Hiram Sexton

Hiram Sexton (1830 – Feb. 16, 1864) was a Union soldier from Scott County who died during the Civil War.

See Also: Scott Countians killed in war

Biography

Born in 1830 on Brimstone Creek in present-day Scott County, Hiram Sexton was the son of William Sexton (1786-1854) and Rhoda Griffith (1800-1877). His father was the son of Revolutionary War veteran Timothy Sexton, and was a veteran of the War of 1812. His mother was the daughter of Revolutionary War veteran Joseph Griffith.

Hiram married Sophia Griffith (1838-1909), who was a great-granddaughter of both Joseph Griffith and Timothy Sexton. Her parents were Andrew Griffith (1810-1879) and Lucy Sexton (1813-1886).

Hiram and Sophia had two children: Solomon Sexton (1858-1922) and Arlena Brown (1862-1940).

Civil War

Hiram Sexton enlisted in the Union army on Jan. 8, 1862 and was assigned to Co. G, 2nd Tennessee Infantry. The 2nd Tennessee was overtaken by Confederate forces at the Battle of Rogersville in Hawkins County, Tenn. on Nov. 6, 1863. All were taken prisoner, including many from Scott County. Hiram was confined at Belle Isle in Richmond, Va. He was admitted to a hospital there on Feb. 13, 1864, and died on Feb. 16, 1864 of chronic diarrhea. He is buried at Richmond National Cemetery.

Aftermath

Sophia Sexton had two more children: Sherman Sexton (1863-1931) and Texas Miller (1874-1940). Sherman is often listed as Hiram’s son.

Sherman Sexton was murdered in 1931 by Charles Burchfield and Raymond Goad, both of whom were sentenced to 15 years in prison. According to newspaper accounts, Goad held Sexton while Burchfield beat him to death with a pole. Sheriff Esau Laxton told reporters that the death occurred at a drinking party at Burchfield’s home on Brimstone Creek. Goad was Sexton’s son-in-law, having married his daughter, Larla (they later divorced).

Sophia Sexton remarried to James Goad in 1883. She died in 1909 and is buried at Slick Rock Cemetery.