Biographies

WILLIAM W. BALDWIN, who carries on general farming on section 23, township 12 north, range 4 west, has been a resident of Henderson County since 1865. He was born in Fayette County, Ind., on the 18th of August, 1844, and comes of a family of Scotch origin. His parents were Louis M. and Sarah (Cooper) Baldwin. They had a family of only two children, the sister of our subject being Rebecca A., wife of John Spencer, a resident of Cambridge City, Ind. The father was a farmer by occupation, making that pursuit his life work. He died when our subject was only three years of age.

William W. Baldwin then went to live with an uncle, by whom he was reared. Midst play and work his boyhood days were spent. He early became familiar with all the duties of farm life, for at an early age he began work in the fields. His education was acquired in the district schools of the neighborhood, but his privileges in that direction were rather meager; however, practical business experience and observation have made him a well-informed man. He remained in the Hoosier State until he had attained his majority, when, in 1865, he bade adieu to his old home and came to Illinois, locating in Henderson County. He took up his residence near where he now resides and has since lived in this locality.

On the 5th of October, 1867, Mr. Baldwin was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Crawford, and by their union have been born eleven children, six sons and five daughters: Mary, who is now the wife of Newton Gordon; William, deceased; and Ella, James, Frank, Eli, Louis, Martha, Amos, Ida and Lena, who are still at home.

In his political views, Mr. Baldwin is a Republican, supporting the men and measures of that party. He has once filled the office of Supervisor and has also been School Director. He was true and faithful to his official duties, but the greater part of his time and attention has been devoted to his business interests.

He is an enterprising and industrious man, and his life has been a busy and useful one. He has therefore provided comfortably for his family, and has gained a pleasant home and good farm. He possesses many excellencies of character, and all who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.