BIO: John O. SAXTON, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

   

  Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Joe Patterson

  OCRed by Judy Banja



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  >From Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,

  Chicago: The Genealogical Publishing Co., 1905, pages 206-207

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    J. O. SAXTON (deceased) was long one of the most prominent and highly

  valued citizens of Mechanicsburg, a man whose sterling traits of character

  won the respect of all with whom he came in contact. Mr. Saxton belonged to

  one of the oldest families of Cumberland county, and was born July 3, 1833,

  on the homestead farm in Silver Spring township, near the town of New

  Kingstown, while his death occurred at his home on West Main street, in

  September, 1903.

  

    His parents John and Nancy (Saxton) Saxton were people of substance and

  were held in high esteem by all who knew them. John Saxton was also born in

  Silver Spring township, Cumberland county, and early in life engaged in

  farming, which occupation he continued until his death in 1843, when he was

  thirty-six years of age. His widow died some years later in Mechanicsburg.

  Mr. and Mrs. Saxton were the parents of three children: John O., Josephine,

  and Mary.

  

    The late John O. Saxton was reared upon the homestead. He received his

  preliminary education in the local schools, and later graduated from

  Dickinson college, after which he taught school for four years

  

  CUMBERLAND COUNTY.  207

  

  in Harrisburg. He then resumed farming in Silver Spring township.

  

    On Nov. 18, 1856, Mr. Saxton was happily married to Miss Ellen Dunlap, born

  April 14, 1830, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and a daughter of James and Margaret

  (Mateer) Dunlap, members of one of the oldest families in Cumberland county.

  After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Saxton moved to Mechanicsburg, where Mr.

  Saxton soon became prominent. Six children were born to them: Caroline S.,

  born Oct. 3, 1872; Lynn, born Dec. 4, 1874; Margaret D., born Oct. 4, 1878;

  and three who died in childhood.

  

    Mr. Saxton was one of the most active Democrats of his locality, and held

  many positions of trust and responsibility. He served as school director; in

  the town council for a number of years, and also occupied various offices of

  less importance. In 1880 he was Democratic elector from the 19th

  Congressional district of Pennsylvania. For some time he served as a burgess

  of Mechanicsburg, and in all the positions he occupied, displayed the same

  calm, judicious ability which characterized his general actions. He was on

  the board of managers of the Mechanicsburg Agricultural Society. Fraternally,

  he was a Mason, and was past high priest of Mechanicsburg Chapter, R. A. M.;

  past officer of the I. O. O. F. lodge and Encampment, and served as district

  deputy Grand Master for Cumberland county two terms. In the Presbyterian

  Church he held many offices, and was, treasurer for the Mechanicsburg Bible

  and Tract Society for thirty years. In August, 1886, he was honored by

  appointment from Governor Pattison as delegate from the 19th Congressional

  district to the Farmers National Congress held at St. Paul, Minnesota.

  

    At the time of his death, Mr. Saxton owned two large farms in Cumberland

  county, and was one of the wealthy men of that locality as well as one of the

  most popular. Mr. Saxton was identified with many public movements, and was

  always interested in what would improve or beautify his city. For a number of

  years he was president of Chestnut Hill Cemetery Association, as well as

  director, and never hesitated to contribute freely of his time and money

  whenever he thought that either were required.

  

    Mrs. Saxton passed away in 1900, and was deeply mourned by the devoted

  husband who so soon followed her. She had but one sister, Mrs. James

  McCallister Ralston, a widow.

  

    The death of Mr. Saxton is of so recent date that the people of

  Mechanicsburg have not yet adjusted themselves to the sad fact. For so many

  years he has been so important a factor in both business and political life,

  that it is difficult for his associates to realize that the energetic,

  capable, broadminded man of affairs is no longer among them to act, advise

  and execute. In the record of his blameless and useful life, Mr. Saxton has

  left to his children a monument more lasting than granite, and has written

  his name broadly across the page of his city's history.