(Note: As of April 14, 2019, this is what we know about Private WILLIAM J. BALDWIN, Co. C, 86th Illinois. Baxter desperately wants to know where William J. Baldwin's mortal remains were laid and would love to hear from a descendant of William J. Baldwin who might know.
Also, William J. Baldwin probably never sat for a portrait before his entering the service during the Civil War, but he spent almost 10 months with the 86th in the Nashville, Tennessee area, during which time most of the members of the 86th took the opportunity to sit for portraits to send back home to their loved that they missed so much and most of the boys didn't stop at making just one or two copies of those pictures, which were most often printed in the from of what was called a CDV. They made a dozen copies or more, sometimes, so that they could swap pictures with the friends, tentmates and messmates within their respective companies. Then, William J. Baldwin survived the war and lived well into the 20th Century. During this time, William must had his picture taken many more times. I would love to see some pictures of William J. Baldwin as a young man, especially one of him in uniform from his days with the 86th, but at this point, I would just love to see some pictures of William be added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Private WILLIAM J. BALDWIN, Co. C, 86th Illinois
William J. Baldwin was born on March __, 1844 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, one of two children born to Thomas Baldwin and Letitia (Jackson) Baldwin. Captain Thomas Baldwin, who was a steamboat Captain, was born on December 7, 1804 near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the son of Colonel Robert Baldwin. Letitia Jackson was born c. 1815/16 in Pennsylvania.
Thomas Baldwin and Letetia (Jackson) Baldwin are known from the 1900 census to have had three children. They are known from the biography below to include William and Fannie, but in the 1850 census of Peoria, listed below, there is another daughter (or could this be a son?). These are the children believed to have been born to Thomas and Letetia;
1. Annis Baldwin, born c. 1834/35 in Kentucky
2. Francis B. "Fannie" Baldwin, born c. December 31, 1836/37 in Kentucky; married to Dr. Harry T. Coffey on October 29, 1857 in Peoria County.
The children born to the Coffeys include;
A. George A Coffey, born c. 1864/65 in Pennsylvania.
B. Annis B Coffey, born c. 1866/67 in Pennsylvania.
C. Letitia Coffey, born c. 1867/68 in Pennsylvania.
D. Titian James Coffey, born c. May/June 1875 in Pennsylvania. Familysearch has the following record in Pennsylvania Births and Christenings;
Name Titian James Coffey
Gender Male
Event Type Christening
Event Date 06 Jun 1875
Event Place 3RD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY, PENNSYLVANIA
Father's Name H. T. Coffey
Mother's Name Fannie Coffey
At the time of the 1870 census, the Coffeys are found in Ward 3 of the city of Pittsburg, Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, where Dr. Coffey is practicing medicine;
Henry I Coffey M 39 Pennsylvania
Fannie B Coffey F 30 Kentucky
George A Coffey M 5 Pennsylvania
Annis B Coffey M 3 Pennsylvania
Letitia Coffey F 2 Pennsylvania
Elisabeth Lynch F 26 Ireland Domestic Servant
Frances (Baldwin) Coffey died on 18 Jan 1908 in Sierra Madre, Los Angeles County, California, but her mortal remains were returned to Illinois where they were laid to rest in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #78191116.
3. William J. Baldwin, born March __, 1844 in Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
The Baldwins came west to Illinois in 1844, shortly after their son, William's birth. There they settled in Peoria County. At the time of the 1850 census, the Baldwins are residing in the City of Peoria, Illinois in Peoria County;
Baldwin J. 45 M L. J. Boatman Pa
Baldwin Letitia 34 F Pa
Baldwin Annis 15 F KY
Baldwin Francis B. 13 F Ky
Baldwin Wm. Jay 6 M Pa
Phirs Margaret 24 F Germany
At the time of the 1860 census, the Baldwin family is found in Hallock Township in northern Peoria County;
Baldwin Thomas 55 M Farmer 10,000 1,600 PA
Baldwin Letilia S. 43 F 8,000 PA
Baldwin William J. 16 M Farm Hand PA
Now to continue with the biography of William J. Baldwin;
On August 15, 1862, William J. Baldwin went to Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, William gave his residence as Halleck Township in Peoria County.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BALDWIN, WILLIAM J
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 Hair LIGHT
Eyes GRAY Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity ALEGANY CO, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 15, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED OCT 1, 1863 WOUNDED JUN 27, 1864
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
During the next year or so, Private William J. Baldwin served faithfully in Co. C as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee and Georgia. On July 12, 1863, Frederick L. Saxton penned the following in a letter home to his siblings. "I passed within a couple of miles of where Elich was. I seen fellow who knew him. they said he was well. the rest of the boys are well except Bill Baldwin. He is not very well." Two days later on July 14, 1863, Frederick L. Saxton wrote the following to his sister. "Bill Baldwin has been complaining for several days."
According to the Adjutant General of Illinois's report, Private William J. Baldwin was discharged on October 1, 1863 and he is listed as having been wounded. If he was wounded, Private Baldwin must have been wounded either at Perryville, Kentucky or at Chickamauga, Georgia. Though he is not listed as having been wounded in either of these battles, Chickamauga is the most likely.
On October 20, 1863, while the 86th was encamped at Chickamauga Ford, Tennessee, Henry H. Nurse in a letter to his father wrote, "I thought I would try and finish my letter so that it might go with the mail tomorrow. You said no one from our place was hurt but Baldwin. He was good ways from there. He was at Bridge Port sick. He has been discharged and probably most home by this time for what I know."
Whether he was wounded or discharged because of illiness. William J. Baldwin was most likely back hom by the end of October of 1863.
William J. Baldwin was married to a Sarah Jane "Jennie" Scholes on September 26, 1867 in Peoria County. Sarah was born on _____________ __, 1848 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Richard Scholes, who was born in 1805 in Accrington Paris, England and who died in 1869 in Chillcothe, Illinois, and Sarah Hise (Gillus) Stillman Scholes, who was born in 1811 in Salem, New York and died in 1899 in Chillicothe, Illinois. They were married in 1845.
William J. Baldwin and Sarah Jane (Scholes) Baldwin are believed to have had four children, one possibly dying in infancy. William and Sarah are listed in the 1910 census as having had four children, but only three are living at that time. The three listed in the 1880 census are;
1. Letitia S. "Lettie" Baldwin, born August __, 1870 in Illinois. Lettie Baldwin was married to Alfred Scott sometime in the 1880's.
The children born to Letitia and Alfred include;
A. Gladys Scott, born c. 1889/90 in Nebraska. Gladys was married to Russell Frost on May 14, 1913 in Topeka, Kansas.
Their children include;
a. Letitia Frost, born May 23, 1915 in Kansas. Letitia was married to ____________ Staebler. Letitia (Frost) Staebler died on 10 Sep 2005 and her mortal remains were laid in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #196041791.
b. Marcia Frost, born c. 1924/25 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1940 census, Gladys and her family are found residing at what is identified as 1524 Jewell Street in Ward 6 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas;
Russel E Frost Head M 54 Kansas
Gladys Frost Wife F 50 Nebraska
Letitia Frost Daughter F 24 Kansas
Marcia Frost Daughter F 15 Kansas
B. Dorothy Scott, born December __, 1891/92 in Kansas. Dorothy Scott is believed to have been married to Holmes Meade. They had one daughter, Evelyn, who never married and died in 2012.
At the time of the 1940 census,Dorothy and her family are found residing in Ward 6 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, where Holmes is the President of an Insurance Company;
Holmes Meade Head M 52 Kansas
Dorothy Meade Wife F 46 Kansas
Evelyn Meade Daughter F 21 Kansas
Dorothy (Scott) Meade died on ____________ __, 199__ and her mortal remains were laid in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #104344094.
At the time of the 1900 census, the Scotts are found residing at what is identified as 1222 W. 10th Street in Ward 3 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas;
Alfred Scott Head M Dec 1865 35 Pennsylvania R.R. Clerk
Lettie Scott Wife F Aug 1870 30 Illinois
Gladys Scott Daughter F Jan 1890 10 Nebraska
Dorothy Scott Daughter F Dec 1892 8 Kansas
Leon Baldwin Brother-in-law M Oct 1874 26 Illinois R.R. Clerk
Letitia S. (Baldwin) Scott died on _______________ __, 1950 in ______________, Kansas and her mortal remains were laid in the Topeka Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #14013472.
2. Harry C. Baldwin, born March 17, 1873 in Peoria County, Illinois. Harry was married to Martha ____________ c. 1897/98 in Peoria County.
The children born to Harry and Martha include;
A. William J. or S. Baldwin, born May __, 1900 in Peoria County, Illinois. William is found with the family in the 1900, 1910 and 1920 census records. William is believed to have been married to Carolyn M. ___________.
One daughter is believed to have been born to William and Carolyn;
a. Billie Jean/Joanne Baldwin, born c. 1927/28 in California. There is a record of a Billie Joanne Baldwin, age 23 being married to a Gordon Everett Suiter on 27 Oct 1950 in Los Angeles, California. Gordon's parents are listed as Gordon Page Sulter and Marguerite Zwemer, while Billie's parents are listed as William Starr Baldwin and Carolyn Macquiddy
At the time of the 1930 census, William J. or S. Baldwin is found in Los Angeles (Districts 0501-0750), Los Angeles County, California;
William S Baldwin Head M 29 Illinois
Carolyn M Baldwin Wife F 27 New York
Billie J Baldwin Daughter F 2 California
At the time of the 1940 census, William and his family are found in Councilmanic District 15, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Township, Los Angeles County, California;
William Baldwin Head M 40 Illinois
Carolyn Baldwin Wife F 36 New York
Billie Jean Baldwin Daughter F 12 California
B. Bernard Harry Baldwin, born c. 1905/06 in California.
At the time of the 1940 census, Harry B. Baldwin is found in El Monte Judicial Township, Los Angeles County, California. They had previously (1935) lived in Rural, Harney County, Oregon;
Harry B Baldwin Head M 35 California
Rilla D Baldwin Wife F 43 Indiana
Harry Bernard Baldwin died on April 4, 1998 and his mortal remains were laid to rest in the Rose Hills Memorial Park Cemetery in Whittier, Los Angeles County, California. See his Find A Grave Memorial #42777902.
C. Helen M. Baldwin, born September 9, 1907 in California. Helen was married to Albert L Gatterdam on 3 Oct 1934 in Orange County, California. Albert is listed as being 26, which would place his year of birth c. 1908 and his parents as Joseph A Gatterdam and Emma Burge. Helen is also listed as being 26 and her parents as Harry C Baldwin and Martha Vetter.
At least two children are believed to have been born to Helen and Albert, including;
a. Dwain Roger Gatterdam, born November 11, 1936 in Los Angeles County, Callfornia. Dwain attended the University of California. Dwain died on December 17, 2017.
"Obituary of Dwain Roger Gatterdam
After a long-life adventure of 81 years (born November 11th, 1936), Dwain Gatterdam passed away on December 17th, 2017. Dwain is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Gatterdam; children, Pamela Space, Scott Gatterdam, Cindy Halbert, and Mark Gatterdam; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
"Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end." Quoted by Roy T. Bennett but could have been straight from Dwain's mouth. Dwain was a strong and loving man who pursued success, even when the cards were stacked against him. Maintaining a strong work ethic, he was able to overcome a spinal cord injury, to serve his country in a covert capacity for over 50 years. During that time, Dwain travelled in the interest of the Agency, defending and supporting what he believed in. While Dwain's experiences were never shared, his passport stamps tell another story. His job was his passion, which he and his family were very proud of.
An all-American man, Dwain enjoyed the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, as well as being the patriarch to his four children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. He lived life to the fullest, and on his terms. Internally strong, perpetually determined, only demanding the very best of you, he was enjoyed and loved by those around him. We will miss him terribly, and we will attempt to live by his example, in good times and bad.
Family and friends are invited to remember Dwain, on Friday, January 5th, 2018, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm, at BRX American Bistro in Great Falls, VA."
b. _____________ Gatterdam, born August 31, 1939 in Los Angeles County, California.
Helen M (Baldwin) Gatterdam died on 21 Aug 1960 in Orange County, California and her mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in _____________, ____________ County, California.
At the time of the 1900 census, Harry and his family are found residing at 1111 N. Monroe Street in Ward 1 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
W J Baldwin Head M Mar 1844 56 Pennsylvania
Sarah J Baldwin Wife F Nov 1847 53 Illinois
Harry C Baldwin Son M Mar 1873 27 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Daughter-in-law F Jan 1875 25 Ohio
W J Baldwin Jr. Grandson M May 1900 1/12 Illinois
Harry and his wife, Martha, moved to California sometime between 1900 and 1906. At the time of the 1910 census, Harry's family is found in Los Angeles Assembly District 70, Los Angeles County, California, but Harry is not here. I can not find Harry in the 1910 census anywhere;
Martha M Baldwin Head F 35 Ohio
William J Baldwin Son M 9 Illinois
Harry B Baldwin Son M 5 California
Helen N Baldwin Daughter F 2 California
At the time of the 1920 census, Harry and his family are found in Alhambra, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry C Baldwin Head M 46 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Wife F 45 Ohio
William J Baldwin Son M 19 Illinois
Bernard H Baldwin Son M 14 California
Helen M Baldwin Daughter F 12 California
At the time of the 1930 census, Harry and his family are found in Alhambra, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry Baldwin Head M 57 Illinois
Martha Baldwin Wife F 55 Ohio
Helen Baldwin Daughter F 22 California
At the time of the 1940 census, Harry and Martha are found in Tract 480, Alhambra, San Gabriel Judicial Township, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry C Baldwin Head M 67 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Wife F 65 Ohio
According to his death record found on familysearch, Harry C. Baldwin died on May 3, 1951 in Los Angeles County, California. He was born on March 17, 1873 in Illinois and his mother's maiden name was Sholes.
Martha died in 1953. Their mortal remains were laid in the Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Los Angeles County, California. See Harry's Find A Grave Memorial# 42656915.
3. Leon S. Baldwin, born October 15, 1874/75 in Peoria County, Illinois. In 1900, Leon S. Baldwin is seen above living with his sister and brother-in-law in Topeka, Kansas. He is working as a Railroad Clerk with his brother-in-law. At the time of the 1920 census, Leon is found in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California living with his parents;
William J Boldwin Head M 75 Pennsylvania
Jennie S Baldwin Wife F 71 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 44 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Leon is believed to be the Leon S. Baldwin that we find in Franklin, Laclede County, Missouri, where he is farming. He and Anna have only been married for 3 years and his father and mother are listed as having been born in Pennsylvania and Illinois, which is correct for both. His birthdate is also October 15th, but he is now listed as being 5 years younger;
Leon Baldwin Head M 51 Illinois
Anna Baldwin Wife F 50 Missouri
Leon S. Baldwin is believed to have died on July 21, 1931 in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri. Leon S Baldwin's mortal remains were laid in the McBride Cemetery in Competition, Laclede County, Missouri. See his Find A Grave Memorial #22974624.
Now to continue with what we know about the Baldwin family;
At the time of the 1870 census, the Baldwin family is found farming in Hallock Township of Peoria County;
Baldwin Thomas 65 M Ret'd St'mboat Capt. 45,000 1,000 Pennsylvania
Baldwin Lititia S.55 F Pennsylvania
Baldwin Wm. J. 25 M Pennsylvania
Baldwin Jennie S. 20 F Illinois
Holoway Janas 17 M Farm Laborer Illinois
Coffee Anice 5 F Pennsylvania
At the time of the 1880 census, William, Jennie and their children are found farming in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
William Baldwin Self M 36 Pennsylvania Farmer
Sarah J Baldwin Wife F 30 Illinois
Letty S Baldwin Daughter F 10 Illinois
Harry C Baldwin Son M 7 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 5 Illinois
John A Evans Servant M 25 Illinois Works on farm
Eva Talmadge Servant F 17 Illinois
From the 1880 Peoria County History comes the following;
"Hallock Township.
BALDWIN WILLIAM J. farmer, Sec. 13, was born in Pittsburg, Pa.; is the only son of a family of two children of Capt. Thomas Baldwin and Letetia Jackson, both natives of the "Keystone State," where they were married in 1834. Their only daughter, Fannie, is now the wife of Dr. H. T. Coffey, of Peoria. Capt. Thomas Baldwin was born on Dec. 7. 1804, near Pittsburg, Pa., where his father, Col. Robert Baldwin, owned a large farm and a flouring mill, located on Chartier's creek. In shipping their flour to market, Captain and his brother conveyed it up the river in canoes and other small crafts, which was a tedious process, and young Thomas resolved, while a mere youth, to do what he could to develop a better system of water transportation, and such progress had he made in the art of boating that at the age of nineteen years he was captain of a steamboat on the Ohio river. Nature had so well adapted him to his chosen work, that he became one of the leading steamboat men of his life-time; devoted forty-five years of his life to it, during which he built and was sole, or part, owner of twenty-six steamboats, a number of which were among the finest and swiftest upon the western rivers. Captain Baldwin's boating experience was chiefly upon the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers. He removed to Peoria in 1844, and when the California gold fever broke out in 1849, Commodore Vanderbilt selected him to superintend a line of steamers to Central America, that being then the principal route, at a salary of $10,000 a year. His health failing, he resigned the position at the end of ten months, and Mr. Vanderbilt presented him with a check for $10,000 in gold. Soon after the beginning of the late civil war he offered his services to the Government, which were accepted, and he was put in command of a transport vessel; later was appointed to the command of the gunboat Romeo, which he retained till the close of the war. He then retired from active business, and on Aug. 23, 1879, died at his residence in Peoria, ending a very active and useful life. Mrs. B. still occupies the elegant homestead on East Bluff. William J., being infused with the prevailing patriotic spirit of the times, enlisted, secretly, though a mere boy, and was in the army nearly a year, when his mother, after much effort, secured his discharge. He married Miss Jennie Scholes, a native of Peoria county. They have three children, Leon, Harry C. and Letetia. (pages 753-754)"
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion of the old 86th in Peoria, Illinois on August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the men of the 86th. The reunion was such a success that they continued to be held through 1923, when it was finally, tearfully, decided that they were too old and too few to continue the reunions. The last dozen or so reunions were held in the Peoria G.A.R. Hall, which still stands today. William J. Baldwin attended that first reunion and was one of 20 members of old Co. C to attend that reunion. William also attended the reunions of 1889, 1890, 1891, 1893, 1897, 1899, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905 as well as the reunion of 1912, which proved to be the last he would attend.
According to his Pension Card found on Fold3, Private William J. Baldwin began collecting in Invalid Pension on March 1, 1892 and this was increased on February 23, 1907.
At the time of the 1900 census, the Baldwins are living in the 1st Ward, 4th precinct, in the City of Peoria. Their address is 1111 N. Monroe Street;
Baldwin W. J. Head M Jan 1844 56 M 32
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Grain Dealer
Baldwin Sarah J. Wife F Nov 1847 52 M 32 3 3
Illinois England New York
Baldwin Harry C. Son M Mch 1873 27 M 2
Illinois Pennsylvania Illinois Fireman (R.R.)
Baldwin Martha M. Dau.-in-Law F Jan 1875 25 M 2 1 1
Ohio Germany Germany
Baldwin W. J., Jr. Grand Son M May 1900 1/12 S
Illinois Illinois Ohio
At the time of the 1910 census, William and Jennie are still residing in the home located at 1111 N. Monroe Street in the 1st Ward, 4th Precinct in Peoria, Illinois;
BALDWIN William J. Head M 64 43 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Commercial Trav. Agre. Imp. Co.
BALDWIN Jennie S. Wife F 60 43 4 3 Illinois
England New York
William J. Baldwin was a member of the John Bryner G.A.R. Post #67 in Peoria, Illinois for many years. In a book entitled "Illustrated Roster of the Department of Illinois, Grand Army of the Republic" which was printed in 1914, W. J. Bryner is still listed as a member of G.A.R. Post 67 in Peoria along with the following veterans of the 86th: W. Huber, of Co. B; S. Silzel, Musician; and J. Wrigley, of Co. D.
Sometime after 1910, probably after 1914, when this book on the G.A.R. was published, William and Jennie moved out to Los Angeles, California. Their son, Harry C., is known to have moved to California, but it is not know whether he moved first and William and Jennie followed him out there or whether Harry followed them out there. In any case, William and Jennie are known to have resided 5329 S. Main Street in Los Angeles, California for some time. The 86th Illinois Reunion Association was in communication with William at this address for some time as well.
The records of the Soldiers Home in Sawtelle, California, near Los Angeles show that William J. Bladwin he entered Sawtelle January 1, 1920 and died of a cerebral embolism on January 25, 1920. According to his Pension Card, Private William J. Baldwin also died on January 25, 1920, possibly in the Soldiers Home, in Los Angeles, California. According to that card, his widow began collecting a Widows Pension on February 5, 1920. Her mailing address is given as 1712 Maple Avenue, Los Angeles, California.
At the time of the 1920 census, every member of the family that lived in the household on January 1, 1920 was supposed to be listed. William is listed with the family in Los Angeles Assembly District 74, Los Angeles County, California. Of course he died 24 days later;
William J Boldwin Head M 75 Pennsylvania
Jennie S Baldwin Wife F 71 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 44 Illinois
The Los Angeles Times edition of January 29, 1920 ran the following notice on p. 16, under the heading "DEATHS";
"BALDWIN. January 25, William J. Baldwin, aged 75 years, husband of Jennie S. Baldwin, father of Harry C. and Leon S. Baldwin of Los Angeles and Mrs. A. A. Scott of Topeka, Kan.
Services will be held Thursday, January 29, at 10 a.m. at the Los Angeles Crematory. Friends invited. Edwards, Gamash & Heath, directors." This makes it appear that he was cremated. Is this right?
Sarah Jane (Scholes) Baldwin is believed to have died on December 17, 1928 in Los Angeles County, California. The California Death Index 1905 - 1939 has a Sarah J. Baldwin dying on December 17, 1928 in Los Angeles County, California. She was believed to have been 88 years of age. Could that age actually have been 80?
