Minnie Effie Baldwin, 1867-1950

BALDWIN, STRONG, TALCOTT, ANDERSON, LOFTSGARD

Posted By: C. Diamond, IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 8/15/2014 at 08:30:41

The Elgin Echo
Elgin, Fayette Co., Iowa
Thursday, February 2, 1950
Page 2, column two

OBITUARY OF MINNIE EFFIE BALDWIN.

Minnie Effie Baldwin, daughter of Charles W. Strong and Elvina Talcott Strong, was born Sept. 13, 1867, in Illyria township, on the farm now occupied by Reynold Strong. She spent her girlhood there and on Nov. 3, 1888, was united in marriage with Marion Baldwin of the same community. They started farming on the farm now occupied by Edwin Loftsgard, one mile south of the Illyria church.

After a short time they moved to a farm near Maynard and it was here that Ray Anderson, formerly farm editor of the Cedar Rapids Gazette and now of the Farm Journel, spent his boyhood summers, establishing a bond of affection which has lasted throughout the years.

They sold this farm and moved to one near Hazelton. They discontinued farming in 1915, and that summer made a trip by car, attending the San Francisco Exposition. Considering the roads and mode of travel at that time this was a never to be forgotten event in their lives. Upon their return to Hazelton, Mr. Baldwin devoted his time to the plumbing trade in which he had some previous experience.

One of the delights of their later years was an almost annual pilgrimage to the Iowa state fair where they camped.

Mrs. Baldwin was an enthusiastic and devoted worker in the WCTU, serving as secretary of the state organization for several years. She was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian church, Cedar Falls, at the time of her death.
Mr. Baldwin preceded her in death April 19, 1933.

In 1936 she entered the Western Old People’s Home where she had since resided. As a hobby during her stay at the home she made in the neighborhood of 1,200 toy horses and donkeys, using old inner tubes for material.

She departed this life Jan 24, 1964. Surviving her are her sister[in-law, Mrs. Amelia Strong, two nieces, two nephews, her devoted friend, Ray Anderson, besides other relatives and friends.