Orange

BALDWIN, A. T., Erastus & Hammon T.

Biography of A. T. & Erastus BALDWIN (brothers)

Men of Vermont: an Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters and Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro, VT: Transcript Pub. Co., 1894, part II, p 16 
(portrait of A. T. p 16)

A. T. BALDWIN, of Wells River [Orange County, Vermont], was born 31 August 
1841 at Topsham [Orange County, Vermont], son of Erastus and Lucinda 
(RICHARDSON) BALDWIN. Erastus BALDWIN located at Wells River early in the 
present century, settled upon a farm in that town and later engaged 
extensively in the trade of a harness manufacturer, which vocation he pursued 
until the time of his death, which occurred 16 July 1889. Mr. A. T. BALDWIN 
received his education at the common schools of the town and at St. Johnsbury 
Academy, and at the age of twenty-four he formed a partnership with his 
brother, M. E. BALDWIN. The firm engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe 
business and for twenty years did a larger business than any other concern in 
the state. In 1879 Mr. A. T. BALDWIN was a partner in the firm of Henry, Jay 
& Baldwin, which operated at Fabyan's, and continued for three years. Then, 
in connection with Erastus, Jr., he purchased a mill and timber lands at 
Groton Pond, where the brothers conducted an extensive and profitable lumber 
business until shortly before the death of Mr. A. T. BALDWIN. Soon after his 
brother's death Mr. E. BALDWIN [Erastus Jr.] entered into copartnership with 
Mr. L. D. HAZEN of St. Johnsbury, which continued for three years. Mr. A. T. 
BALDWIN was one of the brightest business men ever reared in the village of 
Wells River, and left one son, who died three weeks after his father, making 
his uncle sole heir to the bulk of his property, and the latter, desirous to 
keep the family name in honorable remembrance, has erected a structure for 
the village library association as a memorial, which is styled the Baldwin 
Library Building.

Mr. Erastus BALDWIN [Jr.] takes a lively interest in agricultural pursuits 
and is perhaps best known as the proprietor of the Baldwin Valley Farm, which 
covers a large area and is one of the leading stock farms in New England. 
This he has now sold to his son, H. T. BALDWIN. Mr. Erastus BALDWIN is 
president of the Wells River Savings Bank, which position itself confirms his 
character for unstained integrity and business sagacity. He acts with the 
Republican party, but though interested and well informed in national and 
state affairs, he has chosen to remain a private citizen in spite of many 
urgent calls to accept important and responsible positions of trust. On 06 
January 1863 Erastus BALDWIN was united in marriage to Ellen, daughter of 
William B. and Mary A. (CHAMBERLAIN) ABBOTT. One son has been born to them, 
Hammon T.

Biography of Hammon T. BALDWIN (son of Erastus)

Encyclopedia of Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical 
Sketches of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other 
States. Dodge. Burlington, Ullery, 1912, pp 107-108

Hammon T. BALDWIN, Wells River [Vermont], Judge of probate, was born 13 
December 1863 at Wells River [Orange County, Vermont], son of Erastus and 
Ellen (ABBOTT) BALDWIN. Educated in the public schools and Hinman's Business 
College, Worcester [Worcester County], Massachusetts. Was for many years 
proprietor of the Baldwin Valley Farm; at the same time a shipper of 
livestock of all kinds; has been connected with lumber interests nearly all 
his business life; now a member of the firm of Stevens & Baldwin.

Republican; member of the state committee six years; represented Newbury in 
the Legislature, 1900; senator for Orange County, 1904; deputy sheriff twenty 
years; sheriff of Orange County, 1908-1909; became judge of probate 01 
December 1910; appointed commissioner at large of the State Fair Committee 
under Governor PROCTOR, and has held the position since, having been 
reappointed by Governor MEAD.

In 1856 Hammon T. BALDWIN married [Miss?] Katie M. COBB of Hardwick 
[Caledonia County, Vermont]. They have one daughter, Bernice Ellen. Mr. 
BALDWIN is a Congregationalist. Past master, Pulaski Lodge No. 58, Free & 
Accepted Masons, of Wells River; member of Palestine Commandery No. 3, 
Knights Templar, of St. Johnsbury; and Mt. Sinai Temple, Mystic Shrine, of 
Montpelier.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly