Mortimer D. Baxter

BAXTER, HARRINGTON, KENT, COOLEY, ROSEBROUGH

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/3/2001 at 07:07:34

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties - 1890
MORTIMER D. BAXTER
Mortimer D. Baxter, photographer, proprietor of the only gallery in Milton, established business here in 1876, and has carried it on continuously since, covering a period of fourteen consecutive years. Mr. Baxter was born in Union County, Ohio, January 4, 1844, and is the son of Benjamin D. and Lucinda Harrington Baxter. His father was born in the state of New York in 1811, was of English descent, and died in August 1844, when our subject was a babe of a few months. The mother was a native of Vermont, born in 1819. Some years after the death of Mr. Baxter, she married Daniel Kent, and in 1851, with her family immigrated to Iowa, and settled in Van Buren County.
Mortimer D., who came to Iowa with his mother, attended school at Keosauqua, and in 1864 began studying photography in that place. On account of sore eyes he spent a year on the farm, and then traveled with a car photographing. About 1868 he established a gallery in Milton. From 1871 until 1878 he devoted himself to the grocery trade; since 1878 has devoted his attention exclusively to photography. Mr. Baxter is a Republican in politics, and in 1872 was appointed Postmaster in Milton, under the administration of President Grant, serving until 1877. In 1886 he was elected Mayor of Milton, and served one term in that office.
Mr. Baxter has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Miranda Cooley, and their union was celebrated in Milton in 1868. The lady was the daughter of Fountain Cooley, and was born in Davis County Iowa. Her death occurred on December 27, 1877, and Mr. Baxter was again married on February 17, 1880, his second marriage taking place in Bloomfield, Davis County, where he led to the alter Miss Emma Rosebrough, daughter of James H. Rosebrough. She is a native of Davis County, where her people were early settlers. Four children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Baxter, three sons and a daughter—Eugene Mortimer, November 21, 1881; Iowa M., October 3, 1883; Neal Dow, July 18, 1885; and Rex R, November 21, 1887. All were born in Milton.
Mr. and Mrs. Baxter are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, in which he has been Class Leader and Steward for many years. He is also an active working in the cause of temperance, and is considered a leader in all advanced ideas in moral culture. He is a member of Jackson Lodge, No. 28, K.P., having been actively identified with that order since 1881. In his business life he has prospered and his gallery has won popularity. As an official he won commendation and the respect of all concerned. With the exception of a very brief interval Mr. Baxter has now been a resident of Milton for a quarter of a century, and is widely and favorable known to the citizens of Van Buren and adjoining counties.
I am not related, and am posting this biography for those who may find this person in their family history.