On September 27, 2011, I received the following email from Mike; Pierceall;
From: Michael Pierceall [Chat now]
To: Baxter Fite
Hi, Baxter. It looks as if William J. Baldwin is not listed as being interred at Rose Hills in Whittier along with his son. Let me know if you discover any further leads in my area. Regards - Mike
by Baxter B. Fite III; and Matthew Hayes, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Baldwin family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on William J. Baldwin and the Baldwin family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any pictures of William J. Baldwin that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Also, William J. Baldwin probably never sat for a portrait before his entering the service during the Civil War, but he spent almost 10 months with the 86th in the Nashville, Tennessee area, during which time most of the members of the 86th took the opportunity to sit for portraits to send back home to their loved that they missed so much and most of the boys didn't stop at making just one or two copies of those pictures, which were most often printed in the from of what was called a CDV. They made a dozen copies or more, sometimes, so that they could swap pictures with the friends, tentmates and messmates within their respective companies. Then, William J. Baldwin survived the war and lived well into the 20th Century. During this time, William must had his picture taken many more times. I would love to see some pictures of William J. Baldwin as a young man, especially one of him in uniform from his days with the 86th, but at this point, I would just love to see some pictures of William be added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Private WILLIAM J. BALDWIN, Co. C, 86th Illinois
William J. Baldwin was born on March __, 1844 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, one of two children born to Thomas Baldwin and Letitia (Jackson) Baldwin. Captain Thomas Baldwin, who was a steamboat Captain, was born on December 7, 1804 near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the son of Colonel Robert Baldwin. Letitia Jackson was born c. 1815/16 in Pennsylvania.
Thomas Baldwin and Letetia (Jackson) Baldwin are known from the 1900 census to have had three children. They are known from the biography below to include William and Fannie, but in the 1850 census of Peoria, listed below, there is another daughter (or could this be a son?). These are the children believed to have been born to Thomas and Letetia;
1. Annis Baldwin, born c. 1834/35 in Kentucky
2. Francis B. "Fannie" Baldwin, born c. December 31, 1836/37 in Kentucky; married to Dr. Harry T. Coffey on October 29, 1857 in Peoria County.
The children born to the Coffeys include;
A. George A Coffey, born c. 1864/65 in Pennsylvania.
B. Annis B Coffey, born c. 1866/67 in Pennsylvania.
C. Letitia Coffey, born c. 1867/68 in Pennsylvania.
D. Titian James Coffey, born c. May/June 1875 in Pennsylvania. Familysearch has the following record in Pennsylvania Births and Christenings;
Name Titian James Coffey
Gender Male
Event Type Christening
Event Date 06 Jun 1875
Event Place 3RD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY, PENNSYLVANIA
Father's Name H. T. Coffey
Mother's Name Fannie Coffey
At the time of the 1870 census, the Coffeys are found in Ward 3 of the city of Pittsburg, Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, where Dr. Coffey is practicing medicine;
Henry I Coffey M 39 Pennsylvania
Fannie B Coffey F 30 Kentucky
George A Coffey M 5 Pennsylvania
Annis B Coffey M 3 Pennsylvania
Letitia Coffey F 2 Pennsylvania
Elisabeth Lynch F 26 Ireland Domestic Servant
Frances (Baldwin) Coffey died on 18 Jan 1908 in Sierra Madre, Los Angeles County, California, but her mortal remains were returned to Illinois where they were laid to rest in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #78191116.
3. William J. Baldwin, born March __, 1844 in Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
The Baldwins came west to Illinois in 1844, shortly after their son, William's birth. There they settled in Peoria County. At the time of the 1850 census, the Baldwins are residing in the City of Peoria, Illinois in Peoria County;
Baldwin J. 45 M L. J. Boatman Pa
Baldwin Letitia 34 F Pa
Baldwin Annis 15 F KY
Baldwin Francis B. 13 F Ky
Baldwin Wm. Jay 6 M Pa
Phirs Margaret 24 F Germany
At the time of the 1860 census, the Baldwin family is found in Hallock Township in northern Peoria County;
Baldwin Thomas 55 M Farmer 10,000 1,600 PA
Baldwin Letilia S. 43 F 8,000 PA
Baldwin William J. 16 M Farm Hand PA
Now to continue with the biography of William J. Baldwin;
On August 15, 1862, William J. Baldwin went to Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, William gave his residence as Halleck Township in Peoria County.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BALDWIN, WILLIAM J
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 Hair LIGHT
Eyes GRAY Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity ALEGANY CO, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 15, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED OCT 1, 1863 WOUNDED JUN 27, 1864
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
During the next year or so, Private William J. Baldwin served faithfully in Co. C as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee and Georgia. On July 12, 1863, Frederick L. Saxton penned the following in a letter home to his siblings. "I passed within a couple of miles of where Elich was. I seen fellow who knew him. they said he was well. the rest of the boys are well except Bill Baldwin. He is not very well." Two days later on July 14, 1863, Frederick L. Saxton wrote the following to his sister. "Bill Baldwin has been complaining for several days."
According to the Adjutant General of Illinois's report, Private William J. Baldwin was discharged on October 1, 1863 and he is listed as having been wounded. If he was wounded, Private Baldwin must have been wounded either at Perryville, Kentucky or at Chickamauga, Georgia. Though he is not listed as having been wounded in either of these battles, Chickamauga is the most likely.
On October 20, 1863, while the 86th was encamped at Chickamauga Ford, Tennessee, Henry H. Nurse in a letter to his father wrote, "I thought I would try and finish my letter so that it might go with the mail tomorrow. You said no one from our place was hurt but Baldwin. He was good ways from there. He was at Bridge Port sick. He has been discharged and probably most home by this time for what I know."
Whether he was wounded or discharged because of illiness. William J. Baldwin was most likely back hom by the end of October of 1863.
William J. Baldwin was married to a Sarah Jane "Jennie" Scholes on September 26, 1867 in Peoria County. Sarah was born on _____________ __, 1848 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Richard Scholes, who was born in 1805 in Accrington Paris, England and who died in 1869 in Chillcothe, Illinois, and Sarah Hise (Gillus) Stillman Scholes, who was born in 1811 in Salem, New York and died in 1899 in Chillicothe, Illinois. They were married in 1845.
William J. Baldwin and Sarah Jane (Scholes) Baldwin are believed to have had four children, one possibly dying in infancy. William and Sarah are listed in the 1910 census as having had four children, but only three are living at that time. The three listed in the 1880 census are;
1. Letitia S. "Lettie" Baldwin, born August __, 1870 in Illinois. Lettie Baldwin was married to Alfred Scott sometime in the 1880's.
The children born to Letitia and Alfred include;
A. Gladys Scott, born c. 1889/90 in Nebraska. Gladys was married to Russell Frost on May 14, 1913 in Topeka, Kansas.
Their children include;
a. Letitia Frost, born May 23, 1915 in Kansas. Letitia was married to ____________ Staebler. Letitia (Frost) Staebler died on 10 Sep 2005 and her mortal remains were laid in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #196041791.
b. Marcia Frost, born c. 1924/25 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1940 census, Gladys and her family are found residing at what is identified as 1524 Jewell Street in Ward 6 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas;
Russel E Frost Head M 54 Kansas
Gladys Frost Wife F 50 Nebraska
Letitia Frost Daughter F 24 Kansas
Marcia Frost Daughter F 15 Kansas
B. Dorothy Scott, born December __, 1891/92 in Kansas. Dorothy Scott is believed to have been married to Holmes Meade. They had one daughter, Evelyn, who never married and died in 2012.
At the time of the 1940 census,Dorothy and her family are found residing in Ward 6 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, where Holmes is the President of an Insurance Company;
Holmes Meade Head M 52 Kansas
Dorothy Meade Wife F 46 Kansas
Evelyn Meade Daughter F 21 Kansas
Dorothy (Scott) Meade died on ____________ __, 199__ and her mortal remains were laid in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #104344094.
At the time of the 1900 census, the Scotts are found residing at what is identified as 1222 W. 10th Street in Ward 3 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas;
Alfred Scott Head M Dec 1865 35 Pennsylvania R.R. Clerk
Lettie Scott Wife F Aug 1870 30 Illinois
Gladys Scott Daughter F Jan 1890 10 Nebraska
Dorothy Scott Daughter F Dec 1892 8 Kansas
Leon Baldwin Brother-in-law M Oct 1874 26 Illinois R.R. Clerk
Letitia S. (Baldwin) Scott died on _______________ __, 1950 in ______________, Kansas and her mortal remains were laid in the Topeka Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #14013472.
2. Harry C. Baldwin, born March 17, 1873 in Peoria County, Illinois. Harry was married to Martha ____________ c. 1897/98 in Peoria County.
The children born to Harry and Martha include;
A. William J. or S. Baldwin, born May __, 1900 in Peoria County, Illinois. William is found with the family in the 1900, 1910 and 1920 census records. William is believed to have been married to Carolyn M. ___________.
One daughter is believed to have been born to William and Carolyn;
a. Billie Jean/Joanne Baldwin, born c. 1927/28 in California. There is a record of a Billie Joanne Baldwin, age 23 being married to a Gordon Everett Suiter on 27 Oct 1950 in Los Angeles, California. Gordon's parents are listed as Gordon Page Sulter and Marguerite Zwemer, while Billie's parents are listed as William Starr Baldwin and Carolyn Macquiddy
At the time of the 1930 census, William J. or S. Baldwin is found in Los Angeles (Districts 0501-0750), Los Angeles County, California;
William S Baldwin Head M 29 Illinois
Carolyn M Baldwin Wife F 27 New York
Billie J Baldwin Daughter F 2 California
At the time of the 1940 census, William and his family are found in Councilmanic District 15, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Township, Los Angeles County, California;
William Baldwin Head M 40 Illinois
Carolyn Baldwin Wife F 36 New York
Billie Jean Baldwin Daughter F 12 California
B. Bernard Harry Baldwin, born c. 1905/06 in California.
At the time of the 1940 census, Harry B. Baldwin is found in El Monte Judicial Township, Los Angeles County, California. They had previously (1935) lived in Rural, Harney County, Oregon;
Harry B Baldwin Head M 35 California
Rilla D Baldwin Wife F 43 Indiana
Harry Bernard Baldwin died on April 4, 1998 and his mortal remains were laid to rest in the Rose Hills Memorial Park Cemetery in Whittier, Los Angeles County, California. See his Find A Grave Memorial #42777902.
C. Helen M. Baldwin, born September 9, 1907 in California. Helen was married to Albert L Gatterdam on 3 Oct 1934 in Orange County, California. Albert is listed as being 26, which would place his year of birth c. 1908 and his parents as Joseph A Gatterdam and Emma Burge. Helen is also listed as being 26 and her parents as Harry C Baldwin and Martha Vetter.
At least two children are believed to have been born to Helen and Albert, including;
a. Dwain Roger Gatterdam, born November 11, 1936 in Los Angeles County, Callfornia. Dwain attended the University of California. Dwain died on December 17, 2017.
"Obituary of Dwain Roger Gatterdam
After a long-life adventure of 81 years (born November 11th, 1936), Dwain Gatterdam passed away on December 17th, 2017. Dwain is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Gatterdam; children, Pamela Space, Scott Gatterdam, Cindy Halbert, and Mark Gatterdam; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
"Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end." Quoted by Roy T. Bennett but could have been straight from Dwain's mouth. Dwain was a strong and loving man who pursued success, even when the cards were stacked against him. Maintaining a strong work ethic, he was able to overcome a spinal cord injury, to serve his country in a covert capacity for over 50 years. During that time, Dwain travelled in the interest of the Agency, defending and supporting what he believed in. While Dwain's experiences were never shared, his passport stamps tell another story. His job was his passion, which he and his family were very proud of.
An all-American man, Dwain enjoyed the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, as well as being the patriarch to his four children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. He lived life to the fullest, and on his terms. Internally strong, perpetually determined, only demanding the very best of you, he was enjoyed and loved by those around him. We will miss him terribly, and we will attempt to live by his example, in good times and bad.
