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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Grant County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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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. Daring 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 till 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 hearts 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 recognizes in him an influential and interested member.

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This family biography is one of 68 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Grant County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Grant County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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