Delphos Republican
June 19, 1924

Well Known Pioneer Dies

"Eleanor S. Fisher was born in Windham County, Vermont, October 30, 1843 and died June 10, 1924, at her home near Ada, Kansas, aged 80 years, 7 months and 11 days. She was married to Henry G. Baldwin in Vermont, Dec. 20, 1861, immediately after his enlistment for service in the Civil War. In the fall of 1864, a few months after his return home from the war, they moved to Iowa. Four years later they pushed onward to the frontier, coming to Ottawa County, Kansas, in the fall of 1868, but because of hostile Indians they were obliged to retrace their steps to St. Mary's, where they spent the winter. Then in the early spring they returned to this country, living on Spring creek the first year, then locating on the homestead where they lived until called to a better home.

Ten children were born to them; two in Iowa; the others, after coming to Kansas. Two of these died in infancy, another, Mrs. Mattie Brewster, on Nov. 4, 1908. The others; six daughters and one son, are left to mourn their loss. They are: Mrs. Frank Saunders, Ada, Kansas; Mrs. W.H. Lee, Tescott; Mrs. Fred Rehling, Barnard; Mrs. W.W. Wheeler, Mrs. Ellis Hallock, Miss Florence Baldwin and Arthur W. Baldwin of Ada, Kansas. The deceased had thirty grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren, each of whom held a warm place in her heart and will miss her. The children and grandchildren were all present at the funeral with the exception of three grandsons, who with their families were living too far distant to come.

At the early age of seven years she was converted and at the age of fifteen united with the Baptist Church. After coming to Ottawa County, she and her husband united with the Methodist Church, as soon as the church was established in their community. They remained faithful members of the same until called to the church triumphant. In 1894, Mrs. Baldwin was chosen a class leader in her church. In this service she was most faithful, caring for the sick, assisting those in need, visiting the aged and reading, singing and praying for them. She retained this same devotion until her death, but continuing her interest in the missionary and all other activities of the church.

It is in the home life that character's metal is refined, and the fold and dross are revealed. "Aunt Nellie", as many loved to call her, had a character of tested gold. Those who knew her best like to recall her stories of the early days – the war time experiences and Kansas pioneer incidents, all varied and true, but best of all, in memory is the recollection of her loving presence in the home – her songs of praise, and prayer and her helpful talks to those who sought her for comfort and advice. The Civil War, which took her husband from her temporarily after their marriage, later made him an invalid for many years. During those years, she loyally cared for him, and sought all through his patient suffering to make life happy for him.

The funeral services, conducted at the home on June 12, by her pastor, the Rev. S.C. Lackey, were appropriate, as were also the messages in song, brought by the choir of young people and Mrs. J.M. Newton."