Dickinson Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and
Marion Counties-James T. Sexton
Portrait and Biographical
Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1893
JAMES T. SEXTON is one of the leading
and influential agriculturists of Dickinson
County. He resides on section 18, Newbern
Township, where he owns and operates
a fine farm of three hundred and fifty-eight
acres of arable and valuable land. He located
thereon in 1873, and it has since been his home.
In the years which have come and gone he has
made many excellent improvements upon the
place, transforming it into one of the best farms
of the community. His pleasant home, which was
erected by himself, is an elegant residence, built
in modern style. In the rear are good barns and
outbuildings, which are surrounded by well-tilled
fields, which yield to the owner a golden tribute
in return for his care and cultivation.
Our subject was born in Henry County, Tenn.,
on the 22d of July, 1849, and is one of seven
sons and five daughters who graced the union of
James and Millie (Ellis) Sexton. His parents were
both natives of Tennessee, and upon their marriage
began their domestic life in Henry County,
that State. About 1856, they removed to Illinois,
locating in Johnson County, where they continued
to reside until the spring of 1867, when they
came to Dickinson County. Mr. Sexton then made
his home in Grant Township until his death,
which occurred in the fall of 1874. His wife is
still living.
We now take up the personal history of James
Sexton, who spent the first seventeen years of his
life in his native State, and in the fall of 1866
came to Kansas. His education was acquired in
the common schools and he remained under the
parental roof until his marriage, which was celebrated
in Johnson County, Ill., February 11,
1875, when Miss Anna Sharp, a native of that
county, became his wife. Unto them were born
two children: Mertie M. and Oma O., who died in
infancy. The mother passed away in this county,
July 25, 1879.
Mr. Sexton was again married, in Butler County,
Kan., October 3, 1880, his second union being
with Miss Emma Holt. She was born in Johnson
County, Ill., November 3, 1860, and is the eldest
of a large family of children. Her parents, William
and Louisa (Lavender) Holt, are now residents
of Butler County, Kan. Unto our subject
and his wife have been born four children: Alvin
A., Burton B., Vesta V. and Harvey H. The parents
are both faithful members of the Baptist
Church, and are active workers in the Master's
vineyard. Kind and benevolent people, the poor
and needy find in them a friend, and their sympathy
is ever given to the sorrowing. Mrs. Sexton
is a cultured and estimable lady, whose many excellencies
of character have gained her a large
circle of friends. Mr. Sexton has held several of
the township and school offices. His life has been
straightforward and upright, disfigured by no
underhand acts, and the confidence and esteem of
the entire community are given him.
(c) 2009 Sheryl McClure for
Dickinson County KS AHGP