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CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS BIOGRAPHIES HENRY NELSON The subject of this sketch, Henry Nelson, of Jamestown, is the fourth son of the late Nels Nelson and was born on the Island of Zealand in 1847. His parents came to America in May, 1865, and settled near St. Louis. In The meantime Kansas was being widely advertised and three years later he emigrated west to Silver Lake, Shawnee county, which was then a flag station. He found employment on the farm of a half-breed Indian whose wife was the daughter of a Pottawatomie chief. The old chief had two wives, a white woman of French origin and a squaw. His employer's Indian wife would often relate the customs of her tribe. Among many strange incidents the following grew some transaction was graphically related to Mr. Nelson by the chiefs daughter: Two braves of the same tribe engaged in a duel and fought until one of the warriors fell mortally wounded under a blow from the murderous tomahawk. The assassin was brought before the Pottawatomie chief and bound down to the earth, while in two long lines each of the duelists' kins-men were arranged upon either side of the doomed savage. Each faction ''rounded up" their ponies, brought blankets, beads, and all sorts of Indian valuables, and a treaty was begun. Each side contributed alternately until much wealth of its kind was stacked up in two huge piles. Finally the palm was yielded to the friends of the slain warrior who had bought him for the purpose of wreaking revenge upon the blood-thirsty Indian for the slaying of their brave kinsman. They did not remove the victim, but there, pinioned to the earth in the presence of their chief, braves, squaws and papooses, they proceeded to establish vengeance by taking clubs and beating the hapless Indian until life was extinct. In the autumn of 1869 Mr. Nelson came to Cloud county, homesteaded in Buffalo township and lived there until removing to his present farm, which consists of eighty acres adjoining the townsite of Jamestown, where he has a pleasant home. Mr. Nelson came to Kansas minus both money and experience, lived in a dugout and endured many hardships. His first team was obtained by buying two suckling calves and when they were two years old he broke fifty-five acres of prairie with them and a yoke of three-year-olds-besides some" plowing. There were some buffalo in the vicinity at that time, mostly old ones that ranged over the salt marsh; but a short distance further west they were numerous. Mr. Nelson was married in April, 1878, to Ellen Lathrop, a daughter of Bela C, and Samantha W. (Worden) Lathrop, both of New York birth; her father was of Otsego county and her mother of Neversink, Sullivan county. Mrs. Nelson is descended from the distinguished house of Lathrop. The emigrant to America was the Reverend John Lathrop of Cherry Burton, County York, England. Having joined the deserters, he was sorely persecuted and took refuge in the New World across the seas. The crest of the family name dates as far as 1101 A. D. Their emblem of a fighting cock was used to denote the highest honor. It is still found on the monument of the brave Captain Lathrop, who was killed by the Indians in 1675, and lies buried in the Granary burial ground in the city of Boston. It is further recorded that the family coat of arms was an eagle displayed, from which our national coat of arms was taken, and which is not only found on every American flag, but upon every old American coin. Mrs. Nelson's grandfather, Henry Lathrop, was born in Connecticut, in 1786. He was from the ancient and royal family of his name, who were descended from the Rev. John Lathrop of whom honorable mention is made in the early histories of the settlement of America. Mrs. Nelson's father, Bela C, the youngest son of Henry owned twenty acres of the townsite whereon the city of Chicago now stands. Mrs. Nelson retains the deed which is dated Feb. 9, 1843. He died in the state of Michigan in 1864. Mrs. Nelson was born in the southern part of Michigan, Shiawassee county, in 1852. She is the youngest of a family of four, two sons and two daughters. After her father's death, a son-in-law, who conducted his business affairs, emigrated to Clay county, Kansas, secured a homestead in town 7, at the head of Maul creek, and built a small house, preparatory to the advent of the family. Mrs. Nelson's two brothers took adjoining claims; one of them died and Mrs. Nelson held the land he had filed on. She was brave enough to ride a pony from the school she was teaching to her homestead every Friday night, spending Saturday and Sunday there. She used her saddle for a pillow and slept soundly with nothing to disturb her slumbers but the occasional yelp of the coyote, the ominous hoot of the owl or the sighing of the Kansas zephyr, and in this way earned the title to a quarter section of land. Mrs. Nelson was a pioneer teacher. She taught her first term in Riley county and "boarded around," and she taught the first school in Highland