Family and friends are invited to remember Dwain, on Friday, January 5th, 2018, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm, at BRX American Bistro in Great Falls, VA."
b. _____________ Gatterdam, born August 31, 1939 in Los Angeles County, California.
Helen M (Baldwin) Gatterdam died on 21 Aug 1960 in Orange County, California and her mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in _____________, ____________ County, California.
At the time of the 1900 census, Harry and his family are found residing at 1111 N. Monroe Street in Ward 1 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
W J Baldwin Head M Mar 1844 56 Pennsylvania
Sarah J Baldwin Wife F Nov 1847 53 Illinois
Harry C Baldwin Son M Mar 1873 27 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Daughter-in-law F Jan 1875 25 Ohio
W J Baldwin Jr. Grandson M May 1900 1/12 Illinois
Harry and his wife, Martha, moved to California sometime between 1900 and 1906. At the time of the 1910 census, Harry's family is found in Los Angeles Assembly District 70, Los Angeles County, California, but Harry is not here. I can not find Harry in the 1910 census anywhere;
Martha M Baldwin Head F 35 Ohio
William J Baldwin Son M 9 Illinois
Harry B Baldwin Son M 5 California
Helen N Baldwin Daughter F 2 California
At the time of the 1920 census, Harry and his family are found in Alhambra, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry C Baldwin Head M 46 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Wife F 45 Ohio
William J Baldwin Son M 19 Illinois
Bernard H Baldwin Son M 14 California
Helen M Baldwin Daughter F 12 California
At the time of the 1930 census, Harry and his family are found in Alhambra, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry Baldwin Head M 57 Illinois
Martha Baldwin Wife F 55 Ohio
Helen Baldwin Daughter F 22 California
At the time of the 1940 census, Harry and Martha are found in Tract 480, Alhambra, San Gabriel Judicial Township, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry C Baldwin Head M 67 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Wife F 65 Ohio
According to his death record found on familysearch, Harry C. Baldwin died on May 3, 1951 in Los Angeles County, California. He was born on March 17, 1873 in Illinois and his mother's maiden name was Sholes.
Martha died in 1953. Their mortal remains were laid in the Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Los Angeles County, California. See Harry's Find A Grave Memorial# 42656915.
3. Leon S. Baldwin, born October 15, 1874/75 in Peoria County, Illinois. In 1900, Leon S. Baldwin is seen above living with his sister and brother-in-law in Topeka, Kansas. He is working as a Railroad Clerk with his brother-in-law. At the time of the 1920 census, Leon is found in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California living with his parents;
William J Boldwin Head M 75 Pennsylvania
Jennie S Baldwin Wife F 71 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 44 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Leon is believed to be the Leon S. Baldwin that we find in Franklin, Laclede County, Missouri, where he is farming. He and Anna have only been married for 3 years and his father and mother are listed as having been born in Pennsylvania and Illinois, which is correct for both. His birthdate is also October 15th, but he is now listed as being 5 years younger;
Leon Baldwin Head M 51 Illinois
Anna Baldwin Wife F 50 Missouri
Leon S. Baldwin is believed to have died on July 21, 1931 in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri. Leon S Baldwin's mortal remains were laid in the McBride Cemetery in Competition, Laclede County, Missouri. See his Find A Grave Memorial #22974624.
Now to continue with what we know about the Baldwin family;
At the time of the 1870 census, the Baldwin family is found farming in Hallock Township of Peoria County;
Baldwin Thomas 65 M Ret'd St'mboat Capt. 45,000 1,000 Pennsylvania
Baldwin Lititia S.55 F Pennsylvania
Baldwin Wm. J. 25 M Pennsylvania
Baldwin Jennie S. 20 F Illinois
Holoway Janas 17 M Farm Laborer Illinois
Coffee Anice 5 F Pennsylvania
At the time of the 1880 census, William, Jennie and their children are found farming in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
William Baldwin Self M 36 Pennsylvania Farmer
Sarah J Baldwin Wife F 30 Illinois
Letty S Baldwin Daughter F 10 Illinois
Harry C Baldwin Son M 7 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 5 Illinois
John A Evans Servant M 25 Illinois Works on farm
Eva Talmadge Servant F 17 Illinois
From the 1880 Peoria County History comes the following;
"Hallock Township.
BALDWIN WILLIAM J. farmer, Sec. 13, was born in Pittsburg, Pa.; is the only son of a family of two children of Capt. Thomas Baldwin and Letetia Jackson, both natives of the "Keystone State," where they were married in 1834. Their only daughter, Fannie, is now the wife of Dr. H. T. Coffey, of Peoria. Capt. Thomas Baldwin was born on Dec. 7. 1804, near Pittsburg, Pa., where his father, Col. Robert Baldwin, owned a large farm and a flouring mill, located on Chartier's creek. In shipping their flour to market, Captain and his brother conveyed it up the river in canoes and other small crafts, which was a tedious process, and young Thomas resolved, while a mere youth, to do what he could to develop a better system of water transportation, and such progress had he made in the art of boating that at the age of nineteen years he was captain of a steamboat on the Ohio river. Nature had so well adapted him to his chosen work, that he became one of the leading steamboat men of his life-time; devoted forty-five years of his life to it, during which he built and was sole, or part, owner of twenty-six steamboats, a number of which were among the finest and swiftest upon the western rivers. Captain Baldwin's boating experience was chiefly upon the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers. He removed to Peoria in 1844, and when the California gold fever broke out in 1849, Commodore Vanderbilt selected him to superintend a line of steamers to Central America, that being then the principal route, at a salary of $10,000 a year. His health failing, he resigned the position at the end of ten months, and Mr. Vanderbilt presented him with a check for $10,000 in gold. Soon after the beginning of the late civil war he offered his services to the Government, which were accepted, and he was put in command of a transport vessel; later was appointed to the command of the gunboat Romeo, which he retained till the close of the war. He then retired from active business, and on Aug. 23, 1879, died at his residence in Peoria, ending a very active and useful life. Mrs. B. still occupies the elegant homestead on East Bluff. William J., being infused with the prevailing patriotic spirit of the times, enlisted, secretly, though a mere boy, and was in the army nearly a year, when his mother, after much effort, secured his discharge. He married Miss Jennie Scholes, a native of Peoria county. They have three children, Leon, Harry C. and Letetia. (pages 753-754)"
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion of the old 86th in Peoria, Illinois on August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the men of the 86th. The reunion was such a success that they continued to be held through 1923, when it was finally, tearfully, decided that they were too old and too few to continue the reunions. The last dozen or so reunions were held in the Peoria G.A.R. Hall, which still stands today. William J. Baldwin attended that first reunion and was one of 20 members of old Co. C to attend that reunion. William also attended the reunions of 1889, 1890, 1891, 1893, 1897, 1899, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905 as well as the reunion of 1912, which proved to be the last he would attend.
According to his Pension Card found on Fold3, Private William J. Baldwin began collecting in Invalid Pension on March 1, 1892 and this was increased on February 23, 1907.
At the time of the 1900 census, the Baldwins are living in the 1st Ward, 4th precinct, in the City of Peoria. Their address is 1111 N. Monroe Street;
Baldwin W. J. Head M Jan 1844 56 M 32
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Grain Dealer
Baldwin Sarah J. Wife F Nov 1847 52 M 32 3 3
Illinois England New York
Baldwin Harry C. Son M Mch 1873 27 M 2
Illinois Pennsylvania Illinois Fireman (R.R.)
Baldwin Martha M. Dau.-in-Law F Jan 1875 25 M 2 1 1
Ohio Germany Germany
Baldwin W. J., Jr. Grand Son M May 1900 1/12 S
Illinois Illinois Ohio
At the time of the 1910 census, William and Jennie are still residing in the home located at 1111 N. Monroe Street in the 1st Ward, 4th Precinct in Peoria, Illinois;
BALDWIN William J. Head M 64 43 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Commercial Trav. Agre. Imp. Co.
BALDWIN Jennie S. Wife F 60 43 4 3 Illinois
England New York
William J. Baldwin was a member of the John Bryner G.A.R. Post #67 in Peoria, Illinois for many years. In a book entitled "Illustrated Roster of the Department of Illinois, Grand Army of the Republic" which was printed in 1914, W. J. Bryner is still listed as a member of G.A.R. Post 67 in Peoria along with the following veterans of the 86th: W. Huber, of Co. B; S. Silzel, Musician; and J. Wrigley, of Co. D.
Sometime after 1910, probably after 1914, when this book on the G.A.R. was published, William and Jennie moved out to Los Angeles, California. Their son, Harry C., is known to have moved to California, but it is not know whether he moved first and William and Jennie followed him out there or whether Harry followed them out there. In any case, William and Jennie are known to have resided 5329 S. Main Street in Los Angeles, California for some time. The 86th Illinois Reunion Association was in communication with William at this address for some time as well.
The records of the Soldiers Home in Sawtelle, California, near Los Angeles show that William J. Bladwin he entered Sawtelle January 1, 1920 and died of a cerebral embolism on January 25, 1920. According to his Pension Card, Private William J. Baldwin also died on January 25, 1920, possibly in the Soldiers Home, in Los Angeles, California. According to that card, his widow began collecting a Widows Pension on February 5, 1920. Her mailing address is given as 1712 Maple Avenue, Los Angeles, California.
At the time of the 1920 census, every member of the family that lived in the household on January 1, 1920 was supposed to be listed. William is listed with the family in Los Angeles Assembly District 74, Los Angeles County, California. Of course he died 24 days later;
William J Boldwin Head M 75 Pennsylvania
Jennie S Baldwin Wife F 71 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 44 Illinois
The Los Angeles Times edition of January 29, 1920 ran the following notice on p. 16, under the heading "DEATHS";
"BALDWIN. January 25, William J. Baldwin, aged 75 years, husband of Jennie S. Baldwin, father of Harry C. and Leon S. Baldwin of Los Angeles and Mrs. A. A. Scott of Topeka, Kan.
Services will be held Thursday, January 29, at 10 a.m. at the Los Angeles Crematory. Friends invited. Edwards, Gamash & Heath, directors." This makes it appear that he was cremated. Is this right?
Sarah Jane (Scholes) Baldwin is believed to have died on December 17, 1928 in Los Angeles County, California. The California Death Index 1905 - 1939 has a Sarah J. Baldwin dying on December 17, 1928 in Los Angeles County, California. She was believed to have been 88 years of age. Could that age actually have been 80?
On September 27, 2011, I received the following email from Mike; Pierceall;
From: Michael Pierceall [Chat now]
To: Baxter Fite
Hi, Baxter. It looks as if William J. Baldwin is not listed as being interred at Rose Hills in Whittier along with his son. Let me know if you discover any further leads in my area. Regards - Mike
by Baxter B. Fite III; and Matthew Hayes, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Baldwin family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on William J. Baldwin and the Baldwin family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any pictures of William J. Baldwin that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
(Note: As of April 14, 2019, this is what we know about Private WILLIAM J. BALDWIN, Co. C, 86th Illinois. Baxter desperately wants to know where William J. Baldwin's mortal remains were laid and would love to hear from a descendant of William J. Baldwin who might know.
