THE ENTERPRISING J.O. PAXSON

In a previous post I mentioned the book, “Enterprising Men of Algona” which was published in 1917.  J. O. Paxson is one of the enterprising men featured in the book and today I want to share with you his story. 

THE EARLY YEARS

Joseph Oliver Paxson was born April 13, 1856, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the son of Ellwood and Elizabeth (White) Paxson.  In his late teens he traveled west to Minneapolis. It was there that he met the family of Capt. D.D. Dodge.  More specifically, he met the Dodges’ beautiful young daughter, Helen.  When the Dodge family moved to Algona in early 1876, young Paxson soon followed.  Coming by train during a blizzard, he arrived at the Milwaukee depot on St. Patrick’s Day of that same year.  He must have held the key to Helen’s heart as they were married on July 4^th.

The young couple began their life together on a farm located in Section 12 of Riverdale township.  It was there that their two sons, Elwood and Dana, and their daughter, Katherine, were born.  Taking care of a cattle herd and grain farming filled their days.  They occasionally entertained the young people of the area at their residence by hosting dances and other events.

Somehow Joe found time to serve as a member of the Kossuth County Agricultural Association which ran the Kossuth County Fair.  During his service on the board as the director from Riverdale Township, six additional acres were purchased and added to the fairgrounds, many new exhibit classes were added and a poultry exhibit building was constructed.  He served as superintendent of the horse show and on other committees that ran various fair events.  At that time the fair was held in September each year. 

A NEW BEGINNING

The Paxsons retired from farming in March of 1903 and moved to Algona.  Joe was still a relatively young man at the age of 47.  He soon discovered a second career in the insurance business.  In 1906 he began his association with Kossuth County Mutual Fire Association when he became assistant to Secretary Ed Blackford.  Eight years later he became secretary of the firm when Mr. Blackford retired.  As part of his duties, Paxson traveled the county as an adjustor for the Association, settling claims with local policyholders. 

In addition to his involvement with Kossuth Mutual, Joe also ran a private agency to provide a wide range of insurance products.  The Association only wrote insurance against fire and lightening and he wanted to offer life, accident, automobile and other types of coverage to his customers which he was able to do through other companies.  He built a solid reputation as a trustworthy businessman. 

PART OF THE COMMUNITY

The Paxsons became an integral part of the local community.  Joe was elected to City Council and served six years.  During his term he was appointed mayor pro tem to serve in the absence of the mayor.  As a councilman he led the efforts to pave the streets of Algona.  So successful was he at this project that he was sometimes teasingly referred to as “Pavement Paxson.”  

Mr. Paxson was one of the first members and promoters of the Algona Commercial Club which was formed to promote county resources and advance agricultural and manufacturing businesses in the county.  This appears to be the 1910 version of today’s economic development corporations. The intention was to promote businesses already established such as the brick and tile works, the Nicoulin wagons and drays, and the Doering manure spreader company as well as to attract new industry to the area.

Helen was a founding member and first president of the local D.A.R. chapter.  She greatly enjoyed bridge and the couple often entertained in their home, hosting card parties or musical entertainment.  On New Year’s Eve in 1912, they took part in a large gathering in town which started with a reception for area women by the Methodist Ladies’ Aid and concluded with stops at seven area homes by their male counterparts.  The men had formed groups and had designed “calling cards” with their titles such as “Lucky Thirteen,” “Algona Thoroughbreds and High Steppers,” or “Hungry Eight.”  In addition to their names, some of the cards had their photos on them or a cute poem.  The presentation of these cards allowed their admission to each home where they would entertain or be entertained and be rewarded with refreshments. It was the social event of the season and was talked about for weeks afterward.

As shown in the drawing, Paxson had quite a collection of pipes.  Many were gifts from his good friends.  J.T. Chrischilles presented him with a curious one purchased at the Inn of the Good Samaritan between Jerusalem and Jericho.  It was made of clay native to that area, had been well used and appeared to be an antiquity.  Joe’s son Elwood gifted him a genuine Indian peace pipe from Oklahoma. It was about three foot long and very heavy.  Another in his prized collection was a Hungarian Jahlausji pipe from Hungary given to him by Ed Blackford.

Unfortunately in the late 1920’s Joe’s health began to fail.  He remained as secretary of Kossuth Mutual with his son, Dana, as his assistant. The gradual decline continued until his passing on January 12, 1933 at the age of 76.  He had resigned his secretary position just two days before. 

HELEN CARRIES ON

Following Joe’s passing, Helen remained active.  She attended the Congregational Church and volunteered there frequently.  Mrs. Paxson was well respected as a kind and popular woman.  She loved to tell stories of her life.  She particularly enjoyed sharing the memory of the return of her father, Capt. D. D. Dodge, from his service in the Civil War and how handsome he looked in his uniform.

Both of Helen’s sons predeceased her which definitely brought shadows to her later life.  However, she managed to keep an optimistic view and often declared that life was good to her.  Every description found of her uses terms such as "cheerful," "well-loved" and "admired."

She eventually moved to an apartment at 404 South Harlan and at the age of 97 still walked to downtown Algona several times a week as well as to services at the Congregational Church of which she was a 50 year member.  Although she enjoyed an occasional television show, she found her eyes easily tired when watching it.  She never had a set of her own but enjoyed keeping up with current events by listening to the radio.  Helen loved to have company, especially those who wanted to play bridge or canasta.    

Kossuth County Advance - April 19, 1954

It was interesting to find an ad placed by her friends at The Chrischilles Store congratulating her on her 97^th birthday.  The ad related that Mrs. Paxson had been a customer of the store for 78 years.  She had bought a set of dishes from Theo Chrischilles at his little wooden store east of the courthouse in 1878 and had been a devoted customer ever since. 

Late in her 97^th year, she moved to the Roberts Nursing Home which was located in the former Ambrose Call home on South Hall Street.  She later died there on December 23, 1958, at the age of 99.  Her services were held at the Congregational Church and then Helen was buried by her beloved Joe in Riverview Cemetery.

J.O. Paxson was truly an enterprising man who worked hard to advance the community and area that he loved. 

Until next time,

KC History Buff

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