Joseph Rupert Paxton was born in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, in 1826 or 1827, the son of Joseph Paxton and Catherine Rupert. His siblings included Charles R. Paxton, Lloyd Paxton, and Frank Paxton, who worked for their father's iron company and railroad in or near what is now Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1845, the younger Joseph Paxton practiced law in Philadelphia before becoming a captain in the 15th United States Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. He married Sarah Cavendish Whipple (1829-1897). Joseph R. Paxton died in Houston, Texas, on August 20, 1867.
From the guide to the Joseph Paxton letter book, Paxton, Joseph letter book, 1853-1856, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)
