John Wardlaw Paxton

Paxton was born on December 13, 1866, in Danville, Virginia, to William Coalter Paxton and Harriet Ware Paxton. Paxton's grandfather, John W. Paxton, was one of the town's founders and a silversmith. His family fostered an atmosphere of civic engagement and religious commitment. == Education ==

He studied at the Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia from 1899-1900. He did not receive a degree. Marriage and Family In 1898 Paxton married Una Edith Hall in China. Hall was part of a mission from Illinois, who shared his dedication to service. They had two children, John Hall Paxton and, by adoption, Virginia Ware Paxton. == Career ==

In 1892 Paxton left for Shanghai, China as part of a Presbyterian mission. The late 1800s was a time of increased foreign missionary activity in China with efforts to spread Christianity and address societal needs like education and healthcare. Paxton and his wife included medical assistance with their spiritual mission. Paxton took on learning the Chinese language. His fluency helped build trust among the communities he worked with. Absalom Sydenstricker and his wife were other missionaries influenced by the Paxtons service and commitment. Their daughter, Pearl S. Buck, was also influenced by these ideals. They returned to Danville where Paxton became an advocate for cross-cultural missions. == References ==