township, Clay county. The district at that time extended over into Riley county, some two miles. The school house was a combination dugout and sod hut which was overrun with mice until the snakes made it their rendez-vous and drove them from the premises, an effective, but unpleasant remedy. Mrs. Nelson's only brother, Alonzo Lathrop, lives near West Plains, Howell county, Missouri, To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson five children have been born: three sons died in infancy. Their daughters are: Jennie, the wife of Will D. Hobson, foreman of the Beloit Times, and Florence, who is teaching her first term of school one and one-half miles south of Beloit. She graduated from the Jamestown High School April 21, 1900. When Gilbert Frederick, a Swedish boy, was but three years old, he found a home in the Nelson family to supply the loss of their own sons, as it were, and grew up in their household as one of their own. He was married in December, 1901, to Miss Lena French, a daughter of Benjamin French. They are the parents of a little daughter, Merl. Mr. Nelson with his wife and family visited Denmark
in April, 1893; but he asserts, after having breathed the freedom of this country, he prefers America and could
not again conform to the laws and customs of Europe. While abroad Mrs. Nelson represented the Kansas State Historical
Society. They made brief visits to Ireland, Scotland and Norway, and brought home many interesting views and souvenirs
of their travels. Mrs. Nelson is an intellectual, cultured woman of considerable literary ability. She takes an
active interest in educational work; was elected clerk of district No. 19 in 1886 and resigned to visit Europe
six years later. She was the first woman to serve in this capacity in Cloud county. Socially Mr. Nelson is a man honored and esteemed for his good citizenship. Politically he is a Republican and has always stood for the principles of his party. One of the most shining marks among the self-made men of Cloud county, is T. D. Clemons, whose farm is located less than one mile southwest of Jamestown. From a farm laborer he has become one of the most prosperous and well-to-do men of the county. When our subject was but six years of age his mother died, hence, without maternal training, experience, or pecuniary aid, his duties were doubly difficult to perform; but regardless of the many discouragements, he has won financial success. Four years elapsed after he was orphaned ere Mr. Clemons could claim a home. But he was fortunate from that period for he lived in the family of Norman Nims and received the same kind consideration that was accorded their own, and, although he worked very hard, owes his success in life to his foster parents with whom he continued to live for eleven years. Prior to attaining his majority, he worked for his board and clothes and when twenty-one received one hundred dollars. Mr. Clemons gained a common school education but his career proves the truth of Sir Walter Scott's statement "The best part of a man's education is that which he gives himself," and also emphasizes Gibbon's assertion "Every man has two educations, one which is given him, the other and more important one, that which he has acquired through actual experience." Soon after reaching his twenty-first year, our subject became restless on the farm, and deciding to become a clerk or something less laborious than farm life, left the state of Michigan, the place of his nativity, and removed to Ohio. After spending considerable of his small capital he decided the safest and surest plan was to stick to the farm, as a strange and unexperienced boy could not find many situations awaiting him. Ben Wheeler, a younger brother of Ex-Senator Wheeler, of Concordia, accompanied Mr. Clemons to Ohio and the two young men decided while there to try their fortunes in the west. The idea of coming to Cloud county suggested itself because Senator Wheeler was there and they would not be entirely alone among strangers. But Mr. Wheeler did not want to go west until spring; so Mr. Clemons started alone, landed in Cloud county in December, I88I, and a few weeks later secured employment on the farm of Will McCall and remained there until returning to Michigan, nineteen months later. But having had a taste of western life he was not contented there. Consequently in the autumn of the same year he and his brother bought tickets for Marion Center and were headed that way; but when they arrived at Emporia and Cottonwood Falls, they found there was a demand for men to garner the large corn crop of that section and they both worked there that winter. There were other attractive features for Mr. Clemons, however, for while previously sojourning in Kansas he met the young woman he afterward married, and who may have been in reality the magnet which drew him back. Mrs. Clemons before their marriage, the 9th of March, 1884, was Miss Lettie Hitchcox, a daughter of William Hitchcox (see sketch). She was a successful teacher and taught in the Jamestown school. The