Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1873-10-07
Death of Col John Brown Baldwin-Bio
graphical Sketch.
OF RICHMOND CITY.

graphical Sketcn.
The sad news of the death of this dlstin-
guisbed gentleman has been spread broadcast
over the State by the telegraph and the press,
and has called forth an expression of deep and
sorrowful regret which has not been equalled
since our great Confederate Captain, Gen. Rob-
ert E. Lee, yielded up his soul to the God who
gave it.
From all quarters, we have received through
our exchanges glowing tributes to the COM
handing abilities. profound learning and mar
ly virtues of our distinguished friend and fell
low-citizen. These tributes are SO full. SO just
and SO discriminating that we feel that we can
add but little to what has been so gracefully
and appropriately said by Others But as Col.
Baldwin was our immediate neighbor and per-
sonal friend, we can not let the occasion pass
without adding our tribute of affection and re-
spect to his memory.
COL John B. Baldwin was the eldest son Of
the late Judge Briscoe G.. Baldwin, man
whose name will be revered as long as talents,
learning and virtue are cherished by our peo-
pie The mother of COL Baldwin was Martha
Steele Brown, the youngest daughter Of the
late Chancellor John Brown, of Staunton, who
died in 1926.
Col. Baldwin was born at Spring-farm, near
Stanton, on the 18th day of January, 1920
and was named after his maternal grandfather
Chancellor Brown. His paternal grandfather
was Dr. Cornelius Baldwin, of Winchester,
who was surgeon in the revolutionary war
and member of the society of Cincinnatti.-
As membership of that body was hereditary,
Col. John B. Baldwin, beiog the eldest son of
Judge Briscoe G. Baldwin, who was the ED
est son of DR.. Cornelus Baldwin, the right to
membership descended on Col. John B. Bald
win.
After passing through a course of iastruc-
tion at several primary schools, he entered the
College under the tuition Of the late Lyttleton
Waddell, Esq.
At the age of sixteen, he entered the Univer-
sity, where he continued to prosecute his stu
dies for three consecutive years. During that
time, he acquired high standing, not only for
scholarship but for masculine talent and all the
high qualities which are best calculated to win
the confidence and affection of his associates.
When his collegiate course closed, he return
ed to Stanton and studied law for two years
in the Office and under the advice Of his father,
who was then a lawyer in full practice.
As soon as he attained the age of 81, he
commenced practice as the partner of his broth
er-in-law, Hon. A II. FL. Stuart. That part
nershp continued near three years, when Col.
Baldwin, having acquired some familiarity with
the practice, decided to commence business on
his own account. At that time, as now, the
Bar of Staunton was distinguished for It's abil-
ity and learning, and it required no small
amount of talent and industry and determine
ton to ensure success 10 the face of such for
midable competition. But Col. B. was not dis.
mayed by the difficulties which stood 10 his
way. Conscious of bis own powers, he deter
mined to command success, and noby did he
fulfill his lofty purpose. La Sept, 1912, he in
termarried With Miss Susan Madison Peyton
eldest daughter of John Ell. Peyton, ESQ.,, a
lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, who
throughout his life was the object of his most
devoted affection.
One of the first things that called forth the
talent Of Col. B. as debater, and attracted
to him large share of public attention, was
his encounter with Judge Greene Samuels
in the celebrated political contest of 1874 -
Judge Samuels was the Democratic nominee
fnrf no oil i
representative of the Wing party Mr. Stuart
having been called, by public duties, to New
York in the midst of the canvass, requested
Col. Baldwin to take his place in the contest.
At first, some apprehensions were felt that Col.
Baldwin, who was then but "a years of age,
would not be able to contend with Mr.. Samuels,
who was SO much his senior and veteran pol
itician. But after their first meeting, all ap-
prehensions vanished, and men of all parties ad-
United that the youthful champion of the Wing
party was full match for his older and more
experienced antagonist.
The people Of Augusta were SO favoraby
impressed with the ability displayed by Col B.
in the canvass Of 1884, that he was invited to
become candidate for the Legislature He
did so, and was elected by triumphant major
ity. In the Legislature, though one of the
youngest members, he distinguished himself as
debater, and gave ample assurance as public
man. During his service ia the Legislature,
having strong convictions that property as well
as persons should be taken into account in ad-
justing the basis of representation, he firmly
maintained his opinions in debate, although he
well knew that they were unpopular and would
probably lead to his defeat. This was his first
public display of that high moral courage and
determination never to sacrifice right for expo
diency, which marked his whole future career.
Having, as he anticipated, been defeated at
the next election, he turned his attention with
renewed energy to his profession, and never
afterwards manifested any disposition to return
to public life. When he subsequently held
representative trusts 10 the Convention of 1861
In the Confederate Congress, and in the Lesis-
lature Of 1861, they were not sought BY him
but were conferred by the unsolicited suffraoes
OF the people, who had learned to apDrec;ate
his talents and worth.
But while Col. B. did not seek political ofica
ne was man of very pronounced polit-
lcal opinions. He was, in all respects. a pos;.
tive man. He was sef-reliant and decided II,
all his convictions, and earnest as we'll as able
and eloquent, IN maintaining them. He. there
fore, took an active and DISTINGUISHED nor. -