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         FRANCIS MARION BALDWIN, of the firm of Eckman & Baldwin, dealers in lumber, coal, etc., was born Feb. 6, 1839, near Crawfordsville, Ind. His parents were William C. and Cyrena (Dolton) Baldwin. The father, born in Hamilton County, Ohio, of Scotch and English descent, followed the vocation of farming, and is now living a retired life at Virden, Ill., at the age of seventy-eight. The mother was born and reared in Kentucky, though descended from an old Virginian family, and her death occurred July 3, 1880.

Our subject removed with his parents to Greene County, Ill., when thirteen years of age, and there grew to manhood on his father’s farm, receiving such education as the district schools afforded. On the 16th of February, 1864, in Macoupin County, Ill., he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Smith, who was a daughter of Thomas Smith, and was born near Roodhouse, Greene Co., Ill. One child graces their union, Edwin H., now twenty-one years of age. Mr. Baldwin was engaged in farming in Greene County, Ill, until 1875, when he engaged in the live-stock business, buying, feeding and shipping. Subsequently he formed a partnership with W. W. Eckman in the grain and lumber business, which was carried on in the two towns of Atwater and Virden, Ill., Mr. Baldwin having charge of that of the former and Mr. Eckman of the latter place. Until May, 1884, they continued business in Illinois, but at that time sold out and removed to Columbus Junction, Iowa, buying out the lumber business of Wilcox & Son, and continued business under their former firm name of Eckman & Baldwin. (See sketch of business elsewhere in this work.)

Mr. Baldwin is a Republican in politics, but not an aspirant for the honors of public office, one term . . .

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. . . in the City Council being the extent of his official service since his residence at Columbus Junction. Mrs. Baldwin has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since early life, and her husband joined the same society later.