More Information:
About John Fletcher Baxter:
This was supplied by Nita Pickett, a descendant of John Fletcher Baxter:
"He left Georgia at
an early age, came to New Orleans and was mate on Mississippi river steamboats. Leaving New Orleans,
he went back to Georgia and married Miss Clarissa Harris, then moved to Wood County, Texas where he
farmed. He served one term as sheriff of Wood County before the war. He fought through four years,
was wounded near Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His left leg was broken with mini ball. He was left on the
field of battle for dead but was picked up by some friendly women and negroes until he was moved to
a Confederate camp for recovery. He came out as acting captain of his company". He was paroled on
oath 14 August, 1865 at Marshall, Texas. "His left leg was shattered by shot, and he walked with a
limp, his left leg being some 1 1/2 inches shorter than the right." (A photograph shows a scar on his
forehead, and a hand looks to be mutilated.) He married 2nd Martha Frances Lindsey 7 June, 1874 (I
think in Sherman.) Wiley Edward was the only child of this union. "After the WBTS, he walked from
Wood County (probably with the Sudderths and driving cattle) to Fannin County and bought 750 acres of
land from the Federal government. This land was located a mile and a half northeast of Bailey and was
known as the Portland Community. He spent his last years with his youngest son, Wiley, in Beaumont"
and is buried there in Magnolia Cemetery."
"Some of the quotes above are from a letter written
to me by my great-uncle, Wiley Baxter" - Nita Pickett. .......................................................................
John
served with the 1st Regiment, Texas Partisan Rangers as a 1st Lieutenant. .......................................................................
Found
in 1870 Census, TX, Wood Co., Quitman P.O., p. 511. img. 7.
He must have been prosperous for
farmer of that time and place. He listed the value of his real estate at $7000, personal property at
$1200. Most farmers there had values under $1000.
About Clarissa (Cassie) Harris:
Migrated to Texas in the late 1850's, settled in Wood County. .............................................................
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