Charles A. Baxter, 8th., Illinois Cavalry.

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Charles A. Baxter.

Birth: Oct. 29, 1842, Chenango County, New York.
Death: Jun. 26, 1921, Toledo, Tama County, Iowa.

Wife: Mary Jane Smith Baxter (1843 - 1907).

Children: Jessie A., Henry A., Ettie M., Clara A., Cora Elizabeth Baxter Eaton, M. Maude Baxter Nelson.

Burial: Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo, Tama County, Iowa.

Biography of Charles A. Baxter.

Charles A. Baxter was born in Chenango county, New York, October 29, 1842. His father, Augustus Baxter, was a native of Scotland ; his mother, Hannah Padgett, of New York. His parents were married in Cienango county, where three of their children were born. The father, for many years, was engaged in the mercantile business, and just previous to his death he followed farming. The subject of this sketch enlisted in April, 1861, in the 13tli Illinois Volunteer Infantry for three months, being discharged at the expiration of his time of service.

He again enlisted in the 8th Illinois Cavalry, and participated in  the battles of Ball Bluff, Warrenton Junction, seven days fight before Richmond, Malvern Hill, second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Anteitam, Martinsbrug, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded, Spottsylvania Court House, and Coal Harbor, where he left the command and was detailed at General Wilson's headquarters, as head blacksmith, receiving a commission as Second Lieutenant.

He also participated in Wilson's Raid and battle of Stone River, where he was again wounded, lying for five days without food and surrounded by rebels. When he was relieved he went to City Point. He was discharged at Chicago, September 28, 1864.

The following fall he was married to Miss Mary J. Smith, of DeKalb county, Illinois. They have a family of five children; Henry A., Ettie M., Clara A., Cora E., and Jessie A. In the spring of 1865, Mr.  Baxter came to Tama county, where he purchased land and made a home. He has 160 acres valued at $45 per acre, and nine acres of timber land valued at $15 per acre. In politics he is a Republican, and is  a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Arthurs note.  When he enlisted in the 8th., Cavalry, he was 19 years, was 5 feet 8 inches, hair brown, eyes gray and complexion light.