The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-07-27
REV. EDWARD P. BALDWIN.
An In Memoriam Tribute.

We have come to know that often the
most beautiful character, the brightest
genius, the most versatile talent and the
largest humanity is hidden under mod
esty that allows itself to be crowded into
the background by clamor of lesser
worth. A man Of many resources and
of rare capabilities for usefulness, Of
continued effort and of unceasing labor
for the uplifting Of humanity is often
little known while he lived, and it is only
when he is gone that here and there,
near and far, comes the word Of what he
has done, and we are not able to sum up
the good that has resulted, nor the in
fuence he has had upon the many to
whom his influence and his word have
come. In thinking Of such an one, we
are reminded of Dorcas, whose quiet life
made SO small ripple while she piled
her needle in the humble home, but
whose neighbors at her death followed
her weeping, showing the coats and gar
ments that she had made"
The Universalist Church is happy to
have had for one of it's younger clergy
men SO rare man as the late REV. Ed
WARD PAYsoN BALDWIN, of Minneapo-
lis, and it's loss, in his death. is not to be
estimated.
Although he was not filling pulpit
at the time Of his going to the other life,
yet he had taken up his pen, and was
fairly started on literary work, which.
because Of his diversified talent in the
field of both prose and poetry, because
of his wide and logical thinking, and his
earnest and fearless out-speaking, would
have given him an audience in the read.
ing world.
AS editor of the Western Leader, a
Northwestern prohibition paper, he was
leader of the temperance forces Of Min
nesota. His leaders were sharp, concise
logical, yet always, even in controversy
Christian and gentlemanly. His sermons
some of which we're published at that
time, were fearless and strong in point
ing out and condemning error in al
places, and never failing in prescribing
the cure.
AS editorial writer on The House
keeper, he was able to treat the many
subjects of special interest to women ir
a way at once SO clear and so admirable
as to turn the mind to the higher duties
of woman's life, and to the better way
of living and doing.
Mr.. Baldwin was born in Ridgefeld
ILL.,, October &c. 1856. His father was q
Presbyterian clergyman, and this enid.
rem were brought up to attend church,
and to think of the welfare of those
about them. OF Edward, his sister said
to me when first knew him, "He was
the best boy / ever knew" Modest, un
selfish, thoughtful and scholarly in his
early years, yet withal boy who de-
lighted in boyish sports, he came to the
age of seventeen tall and straight, and
strong beyond his fellows. Temperance
in all things had made him of manly
bearing. even though he was afflicted
with extreme bashfulness. At seventeen
he entered Beloit College, where he spent
two years, and then began teaching ir
Iowa, and afterward in Northern Wis
consin. In 1879 he entered the Univer
sity of Minnesota, and graduated witt
the class of 'S3.
The next year was spent in McCor
mick Theological school, Chicago, il
preparation for the ministry in the Pres
byterian church, to which he belonged
Even while he was student at tht
University change of views had begun
which the year at the seminary strength
ened; and therefore he again took VI
teaching, and for several years was prin
cipal of some of the hest schools of Min
nesota. In 1888 he was ordained as {
Universalist clergyman, filling the pulpit
at Albert Lea two years. and at Oshkosh
two years. Here he took the position az
editor of the Western Leader, then pub
lished at Oshkosh. In April of '92 hs
removed the Leader to Minneapolis
where it was published as the organ ol
the Prohibition party, in Minnesota. hav
ing circulation of nearly thousand
Here. also, he took up his church work
preaching for the Fifth Universalist
Church for the year.
1t was at this time that the writer
came to know him well, being on his
staff, and having desk in his office. Be
coming involved in financial troubles the
publisher of the Leader left the paper
and Mr. Baldwin, with no means at hand
yet ran the paper alone, paying all ex-
penses and coming out at the end of the
year in such condition that he was able
to pay all Indebtedness.
This was done with great sacrifice. and
yet he was always happy that he was
able to sacrifice for what he considered
the good Of the people. Having a cash
offer for the Leader from a firm who de-
sired to turn it into trade paper. and
being pressed on all sides by debt, yet
he felt that he better take half the am
cunt of the Committee who would still
keep it a temperance paper, awaiting a
year, nearly, for his pay. He sold it to the
State Prohibition Committee in June of