The Lexington advertiser. [volume] (Lexington, Miss.) 1904-1985, 1919-04-11
Baxter Wilson
for Circuit Clerk

A
place the name of Baxter Wilson in shs
announcement column as candidata for
circuit clerk, subject TO the action OF the
Democratic primaries 10 be held in Aa-
gust of this year. Mr. Wilson possesses
| in pre-eminent degree the qualilica-
tions essential for the successful conduct
of this highly important Office and his
claim upon the party for devoted and un-
selfish past service cannot well be
ignored. Baxter Wilson was born and
reared on farm in Holmes county and
obtained the rudiments Of his education
In the rural schools. At the outbreak Of
the war between the North and South,
although but mere lad. he cheerfully
and patriotically shouldered his musket
and for three years participated in that
awful struggle, which tested the souls
Of men, and served with conspicuous gall
lantry and never-angging faithfulnesa
and ioynlty Tor three years and until
tho Cvnfederacy by the overwhaInnsag
/ nreponderarea Of numbers and limitiAss
resources Of the enemy waA forced to the
inevitable surrender. Al the close Of tha
war, Mr. Wilson resumed his studies and
| in 1853 graduated with high honors from
the University 70 Mississippi with tho
degree Of Bachelor Of Arts. For Ave
years thereafter he taught school, num-
bering among his pupils boys who later
have taken q prominent part in the pelit-
cal and economic affairs of Holmes eoun-
ty and of the state and nation. His
father becoming involved he considered
It his duty to return to the old homestead
and take care of his father in his ad-
vancing years. During his stay on the
farm he took a keen and active interest
in all matters pertaining TO agriculture
and those engaged in this pursuit and
served as master of the County Grange
and lecturer of the State Grange. Mr.
Wilson took a conspicuous and effective
part in the work Of reconstruction after
the close of the war, and battled uneeas-
ingly and successfully for white suprem-
acy and the security of the government.
Ho was one of the standard bearers of
the Democratic party in those days Of
turmoil and largely TO his efforts are we
indebted for the splendid government we
now enjoy in the state and county. Dur
ing that unsettled period he served in the
Ssheriff's Office and many a citizen Of
Holmes county now owns land the title
to which he would have lost but for Mr..
Wilson's vigilance and uprightness. Mr..
Wilson embarked in the wholesale and
retail hardware business in Lexington
which for fifteen consecutive years he
conducted with marked success until fall
ing health necessitated his retirement.
Unfortunately he was caught in the panic
Of 1907 and the savings Of lifetime of
thrift and judicous economy were COM
pletely swept away. Since then no has
been forged to go out in the world and
accept such positions as he might get to
make living for himself and family.
Among such positions has been the
doputyshp in the circuit clerks Office and
he is therefore necessarily intimately
familiar with all the details Of that Office
and the duties thereto appertaining.
Under the new statutes effective January
], 1920, the circuit clerk will receive
stipulated salary, and all fees received,
formerly perquistes of the incumbent,
will go to the county. Under the cir
eumstanees an elaborate system of book
keeping will have to be maintained and
this is particularly in DIR Wilson's line.
He is an expert bookkeeper and proficient
accountant, is an excellent penman ard caa
keep all necessary records with neatness
and absolute correctness and exactitude.
During his long career Mr.. Wilson has
taken prominent and most active part
in every movement inaugurated for the
public good He has fought for white
supremacy and for good government ia
every particular; was among the frat
to work for the banishment Of the saIoons
from the borders of Holmes county and
has always stood in the lead Of the moral
forces OF his community, county and
state. He has been an indefatieable
worker in the church and Sunday school
He has given the best years Of his life
in the unselfish service Of his county and
MS party, and well merits the recognition
which an election to the Office he seeks
would imply. Should his Iaudabla anbi-
lion to serve his native county as clerk
II the circuit court be gratihcd he would
prove model and most efficient oiicial.
j. w. McNeer of Maxvills aftnnS.A -.