Chittenden

BALDWIN, Edmund & Orange (brothers)

Vermont Historical Magazine, No XI, October 1867, p 805

Edmund and Orange BALDWIN, brothers, came from New Milford [Litchfield 
County], Connecticut, to Hinesburgh [Chittenden County, Vermont] in February 
1797, and settled on the first division of which their father was the 
original proprietor. Their talents and character soon secured for them the 
respect and confidence of the fellow citizens. Orange held for some time the 
office of first constable and collector, which duties he discharged with 
fidelity and to the satisfaction of the town.

Of Edmund, Fred H. BALDWIN, Esq., a grandson, writes as follows: "Edmund 
BALDWIN was born 06 July 1774 in New Milford [Litchfield County], 
Connecticut. His father died in early manhood, leaving to the widowed mother 
the care and support of a large family. Edmund was apprenticed to a tanner 
of his native town, whom he served seven years, the appointed period at that 
time for learning a trade. At the expiration of his apprenticeship, he 
married Susanna STOWE, of New Milford, and removed to Hinesburgh in 1797. He 
was a prominent man in the early history of the town, one of that sturdy band 
of first comers who by their enterprise, disinterestedness and endurance have 
laid posterity under lasting obligations. Exhibiting a marked interest and 
enthusiasm in the settlement and improvement of the town, he was entrusted by 
his fellow citizens with the various offices within their gift, the duties of 
which he performed with care and fidelity. He was once elected a member of 
the state constitutional convention, and twice a member of the general 
assembly. He was early appointed a justice of the peace, and soon acquired 
considerable distinction as a trier of cases. For many years he was the 
standing court of this town, while his decisions in important cases obtained 
a much wider reputation. His cool, clear judgment, his shrewd discernment 
and his grasp of mind enabled him to bring out the strong points of the case 
and lay open to the jury the more difficult matters involved. Still he ever 
maintained the character of a peacemaker, and as such was often selected as 
arbitrator or referee, for which his superior discretion and acknowledged 
ability admirably fitted him. While he held the office of justice he was 
often called upon to perform more pleasant duties than those attending 
litigation. He married seventy-one couples.

Mr. BALDWIN took a deep interest in the morals and education of the town. 
There was nothing worth knowing that he did not take pleasure in. Possessed 
of a retentive memory he was able by reading and observation to repair many 
of the deficiencies of his early education. He took an interest in all the 
great questions of the day, and his earnest advocacy of the temperance and 
anti-slavery causes will long be remembered. He was one of the founders of 
the Baptist church in this town, and continued through life an active and 
influential member of that denomination. Ever a zealous and devoted servant 
of his Master, he was looked up to for counsel and example. He [Edmund 
BALDWIN] died 25 February 1856, aged eighty-two, leaving a good name and 
blessed memory." Two sons and a large number of the third and fourth 
generations are among the most respectable citizens of the town.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly