Baldwin Milton01

Waupaca County Post

January 23, 1919

M.R. BALDWIN PASSES AWAY MONDAY NOON

CITY OFFICIALS AND CITIZENS PAY HONOR TO ESTEEMED CITIZEN AT FUNERAL ON WEDNESDAY

WAS ASSESSOR 19 YEARS

DECEASED WAS A PIONEER IN THIS COMMUNITY,COMING HERE SIXTY-THREE YEARS AGO

Milton Rice Baldwin, one of Waupaca’s oldest as well as most esteemed citizens and a resident of this community during the past sixty-three years, passed away peacefully and happily Monday noon at 12:30, the end coming after a life spent in useful and active efforts for the good of mankind.

He was one of the pioneers of Wisconsin, one of her early settlers and he underwent all of the hardships and vicissitudes of that trying time in the development of this great state. Many and great were his experiences, and because of his uprightness of character he was the adviser and friend of the Indians as well as of the early settlers. And it was owing to his influence that much of the early development of Waupaca county was due.

He was a devoted Christian, a helpful member of the Baptist church, aiding in all the movements to add to increase the churches influence, earned a record it is believed unapproached by any other man of his age in the state. He as a good parent, a kindly, neighbor and a friend to all, leaving a void it will be hard to fill.

Mr. Baldwin was born at Cherry Valley, Genessee County, New York in 1830, coming to Wisconsin about October, 1847, teaching school for a time near Racine, until 1850, when he went to Iola, where he engaged in the saw mill business with S.S. Chandler, Sr.

On May 5^th, 1853, he was married to Miss Augusta Chandler by whom he had eight children, six of whom survive. Mrs. Baldwin died in 1908. His living children are: Mrs. Ranson Bailey, West Allis; Mrs. William Prince, Duluth; Mrs. Alvin Cartwright, Waupaca; Frank S. Baldwin, now mayor of West Allis, Wis.; Wallace H. Baldwin, Kenosha; and Walter C. Baldwin of this city. He also leaves sixteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mr. Baldwin came to Waupaca about sixty-three years ago, entering the milling business and erecting a flour mill on the site now occupied by the Nelson Lumber Co.’s mill. He continued in this industry for many years retiring about thirty years ago. On April 4^th, 1900, he was elected assessor of Waupaca, succeeding James A. Van Epps, and he was re-elected nine times, making his terms cover nineteen years, a record seldom made by a man of his years. He was also justice of the peace for over twenty-five years.

For years rheumatism had impaired his ability to walk but his mental powers were preserved and his energy and public interest maintained to the very day of his death, and in all he had the esteem and honor of his fellow citizens.

The end came quietly. He was up town only a day or two before he passed away, and he suffered no particular pain.

One of the last statements was that “he was satisfied, as his work seemed to be done,” referring to the victory won by America, and to the improvements made in his beloved church in the building of the new parsonage.

Funeral

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon from the home and was attended by the Mayor and City Council, and many friends and neighbors, as well as by the immediate relatives. The Rev. Anthony Jacobs officiated at the solemn service, interment being in Lake Side cemetery.

Among those who came to the funeral from other cities were: Frank Baldwin, mayor of West Allis; Wallace Baldwin of Kenosha; Mr. and Mrs. Rant Bailey, West Allis, and Mr. and Mrs. W.I. Prince of Duluth, Minn.