Charles M. Paxson, the popular sheriff of Montgomery county, is one of the men of eastern Kansas who can be singled out for his manly qualities, integrity and honesty. He was born at Ridgefarm, Vermilion county, Ill., Nov. 11, 1868, the son of the late Dr. Cyrus C. and Louisa J. (Mack) Paxson, the former was born in Indiana while the mother was born in Ohio and died in Montgomery county, Kansas, in 1905, aged sixty-eight years. Dr. Cyrus C. Paxson was reared in his native state and after completing his elementary education entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill., where he graduated with honor. The family moved to Kansas in 1884 and located in Montgomery county where they have since continued to reside. Dr. Paxson continued the practice of his profession until 1905, when he was stricken with paralysis. He died in Independence, May 18, 1911, aged seventy-four years. There were three children in the Paxson family: Flora, Ida, deceased, and Charles M., who was sixteen years of age when his parents emigrated from Illinois. He finished the common school course at Independence and then completed his education in the thorough but somewhat severe school of life and by reading magazines and newspapers, and close observation he has become a man thoroughly versed in men and affairs. Upon attaining his majority, Mr. Paxson married, and then ran a cattle and horse ranch in the southwest part of Montgomery county for four years. He had taken an interest in local affairs, was known for his high moral standing, and upon leaving the country, was appointed deputy sheriff of the county, serving in that capacity for three and a half years under Frank C. Moses. For four years, he was on the road as a traveling salesman, but was again appointed deputy sheriff for one term. He had filled this position so ably that in 1906 his name was placed upon the ballot by the Republican party for the office of sheriff, to which office he was elected by a most flattering majority, and served one term. After an intermission of one term, he was again elected in the fall of 1910, with an increased majority. It may be said that Mr. Paxson was reared upon the tenets of the Republican party as his father cast his first vote for John C. Fremont for president and the son but naturally follows the example of such an estimable man as was his father. Mr. Paxson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also belongs to several fraternal insurance orders. In 1890, he married Addie L. Wiley, a native of Montgomery county. Five children were born to this marriage as follows: Orville died aged fifteen; Flora; Lloyd; Vada and Frank.