks to Jan Todd for this information, e mail 22 July 2005.] I gather that "Beach Springs" was the name of their farm.
Alfred died on 28 October 1902 after suffering from "Bright's disease" for two months. He was 59, a farmer in Solebury. His body was buried in Solebury. [Register of Deaths, Bucks County Courthouse, Doylestown (seen 8/1987).]
Alfred and Mary had no children, but Mary had two children by her first marriage, to William WHITE, born in 1881 and 1883. [My thanks to Jan Todd for this information, e mail 22 July 2005.]
Ellwood Paxson, or Elwood , perhaps the son of Henry6 (Joseph5 #289, Henry4, Henry3 Jr., Henry2, James1) Paxson,, although this is not yet proved to me, was born 18 June 1849. He married Jennie M. SWISHER (aka Mary Jane) 14 March 1872.
He may be the farmer Elwood J. married to Mary L. in Penn Township, Jay County, Indiana in the 1880 census (with three children) or he may be saddler Elwood with a wife Mary Jane, in Colerain, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with five children. More research is needed.
Sharpless M. Paxson, son of John S.6 (John5 #292, Henry4 #106, Henry3 Jr. #43, Henry2 #18, James1 #3) and his wife Lavina (James) Paxson, was born 20 May 1846, and died in early May 1930. He married Annie MAQUIRE
When Sharpless was twelve his family moved to West Chester, where his father was a dealer in meats and provisions, as well as owning a slaughterhouse. Young Sharpless worked there after school, learning the trades of buying livestock, and selling "dressed" meat. He also worked as a newsboy. Years later he remembered that he considered the money given to him by his father (when he worked in the meat shop) as more of a gift than wages. "The newspaper business, he said, was different. He was working for his own wage, and came to understand the value of his labors. The Philadelphia papers he distributed were the Bulletin, and the Press." ["Profile Piece On Sharpless M. Paxson", Daily Local News (West Chester: August 13, 1927), as excerpted in http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his480/notes/z-govt.htm, seen 2/2008.]
Sharpless enjoyed fishing, even in his old age. At the age of 67 he was reported "still in his prime, is fond of hunting, fishing and outdoor sports, and is one of our most wide awake and progressive citizens." However, he thought that the Brandywine River had become polluted since he was a boy. "When I was a kid, let me tell you there were some whoppers taken from it". ["Profile Piece On Sharpless M. Paxson", Daily Local News (West Chester: August 13, 1927); "Eightieth Birthday piece on Justice Paxson", Daily Local News (West Chester: May 20, 1927), as excerpted in http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his480/notes/z-govt.htm, seen 2/2008.] He was right about the polution. Sharpless was also a member of West Chester Rifle Team, and reputed to be a good shot. ["Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson", Daily Local News (West Chester: May 5, 1930), as excerpted in http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his480/notes/z-govt.htm, seen 2/2008.]
Sharpless began to work in the West Chester Recorder's office in 1870. A tribute to him said he "filled with credit the office of Recorder of Deeds of Chester County" particularly his excellent penmanship. He was a "paragon of neatness and accuracy." ["Announcement: Nominee for Recorder of Deeds", Daily Local News (West Chester: September 7, 1886); "Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson", Daily Local News (West Chester: May 5, 1930), as excerpted in http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his480/notes/z-govt.htm, seen 2/2008.] He appeared in the Chester County Business Directory for 1870-1871 at 59 East Market Street, the address of Paxson & Son, grocers. [Samuel Alexander, comp., Chester County, Pennsylvania, Business Directory, . . . (Albany, N.Y.: Andrew Boyd, 1870-1871), p. 79.]
On December 9, 1871 Sharpless and Annie Maguire were married at a Friends meeting in Wilmington. ["Marriage Announcement of Sharpless and Annie Maguire" in Daily Local News, (West Chester: December 9, 1871)]
The 1880 census for West Chester found Sharpless as a 35-year-old Clerk in an Office, with his wife Annie, 33, keeping house. Their children included Harry D. (7), Helen D. (3), Mary C. (1), and Marriott B. (6 months). In addition there was an African American servant, Kate LONG, age 26. [1880 census, NA Film # T9-1113, page 94B, as transcribed on FamilySearch.org, and seen 2/26/2008.]
In Boyd's Chester County Directory, 1890-91 . . . Sharpless was listed as a farmer, living at 204 West Price Street, West Chester. His son Harry D., a student, lived there, too. [Boyd's Chester County Directory, 1890-91 . . . (Washington, D.C.: W. Andrew Boyd, 1890), p. 93.]