Also, William J. Baldwin probably never sat for a portrait before his entering the service during the Civil War, but he spent almost 10 months with the 86th in the Nashville, Tennessee area, during which time most of the members of the 86th took the opportunity to sit for portraits to send back home to their loved that they missed so much and most of the boys didn't stop at making just one or two copies of those pictures, which were most often printed in the from of what was called a CDV. They made a dozen copies or more, sometimes, so that they could swap pictures with the friends, tentmates and messmates within their respective companies. Then, William J. Baldwin survived the war and lived well into the 20th Century. During this time, William must had his picture taken many more times. I would love to see some pictures of William J. Baldwin as a young man, especially one of him in uniform from his days with the 86th, but at this point, I would just love to see some pictures of William be added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Private WILLIAM J. BALDWIN, Co. C, 86th Illinois
William J. Baldwin was born on March __, 1844 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, one of two children born to Thomas Baldwin and Letitia (Jackson) Baldwin. Captain Thomas Baldwin, who was a steamboat Captain, was born on December 7, 1804 near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the son of Colonel Robert Baldwin. Letitia Jackson was born c. 1815/16 in Pennsylvania.
Thomas Baldwin and Letetia (Jackson) Baldwin are known from the 1900 census to have had three children. They are known from the biography below to include William and Fannie, but in the 1850 census of Peoria, listed below, there is another daughter (or could this be a son?). These are the children believed to have been born to Thomas and Letetia;
1. Annis Baldwin, born c. 1834/35 in Kentucky
2. Francis B. "Fannie" Baldwin, born c. December 31, 1836/37 in Kentucky; married to Dr. Harry T. Coffey on October 29, 1857 in Peoria County.
The children born to the Coffeys include;
A. George A Coffey, born c. 1864/65 in Pennsylvania.
B. Annis B Coffey, born c. 1866/67 in Pennsylvania.
C. Letitia Coffey, born c. 1867/68 in Pennsylvania.
D. Titian James Coffey, born c. May/June 1875 in Pennsylvania. Familysearch has the following record in Pennsylvania Births and Christenings;
Name Titian James Coffey
Gender Male
Event Type Christening
Event Date 06 Jun 1875
Event Place 3RD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY, PENNSYLVANIA
Father's Name H. T. Coffey
Mother's Name Fannie Coffey
At the time of the 1870 census, the Coffeys are found in Ward 3 of the city of Pittsburg, Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, where Dr. Coffey is practicing medicine;
Henry I Coffey M 39 Pennsylvania
Fannie B Coffey F 30 Kentucky
George A Coffey M 5 Pennsylvania
Annis B Coffey M 3 Pennsylvania
Letitia Coffey F 2 Pennsylvania
Elisabeth Lynch F 26 Ireland Domestic Servant
Frances (Baldwin) Coffey died on 18 Jan 1908 in Sierra Madre, Los Angeles County, California, but her mortal remains were returned to Illinois where they were laid to rest in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #78191116.
3. William J. Baldwin, born March __, 1844 in Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
The Baldwins came west to Illinois in 1844, shortly after their son, William's birth. There they settled in Peoria County. At the time of the 1850 census, the Baldwins are residing in the City of Peoria, Illinois in Peoria County;
Baldwin J. 45 M L. J. Boatman Pa
Baldwin Letitia 34 F Pa
Baldwin Annis 15 F KY
Baldwin Francis B. 13 F Ky
Baldwin Wm. Jay 6 M Pa
Phirs Margaret 24 F Germany
At the time of the 1860 census, the Baldwin family is found in Hallock Township in northern Peoria County;
Baldwin Thomas 55 M Farmer 10,000 1,600 PA
Baldwin Letilia S. 43 F 8,000 PA
Baldwin William J. 16 M Farm Hand PA
Now to continue with the biography of William J. Baldwin;
On August 15, 1862, William J. Baldwin went to Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, William gave his residence as Halleck Township in Peoria County.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BALDWIN, WILLIAM J
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 Hair LIGHT
Eyes GRAY Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity ALEGANY CO, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 15, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED OCT 1, 1863 WOUNDED JUN 27, 1864
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
During the next year or so, Private William J. Baldwin served faithfully in Co. C as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee and Georgia. On July 12, 1863, Frederick L. Saxton penned the following in a letter home to his siblings. "I passed within a couple of miles of where Elich was. I seen fellow who knew him. they said he was well. the rest of the boys are well except Bill Baldwin. He is not very well." Two days later on July 14, 1863, Frederick L. Saxton wrote the following to his sister. "Bill Baldwin has been complaining for several days."
According to the Adjutant General of Illinois's report, Private William J. Baldwin was discharged on October 1, 1863 and he is listed as having been wounded. If he was wounded, Private Baldwin must have been wounded either at Perryville, Kentucky or at Chickamauga, Georgia. Though he is not listed as having been wounded in either of these battles, Chickamauga is the most likely.
On October 20, 1863, while the 86th was encamped at Chickamauga Ford, Tennessee, Henry H. Nurse in a letter to his father wrote, "I thought I would try and finish my letter so that it might go with the mail tomorrow. You said no one from our place was hurt but Baldwin. He was good ways from there. He was at Bridge Port sick. He has been discharged and probably most home by this time for what I know."
Whether he was wounded or discharged because of illiness. William J. Baldwin was most likely back hom by the end of October of 1863.
William J. Baldwin was married to a Sarah Jane "Jennie" Scholes on September 26, 1867 in Peoria County. Sarah was born on _____________ __, 1848 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Richard Scholes, who was born in 1805 in Accrington Paris, England and who died in 1869 in Chillcothe, Illinois, and Sarah Hise (Gillus) Stillman Scholes, who was born in 1811 in Salem, New York and died in 1899 in Chillicothe, Illinois. They were married in 1845.
William J. Baldwin and Sarah Jane (Scholes) Baldwin are believed to have had four children, one possibly dying in infancy. William and Sarah are listed in the 1910 census as having had four children, but only three are living at that time. The three listed in the 1880 census are;
1. Letitia S. "Lettie" Baldwin, born August __, 1870 in Illinois. Lettie Baldwin was married to Alfred Scott sometime in the 1880's.
The children born to Letitia and Alfred include;
A. Gladys Scott, born c. 1889/90 in Nebraska. Gladys was married to Russell Frost on May 14, 1913 in Topeka, Kansas.
Their children include;
a. Letitia Frost, born May 23, 1915 in Kansas. Letitia was married to ____________ Staebler. Letitia (Frost) Staebler died on 10 Sep 2005 and her mortal remains were laid in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #196041791.
b. Marcia Frost, born c. 1924/25 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1940 census, Gladys and her family are found residing at what is identified as 1524 Jewell Street in Ward 6 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas;
Russel E Frost Head M 54 Kansas
Gladys Frost Wife F 50 Nebraska
Letitia Frost Daughter F 24 Kansas
Marcia Frost Daughter F 15 Kansas
B. Dorothy Scott, born December __, 1891/92 in Kansas. Dorothy Scott is believed to have been married to Holmes Meade. They had one daughter, Evelyn, who never married and died in 2012.
At the time of the 1940 census,Dorothy and her family are found residing in Ward 6 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, where Holmes is the President of an Insurance Company;
Holmes Meade Head M 52 Kansas
Dorothy Meade Wife F 46 Kansas
Evelyn Meade Daughter F 21 Kansas
Dorothy (Scott) Meade died on ____________ __, 199__ and her mortal remains were laid in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #104344094.
At the time of the 1900 census, the Scotts are found residing at what is identified as 1222 W. 10th Street in Ward 3 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas;
Alfred Scott Head M Dec 1865 35 Pennsylvania R.R. Clerk
Lettie Scott Wife F Aug 1870 30 Illinois
Gladys Scott Daughter F Jan 1890 10 Nebraska
Dorothy Scott Daughter F Dec 1892 8 Kansas
Leon Baldwin Brother-in-law M Oct 1874 26 Illinois R.R. Clerk
Letitia S. (Baldwin) Scott died on _______________ __, 1950 in ______________, Kansas and her mortal remains were laid in the Topeka Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #14013472.
2. Harry C. Baldwin, born March 17, 1873 in Peoria County, Illinois. Harry was married to Martha ____________ c. 1897/98 in Peoria County.
The children born to Harry and Martha include;
A. William J. or S. Baldwin, born May __, 1900 in Peoria County, Illinois. William is found with the family in the 1900, 1910 and 1920 census records. William is believed to have been married to Carolyn M. ___________.
One daughter is believed to have been born to William and Carolyn;
a. Billie Jean/Joanne Baldwin, born c. 1927/28 in California. There is a record of a Billie Joanne Baldwin, age 23 being married to a Gordon Everett Suiter on 27 Oct 1950 in Los Angeles, California. Gordon's parents are listed as Gordon Page Sulter and Marguerite Zwemer, while Billie's parents are listed as William Starr Baldwin and Carolyn Macquiddy
At the time of the 1930 census, William J. or S. Baldwin is found in Los Angeles (Districts 0501-0750), Los Angeles County, California;
William S Baldwin Head M 29 Illinois
Carolyn M Baldwin Wife F 27 New York
Billie J Baldwin Daughter F 2 California
At the time of the 1940 census, William and his family are found in Councilmanic District 15, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Township, Los Angeles County, California;
William Baldwin Head M 40 Illinois
Carolyn Baldwin Wife F 36 New York
Billie Jean Baldwin Daughter F 12 California
B. Bernard Harry Baldwin, born c. 1905/06 in California.
At the time of the 1940 census, Harry B. Baldwin is found in El Monte Judicial Township, Los Angeles County, California. They had previously (1935) lived in Rural, Harney County, Oregon;
Harry B Baldwin Head M 35 California
Rilla D Baldwin Wife F 43 Indiana
Harry Bernard Baldwin died on April 4, 1998 and his mortal remains were laid to rest in the Rose Hills Memorial Park Cemetery in Whittier, Los Angeles County, California. See his Find A Grave Memorial #42777902.
C. Helen M. Baldwin, born September 9, 1907 in California. Helen was married to Albert L Gatterdam on 3 Oct 1934 in Orange County, California. Albert is listed as being 26, which would place his year of birth c. 1908 and his parents as Joseph A Gatterdam and Emma Burge. Helen is also listed as being 26 and her parents as Harry C Baldwin and Martha Vetter.
At least two children are believed to have been born to Helen and Albert, including;
a. Dwain Roger Gatterdam, born November 11, 1936 in Los Angeles County, Callfornia. Dwain attended the University of California. Dwain died on December 17, 2017.
"Obituary of Dwain Roger Gatterdam
After a long-life adventure of 81 years (born November 11th, 1936), Dwain Gatterdam passed away on December 17th, 2017. Dwain is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Gatterdam; children, Pamela Space, Scott Gatterdam, Cindy Halbert, and Mark Gatterdam; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
"Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end." Quoted by Roy T. Bennett but could have been straight from Dwain's mouth. Dwain was a strong and loving man who pursued success, even when the cards were stacked against him. Maintaining a strong work ethic, he was able to overcome a spinal cord injury, to serve his country in a covert capacity for over 50 years. During that time, Dwain travelled in the interest of the Agency, defending and supporting what he believed in. While Dwain's experiences were never shared, his passport stamps tell another story. His job was his passion, which he and his family were very proud of.
An all-American man, Dwain enjoyed the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, as well as being the patriarch to his four children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. He lived life to the fullest, and on his terms. Internally strong, perpetually determined, only demanding the very best of you, he was enjoyed and loved by those around him. We will miss him terribly, and we will attempt to live by his example, in good times and bad.
Family and friends are invited to remember Dwain, on Friday, January 5th, 2018, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm, at BRX American Bistro in Great Falls, VA."
b. _____________ Gatterdam, born August 31, 1939 in Los Angeles County, California.
Helen M (Baldwin) Gatterdam died on 21 Aug 1960 in Orange County, California and her mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in _____________, ____________ County, California.