first two years there was but one room and while the professor was holding forth with the larger pupils she would impart knowledge to the little folks herded in one corner. By her marriage to Mr. Clemons her school teaching ended and she assumed the responsibilities of a home. She has been a true helpmate to her husband and to her good counsel much of their success is undoubtedly due. They are the parents of three children, two sons and one daughter. Clarence, the eldest son, aged seventeen, is like his father, very ambitious. Mabel, a young girl of fourteen years, made a fine record as a student. She graduated in the common branches when but twelve and one-half years old and received the certificate of reward in reading, as the best in the county, and only lacked a small fraction of receiving the highest grade in her class. She is now in the senior grade of the Jamestown high school. Phil, the third child, is aged seven. When Mr. and Mrs. Clemons started on thq journey of life together their capital consisted of rather an inferior team of horses, harness and wagon. A little reserve fund from Mrs. Clemons' salary enabled them to "set up housekeeping" after a very meagre fashion; but they prospered, and since buying his first land, eighty acres jointly with his brother in 1885, Mr. Clemons has accumulated a total of six hundred and eighty acres. The many fine shade trees of box-elder, ash, hackberry and elm are a pleasing feature of their handsome home, for their residence is situated in one of the bends of Cheyenne creek and is surrounded by a profusion of forest trees Among the other desirable improvements are a good barn, sheds for all his stock, a fine peach orchard of three hundred trees and a fine apple and apricot orchard just ready to bear. One of the most genial and highly respected citizens of Jamestown, William Hitchcox, emigrated to Kansas in 1880, and bought the original homestead of E. J. Marsh. The capital he represented would aggregate about two thousand dollars and unlike so many people who brought their shekels to Kansas and lost them, the subject of this sketch accumulated more. He owns and lives on a farm adjacent to Jamestown, one of the best improved properties in the township. There is one hundred and sixty acres of land now under a high state of cultivation. It was entirely without improvements except a few acres of sod turned and "a two shilling house" as Mr. Hitchcox expressed it. A small addition was built to the shanty and in this unpretentious dwelling the family spent their first two years; then built the handsome nine-room cottage they now occupy. There are also substantial barns. The land is second bottom and produces wheat and alfalfa principally, since corn is not a part of the crop. His alfalfa field consists of forty acres and Mr. Hitchcox expresses the opinion that this forage crop is one of the most paying industries in Kansas. Mr. Hitchcox was born on a farm in Cass county, Michigan in 1835. His parents were Jairus and Loana (Blakely) Hitchcox. His father was a native of the state of New York, born in 1798. He emigrated to Michigan in 1828, when that country was a pioneer state, and helped to drive the trouble-some Indian from that part of the country. He died in 1850. Our subject's mother was also of New York birth; she died in their Michigan home in 1871. Mr. Hitchcox was one of ten children, five boys and five girls. Four sons and one daughter are living. The sister, Mrs. Charles, is a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. James Hitchcox lives on the old homestead in Michigan, F. A. Hitchcox resides in the same township, and Lucius Q. also lives there and is a horticulturist and farmer. Mr. Hitchcox grew to manhood in Cass county, Michigan, was educated in the common schools and lived there until coming to the fair state of Kansas. He was married in 1858 to Elizabeth, the daughter of Samuel Z. and Mary (Mechling) Jones. Her father was of southern birth; he was born in Virginia in 1817. When about eighteen years of age he emigrated with his parents to Goshen, Indiana, where he shortly afterward learned the black-smith trade which became his occupation, though he owned a small farm. In 1843 the family moved to Cass county, Michigan, where he died in 1864. Her mother was born in Pennsylvania, in 1818 and with her parents settled in Indiana, where she met and married Samuel Z. Jones. She still lives in Michigan with one of her daughters and is eighty-four years old. Mr. Hitchcox when a small lad accompanied his father on a trip to Indiana and when, at what was later his father-in-law's home, it was proposed, in a jesting way, that they give or take the boy and girl. When the suggestion was offered neither parent forsaw that a similar proceeding would at some future time take place without their solicitation, for when the shy youth and blushing little maiden grew to manhood and womanhood they carried out the premature proposition, our subject marrying the little girl he met that day. Mrs. Hitchcox is one of eleven children-three