Biography - John A. Baldwin
John A. Baldwin, one of the prosperous and prominent farmers and stock raisers
of Greene [C]ounty, after almost fifty years’ residence in this county, feels
perfectly satisfied with Illinois as a place of residence, appreciating its
advantages and business opportunities, and through the careful direction of his
individual interests, adding to the general prosperity and upbuilding of the
community, especially along agricultural lines. He was born in White Hall
[T]ownship, June 26, 1855, a son of Benjamin F. and Hannah (Severs) Baldwin. His
paternal grandfather, Benjamin Baldwin, Sr., was the founder of the family in
this state, coming to Illinois from Marion [C]ounty, Ohio. He was a splendid
type of the self-made man, for though he started out in life empty-handed he
accumulated several thousand acres of land in Illinois and also left to his son
Benjamin a tract of eighty acres in Ohio. He possessed splendid business ability
and keen discernment, which enabled him to make judicious investments, and as
the years passed he became one of the most extensive landowners in this part of
the state.
Benjamin F. Baldwin was long a man of prominence in public life in Greene
[C]ounty, active and influential along many lines which promoted the welfare of
his community. For thirty years he acted as marshal at the annual county fairs
held in Carrollton and was noted for his efficiency and the promptness with
which he discharged his duties. He always carried on farming and in the
development of the fields and the care of his crops he showed the spirit of the
progressive agriculturist. Unto him and his wife were born seven children:
Marilla, deceased; Lou S., who is living in White Hall [T]ownship; Mary, who
resides in St Paul; George, a resident of Bluffdale; Alice, the wife of H.
Porter; John A.; and A. C. Baldwin, a stock farmer of Greene [C]ounty.
At the usual age John Baldwin became a public school student, and when not
occupied with his text-books he assisted in the cultivation of the home farm or
enjoyed the pleasures in which farmer lads of the period indulged. In 1887 he
was united in marriage to Clara E. Robley, a daughter of Vilroy and Katherine
(Spencer) Robley, the latter a daughter of Hiram and Jane Spencer, of White Hall
Hall [sic] [T]ownship. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have been born two children:
Edith S. and Edna A., twins, who were born June 23, 1896.
Mr. Baldwin resides upon a farm which formerly belonged to is father-in-law and
is engaged extensively and successfully in stock-raising. He makes a specialty
of what is known as the Thin Rind breed of hogs, a kind that is now recognized
among hog raisers as well defined breed of the bacon producers. It originated in
Kentucky and was developed in Pike [C]ounty, Missouri. The hogs are
distinguished by a white band around a black body. The sows are prolific and
good mothers and cross well with other breeds. The stock is now registered and
is raised in many parts of the United States. Mr. Baldwin also raises potatoes
of the finest variety, covering them with straw only and thus saving cultivation
and the labor of digging. He is also a believer in modern methods of farming,
and while quick to adopt a new idea, it must be one which his judgment tells him
will prove practical. His labors have been carried energetically forward and he
has accomplished much as a former and stock-raiser, being now one of the
prosperous men of his community.
Extracted 2021 Aug 23 by Marti Swanson from Past and Present of Greene County, Illinois, by Ed Miner, published in 1905, pages 603-604.
