Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Paxson, Family
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Joe Patterson, Patricia Bastik & Susan Walters Dec 2009

Source: History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; edited by 
J.H. Battle; A. Warner & Co.; 1887
Buckingham Township


THE PAXSON FAMILY
   James Paxson, Henry Paxson the elder, and William Paxson 
were brothers, and came to Pennsylvania in 1682 in the ship 
"Samuel" of London, England.  Henry came from the parish of 
Stowe, Oxfordshire.  He was a member of the Society of 
Friends, and brought a certificate from Biddleston, in the 
county of Bucks.  He called him home "Bycot House," which is 
believed to be the ancestral home for many generations.  
Judge Paxson, of Pennsylvania, in visiting England recently, 
made a visit there, and found a Henry Paxson yet occupying 
the premises.  James Paxson and his brother William came 
from the parish of Marsh Gibbon, which is in the vicinity of 
Stowe.  They were also Friends, and brought certificates 
from Coleshill meeting.  They spelled the name Paxton then, 
and those of their kindred that remain there still adhere to 
it.  At what period they changed it in this country does not 
clearly appear.  A few, however, those living in Catawissa, 
this state, spell it with a "t".  On a map of Newtown, 
published in 1703, Henry Paxon, yet another style, is marked 
as a property holder there.  The wife of Henry, the elder, 
died at sea on the voyage over, as also her son Henry, who 
died the day before his mother. One or more of the three 
brothers settled in Middletown, but the next generation 
spread their outstretched arms over most of southern Bucks 
county. James Paxson, from whom are descended most of the 
name in Solebury and Buckingham, was married in England, and 
his wife died in 1710.  James died in 1722, leaving 
children: Sarah, William, Henry, and James.
   
   William Paxson, second child of James, was born in1675, 
and in 1696 married Abigail Pownell.  He died in 1719, 
leaving children:  James, Thomas, Reuben, Esther, Abigail, 
Mary, and Anna.  Henry Paxson, another son of James, was 
born in 1683, and married Ann Plumly in 1706.  He bought 250 
acres of land in Solebury, and settled there.  He was in the 
assembly in 1705-7, and somewhat prominent in public 
affairs.  He died in 1728, leaving twelve children, and 
their descendants fairly swarm over the hills and valleys of 
Solebury, and are likely to do so for an indefinite period.

Thomas Paxson, a grandson of James, through William, was the 
owner of a large tract of land in Solebury between Center 
bridge and the Delaware, including the present Johnson 
estate and an island in the river opposite, containing about 
one hundred acres.  The Johnson mansion was probably built 
by him, and here he brought up his family.  The old Paxson 
homestead where his father William settled is thought to be 
on the back road from Center hill to the river.  Thomas was 
married in 1732 to Jane Canby, a daughter of Thomas Canby, 
and died in 1782, leaving eight children.  They intermarried 
with the Taylors, Watsons, Blakeys, Shaws, Knowles, and 
Biles, and have left a large following here and elsewhere.
   
   Jacob Paxson, the fourth child of Thomas Paxson and Jane 
Canby, was born in Solebury in 1745 and married Lydia Blakey 
in 1769.  He purchased a farm and mill property on Tacony 
creek, Montgomery county, and settled thereon.  He was left 
a widower with two children, and in 1777 he married Mary 
Shaw, of Plumstead, by whom he had thirteen children, the 
most of whom married and had large families scattered 
throughout Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties.  He died 
while on a visit to his son-in-law, William H. Johnson, in 
Buckingham, in 1832, and was buried at Abington, his home.  
He lived within the memory of a few of the present 
generation, and has left a character and name unsullied. 
Thomas Paxson, one of Jacob's family of fifteen, was born in 
Montgomery county in 1793, and married Ann Johnson, daughter 
of Samuel Johnson, in 1817.  They settled on the homestead 
at Abington, but moved to Buckingham, this county, in 1819.  
Later in life he purchased a portion of the Johnson 
homestead near the mountain, now the residence of his son, 
Judge Edward J. Paxson, and known as "Bycot House."  His 
useful life came to a close in April, 1881, at the advanced 
age of 88 years.  He was buried from the meeting-house, 
where he had been a constant attendant twice a week for more 
than sixty years.  Into that old historical edifice, rich in 
remembrance of its many scenes of both bridals and burials, 
friends true and devoted were assembled, for it was here on 
a bright autumnal morn in 1817 that the fitting vows of love 
and constancy were spoken that remained unbroken until now 
that his bark had crossed the mystic river, while hers yet 
lingered on the shores of time.  A few fitting words of love 
and sympathy by Caleb E. Wright, and the earth closed over 
all that was mortal of Thomas Paxson.  He was no ordinary 
man.  He took an active part in the scenes of life and had 
strong convictions of right and wrong, and if need be, 
strenuous in their defense.  Order in him found an earnest 
advocate and living example, and the old landmarks of 
Friends that had distinguished them as a people were held in 
reverence.  That portion of the discipline so lightly passed 
over by many, viz: "Are Friends punctual to their promises 
and just in the payment of their debts?"  was closely 
observed by him.  He was conservative in his views, and 
while an earnest advocate of all true reforms for the 
improvement of mankind, he believed the religious society of 
which he was a member had a broad mission to fulfil, and 
with the Christian religion as a basis was able to lead out 
of all error.  He has left an example of devotion and 
sacrifice rarely met with, and in his death the Society of 
Friends has lost an earnest supporter.
   