sons and eight daugh-ters; among them was a pair of twins. There are but four of the eleven living. Her two sisters and a brother are all residents of Michigan. To Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcox four children have been born. Their eldest daughter Delphine, a promising young woman, died in 1880-seven months after their arrival in Kansas-at the age of nineteen years; Lettie, the wife of T. D. Clemons, is a daughter; Carl (see sketch); Bertha, an estimable and amiable young woman, lives at home. Mr. Hitchcox is an exponent of Republican principles and has served as treasurer of his township. For several years he was a member of the school board and did much to advance educational interests. He is one of those jovial, good-natured men who evidently set store by the old adage. "Care to our coffin adds a nail, no doubt; And every grin so merry draws one out." Mr. Hitchcox and his family are among the prosperous representative citizens of their locality. The latch string of their pleasant, hospitable home is always hanging out, and a cordial welcome is extended to their large circle of friends and acquaintances. One of the successful farmers of Grant township is Carl Hitchcox, son of William Hitchcox of the preceding sketch. He came to Kansas with his parents and with them settled on the farm just east of Jamestown. He was born in Cass county, Michigan, in 1864. Cass county is in the extreme southern part of the state and the farm where our subject was reared is near the city of Elkhart, Indiana. He attended the common schools of that vicinity, "but, not having attained his majority when he emigrated to Kansas, he became a pupil in the Jamestown schools. He has always been a farmer; one of the practical kind that makes farming a successful and profitable industry. He tegan by renting land of his father and gained rapidly until two years later he had at one time three farms rented. In the autumn of 1891, he bought two hundred acres of state land, two miles northeast of Jamestown, then owned by Laban Lockard. A small granary and stable with one hundred acres of ground under cultivation, constituted the improvements. Mr. Hitchcox steadily gained until he now owns a half section of land. Seven years ago he built a handsome cottage of eight rooms; prior to this he had provided for his horses a substantial barn. Mr. Hitchcox made his start and acquired the bulk of his property through raising wheat, but as a sort of side issue he transacts a mule business. Buying the animals when about two years old, he raises and disposes of them at the home market. To gain his present standard was not accomplished without reverses, crop failures, etc.; but by judicious management he has always kept above the tide and won out. Wheat raising is his favorite industry and the present year (1902) he has sown about two hundred acres. He intends dealing more extensively in mules, however, and raising more alfalfa for pasture. Mr. Hitchcox was married in 1896, to Miss Millie Gee, of Edgar, Nebraska, where she had lived since a child o( three years. Her parents, Isaac and Jennie (Scriven) Gee, were natives of Ohio. After a few years residence in Indiana they emigrated in an early day to Carroll county, Iowa, where Mrs. Hitchcox was born and lived until she was three years of age. Her father is a retired farmer and now resides in Edgar, Nebraska. To Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcox one son has been born, Rolla Worth, a promising little fellow, aged five. They are members of the Jamestown Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hitchcox, like his father, is a Republican and has always affiliated with that party. Our subject has always left a great many of the smaller duties of life for his father to attend, and has been more or less dependent upon the performances of these little items, while he shouldered the more weighty affairs to lesson the burdens of his parent's declining years. Along these lines a good story is told of him: He had not been out from under the parental roof but a brief time when one night soon after his marriage the locality was visited by a heavy storm, and his wife awakened him, saying, "Carl, it is raining, you had better put the window down." Whereupon he drowsily responded, "Pa will put the window down." Notwithstanding this little episode he is a man of energy and sound judgment that have won for him valuable interests, and is ranked among the well-to-do farmers of that section. The subject of this sketch, Anthony Loftus, is one of the oldest settlers of the Jamestown vicinity. His farm consists of a half section of land west of Jamestown, the eastern line adjoining the corporation. Mr, Loftus visited Cloud county in the autumn of 1870, and purchased the quarter section where he established a home and still lives. He homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of government land, one quarter of a mile to the south; making altogether a half section. The home place is nearly all bottom land lying on either side of Cheyenne