Bessie Raymond Buxton was born in
Danvers, Ma. on January 22, 1877. Her mother died when she was young and she
was raised by her aunt, Sarah Wilson, who lived at 171 Lowell Street, Peabody.
Educated in Peabody schools, she married Henry H. Buxton in 1896. They resided
at 114 Central Street, the present location of Richardson's Funeral Home.
After her marriage, Bessie embarked upon an active life. She led the push for
the beautification of Peabody which had been polluted for over a century with
by-products from the leather industry.
Founder of the Peabody Garden Club, Bessie was active in garden clubs on the
state and national level. She wrote several books, including a Glossary of
10,000 Species of Begonias and The History of the South Church.
An accomplished musician on the piano and organ, Bessie was involved in many
local musical programs. She often traveled to Great Britain and Ireland and
lectured on her experiences. She also collected sea chanties.
Her wedding gown and shoes are part of the Peabody Historical Society's costume
collection.
During World War II, the Buxtons donated part of their property for planting
Victory Gardens.
Upon her death in November, 1955 at age 78, Bessie remained active in her
community, using her many talents to make her world a better place.
by Ann Zaorski Birkner for Women's History Month, March 1997, Bookmark by the
Peabody Cultural Clearinghouse |
