BAXTER, JOHN HENDERSON. - The modern farmer is now longer content with old methods and ordinary surroundings, but is wide awake and progressive, supplying himself with modern equipment. comforts and conveniences. He is making architecture and landscape gardening allies of agriculture. One of the best examples of this class of farmers in Cass County is John Henderson Baxter, of township 18, range 10. He was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., December 25, 1857, a son of Rev. Nathan and Mary (Devault) Baxter, natives of the same place.
John H. Baxter was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of Tennessee, coming to Illinois in the spring of 1885. He worked on a farm and taught school in Christian County. On July 22, 1886, Mr. Baxter married Miss Minnie Brauer, born in Cass County, Ill., a daughter of Frederick W. and Elizabeth (Brunker) Brauer, natives of Germany and early settlers in Cass County.
After living in Chandlerville, Ill., for four years, Mr. Baxter moved on a lovely Sangamon bottom farm containing 440 acres. This farm, one among the most valuable properties in the county, was an inheritance of Mrs. Baxter from her parents and is called "Pinehurst." In 1904 Mr. Baxter's health failed and he moved with his family to central Texas and located in the city of Waco so that he might educate the two children. In 1911, having partially regained his health, he moved his family back to the Illinois farm and began extensive improvements. He is erecting the best and most beautiful residence in Cass County in which gray and white Portland cement form the most important building materials. This house is a model in architecture, convenience and comfort, semi-bungalow in style, and is lighted by electricity, heated by the Moline System of Vacuum Steam, and he has the most modern plumbing system anywhere, and churning, clothes washing and vacuum cleaning are all done with electricity. More than 6000 feet of wire and ninety tungsten lamps are used in the lighting. The outbuildings will also be lighted with electricity.
Mr. and Mrs. Baxter became the parents of two children: Ivan Elijah, who was born September 16, 1888, and Grace Mae, who was born February 8, 1891. These children were educated in Baylor University, Waco, Texas, the best school in the "Southland." The son holds the record in the institution in Latin and Greek. He took the degree of Bachelor of Arts and won a scholarship to Brown University, Providence, R.I., taking the degree of Master of Arts. After graduation he was elected to the chair of Latin in Georgetown College, Georgetown, Ky., and also occupied the chair of history in St. John's Military Academy, Delafield, Wis. He was a successful teacher but had to retire because of failing health and then turned to agriculture. Both children live with their parents and all form a happy family.
Mr. Baxter and children are members of the Missionary Baptist church. Mrs. Baxter is a Cumberland Presbyterian. Mr. Baxter is a Prohibition Republican, and a Modern Woodman. He is a great advocate of education for the farmer's children, and is an important factor in the moral and agricultural advancement of Cass County.