Biography - William T. Saxton
WM. T. SAXTON was born in Jacksonville, Ill., April 27, 1837. His father, a native of Ohio, was born on the 6th of September, 1800. He removed, with is family to Jacksonville in 1829. There were ten children in all, of whom the subject of this sketch is the fourth in point of age. He was eight years old when his family removed to Greene county, and located eight miles above Greenfield. While living here he attended school for the first time. The school house was built of logs in a very rude style; and the teachers usually were but little advanced above their pupils. When quite a youth his father removed to Greenfield, and here he had good opportunities for study. Owing to ill-health, however, he was prevented from making any extended advance in his course as a scholar. He remained home, engaged in farming on his own account, until the fall of 1861, when he enlisted in the army. The mustering officer rejected him, and he returned to his agricultural duties. In 1862 he again enlisted in Captain Ben. Newman's company of the 91st regiment. His term of service extended over two years. He was detailed as bugler, and as such participated in all the actions in which his regiment was engaged. He had several narrow escapes, once being taken prisoner by the enemy, and several times the bullets made very close acquaintanceship with his clothing. Owing to asthma, brought on by exposure, he was discharged in 1864, and returned to Greenfield. A short time after his arrival he engaged as a merchant in the grocery and provision line. Having an extensive acquaintance, being a "hale fellow well met," and understanding business, he has built up a very large trade. He has gained success, which alone betokens his excellent business habits. Socially, he is a warm-hearted, generous gentlemen, and ever aims to do as he would desire to be done by. He is wide awake, and possessed of more than an ordinary share of public spirit. No reproach has been cast upon his character as a man, or his reputation as a merchant.
Extracted 07 Sep 2018 by Norma Hass from Atlas Map of Greene County Illinois, 1873, page 46
