Paxton, James Bradley 1863-1938

PAXTON, HERROLD, HICKS, SHARP, MARSTON

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 6/14/2016 at 14:43:38

Storm Lake Register - Nov 1, 1938 - J.B. Paxton, 75, one of the oldest and best known jewelers in the state, died at his home 204 East Second street Saturday morning. Death, which came at 1:40, was attributed to the effects of a stroke. Mr Paxton had been confined to his bed since Aug 21.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church Monday afternoon following a brief service at the residence.

James Bradley Paxton was born 25 miles west of Chicago, DuPage county, IL on Aug 8, 1863 on the farm which his father homesteaded and broke up with oxen in the early 1830's. He moved with his parents to Ames in 1880, where he attended school and later Iowa State college. He learned the jewelry business in Ames and was thus engaged there for several years.

In 1895 he moved to Sac City with his wife and two children, where he continued in the jewelry business. His wife died shortly after moving to Sac City.

In 1904 he was reunited in marriage to Miss Alice Herrold of Sac City and to this union three daughters were born. The family came to Storm Lake in 1910 where Mr Paxton established the Paxton Jewelry store, which he conducted up until his retirement a few years ago, having been in this line of business since 1880. It is thought he was the oldest jeweler in Iowa in years of continuous service. Mr Paxton was honored by Jewel Lodge on April 25, 1937 when he was presented a certificate showing that he had been a member of the Masonic lodge for 50 years.

Mr Paxton is survived by his bereaved wife, Alice H Paxton and four daughters: Bliss B Hicks of Des Moines, Margaret A and Margery A of Storm Lake, and Maxine A Sharp of Fort Dodge; also one sister, Mrs Lillian Marston of Kansas City.

One son, Harold A, preceded him in death.

Among those from out of town who attended the funeral were: Mr and Mrs J Hicks, Des Moines; Mr and Mrs W.H. Sharp, Fort Dodge; Mrs J.E. Halmberg, Pasadena, CA; Mrs Rachel Paxton, Mrs Kit Paxton, Sioux City; Mr and Mrs A.D. Maxwell and Mr and Mrs Earl Smith, Ames.