At the time of the 1900 census, Harry and his family are found residing at 1111 N. Monroe Street in Ward 1 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
W J Baldwin Head M Mar 1844 56 Pennsylvania
Sarah J Baldwin Wife F Nov 1847 53 Illinois
Harry C Baldwin Son M Mar 1873 27 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Daughter-in-law F Jan 1875 25 Ohio
W J Baldwin Jr. Grandson M May 1900 1/12 Illinois
Harry and his wife, Martha, moved to California sometime between 1900 and 1906. At the time of the 1910 census, Harry's family is found in Los Angeles Assembly District 70, Los Angeles County, California, but Harry is not here. I can not find Harry in the 1910 census anywhere;
Martha M Baldwin Head F 35 Ohio
William J Baldwin Son M 9 Illinois
Harry B Baldwin Son M 5 California
Helen N Baldwin Daughter F 2 California
At the time of the 1920 census, Harry and his family are found in Alhambra, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry C Baldwin Head M 46 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Wife F 45 Ohio
William J Baldwin Son M 19 Illinois
Bernard H Baldwin Son M 14 California
Helen M Baldwin Daughter F 12 California
At the time of the 1930 census, Harry and his family are found in Alhambra, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry Baldwin Head M 57 Illinois
Martha Baldwin Wife F 55 Ohio
Helen Baldwin Daughter F 22 California
At the time of the 1940 census, Harry and Martha are found in Tract 480, Alhambra, San Gabriel Judicial Township, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry C Baldwin Head M 67 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Wife F 65 Ohio
According to his death record found on familysearch, Harry C. Baldwin died on May 3, 1951 in Los Angeles County, California. He was born on March 17, 1873 in Illinois and his mother's maiden name was Sholes.
Martha died in 1953. Their mortal remains were laid in the Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Los Angeles County, California. See Harry's Find A Grave Memorial# 42656915.
3. Leon S. Baldwin, born October 15, 1874/75 in Peoria County, Illinois. In 1900, Leon S. Baldwin is seen above living with his sister and brother-in-law in Topeka, Kansas. He is working as a Railroad Clerk with his brother-in-law. At the time of the 1920 census, Leon is found in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California living with his parents;
William J Boldwin Head M 75 Pennsylvania
Jennie S Baldwin Wife F 71 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 44 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Leon is believed to be the Leon S. Baldwin that we find in Franklin, Laclede County, Missouri, where he is farming. He and Anna have only been married for 3 years and his father and mother are listed as having been born in Pennsylvania and Illinois, which is correct for both. His birthdate is also October 15th, but he is now listed as being 5 years younger;
Leon Baldwin Head M 51 Illinois
Anna Baldwin Wife F 50 Missouri
Leon S. Baldwin is believed to have died on July 21, 1931 in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri. Leon S Baldwin's mortal remains were laid in the McBride Cemetery in Competition, Laclede County, Missouri. See his Find A Grave Memorial #22974624.
Now to continue with what we know about the Baldwin family;
At the time of the 1870 census, the Baldwin family is found farming in Hallock Township of Peoria County;
Baldwin Thomas 65 M Ret'd St'mboat Capt. 45,000 1,000 Pennsylvania
Baldwin Lititia S.55 F Pennsylvania
Baldwin Wm. J. 25 M Pennsylvania
Baldwin Jennie S. 20 F Illinois
Holoway Janas 17 M Farm Laborer Illinois
Coffee Anice 5 F Pennsylvania
At the time of the 1880 census, William, Jennie and their children are found farming in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
William Baldwin Self M 36 Pennsylvania Farmer
Sarah J Baldwin Wife F 30 Illinois
Letty S Baldwin Daughter F 10 Illinois
Harry C Baldwin Son M 7 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 5 Illinois
John A Evans Servant M 25 Illinois Works on farm
Eva Talmadge Servant F 17 Illinois
From the 1880 Peoria County History comes the following;
"Hallock Township.
BALDWIN WILLIAM J. farmer, Sec. 13, was born in Pittsburg, Pa.; is the only son of a family of two children of Capt. Thomas Baldwin and Letetia Jackson, both natives of the "Keystone State," where they were married in 1834. Their only daughter, Fannie, is now the wife of Dr. H. T. Coffey, of Peoria. Capt. Thomas Baldwin was born on Dec. 7. 1804, near Pittsburg, Pa., where his father, Col. Robert Baldwin, owned a large farm and a flouring mill, located on Chartier's creek. In shipping their flour to market, Captain and his brother conveyed it up the river in canoes and other small crafts, which was a tedious process, and young Thomas resolved, while a mere youth, to do what he could to develop a better system of water transportation, and such progress had he made in the art of boating that at the age of nineteen years he was captain of a steamboat on the Ohio river. Nature had so well adapted him to his chosen work, that he became one of the leading steamboat men of his life-time; devoted forty-five years of his life to it, during which he built and was sole, or part, owner of twenty-six steamboats, a number of which were among the finest and swiftest upon the western rivers. Captain Baldwin's boating experience was chiefly upon the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers. He removed to Peoria in 1844, and when the California gold fever broke out in 1849, Commodore Vanderbilt selected him to superintend a line of steamers to Central America, that being then the principal route, at a salary of $10,000 a year. His health failing, he resigned the position at the end of ten months, and Mr. Vanderbilt presented him with a check for $10,000 in gold. Soon after the beginning of the late civil war he offered his services to the Government, which were accepted, and he was put in command of a transport vessel; later was appointed to the command of the gunboat Romeo, which he retained till the close of the war. He then retired from active business, and on Aug. 23, 1879, died at his residence in Peoria, ending a very active and useful life. Mrs. B. still occupies the elegant homestead on East Bluff. William J., being infused with the prevailing patriotic spirit of the times, enlisted, secretly, though a mere boy, and was in the army nearly a year, when his mother, after much effort, secured his discharge. He married Miss Jennie Scholes, a native of Peoria county. They have three children, Leon, Harry C. and Letetia. (pages 753-754)"
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion of the old 86th in Peoria, Illinois on August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the men of the 86th. The reunion was such a success that they continued to be held through 1923, when it was finally, tearfully, decided that they were too old and too few to continue the reunions. The last dozen or so reunions were held in the Peoria G.A.R. Hall, which still stands today. William J. Baldwin attended that first reunion and was one of 20 members of old Co. C to attend that reunion. William also attended the reunions of 1889, 1890, 1891, 1893, 1897, 1899, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905 as well as the reunion of 1912, which proved to be the last he would attend.
According to his Pension Card found on Fold3, Private William J. Baldwin began collecting in Invalid Pension on March 1, 1892 and this was increased on February 23, 1907.
At the time of the 1900 census, the Baldwins are living in the 1st Ward, 4th precinct, in the City of Peoria. Their address is 1111 N. Monroe Street;
Baldwin W. J. Head M Jan 1844 56 M 32
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Grain Dealer
Baldwin Sarah J. Wife F Nov 1847 52 M 32 3 3
Illinois England New York
Baldwin Harry C. Son M Mch 1873 27 M 2
Illinois Pennsylvania Illinois Fireman (R.R.)
Baldwin Martha M. Dau.-in-Law F Jan 1875 25 M 2 1 1
Ohio Germany Germany
Baldwin W. J., Jr. Grand Son M May 1900 1/12 S
Illinois Illinois Ohio
At the time of the 1910 census, William and Jennie are still residing in the home located at 1111 N. Monroe Street in the 1st Ward, 4th Precinct in Peoria, Illinois;
BALDWIN William J. Head M 64 43 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Commercial Trav. Agre. Imp. Co.
BALDWIN Jennie S. Wife F 60 43 4 3 Illinois
England New York
William J. Baldwin was a member of the John Bryner G.A.R. Post #67 in Peoria, Illinois for many years. In a book entitled "Illustrated Roster of the Department of Illinois, Grand Army of the Republic" which was printed in 1914, W. J. Bryner is still listed as a member of G.A.R. Post 67 in Peoria along with the following veterans of the 86th: W. Huber, of Co. B; S. Silzel, Musician; and J. Wrigley, of Co. D.
Sometime after 1910, probably after 1914, when this book on the G.A.R. was published, William and Jennie moved out to Los Angeles, California. Their son, Harry C., is known to have moved to California, but it is not know whether he moved first and William and Jennie followed him out there or whether Harry followed them out there. In any case, William and Jennie are known to have resided 5329 S. Main Street in Los Angeles, California for some time. The 86th Illinois Reunion Association was in communication with William at this address for some time as well.
The records of the Soldiers Home in Sawtelle, California, near Los Angeles show that William J. Bladwin he entered Sawtelle January 1, 1920 and died of a cerebral embolism on January 25, 1920. According to his Pension Card, Private William J. Baldwin also died on January 25, 1920, possibly in the Soldiers Home, in Los Angeles, California. According to that card, his widow began collecting a Widows Pension on February 5, 1920. Her mailing address is given as 1712 Maple Avenue, Los Angeles, California.
At the time of the 1920 census, every member of the family that lived in the household on January 1, 1920 was supposed to be listed. William is listed with the family in Los Angeles Assembly District 74, Los Angeles County, California. Of course he died 24 days later;
William J Boldwin Head M 75 Pennsylvania
Jennie S Baldwin Wife F 71 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 44 Illinois
The Los Angeles Times edition of January 29, 1920 ran the following notice on p. 16, under the heading "DEATHS";
"BALDWIN. January 25, William J. Baldwin, aged 75 years, husband of Jennie S. Baldwin, father of Harry C. and Leon S. Baldwin of Los Angeles and Mrs. A. A. Scott of Topeka, Kan.
Services will be held Thursday, January 29, at 10 a.m. at the Los Angeles Crematory. Friends invited. Edwards, Gamash & Heath, directors." This makes it appear that he was cremated. Is this right?
Sarah Jane (Scholes) Baldwin is believed to have died on December 17, 1928 in Los Angeles County, California. The California Death Index 1905 - 1939 has a Sarah J. Baldwin dying on December 17, 1928 in Los Angeles County, California. She was believed to have been 88 years of age. Could that age actually have been 80?
On September 27, 2011, I received the following email from Mike; Pierceall;
From: Michael Pierceall [Chat now]
To: Baxter Fite
Hi, Baxter. It looks as if William J. Baldwin is not listed as being interred at Rose Hills in Whittier along with his son. Let me know if you discover any further leads in my area. Regards - Mike
by Baxter B. Fite III; and Matthew Hayes, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Baldwin family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on William J. Baldwin and the Baldwin family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any pictures of William J. Baldwin that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Also, William J. Baldwin probably never sat for a portrait before his entering the service during the Civil War, but he spent almost 10 months with the 86th in the Nashville, Tennessee area, during which time most of the members of the 86th took the opportunity to sit for portraits to send back home to their loved that they missed so much and most of the boys didn't stop at making just one or two copies of those pictures, which were most often printed in the from of what was called a CDV. They made a dozen copies or more, sometimes, so that they could swap pictures with the friends, tentmates and messmates within their respective companies. Then, William J. Baldwin survived the war and lived well into the 20th Century. During this time, William must had his picture taken many more times. I would love to see some pictures of William J. Baldwin as a young man, especially one of him in uniform from his days with the 86th, but at this point, I would just love to see some pictures of William be added to his FAG site, even some of him as a 50, 60 or 70 year old man. Can anyone help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Baxter)
Private WILLIAM J. BALDWIN, Co. C, 86th Illinois
William J. Baldwin was born on March __, 1844 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, one of two children born to Thomas Baldwin and Letitia (Jackson) Baldwin. Captain Thomas Baldwin, who was a steamboat Captain, was born on December 7, 1804 near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the son of Colonel Robert Baldwin. Letitia Jackson was born c. 1815/16 in Pennsylvania.
