Dickinson Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and
Biographical Album of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and
Marion Counties-John B. Baxter
Portrait and Biographical
Album of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1893
JOHN B. BAXTER is a prominent and
enterprising stockman of Dickinson County,
residing on section 6, Holland Township,
where he has made his home for many
years. He claims Scotland as the land of his birth,
and is a son of Alex and Margaret (Cathles) Baxter,
who were also natives of that country. His
parents resided in Scotland until 1871, when they
crossed the Atlantic to America, and coming to
Kansas made a location in Holland Township,
Dickinson County. They afterward removed to
Solomon City, where the father died in 1887. The
mother is still living at this writing, in the fall of
1892.
We now take up the personal history of our
subject, knowing that it will prove of interest to
our readers, as he has a large circle of friends and
acquaintances in this community. Mr. Baxter was
born in Perthshire, Scotland, August 12, 1837, and
there spent his boyhood days upon his father's
farm. His primary education, acquired in the
common schools, was supplemented by a course in
the seminary in Dundee, where he completed his
studies. Farming has been his principal occupation
through life.
In Perthshire in 1861, Mr. Baxter was married
to Miss Amelia Amiss, who was also a native of
that county. By their marriage the following
children were born: Julia, who is deceased; Alex,
Maggie, Ellen, Jessie A., Joanna, Marjory, Amelia
and John. Maggie is the wife of Charles Hanna
of Saline County.
It was in the summer of 1871 that Mr. Baxter,
having determined to try his fortune in America,
crossed the broad Atlantic and made a location in
Will County, Ill. After residing there for six
months, became to Dickinson County, Kan., in the
succeeding autumn, and settled in Solomon City,
where he spent one year. Since that time, he has
made his home on section 6, Holland Township,
and by his unceasing labors and enterprise has developed
one of the finest farms of tins locality.
His landed possessions aggregate seven hundred
and twenty acres, all in Holland Township. Upon
his home farm he has made many good improvements
which add to the value and attractive appearance
of the place and tell to the passer-by the
story of the owner's thrift and ability. Mr. Baxter
is also engaged in stock-raising, being one of
the extensive stock-dealers of the community. He
is an excellent judge of stock and his success in
this line has added not a little to his income.
Mr. Baxter takes considerable interest in political
affairs and is a stalwart supporter of the
Republican party. He filled the office of Justice of
the Peace for two years and has had many important
official positions tendered him, but, not caring
to enter the political arena, would not accept.
Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. Religion has found in him a
warm supporter and he was one of the chief
promoters of the Presbyterian Church in Carlton,
and gave liberally for the building of the house of
worship. His support is never withheld from any
worthy enterprise, in fact is cheerfully given to
all interests calculated to prove of public benefit.
His sterling worth and well-spent life have won
him the confidence and good-will of all with whom
business or social relations have brought him in
contact.
(c) 2009 Sheryl McClure for
Dickinson County KS AHGP