Goodspeed's Biography of Joseph W. Paxton, Grant Co, AR

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Submitted by: Jackie Dill <JJDILL1@aol.com>
        Date: 27 Jul 2003

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Joseph W. Paxton, who was born in Mississippi, October 28, 1840, is
the son of J. W. Paxton, originally from Alabama, and who married Miss
Isabella Simonds, a native of Mississippi.  Joseph W. moved to
Arkansas in 1858, where he now resides.  During the war he enlisted in
the Second Arkansas Infantry in 1862, participating in the fight at
Murfreesboro, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, and Missionary Ridge:  and at
Lookout Mountain received a severe flesh-wound in the shoulder from a
gunshot.  He also took an active part in numerous other battles and
remained in the Confederate service until the close of the war.  In
the spring of 1865, coming home on a furlough, Mr. Paxton was captured
and held a prisoner at Little Rock until peace was restored.  On
December 27, 1867, he took unto himself a companion in the person of
Virginia Hanse, of Texas birth, and a daughter of William Hanse.  Mr.
Paxton located near his father's place and on his present farm in the
fall of 1881.  He has considerable timber land, seventy-five acres of
it being cleared and improved and under a high state of cultivation,
all the result of his own industry and enterprise.  A new frame house,
good stables and necessary buildings indicate that thrift and
prosperity abound.  Seven children gladden the hears of their parents:
William J., Henry C., G. L., Benton, T. D., Edgar W. and Mary J. C.
Mr. and Mrs. Paxton belong to the Missionary Baptist Church and the
school board recognized in him an influential and interested member.