creek; the homestead is second bottom. Air. Loftus is of Celtic origin, having been born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1832. He is one of seven brothers, and two sisters. Both of the latter are living, but our subject, is the only surviving brother. When nine years of age Mr. Loftus emigrated to America with his parents, and settled in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. When seventeen years of age, Mr. Loftus joined a paternal uncle who lived near the Canadian line, where for three years he followed steamboating. He began as a deck hand, but shortly afterward was promoted to watchman, as a reward for bravery during a perilous storm. When the gale struck the steamer there was but one jib up, and Mr. Loftus was the only man among a crew of twelve who would ascend and reef the sails. This courage and daring upon his part gained him promotion. Though he experienced many storms and narrow escapes, he liked life on the water, but laughingly remarked, "He could not swim, and thought dry land a safer proposition." After Mr. Loftus left the lakes he engaged in railroad construction and later became a section boss, holding that position twenty-one years. He has also railroaded some in Kansas, and was more successful financially in that line than in farming. Through a communication received from Robert Stevens, general superintendent of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad, asking him to come west, Mr. Loftus owes his advent into the state. Our subject was not without means, however, for he had a fair sized "nestegg" in the shape of four thousand dollars saved from his earnings. In 1872, Mr. Loftus erected the most commodious house in the vicinity at that time, hauling every board from Junction City. The flooring cost eighty-five dollars per thousand and the shingles six dollars per thousand, not including the time and expense of hauling, but they have survived thirty years of weather, wear and tear. This is one of the most historical houses in the locality of Jamestown. During the early settlement of that part of the county it was headquarters-a sort of "town hair for the whole community, not only as a pleasure ground, but here Father Mollier said mass for seven years, and even political gatherings held forth there; and also, the first school in the township was taught in this residence with Miss Clara McBride, who had scarcely reached her teens, installed as teacher. It was also a sort of inn, for many people traveling through the country would stop with them, and none were turned away, for Mr. Loftus and his family were generous and sympathetic, receiving with hospitality all who sought shelter under their roof. Mr. Loftus was married in i860, in Elmira, New York, to Miss Ann McQuire. After emigrating to the west, Mrs. Loftus insisted that she was tired of railroading, and persuaded her husband to buy a farm, which he concedes to be the best act of his life. Mrs. Loftus, who was a good and noble woman, died in October, 1890. She did much for the sick and needy, and the poor never left her door unfed. To the unfortunate, she lent a helping hand; to the sick, her ministrations were given without price; to the erring, she was merciful; the good Samaritan of the neighborhood, a true friend, a devoted wife and mother. She left two sons. A daughter, seventeen years of age preceded her demise. The oldest son, Thomas Edward, like his father, is a railroad man. He is in the train service with headquarters at Kansas City. Michael, the second son, operates the farm and is a genuine and practical farmer. He has grown to manhood on the homestead, and like all the old settlers, has witnessed the growth and development of the country from a wild waste of land into a prosperous and flourishing commonwealth. He herded cattle for five years, collecting stock from all over the country. He received fifteen cents a head per month and often grazed his herd over the present site of Jamestown. Michael Loftus was married in 1890 to Johanna Downey, a daughter of John Downey, an old resident of Cloud county who now lives in the Solomon valley, near Glasco. Mr. and Mrs. Loftus are the parents of seven children, namely: William A., Honorable, John, Thomas Edward, Michael Francis, Anna and Richard James. Anthony Loftus is a warm friend of Kansas and says "All things considered, none compare with the Sunflower state." Politically he is a Democrat. During the years that Populism invaded and captured the state he affiliated with that party; but after one or two votes, returned to the old ranks with renewed confidence in its superiority. The subject of this sketch, C. N. Baldwin, is a pioneer of Ness county, Kansas. He settled in that part of the state in 1873, and for two years made a business of hunting buffalo for their hides; not only for the the profit gained, but he was a single man and enjoyed that nomadic sort of life. When Mr. Baldwin located in Ness county, there were but two white settlers be-tween him and the Rockies; he was thoroughly on the frontier and