Description

At the November 1899 United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) convention in Richmond, Virginia, a design was approved for a cross of honor for valor and patriotism to be bestowed on Confederate veterans. This cross is known as the Southern Cross of Honor. The cross is in the form of a cross pattée suspended from a metal bar with space for engraving. The obverse displays the Confederate battle flag placed in the center and surrounded by a wreath, with the inscription UNITED DAUGHTERS CONFEDERACY TO THE U. C. V. (United Confederate Veterans) on the four arms of the cross. The reverse of the medal is the motto of the Confederate States, DEO VINDICE (God Our Vindicator) and the dates 1861 1865 also surrounded by a laurel wreath. The arms of the cross bear the inscription SOUTHERN CROSS OF HONOR. Crosses could only be given to Confederate veterans, oldest living lineal descendants of Confederate veterans, and widows of Confederate veterans. Only veterans could wear the cross.
Crosses with a veteran’s name engraved on the bar are far more desirable than those without a name. Value increases with war record or historical importance of the veteran. A cross bearing the name of a Confederate general is exceedingly rare. This cross is exceptional, as it bears the name “E. F. Paxton.” Brigadier General Elisha Franklin Paxton was commander of the famous “Stonewall Brigade” during the battle of Chancellorsville. On the morning of the second day of the battle, General Paxton was killed by a minie ball while leading his brigade. He is buried in Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, Lexington, Virginia.
Paxton’s widow, Elizabeth Hannah White Paxton, died in 1872, so Paxton’s cross was likely awarded to his oldest living son Matthew White Paxton. Paxton’s cross is marked “Patented, Charles W. Crankshaw, Atlanta” on the reverse of the bar.