Baird, E.

BAIRD, BURGAN

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 2/16/2013 at 07:43:00

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

BAIRD, E.—Malcom Twp—pg 856-7. Carpenter and joiner, Malcom. Was born in Wayne county, Ohio, June 17, 1826, and until twenty years of age was engaged in farming. In 1847 he went to Ashland, Ohio, where he learned his trade, and also studied architecture, and in 1850 removed to Wolcott, and six months later to Hamilton, Wisconsin. He made that place his home about one and a half years, and then returned to Wayne county, Ohio, where he remained two years, and then to Osceola, Wisconsin, purchased 160 acres of land, and engaged in farming, working at his trade during this time. In 1860 he came to Iowa, locating in Iowa county, and followed his chosen avocation until August 11, 1861, when he enlisted in company I, Twenty-eighth Iowa infantry, and participated in the battled of Magnolia Heights, Champion’s Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, Jackson and Red River expedition. Was captured at Sabine Cross Roads, and sent to Tyler, Texas, where he was kept four months, and then effected escape. He, with six others, bribed a boy (who was employed in running a scavenger cart) to cover them with debris, and was thus carried safely outside of prison quarters. After a long and tedious journey of twenty-seven days, suffering intensely for food and water, Mr. Baird succeeded in capturing three geese and one small hog, which were divided. On the 28th day they arrived at Fort Gibson, in the Indian Territory. There he remained but a few days, when he was sent by the government to Fort Scott, Kansas, and there joined his lines. Was honorably discharged in the fall of 1865. In 1869 he came to this county and engaged in working at his trade, and also in the manufacture of a patent weather strip, besides other inventions. His marriage was in Wayne county, Ohio, December 28, 1845, to Miss Sophronia Burgan, of that county. They have eight children living: Frank M., James, Allie, Byron K., Alva L., Clara, Flora and Frances. Have lost two.