Indians were numerous. There were only about one-half dozen settlers in the entire county, and but two White women. The nearest postoffice was forty miles distant. Mr. Baldwin was one of thirty bachelors in the county, and Miss Emma Clason was one of the two young women, and she captured the "Yankee." Their nuptials were celebrated in the centennial year, 1876, Mr. Baldwin took up government land and made a home there, experiencing .all the incidences of frontier life. The settlers were in constant fear of the Indians, and would gather together in the only large stone bam in the country to fortify themselves, momentarily expecting an onslaught of the savages. Rooster feathers were scarce, but the Indians would gather them for decorating purposes and beg for everything in sight. Sometimes asking for salt, saying: Tony died, eat him. Notwithstanding the many drawbacks, Mr. Baldwin prospered there in cattle, sheep, and horse raising. Upon several occasions he hauled corn from Salina (one hundred and fifty miles), to fatten hogs. Becoming restless, he sold his interests in Ness county, in 1880, and after spending three years in Arkansas, came to Cloud county. His family was visited by sickness and they lost their eldest son while in that state, which caused them to long for Kansas, their former happy home, and after trading their Arkansas farm for a stock of goods and a patent right, he sold the former and by the aid of a map selected "Fanny," as their destination; was attracted by the name and Mr. Baldwin replied "I'll go to Fanny." They came to Jamestown and Concordia and on through to Jewell county. One year later they drifted back into Cloud county and bought one hundred and sixty acres of Normal School land. Not for several years did the family know they had located very near the first point of their destination which had lost its identity. The name of "Fanny" was mentioned and upon inquiry found it had been a postoffice very near the present site of Prairie Gem school house. While traveling over the country, Mr. Baldwin's capital was reduced to a span of ponies, and he necessarily underwent many discouragements, but could not go elsewhere; his means were exhausted. He conceived the idea of making molasses, and he not only owed for his land, but went in debt for a sorghum mill. There was much cane raised at that time, and he manu-factured hundreds of gallons of molasses that year. The investment proved a good one, and in the year 1898 they made eight thousand gallons and raised one hundred acres of cane. He made a wholesale business of it, raising his own cane instead of grinding for the farmers, and increased the capacity of his mill to four hundred gallons daily, grinding and cooking by steam. The latest equipment of machinery cost him two thousand dollars. The whole country being in wheat, as soon as the crop was gathered the chinch bugs would come in from every side, and cover the cane, until Mr. Baldwin was compelled to discontinue this enterprise. However, he thinks he may try it again in the near future. On September 1, 1896, a most painful accident occurred in the engine room of the mill. Their little two-year-old daughter, Lois, was so badly scalded by the escaping steam of a bursted boiler that she did not survive the accident but a few moments and was unconscious from the first. The engineer, Chris Hoel, in trying to save the little one was badly burned. While wading through the hot water that had flooded the room, to turn off the steam, Mr. Baldwin had his feet severely scalded. Another and older daughter, who was with the unfortunate little victim, was also badly burned. The parents, brother and sisters were wild with anguish, but the accident was one of those unavoidable things that bring death and destruction without a moment's warning. Mr. Baldwin is a native of Connecticut, born on a farm in Litchfield county, in 1846. He is a son of Junius and Mehitabel (Beldin) Baldwin His paternal grandfather and two brothers came to America in colonial days; one settled in the state of New York, one in Massachusetts, and the other in Connecticut. When Mr. Baldwin was nine years of age his mother died. His father was married three times. He subsequently removed east of Hartford, where he died in 1875. By the first union there were two sons; by the second two sons and a daughter; by the third one daughter. Mr. Baldwin visited the old Connecticut home in the summer of 1902, and attended the reunion of old veterans at Washington, D. C. The nineteenth Infantry, the regiment Mr. Baldwin enlisted in, was one and one-half years later merged into the Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He served two years and eleven months. About three months after entering the service he was appointed drummer boy, and he has in his possession the drum and drum sticks, with which he has beaten many a march for the martial tread of the "boys in blue." Mr. Baldwin's extreme youth saved him from severe punishment on one particular occasion. While he was returning to Lyons, their