Image is a chest-up view of George D. Thaxton, formerly of the Richmond Howitzers, in a dark civilian suit posed in a slight left profile.

Contrast and clarity are excellent. Paper and mount are very good. Bottom of image is signed in period ink “GEO. D. THAXTON.”

Reverse has a photographer’s imprint for C. R. REES… RICHMOND, VA. 1868.” There is also some collector information in pencil.

Image is from the collection of the late William A. Turner

George Donald Thaxton was born in Halifax County, Virginia on January 29, 1832. He was raised in North Carolina but moved to Richmond shortly before the Civil War.

He enlisted as a private in Company D. 1^st Battalion Virginia Light Artillery on April 21, 1861. A few months later, on June 25, 1861 he was promoted to corporal and made sergeant July 8, 1862. Thaxton was present with his Company until wounded in the leg by a shell fragment at Spotsylvania on May 10, 1864. He was sent to Chimborazo Hospital No.3 in Richmond and returned to his Company the following July 10. He surrendered with General Lee at Appomattox on April 9, 1865.

After the war Thaxton went into the wholesale business in which he was very successful. He died in Richmond on August 24, 1900 and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery.

In his obituary it was said of him “that he was one of the best soldiers. There was no stain upon his war record. His comrades all loved him for his many excellent qualities. He was one of the most popular soldiers in the Company.”

The 3^rd Company Richmond Howitzers served with the Army of Northern Virginia for the majority of its service and was present for the major campaigns of that Army.  [ad] [ph:L]

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