Judge William Joseph Baxley

The Dothan Eagle

27 Jun 1929

Judge Baxley, Pioneer Citizen, Called By Death.

Oldest Native Citizen of Dothan Succumbs From Heart Attack Last Night.

Was Born Less Than Mile From Headland Ave. Home.

Served on First City Council, Was Third Mayor; Burial Tomorrow Morning.

Judge J W Baxley, Dothan oldest native citizen died suddenly last night at 7:40 from a heart attack at his home on Headland Ave. He was 70 years old, and had spent his entire lifetime in Dothan or within three miles of the corporate limits.

For the last few days he had suffered from what he believed to be attacks of indigestion, though they were not severe enough to force him to bed. Yesterday afternoon he complained of the pain and the doctor who had been in attendance, was called. He stated his condition was serious, and advised that relatives be notified. Less than 15 minutes later, Judge Baxley expired while sitting on the side of the bed, and in the presence of one of his daughters, Mrs. Emma McCall, and two sons, Grover and Keener. Death came swiftly and mercifully.

Judge Baxley’s full name was William Joseph. He was born at a point within less than a mile of his Headland Ave. residence on Feb. 6, 1859, in a house located on what is now Washington Cherry’s place.

He was married in 1878 to Miss Mary Josephine Folkes, daughter of the late J P Folkes, the ceremony taking place in Rocky Branch Church three miles from Dothan. The Folkes family was one of the first to locate in this section, and the marriage united two of Dothan’s pioneer families.

Judge Baxley then went into partnership with his father-in-law, conducting a blacksmith shop located on the site now occupied by Jeff’s Troy Street Station, at Troy and St. Andrews streets. In 1885, when Dothan was incorporated, he was a member of the first City Council. The late J Z S Connelly was the town’s first mayor. He served two weeks, and resigned after an altercation with a prisoner against whom he had assessed a fine. The late Dr. R D Carroll succeeded Mr. Connelly, and he, too served only a short time. Judge Baxley was the third man to hold the mayorship, being elected in 1886. The term was for one year, and he held the office until it expired.

Later Judge Baxley acted as city clerk. The job at that time paid no salary, as it required only a small amount of time to discharge the duties.

During this time Judge Baxley was an inveterate reader, and among his choice of books were law books. He informed himself on law to such an extent that he was admitted to the State Bar in 1890. He practiced law for a while.

Later he was appointed Justice of Peace, and held this position over 30 years. He was active until 1923 when the court was changed to the Court of Common Pleas.

Judge Baxley attended the first services of the Methodist Church in Dothan. They were held in the blacksmith shed described in the foregoing. Later his father-in-law, Mr. Folkes, donated the property in which now stands the Foster Street Church, and a one-room wooden structure was erected. It was replaced in 1903 by the present brick building. From the establishment of the Church Judge Baxley was an active member of the board of stewards until a few years ago when he began to grow feeble.

He was a charter member of Dothan Masonic Lodge No. 466, which was organized about 1888. He was the first Worshipful Master of the lodge, and held office for the first 12 years of its existence. He later served as Worshipful Master for a total of approximately one-third of the time since the lodge was founded. He was also a member o the K. of P. and the Woodmen.

For many years the Baxley family lived on what is now a vacant lot on the southwest corner of Troy and St. Andrews street, near The Eagle building. Keener Baxley, son of the deceased is today practicing law within 100 feet of where he was born.

The family moved to the present residence on Headland Ave., in 1903. This was far beyond the city limits and regarded as out in the country, and Judge Baxley possessed 50 acres of land which he farmed between his other duties. Gradually Dothan expanded and he saw his property change from farming land to city property.

Judge Baxley perhaps knew more about Dothan’s early history than any other man. His memory vividly retained countless impressions of men and events during the early days when the community was known as Poplar Head. Until the moment of his death he was mentally alert, and only yesterday afternoon was discussing an amusing incident which happened many years ago. He enjoyed talking about Dothan and it’s history.

Judge Baxley was ruggedly honest and conscientious. He respected his friends and loved their companionship. He was remotely related to a great many Houston County families, as his mother was a Newton, and a member of one of the sections pioneer families. He was widely beloved and will be missed.

His wife preceded him to the grave in October, 1916. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Emma McCall, who lives at the home on Headland Avenue; Mrs. George Guilford of Blountstown, Fla., and Mrs. A E Grant, of Jacksonville, Fla.; three sons, Grover and Keener of Dothan, and J O Baxley of Thomasville, Ga., Three sisters and two brothers also survive. They are Mrs. N S Lisenby of Dothan, Mrs. J W Burdeshaw and Mrs. W M Robinson of near Headland, Jeptha Baxley of Dothan and Prof. J A Baxley, superintendent of the Andalusia City Schools.

Funeral services will be conducted from the home tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock by Dr. H H McNeil who, for many years was a pastor of the Foster Street Church, and one of his close friends. Assisting will be Rev. J F McLeod of the Foster Street Church and Rev. J W Budd of the Lafayette Street Methodist.

The following will act as active pallbearers: C L Newton, Roy O. Hill, Dr. J M Stevens, Heard Saxon, Dr. G W Blakey, and N S Lisenby; honorary: O R Morgan, A H May, F B Culver, J H Boone, E H Hill, R L Cox, C J Rollins, J L Crawford, W C Fenn, Dr. H Green, H Blumberg, J E Hornsby, B P Poyner, A E Garner, J B Saxon, J R Keyton, J L Domingus, A G Grant, J A May, H E Jordan and I W Orr.

Burial will be made in the City Cemetery with the Houston Funeral Co.. in charge of arrangements.

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