Colonel John Paxton

Notes:

Diehl's Rockbridge Notebook:- Commissioned a captain in the Botetourt militia at the same time as Capt James Hall of the Buffalo community. Capt. Paxton married Phoebe Alexander, the youngest child of Archibald Alexander and his wife Margaret Parks. At the battle of Guilford Courthouse against Cornwallis, Capt Paxton used a hair-trigger, flint-lock rifle which became an heirloom of the Paxtons. After his death, it was owned by his son Alexander, who never married, and in turn, willed his estate, including the rifle, to his niece, Margaret Paxton. When a statue of Washington was erected in Richmond, it was decided to include Gen. Andre Lewis as one of those around the base, and to assure accuracy, the Paxton rifle was used by the sculptor as a model.

Later, a grandson of Margaret presented the rifle to the Virginia Military Institute, where it remained until 1864, when it became part of the loot taken by Federal troops under Hunter. Sometime near 1900 it was discovered in the office of Hotel Leland, Springfield, IL bearing the label "This rifle was carried by H.M. (sic) Paxton who was mortally wounded at the battle of Guilford, NC march 15, 1781." Capt Paxton was wounded in the foot by a musket ball, and although he did die from the effects of the wound, it was not until more than six years later, on Oct. 3, 1787.

John married Phoebe ALEXANDER 15 Apr 1767, Augusta Co. VA. Phoebe (daughter of Archibald ALEXANDER and Margaret PARKS) was born 12 Aug 1749, Augusta Co. VA; died 13 Feb 1821, Rockbridge Co. VA. [Group Sheet]