[p. 804] treasurer of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, is a native of this county, having been born in Shenango Township, on the farm which he now owns, July 2, 1846. He is a son of Joseph and Sarah, (Warnock) Baldwin, and comes of pioneer families in the county, from both sides.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Baldwin was a native of Virginia, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. His son, Joseph Baldwin, married Sarah Warnock, whose father, James Warnock, was born in County Down, Ireland, and when a young man came to America, settling in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.
Lafayette Baldwin was reared on the home farm and obtained a good common school education. In early life he engaged in teaching school and working in the timber, but farming has been his principal occupation in life. Owing to his youth, he was unable to enter the army until the last year of the Civil War, when in answer to the last call made for volunteers he enlisted in Company I, Sixteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry. He served during the remainder of the war, and was in the engagement which resulted in the fall of Petersburg. After the death of his father, Mr. Baldwin perfected arrangements to retain the old homestead, on which he was born and which he still owns. A man of energy and enterprise, he made a success of his own business, and has frequently been called upon to fill offices of honor and public trust. He filled nearly all township offices, including school director and township auditor, and served eight years as county assessor, and a like period as county auditor. He discharged the duties of these offices with marked ability and in such a manner as to gain the commendation and approval of the people. In the fall of 1905 he was elected treasurer of Lawrence County and is now efficiently serving in that capacity, his term expiring January 1, 1909. He has a wide acquaintance through the county, and enjoys great popularity with the people.
December 28, 1872, Mr. Baldwin was joined in marriage with Miss Rebecca Dinsmore, a daughter of Thomas R. and Sarah (Monroe) Dinsmore, who formerly resided near New Wilmington, in Lawrence County. The following are the issue of this union: J. Ross, Nellie S., Charles H., who served in the Spanish-American War as a member of Company I, Sixteenth Regiment of Pennsylvania, known as "The Sons of Veterans' Regiment," and Frank G. In religious attachment the family belongs to the Center United Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Baldwin is a Republican, and has always been an active worker for party success. He is a member of G. A. R. Post No. 100, at New Castle.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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Updated: 28 Dec 2001