Thomas Baldwin and Letetia (Jackson) Baldwin are known from the 1900 census to have had three children. They are known from the biography below to include William and Fannie, but in the 1850 census of Peoria, listed below, there is another daughter (or could this be a son?). These are the children believed to have been born to Thomas and Letetia;
1. Annis Baldwin, born c. 1834/35 in Kentucky
2. Francis B. "Fannie" Baldwin, born c. December 31, 1836/37 in Kentucky; married to Dr. Harry T. Coffey on October 29, 1857 in Peoria County.
The children born to the Coffeys include;
A. George A Coffey, born c. 1864/65 in Pennsylvania.
B. Annis B Coffey, born c. 1866/67 in Pennsylvania.
C. Letitia Coffey, born c. 1867/68 in Pennsylvania.
D. Titian James Coffey, born c. May/June 1875 in Pennsylvania. Familysearch has the following record in Pennsylvania Births and Christenings;
Name Titian James Coffey
Gender Male
Event Type Christening
Event Date 06 Jun 1875
Event Place 3RD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY, PENNSYLVANIA
Father's Name H. T. Coffey
Mother's Name Fannie Coffey
At the time of the 1870 census, the Coffeys are found in Ward 3 of the city of Pittsburg, Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, where Dr. Coffey is practicing medicine;
Henry I Coffey M 39 Pennsylvania
Fannie B Coffey F 30 Kentucky
George A Coffey M 5 Pennsylvania
Annis B Coffey M 3 Pennsylvania
Letitia Coffey F 2 Pennsylvania
Elisabeth Lynch F 26 Ireland Domestic Servant
Frances (Baldwin) Coffey died on 18 Jan 1908 in Sierra Madre, Los Angeles County, California, but her mortal remains were returned to Illinois where they were laid to rest in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #78191116.
3. William J. Baldwin, born March __, 1844 in Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
The Baldwins came west to Illinois in 1844, shortly after their son, William's birth. There they settled in Peoria County. At the time of the 1850 census, the Baldwins are residing in the City of Peoria, Illinois in Peoria County;
Baldwin J. 45 M L. J. Boatman Pa
Baldwin Letitia 34 F Pa
Baldwin Annis 15 F KY
Baldwin Francis B. 13 F Ky
Baldwin Wm. Jay 6 M Pa
Phirs Margaret 24 F Germany
At the time of the 1860 census, the Baldwin family is found in Hallock Township in northern Peoria County;
Baldwin Thomas 55 M Farmer 10,000 1,600 PA
Baldwin Letilia S. 43 F 8,000 PA
Baldwin William J. 16 M Farm Hand PA
Now to continue with the biography of William J. Baldwin;
On August 15, 1862, William J. Baldwin went to Chillicothe, Illinois where he volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Chillicothe, Illinois, and in the townships immediately north and west of Chillicothe, including Halleck Township in Peoria County and LaPrairie and Saratoga Townships in Marshall County. This company was being raised by John H. Batchelder, who operated the Ferry at Chillicothe, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, a Chillicothe area Physician. When he volunteered, William gave his residence as Halleck Township in Peoria County.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name BALDWIN, WILLIAM J
Rank PVT Company C Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence HALLECK, PEORIA CO, IL Age 18 Height 5' 9 Hair LIGHT
Eyes GRAY Complexion LIGHT Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity ALEGANY CO, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 15, 1862 Joined Where CHILLICOTHE, IL
Joined By Whom J H BATCHELDER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED OCT 1, 1863 WOUNDED JUN 27, 1864
When Batchelder and Thomas had almost 100 volunteers, they led the Chillicothe area company into Peoria where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, Batchelder, Thomas and 87 of their volunteers were mustered into service as Co. C of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Dr. Thomas was elected by the men of Co. C to serve as their Captain, while Batchelder was elected to serve as their 1st Lieutenant.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out the gates of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. Together, at the depot, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana, located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. By early October, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more to come. After the Battle of Perryville, the Confederate troops withdrew from Kentucky and the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they would go into winter camp.
During the next year or so, Private William J. Baldwin served faithfully in Co. C as the men of the 86th served in Tennessee and Georgia. On July 12, 1863, Frederick L. Saxton penned the following in a letter home to his siblings. "I passed within a couple of miles of where Elich was. I seen fellow who knew him. they said he was well. the rest of the boys are well except Bill Baldwin. He is not very well." Two days later on July 14, 1863, Frederick L. Saxton wrote the following to his sister. "Bill Baldwin has been complaining for several days."
According to the Adjutant General of Illinois's report, Private William J. Baldwin was discharged on October 1, 1863 and he is listed as having been wounded. If he was wounded, Private Baldwin must have been wounded either at Perryville, Kentucky or at Chickamauga, Georgia. Though he is not listed as having been wounded in either of these battles, Chickamauga is the most likely.
On October 20, 1863, while the 86th was encamped at Chickamauga Ford, Tennessee, Henry H. Nurse in a letter to his father wrote, "I thought I would try and finish my letter so that it might go with the mail tomorrow. You said no one from our place was hurt but Baldwin. He was good ways from there. He was at Bridge Port sick. He has been discharged and probably most home by this time for what I know."
Whether he was wounded or discharged because of illiness. William J. Baldwin was most likely back hom by the end of October of 1863.
William J. Baldwin was married to a Sarah Jane "Jennie" Scholes on September 26, 1867 in Peoria County. Sarah was born on _____________ __, 1848 in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Richard Scholes, who was born in 1805 in Accrington Paris, England and who died in 1869 in Chillcothe, Illinois, and Sarah Hise (Gillus) Stillman Scholes, who was born in 1811 in Salem, New York and died in 1899 in Chillicothe, Illinois. They were married in 1845.
William J. Baldwin and Sarah Jane (Scholes) Baldwin are believed to have had four children, one possibly dying in infancy. William and Sarah are listed in the 1910 census as having had four children, but only three are living at that time. The three listed in the 1880 census are;
1. Letitia S. "Lettie" Baldwin, born August __, 1870 in Illinois. Lettie Baldwin was married to Alfred Scott sometime in the 1880's.
The children born to Letitia and Alfred include;
A. Gladys Scott, born c. 1889/90 in Nebraska. Gladys was married to Russell Frost on May 14, 1913 in Topeka, Kansas.
Their children include;
a. Letitia Frost, born May 23, 1915 in Kansas. Letitia was married to ____________ Staebler. Letitia (Frost) Staebler died on 10 Sep 2005 and her mortal remains were laid in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #196041791.
b. Marcia Frost, born c. 1924/25 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1940 census, Gladys and her family are found residing at what is identified as 1524 Jewell Street in Ward 6 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas;
Russel E Frost Head M 54 Kansas
Gladys Frost Wife F 50 Nebraska
Letitia Frost Daughter F 24 Kansas
Marcia Frost Daughter F 15 Kansas
B. Dorothy Scott, born December __, 1891/92 in Kansas. Dorothy Scott is believed to have been married to Holmes Meade. They had one daughter, Evelyn, who never married and died in 2012.
At the time of the 1940 census,Dorothy and her family are found residing in Ward 6 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, where Holmes is the President of an Insurance Company;
Holmes Meade Head M 52 Kansas
Dorothy Meade Wife F 46 Kansas
Evelyn Meade Daughter F 21 Kansas
Dorothy (Scott) Meade died on ____________ __, 199__ and her mortal remains were laid in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #104344094.
At the time of the 1900 census, the Scotts are found residing at what is identified as 1222 W. 10th Street in Ward 3 of the city of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas;
Alfred Scott Head M Dec 1865 35 Pennsylvania R.R. Clerk
Lettie Scott Wife F Aug 1870 30 Illinois
Gladys Scott Daughter F Jan 1890 10 Nebraska
Dorothy Scott Daughter F Dec 1892 8 Kansas
Leon Baldwin Brother-in-law M Oct 1874 26 Illinois R.R. Clerk
Letitia S. (Baldwin) Scott died on _______________ __, 1950 in ______________, Kansas and her mortal remains were laid in the Topeka Cemetery in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #14013472.
2. Harry C. Baldwin, born March 17, 1873 in Peoria County, Illinois. Harry was married to Martha ____________ c. 1897/98 in Peoria County.
The children born to Harry and Martha include;
A. William J. or S. Baldwin, born May __, 1900 in Peoria County, Illinois. William is found with the family in the 1900, 1910 and 1920 census records. William is believed to have been married to Carolyn M. ___________.
One daughter is believed to have been born to William and Carolyn;
a. Billie Jean/Joanne Baldwin, born c. 1927/28 in California. There is a record of a Billie Joanne Baldwin, age 23 being married to a Gordon Everett Suiter on 27 Oct 1950 in Los Angeles, California. Gordon's parents are listed as Gordon Page Sulter and Marguerite Zwemer, while Billie's parents are listed as William Starr Baldwin and Carolyn Macquiddy
At the time of the 1930 census, William J. or S. Baldwin is found in Los Angeles (Districts 0501-0750), Los Angeles County, California;
William S Baldwin Head M 29 Illinois
Carolyn M Baldwin Wife F 27 New York
Billie J Baldwin Daughter F 2 California
At the time of the 1940 census, William and his family are found in Councilmanic District 15, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Township, Los Angeles County, California;
William Baldwin Head M 40 Illinois
Carolyn Baldwin Wife F 36 New York
Billie Jean Baldwin Daughter F 12 California
B. Bernard Harry Baldwin, born c. 1905/06 in California.
At the time of the 1940 census, Harry B. Baldwin is found in El Monte Judicial Township, Los Angeles County, California. They had previously (1935) lived in Rural, Harney County, Oregon;
Harry B Baldwin Head M 35 California
Rilla D Baldwin Wife F 43 Indiana
Harry Bernard Baldwin died on April 4, 1998 and his mortal remains were laid to rest in the Rose Hills Memorial Park Cemetery in Whittier, Los Angeles County, California. See his Find A Grave Memorial #42777902.
C. Helen M. Baldwin, born September 9, 1907 in California. Helen was married to Albert L Gatterdam on 3 Oct 1934 in Orange County, California. Albert is listed as being 26, which would place his year of birth c. 1908 and his parents as Joseph A Gatterdam and Emma Burge. Helen is also listed as being 26 and her parents as Harry C Baldwin and Martha Vetter.
At least two children are believed to have been born to Helen and Albert, including;
a. Dwain Roger Gatterdam, born November 11, 1936 in Los Angeles County, Callfornia. Dwain attended the University of California. Dwain died on December 17, 2017.
"Obituary of Dwain Roger Gatterdam
After a long-life adventure of 81 years (born November 11th, 1936), Dwain Gatterdam passed away on December 17th, 2017. Dwain is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Gatterdam; children, Pamela Space, Scott Gatterdam, Cindy Halbert, and Mark Gatterdam; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
"Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end." Quoted by Roy T. Bennett but could have been straight from Dwain's mouth. Dwain was a strong and loving man who pursued success, even when the cards were stacked against him. Maintaining a strong work ethic, he was able to overcome a spinal cord injury, to serve his country in a covert capacity for over 50 years. During that time, Dwain travelled in the interest of the Agency, defending and supporting what he believed in. While Dwain's experiences were never shared, his passport stamps tell another story. His job was his passion, which he and his family were very proud of.
