My Genealogy Hound

THAXTON, CLAY DR. farmer, Sec. 28, P.O. Wrightsville, was born near Richmond, Va., Aug. 5, 1799, was the “seventh son” of William and Mary Thaxton. William having served seven years in the Revolutionary War. In 1819 the subject of this sketch came to this county, at which time it was but a wilderness. Indians roamed across the prairies, and it was in the days of horse mills and “hominy mortars,” the nearest mill at that time, being at Alton. Large game, such as bears, panthers, elk, wolves and deer in countless numbers could be seen almost at any time. Chills and fevers were among the indispensables at this time, and it is related that there was scarcely a house during these times but what some members of the family would be down with the “ager,” and in many instances, all of them—none being left to care for the sick. People speak of hard times now, but they are nothing in comparison to the times in which those early pioneers lived, and the trials which they passed through would daunt and dishearten the hearts of the most hardy at the present time had they to pass through such scenes as related by those hardy pioneers, who opened up the country, and prepared the way for the present generation. The subject of this sketch was married Nov. 9, 1827, to Caroline Whitaker, who was born March 1, 1811, was the daughter of Robert and Anna Whitaker, from this union they had eleven children, have raised nine: Sarah Ann, born Jan. 1, 1829; Martha Jane, born Dec. 29, 1830; Robt. M., born July 9, 1835; Elizabeth, born Oct. 11, 1839; Lauretta, born January 27, 1842; William, M. born May 2, 1844; John Francis, born Aug. 20, 1847; Joseph H. born Jan. 4, 1850, Mr. Thaxton and wife have divided up their land among their children, have reserved 80 acres for himself and wife, which they are now located upon. John and Joseph are still single, and live with their parents. Mr. Thaxton and wife are consistent members of the United Baptist Church, have been members of that body during the last forty years. They are in unusual good health for people of their years; are sprightly, and seem to be in the full possession of their mental as well as physical faculties, to an extent that gives promise of several years yet; they are ready to go, and are like shocks of corn ripe for their Master’s use, and when He calls they are ready to enter into the joys prepared for His people before the foundation of the world.