Jonathan Buxton (abt. 1771 - 1870)

Born about Dec 1771 in Smithfield, Providence, Rhode Island

Ancestors

Husband of Saloma (Esten) Buxton — married 28 Jan 1795 in Rhode Island

Died 12 Jul 1870 at about age 98 in Smithfield, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

Biography

From Find A Grave:

NATHAN BUXTON, son of Jonathan and Salome (ESTEN) BUXTON, was born in Smithfield, R. I., March 12, 1796. He died January 28, 1891. When about two years old his parents removed to this town [Londonderry, Vermont], making the journey in January, over the snow on a sled drawn by two yoke of steers. The family were seven days on their journey and had with them besides Nathan, a younger child in its mother's arms. Jonathan BUXTON had been here before and selected a home, such as it was, in Thompsonburg, and to that spot he was now bringing his little family.

Across the road from Mr. John RAMSDELL's may be seen an old cellar where at that time stood the house of Samuel THOMPSON. He was the first settler in that region and his house was the only one in that vicinity. It was at this house the BUXTONs drove up on a winter's night and rested for a few hours and then proceeded to the spot near by where they were to make their home. At that time the road passed eastward at about right angles from the present road, just in the rear of Mr. RAMSDELL's house and bore round by Mr. STEWART's, out by Mr. HUNTLEY's over the hill. On this road, back of what is now Mr. RAMSDELL's, was a log hut, old and deserted, with half the roof gone, and to this inhospitable spot the BUXTONs wended their way, tied their oxen to a sheltering tree, and made themselves as comfortable as they could for their first night in Londonderry. On the next day Jonathan's brother, who had come with him, started with the team back to Rhode Island. They lived in this house several years, and three children were added to the family, Jason, Philena and Hannah.

The family afterwards moved a short distance to the eastward where Mr. BUXTON had bought a house of a Mr. MILLER. This house stood on the George JAMES farm, up back toward the mountain from the house now occupied by Mr. JAMES.

Jonathan BUXTON lived in this town about 39 years, and then with his wife and two youngest children returned to the old farm in Smithfield. He died 100 years old and his wife at 99. He had nine children who arrived at maturity, five of whom are supposed to be living, viz: John, who lives in Chesterfield, N. H., 82 years old; Daniel, who lives in this town, born May 1, 1811. Cyrus, who lives in Michigan, born March 12, 1816; Selah, who lives in Princeton, Mass., born March 13, 1819, and Philena THOMPSON of this town, who was born Nov. 1, 1801.

When Nathan was about 18 years old he went to Westmoreland, NH, where he worked some five years in a tannery. He married Miss Elizabeth GRISWOLD. They soon moved to Londonderry, VT, and united with the Baptist church. They had seven children who arrived at maturity and one died young. Their names were Stephen, Charles, Albert, Horace, Mary, Martha and Adeline. Five died in 1863-1865; Horace, aged 18, at Fort Slocum, Washington, D. C., in 1863; Capt. Albert B., killed at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864; Major Charles B., killed at the battle of Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864. Two daughters died of diphtheria in the winter of 1864. One only is living, Stephen, who a few years ago moved West. [1891]

Sources

• 1850 Smithfield Rhode Island census (occupation: farmer)
• 1870 Smithfield, Rhode Island census (99 years old and still listed as a farmer)
• Find A Grave: Memorial #24978634