An all-American man, Dwain enjoyed the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, as well as being the patriarch to his four children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. He lived life to the fullest, and on his terms. Internally strong, perpetually determined, only demanding the very best of you, he was enjoyed and loved by those around him. We will miss him terribly, and we will attempt to live by his example, in good times and bad.
Family and friends are invited to remember Dwain, on Friday, January 5th, 2018, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm, at BRX American Bistro in Great Falls, VA."
b. _____________ Gatterdam, born August 31, 1939 in Los Angeles County, California.
Helen M (Baldwin) Gatterdam died on 21 Aug 1960 in Orange County, California and her mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in _____________, ____________ County, California.
At the time of the 1900 census, Harry and his family are found residing at 1111 N. Monroe Street in Ward 1 of the city of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
W J Baldwin Head M Mar 1844 56 Pennsylvania
Sarah J Baldwin Wife F Nov 1847 53 Illinois
Harry C Baldwin Son M Mar 1873 27 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Daughter-in-law F Jan 1875 25 Ohio
W J Baldwin Jr. Grandson M May 1900 1/12 Illinois
Harry and his wife, Martha, moved to California sometime between 1900 and 1906. At the time of the 1910 census, Harry's family is found in Los Angeles Assembly District 70, Los Angeles County, California, but Harry is not here. I can not find Harry in the 1910 census anywhere;
Martha M Baldwin Head F 35 Ohio
William J Baldwin Son M 9 Illinois
Harry B Baldwin Son M 5 California
Helen N Baldwin Daughter F 2 California
At the time of the 1920 census, Harry and his family are found in Alhambra, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry C Baldwin Head M 46 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Wife F 45 Ohio
William J Baldwin Son M 19 Illinois
Bernard H Baldwin Son M 14 California
Helen M Baldwin Daughter F 12 California
At the time of the 1930 census, Harry and his family are found in Alhambra, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry Baldwin Head M 57 Illinois
Martha Baldwin Wife F 55 Ohio
Helen Baldwin Daughter F 22 California
At the time of the 1940 census, Harry and Martha are found in Tract 480, Alhambra, San Gabriel Judicial Township, Los Angeles County, California;
Harry C Baldwin Head M 67 Illinois
Martha M Baldwin Wife F 65 Ohio
According to his death record found on familysearch, Harry C. Baldwin died on May 3, 1951 in Los Angeles County, California. He was born on March 17, 1873 in Illinois and his mother's maiden name was Sholes.
Martha died in 1953. Their mortal remains were laid in the Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Los Angeles County, California. See Harry's Find A Grave Memorial# 42656915.
3. Leon S. Baldwin, born October 15, 1874/75 in Peoria County, Illinois. In 1900, Leon S. Baldwin is seen above living with his sister and brother-in-law in Topeka, Kansas. He is working as a Railroad Clerk with his brother-in-law. At the time of the 1920 census, Leon is found in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California living with his parents;
William J Boldwin Head M 75 Pennsylvania
Jennie S Baldwin Wife F 71 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 44 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Leon is believed to be the Leon S. Baldwin that we find in Franklin, Laclede County, Missouri, where he is farming. He and Anna have only been married for 3 years and his father and mother are listed as having been born in Pennsylvania and Illinois, which is correct for both. His birthdate is also October 15th, but he is now listed as being 5 years younger;
Leon Baldwin Head M 51 Illinois
Anna Baldwin Wife F 50 Missouri
Leon S. Baldwin is believed to have died on July 21, 1931 in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri. Leon S Baldwin's mortal remains were laid in the McBride Cemetery in Competition, Laclede County, Missouri. See his Find A Grave Memorial #22974624.
Now to continue with what we know about the Baldwin family;
At the time of the 1870 census, the Baldwin family is found farming in Hallock Township of Peoria County;
Baldwin Thomas 65 M Ret'd St'mboat Capt. 45,000 1,000 Pennsylvania
Baldwin Lititia S.55 F Pennsylvania
Baldwin Wm. J. 25 M Pennsylvania
Baldwin Jennie S. 20 F Illinois
Holoway Janas 17 M Farm Laborer Illinois
Coffee Anice 5 F Pennsylvania
At the time of the 1880 census, William, Jennie and their children are found farming in Hallock Township in Peoria County, Illinois, where the family is farming;
William Baldwin Self M 36 Pennsylvania Farmer
Sarah J Baldwin Wife F 30 Illinois
Letty S Baldwin Daughter F 10 Illinois
Harry C Baldwin Son M 7 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 5 Illinois
John A Evans Servant M 25 Illinois Works on farm
Eva Talmadge Servant F 17 Illinois
From the 1880 Peoria County History comes the following;
"Hallock Township.
BALDWIN WILLIAM J. farmer, Sec. 13, was born in Pittsburg, Pa.; is the only son of a family of two children of Capt. Thomas Baldwin and Letetia Jackson, both natives of the "Keystone State," where they were married in 1834. Their only daughter, Fannie, is now the wife of Dr. H. T. Coffey, of Peoria. Capt. Thomas Baldwin was born on Dec. 7. 1804, near Pittsburg, Pa., where his father, Col. Robert Baldwin, owned a large farm and a flouring mill, located on Chartier's creek. In shipping their flour to market, Captain and his brother conveyed it up the river in canoes and other small crafts, which was a tedious process, and young Thomas resolved, while a mere youth, to do what he could to develop a better system of water transportation, and such progress had he made in the art of boating that at the age of nineteen years he was captain of a steamboat on the Ohio river. Nature had so well adapted him to his chosen work, that he became one of the leading steamboat men of his life-time; devoted forty-five years of his life to it, during which he built and was sole, or part, owner of twenty-six steamboats, a number of which were among the finest and swiftest upon the western rivers. Captain Baldwin's boating experience was chiefly upon the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers. He removed to Peoria in 1844, and when the California gold fever broke out in 1849, Commodore Vanderbilt selected him to superintend a line of steamers to Central America, that being then the principal route, at a salary of $10,000 a year. His health failing, he resigned the position at the end of ten months, and Mr. Vanderbilt presented him with a check for $10,000 in gold. Soon after the beginning of the late civil war he offered his services to the Government, which were accepted, and he was put in command of a transport vessel; later was appointed to the command of the gunboat Romeo, which he retained till the close of the war. He then retired from active business, and on Aug. 23, 1879, died at his residence in Peoria, ending a very active and useful life. Mrs. B. still occupies the elegant homestead on East Bluff. William J., being infused with the prevailing patriotic spirit of the times, enlisted, secretly, though a mere boy, and was in the army nearly a year, when his mother, after much effort, secured his discharge. He married Miss Jennie Scholes, a native of Peoria county. They have three children, Leon, Harry C. and Letetia. (pages 753-754)"
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion of the old 86th in Peoria, Illinois on August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the men of the 86th. The reunion was such a success that they continued to be held through 1923, when it was finally, tearfully, decided that they were too old and too few to continue the reunions. The last dozen or so reunions were held in the Peoria G.A.R. Hall, which still stands today. William J. Baldwin attended that first reunion and was one of 20 members of old Co. C to attend that reunion. William also attended the reunions of 1889, 1890, 1891, 1893, 1897, 1899, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905 as well as the reunion of 1912, which proved to be the last he would attend.
According to his Pension Card found on Fold3, Private William J. Baldwin began collecting in Invalid Pension on March 1, 1892 and this was increased on February 23, 1907.
At the time of the 1900 census, the Baldwins are living in the 1st Ward, 4th precinct, in the City of Peoria. Their address is 1111 N. Monroe Street;
Baldwin W. J. Head M Jan 1844 56 M 32
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Grain Dealer
Baldwin Sarah J. Wife F Nov 1847 52 M 32 3 3
Illinois England New York
Baldwin Harry C. Son M Mch 1873 27 M 2
Illinois Pennsylvania Illinois Fireman (R.R.)
Baldwin Martha M. Dau.-in-Law F Jan 1875 25 M 2 1 1
Ohio Germany Germany
Baldwin W. J., Jr. Grand Son M May 1900 1/12 S
Illinois Illinois Ohio
At the time of the 1910 census, William and Jennie are still residing in the home located at 1111 N. Monroe Street in the 1st Ward, 4th Precinct in Peoria, Illinois;
BALDWIN William J. Head M 64 43 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Commercial Trav. Agre. Imp. Co.
BALDWIN Jennie S. Wife F 60 43 4 3 Illinois
England New York
William J. Baldwin was a member of the John Bryner G.A.R. Post #67 in Peoria, Illinois for many years. In a book entitled "Illustrated Roster of the Department of Illinois, Grand Army of the Republic" which was printed in 1914, W. J. Bryner is still listed as a member of G.A.R. Post 67 in Peoria along with the following veterans of the 86th: W. Huber, of Co. B; S. Silzel, Musician; and J. Wrigley, of Co. D.
Sometime after 1910, probably after 1914, when this book on the G.A.R. was published, William and Jennie moved out to Los Angeles, California. Their son, Harry C., is known to have moved to California, but it is not know whether he moved first and William and Jennie followed him out there or whether Harry followed them out there. In any case, William and Jennie are known to have resided 5329 S. Main Street in Los Angeles, California for some time. The 86th Illinois Reunion Association was in communication with William at this address for some time as well.
The records of the Soldiers Home in Sawtelle, California, near Los Angeles show that William J. Bladwin he entered Sawtelle January 1, 1920 and died of a cerebral embolism on January 25, 1920. According to his Pension Card, Private William J. Baldwin also died on January 25, 1920, possibly in the Soldiers Home, in Los Angeles, California. According to that card, his widow began collecting a Widows Pension on February 5, 1920. Her mailing address is given as 1712 Maple Avenue, Los Angeles, California.
At the time of the 1920 census, every member of the family that lived in the household on January 1, 1920 was supposed to be listed. William is listed with the family in Los Angeles Assembly District 74, Los Angeles County, California. Of course he died 24 days later;
William J Boldwin Head M 75 Pennsylvania
Jennie S Baldwin Wife F 71 Illinois
Leon S Baldwin Son M 44 Illinois
The Los Angeles Times edition of January 29, 1920 ran the following notice on p. 16, under the heading "DEATHS";
"BALDWIN. January 25, William J. Baldwin, aged 75 years, husband of Jennie S. Baldwin, father of Harry C. and Leon S. Baldwin of Los Angeles and Mrs. A. A. Scott of Topeka, Kan.
Services will be held Thursday, January 29, at 10 a.m. at the Los Angeles Crematory. Friends invited. Edwards, Gamash & Heath, directors." This makes it appear that he was cremated. Is this right?
Sarah Jane (Scholes) Baldwin is believed to have died on December 17, 1928 in Los Angeles County, California. The California Death Index 1905 - 1939 has a Sarah J. Baldwin dying on December 17, 1928 in Los Angeles County, California. She was believed to have been 88 years of age. Could that age actually have been 80?
On September 27, 2011, I received the following email from Mike; Pierceall;
From: Michael Pierceall [Chat now]
To: Baxter Fite
Hi, Baxter. It looks as if William J. Baldwin is not listed as being interred at Rose Hills in Whittier along with his son. Let me know if you discover any further leads in my area. Regards - Mike
by Baxter B. Fite III; and Matthew Hayes, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Baldwin family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on William J. Baldwin and the Baldwin family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any pictures of William J. Baldwin that may have survived the years, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
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