ABSTRACT
Timothy Claxton was born of parents who were described as “though poor, were honest and industrious”. He was the third of five children. Even though neither of his parents could read or write they were committed to improving the educational advantage of their children. Claxton describes himself as a rather timid, tender-hearted and bashful lad; qualities that he maintained throughout his life. When he was between twelve and thirteen years of age, after his two years of schooling and work as a shepherd and gardener, he was apprenticed as a whitesmith, a metal worker. As an apprentice whitesmith, he developed skills and knowledge as a mechanic. Claxton’s autobiography often reminds one of Benjamin Franklin. His approach to life was an orderly one that placed an emphasis upon learning and developing important skills such as writing and drawing.
