Miss Jessie Paxton (MBE)
With two of her first pupils at the nursery on 29th November 1935.
Jessie Paxton: From Texas to Fife – A Legacy of Care
Some people leave behind more than memories—they leave behind a legacy. Jessie Paxton (1895–1962) was one of those people. Her life started in Texas, but her vision and hard work transformed early years education in Methil, Fife. This is her story.
Early Life in Texas and Scotland
Jessie was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1895, the eldest child of Robert Carswell Paxton and Margaret Donald Baird. Her father had left Scotland years earlier to run a ranch in Texas, where he looked after sheep and cattle.
In 1899, the family returned to Scotland, first living in Edinburgh before moving to Lundin Links in Fife. Jessie grew up in a busy household with her sisters Margaret, Isabella, and Emily. Sadly, tragedy struck in 1912 when her youngest sister Emily died aged just four.
Experiences like this shaped Jessie’s compassion and care for young children. As one saying goes: “Out of difficulties grow miracles.”
Inspired to Teach
In the early 1930s, Jessie discovered her passion. After visiting nursery schools in London, she decided to train as a nursery teacher, influenced by the work of Margaret and Rachel McMillan, who believed children learned best through play, fresh air, and kindness.
Her belief was simple: every child deserved a safe and happy start in life. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,” wrote poet W.B. Yeats—and Jessie wanted to light that fire.
Opening the First Nursery
On 26 November 1935, Jessie opened her first nursery in Lindsay’s Square Hall, Methil. At the beginning there were just 18 children, but the nursery quickly became popular. Families valued the warm, caring environment, and within two years there was even a waiting list.
Jessie’s nursery gave children more than lessons. They enjoyed outdoor walks, songs, games, and even learned to brush their teeth. Above all, they felt safe and valued. As Theodore Roosevelt once said: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Jessie truly lived by those words.
Building a Legacy
Through the years, Jessie’s work grew. More nurseries opened, more children enrolled, and her influence spread. In 1956, she received the MBE for her service to education. Four years later, in 1960, a purpose-built nursery opened in Methil—a dream come true for Jessie.
She passed away in 1962, but the nursery was renamed Paxton Nursery in her honour. Today, it still carries her name and spirit, continuing to nurture children in Fife.
Photos from the Lower Methil Nursery at Lyndsay Square now know as St Andrews Square.
