G. Edward Buxton Jr.

Buxton was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 13, 1880, to Dr. G. Edward and Sarah A. (Harrington) Buxton. In 1884, his family moved to National City, San Diego County, California, where he received his early education before moving back to the family home of Rhode Island in 1895. Ned had one sibling, a brother, Bertram Harrington Buxton (June 11, 1883 – February 9, 1947) born in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Buxton completed his preparatory education at the Highland Military Academy, of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he attended from 1895 to 1898. Buxton graduated in 1898 as valedictorian of his class and as captain and senior officer of the school battalion.

In 1902, he graduated from Brown University, where he earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree (Ph. B.).

For fourteen months after his graduation from Brown University, he was a staff reporter and assistant telegraph operator at The Providence Journal.

In 1906, Buxton completed a three-year course at Harvard Law School, earning an L.L. B. degree.

On January 19, 1910, Buxton married Aline Houston Armstrong of Louisville and Bardstown, Kentucky. They had one son, Coburn Allen, born in Providence on June 6, 1912 (died March 21, 1984).

In September 1912, Buxton returned to The Providence Journal Company and worked in many capacities. From 1912 to 1914, he worked as treasurer and business manager, and was a member of the newspaper's board of directors. In August 1914, Buxton took a leave of absence from his duties as treasurer to serve as war correspondent for the paper. Engaged in the European Theater, he sent in articles from England, Germany, France, and Belgium.

Early military career

While attending Brown University, Buxton enlisted as a second lieutenant with Company C, First Regimental Brigade, Rhode Island Militia. In 1901, he held the rank of first lieutenant, resigning in 1903 to attend Harvard University. Lt. Buxton was cited as, "not only one of the most popular officers in the regiment but one of the most efficient."

After graduating from Harvard Law School, Buxton enlisted in the Third Company, Coast Artillery Corps, Rhode Island National Guard as a first lieutenant, being elected captain of that command in 1908 and serving through 1911. Buxton saw service as a captain with the 28th Infantry (part of Major-General William H Carter's Maneuver Division) on the Mexican border in 1911 with the Rhode Island National Guard, serving with other regular army units.

From 1912 to 1916, he was major and judge advocate (JAG) of the Rhode Island National Guard.