Martha (Blair) Paxton (abt. 1710 - 1790)

Born about 1710 in Ballyvoy, Antrim, Ireland

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 1790 at about age 80 in Lexington, Fayette, Virginia, United States

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Biography

It seems that John Paxton's second wife is Mary Blair, who was the niece of Martha Blair, according to the research of Arthur B. Broddus.

Mr. Broddus has written an interesting hypothesis with a lot of details, arguments, and sources listed, precisely about this Mary Blair vs Martha Blair situation.

Starting on page 46, on the link, then on page 49 he concludes that John Paxton married first Martha Blair, and then after Martha died, he married Mary Blair, Martha's niece. Mr Broddus lists many sources in his research.

The first one being the book from 1912 "Lyle Family" by Oscar K. Lyle. On page 327, number 32, are notes about SAMUEL BLAIR, including: "The children of Samuel Blair were: Esther, see 33; Nancy, see 34, Daniel, see 44; Samuel, see 119; James, see 120; Mary see 122; John, see 123; Martha, see 124; William, see 141."

and then on page 331, "124 MARTHA BLAIR, ex 32. Went to Virginia and m. Capt. John Paxton."

and then also on page 331, (to indicate that both Mary and her niece were living in the same place)

"120 JAMES BLAIR, ex 32, m _______. His daughter Mary went to Virginia with her aunt Martha Blair and is the Mary Blair mentioned as equal heir in the will of John Houston in Rockbridge Co., Va., of date April 24th 1748"

https://archive.org/details/lylefamilyancest00lyle/page/331/mode/1up?ref=ol&view=theater

He points out that both Martha and her niece Mary were living in the same place.

It seems Mary's death would be 12 Aug 1821, as it is second wife Mary who is mentioned in John's will.

Mr. Broddus also speculates that a much older gravestone near Johns' might be Martha's, who might have died in the 1750s.

Note: he also points out the gap between the first three children:

Capt. John Paxton born 1743

Isabelle born 1746,

Capt. William born 1751,

and then the next children:

Joseph, is born 1763

Elizabeth, (between 1760-65)

James 1762

Mary 1764

Hannah 1775

In the 1810 census, for Rockbridge, John and Mary's daughter Hannah's husband James Caruthers is likely living with Hannah and Mary. Hannah's age is estimated as 40-45, and Mary's is estimated as over 65. Also likely with the 1820 census.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5802c4d9414fb5e45ce4dc44/t/5998b4f9e58c62168cf18b43/1503180036888/Blair+Family+Magazine-Fall%2C+1997.pdf

Here is a book on the Paxtons which shows John's wife as Mary, daughter of Rev Robert Blair https://archive.org/details/paxtonstheirorig00paxt/page/n65/mode/2up/search/mary+blair

And a quote from this book: "...they were married in Lancaster Co. PA, about 1742 Mary was the daughter of Rev. Robert Blair"

Mary Blair. ^[1][2][3]

Born 1726 County Antrim, Ireland. ^[4][5]

Died 12 Aug 1821. Lexington City, Virginia, USA. ^[6][7]

Buried Timber Ridge, Rockbridge County, Virginia, USA. ^[8]

Note: Buried Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church.

Sources

1. ↑ Source: #S460342386 Volume: 129
2. ↑ Source: #S459673042
3. ↑ Source: #S460178635 Source number: 1342.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: RSN
4. ↑ Source: #S460342386 Volume: 129
5. ↑ Source: #S459673042
6. ↑ Source: #S460342386 Volume: 129
7. ↑ Source: #S459673042
8. ↑ Source: #S459673042

MARTHA BLAIR AND MARY BLAIR - WIVES OF JOHN PAXTON An Hypothesis by Arthur B. Broddus, BSGR Mem. # 491 (starting page 49)

• https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5802c4d9414fb5e45ce4dc44/t/5998b4f9e58c62168cf18b43/1503180036888/Blair+Family+Magazine-Fall%2C+1997.pdf

• Lyle family : the ancestry and posterity of Matthew, John, Daniel and Samuel Lyle, pioneer settlers in Virginia. Lyle, Oscar K. (Oscar Kennett), b. 1839. https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/561717-lyle-family-the-ancestry-and-posterity-of-matthew-john-daniel-and-samuel-lyle-pioneer-settlers-in-virginia?offset=1

• Source: S459673042 Repository: #R450534995 U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
• Repository: R450534995 Ancestry.com
• Source: S460178635 Repository: #R450534995 U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Yates Publishing Publication: Ancestry.com Operations Inc
• Source: S460342386 Repository: #R450534995 U.S., Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.