John M Baldwin

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899, p374.

A prominent citizen of Chatham. Mr. BALDWIN has attained to a leading position in the industrial life of Morris county. Years of activity, well directed and guided by sound judgment, have brought to him a rich and desirable success, and he stands among those whose energy and enterprise have also contributed largely to the material development and welfare of the town which he makes his home.

Born on the old Baldwin homestead, December 27, 1844, he is the eldest son and third child of Samuel BALDWIN. His childhood days were passed on the farm and his assistance was required in the cultivation and improvement of the fields. When he had arrived at years of maturity he was married, December 29, 1869, to Miss Emma J. CARTER, a daughter of Barnabas and Sarah (McCOY) CARTER. She has been to him a faithful companion and helpmeet, and they have now traveled life's journey together for twenty-eight years. For a year after his marriage Mr. Baldwin carried on farming at Millington, and then removed to Maplewood, where he farmed on shares the property of Louis Pierson, for three years. On the expiration of that period he went to Union, where he remained three years, and next spent three years at Long Hill and a similar period at Summit, New Jersey.

In 1877 Mr. BALDWIN embarked in the ice business on a small scale, supplying the butchers of the neighborhood. From the very first the concern proved a paying investment. In 1879 he removed to Madison and gradually extended his business to Chatham and Summit. At the present time it is confined to the last two places, and his sales amount to two thousand tons of ice annually, the enterprise being recognized as one of the leading business interests of the community. His aptitude for business, his keen discrimination and his untiring energy enabled him to build up an enterprise whose financial returns make him one of the substantial citizens of the community.

To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have been born nine children: Charles S., Ida May, Emma B., Daisy E., Etta S., John C., Myrtle E., Eva J., and Mildred W. The family have a wide acquaintance in Morris county, and, the members of the household move in the best circles of society. In his political views Mr. BALDWIN is a Democrat and gives an intelligent support to the party, but has never been an office-seeker. He manifests a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community, — its progress and advancement along all desirable lines, and lends a hearty co-operation in the various movements for the public good.

Transcribed by Brianne Kelly-Bly

This page was last modified on: 01 January, 2014