My Genealogy Hound

John C. Paxson, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 8, 1820, the son of William and Mary (Calvin) Paxson, natives of Virginia. Our subject was reared in his native county, and in early life learned merchandising and the carpenter’s trade. He came to Missouri in December, 1852, and the following spring settled in Scotland County with his and his father’s family excepting the mother, who had died when our subject was but four years old. The father died here in August, 1853. Our subject and Luther A. are the only children. By the father’s second wife, Sarah Curry, he had the following children: Mary, wife of J. H. Anderson; Hiram; Cinderella, wife of G. Huston; Haddessa J., wife of H. Dunn, and William. Our subject followed his trade for the first three years, but on account of failing health entered the mercantile trade in Memphis as a clerk in 1856. He began for himself in 1865 in the well known firm of Paxson & Hudson, and has been successful ever since. He was married, April 27, 1843, to Luira A. Taylor, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio. Their children are Permelia J., wife of J. Knight; Luther A., deceased, and Mary H., wife of C. G. Mety, Jr. Our subject is a Democrat, but in 1859 was elected circuit clerk on the Independent ticket, and served two years. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is recognized as one of the leading business men of the community.