He was a staunch Republican, and served as the captain of the Young Men's Republican club "a marching organization" till 1897. Sharpless M. Paxson served as the commander of the "Old Wayne Fencibles" Company I, Sixth Regiment. During the Homestead Riots near Pittsburgh, PA in the early 1890s (JJ: the strike at the Homestead Coal mines began June 20, 1892), Sharpless led the members of company I, Sixth regiment National Guard of Pennsylvania in the coal districts of the state and remained on duty throughout the "insurrection". He showed continued interest in the unit even after he became too old to remain active. During the Spanish-American War, Company I went to field as a part of the US infantry. Sharpless organized company M of the Pennsylvania reserve guard "in order that the neighborhood might have protection while the gallant young men, many of whom he had trained, were out of town". ["Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson", Daily Local News (West Chester: May 5, 1930), as excerpted in http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his480/notes/z-govt.htm, seen 2/2008.] Presumably they were to be protected from union men and women.
Sharpless served in the Borough Council of West Chester. He became a Justice of the Peace in West Chester, and as such heard thousands of cases, earning respect for his impartiality in all matters. His jurisdiction was both in criminal and civil cases. When his term expired in 1927, when he was eighty years old, he wanted to continue. He was quoted as saying "There is one thing that I have always conceded, and that is when a person reaches that age of eighty years, I consider they are living on borrowed capital". ["Profile Piece On Sharpless M. Paxson", Daily Local News (West Chester: August 13, 1927); "Eightieth Birthday piece on Justice Paxson" in Daily Local News (West Chester: May 20, 1927) as excerpted in http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his480/notes/z-govt.htm, seen 2/2008.]
At his death in 1930, Sharpless M. Paxson owned extensive property, including a number of houses. At one time, he owned most of the land North of Price Street, south of Union and west of Wayne. ["Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson", Daily Local News (West Chester: May 5, 1930), as excerpted in http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his480/notes/z-govt.htm, seen 2/2008.]
Children of Sharpless M. and Annie (Maquire) Paxson (may be incomplete):
i. Harry D. Paxson, b. ca. 1873; he was listed as a student in Boyd's Chester Co. Directory for 1890-91;
ii. Helen D. Paxson, b. ca. 1877;
iii. Mary C. Paxson, b. ca, 1879;
iv. Marriott B. Paxson, b. ca. 1880;
v. Sharpless Paxson, Jr., b. ca. 1900?; d. 28 Dec. 1951; he was living in Schnectady NY in August 1919, sent word to his father that he had been accepted into the "National Army from the Empire State". He menioned that his employers were not pleased with losing him, but he was willing to go. However, he was sorry that he would not be going with the Pennsylvanians. ["Notice of Sharpless Jr. acceptance into the Army" in "Daily Local News,"(West Chester: August 21, 1919), as excerpted in http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his480/notes/z-govt.htm, seen 2/2008.] He was injured in the war and was confined to a veteran's hospital from that time, until his death in 1951. ["Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson Jr." in Daily Local News, (West Chester: December 28, 1951)]
Elias Paxson, son of Abraham6 (Elias5 #306, Abraham4 #115, Thomas3, Henry2 #18, James1 #3) and Evelina (WALTON) Paxson, was born 8 April 1833. Elias married on 9 February 1860 Mary Jane GOOD, the daughter of Nathan, by Friends ceremony at the home of Nathan Good. [Reibold, The Life of Matthias Harvye and Family, 390.]
J. Warren Paxson, son of Abraham6 (Elias5 #306, Abraham4 #115, Thomas3, Henry2, James1) and Evelina (WALTON) Paxson, was born in Solebury on 25 June, 1845, and died suddenly of heart failure 27 June 1905. He married Caroline "Carrie" R. BEANS in 1879. Carrie was the daughter of Robert and Ann (CARVER) Beans of Warminster Township, Bucks County. [Information on Carrie from Dorothy Marty Reibold, The Life of Matthias Harvye and Family (Baltimore, Md.: Gateway Press, Inc. 1998), 352, 390.]
In 1863 he enlisted for three months in the Union army. At the end of that time he returned home "in very poor health, so that for three years he was under the doctor's care and for a long time little hope was entertained for his recovery." However, he did recover, and until 1876 worked on his father's farm. That year he and his brother Harvey bought the old homestead and farmed it together until 1879. Then Harvey took over management of the farm when Warren married Carrie Beans.
The 1880 census listed "J. Warrin" as a 34 year old farmer in Solebury, with his 35 year old wife Caroline R. B. Paxson. They had no children living with them at that time. [1880 census as on www.familysearch.org]
Warren then took up undertaking, and was a cabinet maker and carpenter. He was a Republican, and Friend.[Davis, Hist. of Bucks Co., 3:350]
In the 1900 census Warren and Carrie were listed in Solebury.[1900 censuses as seen on Ancestry.com]
Warren was born and died in Solebury Township. At his death he was recorded as being a carpenter. He was buried in the Solebury Friends Meeting burying ground, as was Carrie. Their headstones were photographed there in December 2006.[Register of Deaths, Bucks County Courthouse, Doylestown (seen 8/1987).] They had no children.
Harvey S. Paxson, son of Abraham6 (Elias5 #306, Abraham4 #115, Thomas3, Henry2, James1) and Evelina (WALTON) Paxson, w