Willie Edward Paxton

Born
November 2, 1876
Died
1884
Son of
J.H. & H.B. Paxton
Interment source:
Hay, Fred M. Cemetery Interments in Corpus Christi and Surrounding area.

Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales

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Biography

Willie Edward Paxton, born November 2, 1876 in Texas, is the son of John J. Paxton and Hannah B. Paxton.  In the 1880 census of Nueces County (p. 19B) they are listed with Rev. Mitchell Thompson who is pastor of the Congregational Church.  Hannah is listed as Rev. Thompson's daughter, but there are indications that in fact she may be his stepdaughter (the daughter of Priscilla).  John, Hannah, and Willie are all listed as mulatto which in the social system of that day indicated they had both black and white ancestry.  Willie's dad in 1880 is helping support the extended family by working as a hotel waiter.  Buried with Willie in Old Bayview are his aunt Eliza Thompson (who died at only 15 years old) and probably his parents.  One record does report the death and burial of a "J. J. Paxton" (who died April 19, 1897) at 52 years, 2 months, and 4 days old—see for instance early death records at Vital Statistics Department of Corpus Christi p. 104 #1407 and cemetery interment list as recorded in Cemetery Data of Nueces County by Dr. Charles Ward and Mr. Brooks Noel).  It seems highly likely that Hannah B. Paxton would also be buried with her husband and son.

Research and transcription: Michael A. Howell