John Baxter of Sidney Plains, 1879

Mr. John Baxter

Bainbridge Republican, February 13, 1879

 

Mr. John Baxter, son of Mary and Levi Baxter, was born in Delhi, Delaware Co., N.Y., June, 1796.  His father, who was a farmer and lumberman, etc. was born in Windsor, Conn., August 14th, 1765, where he resided till the year 1791, when he moved to Delhi, being then in the 26th year of his age.  At that time there was but one family living in the place, and it was a dense and almost an unbroken wilderness from there to Catskill.  As one of the many little incidents connected with the early settlement of this section of the country we would mention that Mr. Baxter in the month of June following his arrival at Delhi, went with his ox team and sled to mill at Schoharie, when the echoing sounds of wolf and panther were heard in every direction.  Mr. Baxter remained in Delhi 14 years, when he removed to Sidney Plains in February, 1805, where he engaged in the farming and lumbering business quite extensively and amassed a large landed property, which he subsequently divided among his children, which comprised seven sons and one daughter, who all grew up and became married and settled in life, with the exception of one son who remained single.  Mr. Baxter died May 26th, 1851, in the 86th year of his age.  His wife who was born July 11, 1777, died January 7, 1859.

 

Mr. John Baxter, the subject of this sketch, was the fourth son (and with an invalid brother) are all that now remain of this once large and prosperous family.  For many years he followed the occupation of his father, but his health failing he sought a change in business and engaged in the mercantile trade, in the village of Unadilla, in the year 1835, where he remained for three years, when he again returned to the farm.  Mr. Baxter was first married January 20, 1820, to Miss Ann Johnston, daughter of Col. Witter Johnston, and by whom he had three children, all of whom died young.  His wife also died on the 2d of July, 1826,.  But he was again married November 14th, 1827, to Maria Towndson, daughter of William Towndson, Esq. of Walton, by whom he also had three children, a son and two daughters, all of which lived to grow up, but two have since died.  The oldest daughter, Eliza, (now Mrs. M.L. Rogers) resides at the present time in Iowa, where she also has a daughter married.  Mrs. Baxter, his second wife, died March 15th, 1835.  He was again married to Mary Johnston, sister of his first wife, Oct. 5th, 1838.

 

Mr. Baxter was early connected with the First Congregational Church of this place, having joined in the year of 1812, and has always been a prominent and active member.  He has also held important offices in town, and always maintained a high respectability in this community, and though suffering greatly from impaired health, still appears to enjoy social life to a wonderful extent.  He is at once pleasing and interesting in his manners and conversation, displaying all the characteristics of a cultured gentleman.  He is possessed of a kind and genial spirit, with a warm and sympathetic nature that leads him to perform among the needy many acts of charitable kindness.  And though he has retired from active labor, upon a competency he still feels a love for improving and beautifying the present homestead.  The evergreen hedges which adorn the avenue leading to his residence, are among the finest in the State, and which not only renders his situation rich and attractive but reflects great credit upon its projector.  In person Mr. Baxter is tall, being about six feet high, with a slender form, and weighing only 133 pounds, but his carriage is erect, with a quick and firm step and is one whose form and presence would be greatly missed from the home fireside, the social circle and the busy street.

Compiler Note:  John Baxter died May 12, 1881 at the age of 85 years and was buried in Pioneer Cemetery in Sidney, Delaware Co., NY.  His two wives are also buried in Pioneer Cemetery:  Ann (d. July 2, 1826, AE 29y), Maria (d. Apr. 15, 1835, AE 37y)  [Etched in Stone in Sidney, Delaware Co., NY, Shirley Boyce Goerlich, 1997, p 36]