Axtell, William H.

WILLIAM H. AXTELL, physician, post-office Sheakleyville, Penn., is a son of Dr. Samuel and Mary (Loveridge) Axtell, natives of Washington County, Penn. The father of our subject came to Sheakleyville, then Georgetown, in 1825, and engaged in the practice of his profession until 1853, when our subject succeeded him in the active duties of his practice, and he engaged in farming and mercantile business in New Vernon. He died in 1864 in that place, his widow surviving him until 1886. His family consisted of twelve children, of whom our subject was the third. He was born in 1816, in Morris Township, Washington Co., Penn. His early education was received at the common schools, and he completed his education at the Meadville Academy and Allegheny College. His medical education was obtained in his father’s office. He commenced the practice of medicine in Sheakleyville in 1839, and has been in active practice until the present time, in connection with his son, John L., under the firm name of W.H. & J.L. Axtell. Our subject was twice married. His first wife was Mary J., daughter of Moses Findley, whom he married in June, 1841. She died in 1856, leaving six children: Mary E., Mrs. Stephen Morrison; Henry S., deceased; Cynthia, Mrs. Horton Balster; Samuel H., deceased; Anna M., Mrs. William McElhaney; Mary J., Mrs. William Schnauber. His second wife was Miss Sadie, daughter of John S. Showers, of Delaware Township. The result of this union was eight children, six of whom are living: George W., Deer Creek Township; John L., physician, Sheakleyville; Abraham L., Sheakleyville; Grace, Stella, and Nannie. Our subject has filled the office of county coroner; has held the office of school director for twenty years, and has been a member of the borough council. He is a member of the Prohibition party, with Republican antecedents.