headquarters, Mr. Baldwin was attracted by a garden adjacent to a cottage The guard spied him and called "Halt." The drummer boy refused, and the guard started in hot pursuit. When he overtook him a scuffle ensued, in which Mr. Baldwin beat him over the head with his drum sticks. Enthused with the desire to become a soldier, Mr. Baldwin ran away from the parental roof. On the eve of his departure from the service his father found him, administered some good advice, and bade him take care of himself. Mr. Baldwin was among the few old veterans in attendance at Washington, D. C, who participated in the first review in that city in 1865 and the last in 1902. He served his country well, and though a youth, took part in nineteen battles and skirmishes. He was with Grant, after leaving Washington, and was in the battle of the Wilderness at Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, across the James river to City Point, tearing up several railroads while enroute to the latter place. He was in battles under both Grant and Sheridan; was with the latter when he made his famous ride from Winchester. He belonged to the Sixth Army Corps, and was with them when they found General Jubal Early in sight of the capital and routed him out through the Shenanoah Valley. On the 19th day of October, near Center creek, they routed his forces, captured his wagons and heavy artillery. After this event they returned to Washington and took transports for City Point. During the winter they were called out to extend their lines and while on this expedition engaged in a battle at Hatches' Run. A snow came upon them, making their services arduous and disagreeable. The troops had retired for the night, when Grant broke the lines in the winter of 1864-5. They heard a commotion and upon looking out, discovered troops were passing; a moment later they received orders to fall in line. The enemy could be seen in the distance; the two lines passing in opposite directions; they lost but few men. When the battered corps arrived at Petersburg, to their surprise, they met President Lincoln. The troops overtook the enemy a week later, and a battle was fought a few days before the surrender of General Lee. Mr. Baldwin witnessed Custer's troops coming in with each of his staff carrying a rebel flag. Mr. Baldwin's visit to the "Nutmeg" state, where he was born and where he lived until attaining his twenty-seventh year, was not the least of the many pleasures enjoyed on his eastern trip in 1902. The rugged mountains that were once regarded in the light of everyday things, seemed higher; the rocks more gigantic. His stepmother, who had not seen him for thirty years, did not know her son; his father had passed into the "Great Beyond/' his sisters and brothers grown to manhood and womanhood, and living in homes of their own. Everything and everybody seemed changed, but he en-joyed reviewing the scenes of his boyhood days. "As fond recollections pre-sent them to view." To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin nine children have been born. Two of whom are deceased. Carrie, their oldest daughter, is the wife of Sherman Robinson, a farmer of Grant township. His father, W. H. Robinson, is an old resident of Cloud county. Junius, the eldest son, a namesake of his paternal grandfather, a young man of twenty-three years, has begun the battle of life for himself. Minnie, their second daughter, is a student on her second year of the Concordia high school. Wesley, a young man of seventeen years, assists his father very materially on the farm in summer and attends the home school in winter. May and Bertha are little school girls; the latter is a name-sake of Miss Bertha Marlatt. John, the baby, is aged three. For several years Mr. Baldwin was not very successful from a financial standpoint; but with perseverance, coupled with the assistance of his wife, who is a woman of culture and good judgment as well, the tide of fortune changed, and they now own two hundred and forty acres of land. In 1893 he erected a dwelling; remodeled it in 1897, making a handsome residence, which is situated on one of the finest sites in the country. With the aid of a glass, Concordia, Scottsville, Kackley, and Jamestown are plainly discernible. The farm is adjacent to the salt marsh, a wild waste of land that in springtime is a field of watery which adds to the beauty of the landscape. Mr. Baldwin is a staunch Republican and never changes his politics-He has served on the school board of district No. 34, and proved a very efficient member. The family are members of the Jamestown Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Baldwin studied Osteopathy under Dr. Evans, a noted Osteopath of Wichita, Kansas. He has given the science considerable attention and has treated many cases. He combines magnetism with Osteopathy in cases of sensitive patients. He keeps in touch with modern thought and scientific advancement and possesses that energy and sturdy character so invaluable to attaining success.
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