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Isaac Claxton

Isaac Claxton. Among the prosperous retired farmers of Fayette County, must be classed the subject of this sketch, now a resident of Fayette, who in the fall of 1863 settled in Center Township, whence, after a residence of nearly a quarter of a century on a farm, he removed to his present home.

Mr. Claxton is a  native of Oswego County, N. Y., and the date of his birth is September 17, 1825. His parents, Isaac and Sarah Claxton, were natives of Ireland, but emigrated to America in early life and became settlers of Oswego County, where they continued to make their home until called to their final rest. Our subject was reared to manhood amid its wild scenes and helped to improve two heavily timbered farms in the Empire State. His educational advantages were limited to attendance during the winters of his boyhood at the log schoolhouse which was between two and three miles distance from his home. The family was in poor circumstances and he had to work hard, giving his earnings for their support. By industry and economy he saved up a small  amount of money and engaged in farming on his own account. On the 1st of November, 1852, in this county of his nativity, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret J. Holmes, who was born in Chatchicoke, Rensselear County, N.Y., June 2, 1830, and is a daughter of William and Rachel Holmes, who were natives of Kilrain, Ireland.  They emigrated to America about 1824, or near the time of the completion of the Erie Canal, the opening of which was witnessed by Mrs. Claxton's mother in 1825. Three children, two sons and a daughter, have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Claxton. The eldest, Isaac C., born in Oswego County, N.Y., married Miss Ella Beckner and resides in Fayette. James A., also a native of Oswego County, married Miss Emma Elphie and is a farmer of Center township. Lizzie F., the youngest, was born in Oswego County, N.Y., and resides with her parents. The family circle yet remains unbroken and the sons are now honorable business men and leading citizens of the community in which they make their homes .

In the autumn of 1863, Mr. Claxton severed his business connections in the East and with his wife, two boys and daughter started for Iowa. On the 8th of November of that year he arrived in Fayette County, and during the quarter of a century  which has since come and gone has been identified with its best interests.  He bought an improved farm, on which he made his home until April, 1887, when he removed with his family to Fayette, where he has since resided. He still retains the ownership of his farm, which comprises three hundred and eight acres of valuable land, well improved. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres of pasture land in the same township.  In politics, Mr. Claxton is a Democrat.