Silas Baldwin, p. 1013

SILAS BALDWIN. Among the pioneer families of Franklin township, the name of Baldwin has ever been a synonym for enterprise and industry. The early home of that family was in the State of New Jersey, where they were engaged for many years in agriculture.

Jonathan Baldwin first came to Washington county, Penn., with his family, and settling in Morris township, made a new home in the unbroken wilderness. His three sons, William, Francis and Jonathan, assisted their father, toiling early and late to secure a comfortable home. In a few years the father and mother were laid to rest near the scene of their labors, and the sons began life for themselves. After the death of the parents, Francis Baldwin, in 1803, married Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Hill, a resident of East Finley township, and the following children were born to them: Stephen, Sarah, Thomas, Jonathan, John, Phoebe, Francis, Sealy, James, Amos, Silas and Cephas. Mr. Baldwin was one of the organizers and a liberal supporter of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Van Buren. In politics he was a member of the Whig party. Thomas Hill was in the war of the Revolution, and when it was over he settled in East Finley township and married Jemima Enloe. He had several thrilling adventures with the Indians and many narrow escapes. Three children were born to them: James, Isem, and Rebecca, who married Francis Baldwin.

Silas, son of Francis aud Rebecca Baldwin, was born December 4, 1827, in Morris township, and passed his boyhood on the farm. In early manhood he was married to Sarah (daughter of Thomas and Margaret Sargeant), who bore him children as follows: John T., Mary J., Sarah M., Anna V., William E., Elizabeth E., Ida F. and Ira F. Mr. Baldwin still manages the farm with the aid of his children, and his property is the result of his own economy and industry. Politically he was a Whig, but since the Republican party was organized, has been an active worker for the principles embodied in that platform. William E. Baldwin was married to Mary J., daughter of John B. Weir, and they have four children: Morris P., Leo D., Julia Audrey, and an unnamed infant. This family is second to none in industry and enterprise, and enjoy the esteem of the community in which they reside. John T. Baldwin married Alice Mires, to whom one daughter, Eva Jane Baldwin, was born.

Text taken from page 1013 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).

Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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