   Samuel Johnson Paxson, oldest child of Thomas and Ann J. 
Paxson, was born in Montgomery county in 1818, and married 
Mary Anna, daughter of the late Joseph Broadhurst in 1840. 
He commenced business as a farmer, but in 1842, in 
connection with is brother Edward, commenced the publication 
of the "Newtown Journal," which they carried on 
successfully, but Mr. Paxson seeing a wider field at 
Doylestown, parted with his interest in the paper to his 
brother, and bought out the "Doylestown Democrat" of Judge 
Bryan in 1845.  He had nothing with which to purchase save 
an indomitable energy of character and perseverance.  These 
he brought to bear, and with the aid of good friends entered 
upon his duties with a zeal that rarely fails of success.  
He was the first to introduce a Hoe press in this county 
driven by steam, and he infused new life into the columns of 
his paper.  The old landmarks and Rip Van Winkle somnolence 
of county journalism were swept away and new methods, more 
in accordance with the spirit of the age, adopted.  A few 
shook their heads mysteriously at this new departure, but 
the success attending his efforts was soon apparent and 
other journals were not slow in following.  As Mr. Paxson 
was the first to introduce these and other improvements, so 
long as he held connection with the paper he maintained its 
superiority as a newspaper over all rivals.  The late Judge 
Ross very truthfully observed that "Mr. Paxson occupied that 
relation to the local press of Pennsylvania which James 
Gordon Bennett so long retained to the journalism of New 
York."  Close application to business in a few years 
impaired his health somewhat and admonished him to retire 
from the confining duties of a printing-office, and in 1858 
he sold it to Gen. W. W. H. Davis.  He was a past-master of 
Doylestown Lodge, No. 245, F. and A. M.   Mr. Paxson 
purchased a small farm in Buckingham and removed thereto, 
but his health continued to decline, and at the close of day 
on the 28th of May, 1864, he gazed for the last time on the 
mountain and valley he loved so well, and in the departing 
twilight his lamp of life faded flickeringly out; his labor 
over and his duty done, he fell asleep - "Like one Who wraps 
the drapery of his couch around him And lies down to 
pleasant dreams." He left two daughters:  Helen, who married 
J. Hart Bye, and lives in Delaware, and Carrie, who married 
Watson B. Malone, and lives in the mansion erected by Mr. 
Paxson near Holicong.  His widow also resides at the old 
home.
   
   Albert S. Paxson, second child of Thomas and Ann J. 
Paxson, was born in Buckingham, a short distance from where 
he now resides, in 1820.  His life thus far has not been a 
very eventful one.  In early life he had the benefit of such 
instructors as the late Joseph Fell and William H. Johnson, 
and at the age of 19 engaged in teaching a public school in 
Montgomery county near where his father had taught many 
years before.  At that time the present free school system 
had just gone into operation there, and methods of teaching 
were much changed.  On returning to Buckingham in 1840 he 
taught at the historic "Tyro Hall," wherein Joseph S. Large, 
William H. Johnson, Joseph Fell, and other eminent teachers 
had many years before swayed the scepter.  He also taught 
several years at Friends' School near Buckingham meeting.  
This was before the present system was in operation here, 
Bucks being slow in its adoption.  In the year 1844 he 
married Mercy, daughter of Dr. Jesse Beans, of Solebury, and 
relinquished teaching to engage in agricultural pursuits.  
In 1849 he lost his wife, and in 1851 moved to Doylestown 
and assisted as local editor and general manager of the 
"Doylestown Democrat."  In 1854 he married Lavinia S., 
daughter of the late Aaron Ely, of Buckingham, and in 1856 
removed to the old Ely homestead that had been occupied by 
them continuously since 1720.  In early life he adhered to 
the traditions of his ancestors and until the fall of Henry 
Clay and the disintegration of the time-honored whig party, 
when he joined the democratic legion and has since acted 
with them.  While a decided partisan he is broad and liberal 
in his views, and enjoys the confidence and respect of the 
community at large.  He was before the people as a candidate 
for justice of the peace in 1873, and was elected without 
serious opposition.  At the end of the five year term the 
office had increased in importance and his success in 
adjusting difficulties between contending parties had drawn 
business largely from surrounding townships.  It was thought 
to be highly remunerative likewise, and the aspirants to its 
honors were not a few.  The contest settled down to two 
candidates, however, and after an all-day battle, with an 
adverse political majority of 200 against him, he was 
re-elected by a large majority over an honorable competitor 
and worthy man.  After ten years' service he retired, and 
having relinquished farming during his term of office found 
a congenial place in his well-stored library, and 
occasionally gives the public some productions from his pen. 
 He writes under a nom de plume, and while his contributions 
have not been voluminous, his "Memories of the Past," "Notes 
of Southern Travel," and "Travels in the West" and other 
kindred productions would perhaps place him among the first 
essayists of Bucks county.  By his first wife he had one 
child, Mary, who married Robert Howell Brown, of Mount 
Holly, N. J.  She was left a widow soon after with one 
child.  She died at "Bycot House," her home, July 20, 1887, 
in her 42nd year.  She left one child, T. Howell Brown, who 
has grown to manhood and is engaged with Mr. Dalrymple, the 
great wheat-grower in Dakota.  The children by his second 
wife are:  William, born in 1856, died in infancy; Edward 
E., born May 7, 1860, is a banker and resides in 
Philadelphia; and Captain Henry D., born October 1, 1862, 
commissioned captain of Company G, 6th regiment, First 
Brigade, National Guard of Pennsylvania, February 28, 1887; 
read law in the office of George Ross and L. L. James, and 
was admitted to the bar of Bucks county May 16, 1887.  He is 
an antiquary and a lawyer of considerable promise.

