John T. Axton

John Thomas Axton (July 28, 1870 – July 20, 1934) was a colonel in the United States Army who served as the first chief of chaplains from 1920 to 1928.

Early life and education
John Thomas Axton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 28, 1870. He attended Salt Lake public schools. Then, he attended Middlebury College in Vermont where he graduated with a Doctor of Divinity in 1919.

Career
Axton served as general secretary for the YMCA from 1893 to 1902.

Axton was appointed a chaplain with the United States Army in 1902.

Awards
Axton received the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his services during World War I.