Samuel Baldwin

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Samuel Baldwin

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899, p406.

SAMUEL BALDWIN

A worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Morris county is Mr. BALDWIN, who was born in Chatham, on the 23d of September, 1818, and comes of a family that for more than a century bas been identified with the progress and upbuilding of this section of the state. His great-grandfather, Ezekiel BALDWIN, accompanied by three brothers, removed from New England to Essex county and took up his residence in Newark. His son, Gabriel BALDWIN, the grandfather, was born and reared in Essex county, whence be removed to Morris county, being the first of the name to locate within its borders. By trade he was a blacksmith, and in addition to his work along that line he engaged in the manufacture of steelyards. His life was a busy and useful one and he lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years. In his family were the following children: Polly, who became the wife of Nehemiah OSBORN; Sarah, who married William WRIGHT and removed to the west; Nancy, who became the wife of Daniel S. WOOD, of New Providence; Susan, wife of Nathaniel HALSEY; Samuel and David L. The last named was a native of Chatham township, and was reared on the old farmstead, the days of his boyhood and youth being quietly passed. When he had reached man's estate he determined to make the pursuit to which he was reared his life work, and for many years he was numbered among the substantial and highly respected farmers of his township. He was joined in wedlock to Miss Phoebe BRANT, a native of Chatham township, and a daughter of David BRANT, who was born in Morris county. They had one son, Ellis B., who died at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. After the death of his first wife, Mr. BALDWIN married her sister, Miss Mary BRANT, and this union was blessed with five children, as follows: Phoebe, who died in early womanhood; Elam, who died at the age of twelve years; Asa, who died at the age of seventy-six years; Samuel; and David, who died in infancy. The father of this family exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy. His death occurred at the age of sixty-four years, and the mother of our subject, who was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, died in 1822.

Samuel BALDWIN early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, but thinking to follow some other pursuit he learned the carpenter's trade in his early manhood, serving a three years apprenticeship. He engaged in work at the builder's trade for a few years and then returned to farming, which he has since carried on with good success. His life has been quiet and uneventful, but he is exemplary in his devotion to the public and private duty, his honor in business dealings and his fidelity to every trust reposed in him.

On the 13th of February, 1840, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. BALDWIN and Miss Mary CODINGTON, a native of New Providence, Essex county, now Union county, and a daughter of John and Sarah (PARSONS) CODINGTON, who formerly resided in Mount Horeb, Union county, and represented old families of that locality. They had ten children, eight of whom reached years of maturity, as follows: Phoebe, wife of Frederick F. HARMAN, of Madison; Sarah, wife of James M. PARCELS, of Green Village, Morris county; John M. of Chatham township; Dayton, of the same township; Isaac, who died in infancy; George, of Summit, New Jersey; Samuel Smith and Ellis, masons by trade, Chatham township; Ellen, wife of Frederick B. BARDEN, of Madison; and Victoria Adelaide, who died at the age of one year. The mother of this family, who was born November 13, 1817, died on the 13th of December, 1893, and her loss was mourned by many friends to whom she had endeared herself by her many admirable qualities.

Mr. BALDWIN is a prominent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of New Providence, in which his wife also held membership. He served as trustee at the time of the building of the house of worship and has done much to promote the cause of Christianity in his neighborhood. He has filled the office of overseer of the poor and for forty years was school trustee. In politics he is a Democrat and has ever been a valued citizen, taking a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community. His life has been honorable in all its relations and he well deserves mention in the history of the county which has been his home for almost four-score years.

Transcribed by Brianne Kelly-Bly