   Hon. Edward M. Paxson, the third son of Thomas and Ann J. 
Paxson, was born in Buckingham, Bucks county, Pa., September 
3, 1824.  Though his early education was thorough he did not 
take a collegiate course, but fitted himself in the classics 
and the higher branches of learning by his own private 
exertions.  At the age of 16 he was successful in obtaining 
over many competitors a complete copy in library style of 
the Waverly Novels, it being a prize offered by the editor 
of the "Saturday Evening Post" for the best essay or tale. 
When quite a young man he formed the idea of establishing a 
newspaper in his native county.  He first learned the 
practical part of the business necessary to enable him to 
carry on successfully a country newspaper, and in 1842, 
while yet only 18 years of age, he established the "Newtown 
Journal," at Newtown, this county, which at once under his 
management took a flattering position in the consideration 
of the public men of the county and state.  April 30, 1846, 
he was married to Mary Caroline Newlin, of Philadelphia, 
daughter of the late Nathaniel Newlin, of Delaware county, 
and Rachel H., his wife.  They settled in Newtown.  During 
the summer of 1847 he sold his printing establishment, which 
had been so successfully and creditably conducted, and 
established the "Daily News" in the city of Philadelphia.  
In the following year he disposed of his interest in the 
"News" to John P. Sanderson for the purpose of adopting the 
more congenial profession of the law.  In pursuance of this 
desire he removed to Doylestown and entered the law office 
of Hon. Henry Chapman, then a practicing attorney in 
Doylestown and afterward the president judge of the Chester 
court and later that of Bucks.  He was duly admitted to the 
bar of Bucks county April 24, 1850, removed to Philadelphia 
and began practice there in 1852.  By long and studied 
attention to business, and the practice of the same 
qualities of patience and industry which had characterized 
his early youth, he rose to an enviable position at the bar, 
and was the trusted counselor of business men, who gave him 
the care of large interests before the courts and in the 
consultation room.  His staunch republican record during the 
war marked him for executive recognition, and when the 
opportunity arose by the resignation of Judge F. Carroll 
Brewster, in 1869, from the common pleas bench of 
Philadelphia, Governor Geary at once appointed him to fill 
the vacancy, and in the handsomest manner, as there had been 
none of the usual influences of personal and friendly 
solicitation brought to bear upon the governor to secure the 
appointment.  At once he showed such marked ability for the 
performance of the duties of a judge that the party at their 
convention in the following June tendered him the almost 
unanimous nomination for the same position.  The people at 
the following October election ratified this confidence of 
the party leaders by a vote which showed a decided 
preference in his favor over the rest of the ticket.  The 
reputation of Judge Paxson acquired in the lower court 
commended him as a proper nominee for the higher.  He was 
therefore placed in nomination by the republican party at 
their state convention, and in conjunction with Warren J. 
Woodward, duly elected to the supreme bench.  He was 
commissioned November 2, 1874.  It was flattering to his 
friends that the new supreme judge at once took a commanding 
position among his judicial brethren.  By his ability and 
industry he has sustained himself therein.  His opinion, 
always on time for publication, are distinguished by 
terseness, clearness and appropriate diction. They always 
give evidence of his accurate knowledge of the law, a 
knowledge rendered clear to the comprehension of others by 
excellence of style.  An examination of the supreme court 
reports for some years past will show that no member of that 
bench has contributed more opinions than Judge Paxson.  Many 
of the most important cases brought into that tribunal, 
especially that of Asa Packer vs. Noble, reported in 7th 
Outerbridge, were committed to his hands, the confidence 
reposed in him by his yoke-fellows in office being thus 
rendered apparent.  The first wife of this distinguished 
jurist died at Bycot House, Buckingham, June 7, 1885.  She 
was interred at Laurel Hill.  The judge was married to Mary 
Martha S. Bridges, widow of the late congressman, deceased, 
Samuel A. Bridges, of Lehigh county, at Allentown, December 
1, 1886.