El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1920-07-24
axiom IS MADE
CHAPLAIN CHIEF


Chaplain John T. Axton. major. q.
s. a., was appointed chief OF chap
lains with the rank OF colonel, by the
president on July -, under me pro-
visions Of section Is Of the army re-
organization act OF June g. 1920
Chaplain Axton Is well known IN -
Paso. where he was stationed Tor
many months during the mobilization
OF troops on the Mexican border ne
was then a captain, being promoted 70
a majority while here and sent 70
LeavenWorth to the disciplinary par
racks. He caused the erection OF me
"Axton tabernacle" at Fort Bliss ana
vas q. pioneer in the social welfare
work among the soldiers that became
so popular generally during the world
war.
Chaplain Axton was born IN salt
Lake City, Utah. July q. 1871 he
was educated in salt Lake academy
81 he ConEregational church schools
and entered the ministry OF the Con-
gregational church in June, 1901 For
nine years he served as secretary OF
the Y. n C A.
In Army Since 1902
He entered the army as chaplain.
with rank Of captain, July p, lsUzi
was promoted major March 4 1917,
and now. after Is years Of service ana
three years as chaplain lmaJorl pc
comes chief Of chaplains, with the
rank OF colonel, during the period OF
prescribed service.
He was detailed upon two tours OF
duty in the Philippines, one in lSOs-4
and one in 19O7-S. For five years ne
was assigned to various posts and
stations on the Mexican border. he
first came into prominence IN connec-
ton with relief work done among
when his troops driven by VIVA
across the border at Preside, on the
Rio Grande, during the winter OF
1913, were interned at Fort Bliss
During the world war. chaplain Ak
ton had the direction Of all religious
work ard welfare activities in con-
nection with the port Of embarkation
Of New York at HOboken- he was
awarded the distinguished service
medal for exercise OF efficiency IN
organizing and directing these activi-
ties at the port Of embarkationi IN
which 165 chaplains Of different de-
nominations, besides hundreds OF
civilian workers, were employed The
honorary degree Of doctor Of divinity
was conferred upon chaplain Axton
at the 18th commencement OF Mid
dlebury college. Vermont President
Thompson. Of this college. served IN
der chaplain Axton at Hoboken-
Is Highly Praised.
Early this year he was on duty IN
paign and received the high com
mendation OF the officer in charge,
Col Peter E Traub- He was recon-
mendsd for promotion by Maj Gen
D. c. Shanks and also by Brig Gen,
". Y. Judson, the latter recommend
ing promotion % the highest grade
that will be available" On July 2,
1920 Gen. Shanks, in a letter 10 the
war department. stated In my
opinion. chaplain Axton did the great
est welfare work Of any man In
America during the war"
On August %, 1891, chaplain Axton
was married to Miss Jane Bean OF
salt Lake City They have three
daughters and one son. all grown.
One daughter is married into the
army, the wife OF Capt. p d. Daugh-
Gritty, Of infantry, on duty at Coblenz,
Germany. The son, chaplain John Y.
Axton. is a chaplain in the army on
duty at Fort D. A Russell, Wyo.
This Is the only ease where a
father and son have served con-
tempOraneOusly as ehnplnins in
the army.
Chaplain Axton has Just returned
from an inspection trip OF welfare
activities in the American forces in
Germany He is still on duty at the
port OF embarkation at Hoboken,
though constantly called 10 Washing
ton for important special duties. He.
move 10 Washington
The selection OF chaplain Axton
for this work is most gratifying TO
the general committee on army and
navy chaplains OF the federal council
OF churches" writes the Rev. E V.
watson, secretary OF the COMMITTEES.
The following extract from a letter
written By chaplain John ]. Campbell
TO an FL PasO friend OF the Axton
family viii be OF interest.
'As chief OF chaplains, Col. Axton's
duties transferred him to Washing
ton, where he has offices In the stale,
war and navy building
The responsibility Of supervising
the moral and religious work OF our
army has been placed upon one who
Z consider has the energy grace, cour-
age and love essential to the develop
ment OF large program for the bene-
lit OF officers and enlisted men"
Nal KING Tg PROMOTEn