Lewis H. Baldwin was born in Connecticut, November 21, 1811, a son of John and Sarah Ann (Hawkins) Baldwin. His father was a native of Connecticut, and of English descent. In early life, Lewis H. following blacksmithing as a trade, later turning his attention to farming. After his marriage he worked out for $8 per month, but in time accumulated 500 acres of good land in Pike county, he and one of his sons owning about the same amount in Missouri, and an acre within the corporation of Perry. He was an old-line Whig in early days, later attaching himself to the party of Lincoln. He was a school director for 25 years, and a school trustee, these being the only public offices he would ever accept. He adhered to the Baptist faith.

The wedding of Maria Jane Elledge and Lewis H. Baldwin on October 2, 1836 was the first wedding of record on what is known as Hinman Prairie. They began housekeeping in what is now Fairmount township, adjacent to the Hinman and Boone Elledge settlements. Later, Andrew Alford Elledge, who married Alexander Elledge's widow, Amanda French Elledge, settled in the same neighborhood.

Lewis H. Baldwin and Maria Jane Elledge had nine children, namely, John Boone, Charles Wesley, Rebecca (Rebeckah) Jane, Sarah Ann, James Lewis, Elizabeth Julia, Grace Abigail, Thomas Henry and David Samuel.

Lewis H. Baldwin died in his Fairmount home March 6, 1883. According to the inscription on his tombstone he was 71 years, three months and 15 days old; according to his death certificate on file in the Pike county courthouse he was 72 years, three months and 20 days old. His widow, the only daughter of Boone and Rebecca Elledge, continuing to reside in the Fairmount home, survived until February 7, 1908, passing away at the age of 92 years, two months and 23 days.

A twin monument in Hinman Cemetery marks the graves of Maria Jane and her husband. Nearby are the graves of her parents, Boone and Rebecca Elledge; also the grave of her noted pioneer aunt, Tabitha Beall, who had been the wife of Boone Elledge's brother, William.