Theodore S Faxton

Theodore Saxton Faxton

  • Birth name: Theodore Saxton Faxon

  • American

Theodore S Faxton was a member of the notable Faxon Faxton family of Braintree, Massachusetts. - AsNotedIn

Lineage

Timeline

Y/M/D Description Association Composition Place Locale Food Event
Y/M/D Description Association Composition Place Locale Food Event
1784/01/10 Joanna Allen Faxon, wife of Thomas Faxon, gives birth to a son, Theodore S Faxton, in Conway, Massachusetts. Born
1825/06/10 Theodore Faxton secures six dashing gray horses, harnesses them with silver-plated harness to a borrowed Van Rensselaer carriage, and drives to Whitesboro, to receive General Lafayette as he leaves the boat. Organizer Whitesboro New York Lafayette's Triumphal Tour of America
1845/00/00 Theodore S Faxton negotiates with Prof Morse, the inventor, for an interest in the telegraphic business and in company with others organized the New York, Albany and Buffalo telegraph company. Work Invention of the Telegraph
1881/11/30 Theodore S Faxton dies in York, Livingston County, New York. Died Forest Hill Cemetery Utica, NY

History

Hon Theodore S Faxton (as he writes his name) first came to Utica, NY, where he has since resided, in 1812, and soon after obtained a position as driver on the line of stages between Albany and Buffalo; and held the reins of four-in-hand every day until 1817, except for the space of six months, which time was spent in school.

After 1817 Jason Parker, the old stage manager, brought him to Utica and placed him in charge of his business in that city. In 1822 he purchased an interest in the business and remained connected therewith until 1835, in which year the firm of Faxton, Childs & Co was organized to carry on the real estate business, an enterprise which proved highly remunerative. They continued in this business for eighteen years, and then Mr Faxton engaged with other parties in the packet-boat business. In connection with the late Alfred Munsou he organized the first American line of steamers on the St Lawrence River, and continued as managing director for a number of years.

Mr Faxton deserves particular credit for the part he took in developing that great invention, the magnetic telegraph. In 1845 he negotiated with Prof Morse, the inventor, for an interest in the telegraphic business and in company with others organized the New York, Albany and Buffalo telegraph company, of which he was president and superintendent for seven years, labored hard to make it a success and succeeded admirably. In addition to the above, Mr Faxton was one of the originators of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, the Utica Water Works Company, the Globe Woolen Mills (of which he is now president), the Second National Bank, over whose affairs he has presided since its incorporation, and was interested in the organization of the Utica and Schenectady railroad. He gave the first $100 contributed to found the Utica Mechanics Association, and has been president of it for several terms.

He was one of the originators of the Utica and Black River Railroad Company, and held the office of president for a long time.

Mr Faxton never took an active part in politics, but was often called to positions of honor and trust by his fellow citizens. In 1831 he was chosen trustee of the village of Utica, was elected an alderman in 1836 and Mayor in 1864, and was a delegate to the Whig National Convention in 1844. In 1851 he was appointed by the New York State Agricultural Society, a delegate to the London Industrial Exposition, and sailed from New York on the 10th of May of that year. During his absence he made a short trip on the continent. In 1856 he was elected president of the State Agricultural Society. In addition to the railroads, telegraph, packet and steamboat lines, banks, manufactories and other enterprises that have added wealth and prosperity to Utica, Mr Faxton has founded three other institutions that will perpetuate his name and add honor and blessings to his memory - the Old Ladies' Home on Faxton street, Faxton Hall, built by him for the education of the children of factory operatives, and Faxton Hospital, completed in April, 1875. The following extract from a letter written by Hon. Thurlow Weed to the treasurer of Faxton Hospital may aptly conclude the foregoing sketch, for many of the facts of which the Utica Herald should have credit:

New York, June 26, 1875

Dear Sir: — My daughter has just read in a copy of the Utica Herald, which was kindly sent to me, an interesting account of the completion of the Faxton Hospital, of which beneficent institution I desire to become a Life Member.

Few persons survive who have known Theodore S Faxton longer and more intimately than myself.

In the winter of 1813 when Sackett's Harbor was threatened by the British, he and I volunteered our services in its defense. In the spring of that year, while I was a journeyman in the office of the Herkimer American, Mr Faxton, then familiarly known by the sobriquet of 'Doric,' was driving stage, Herkimer being one end of his route. There we became intimate. His intervals of leisure were passed with me in the printing office, where, in our conversation, he came to the conclusion that a few months schooling would add to his chances of success in the battle of life. In the year 1814, when I was traveling on foot, with slender means, from Albany to Herkimer, I was fortunate enough to find my friend 'Doric ' at East Canada Creek, where he paid for my dinner and invited me to ride free by his side on the box, to Herkimer. It affords me pleasure to balance this little account, sixty -one years after this friendly obligation was incurred, by a subscription to Mr Faxton's Hospital.

But I am straying too far away from the Hospital. Please ibid check enclosed for $100.

Very truly Yours, Thurlow Weed

The History of the Faxon Family by George Faxon

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